Language Study at Key Stages 2 and 3

5 Comparing text types

This final task is an attempt to draw together activities that we use with our trainees to develop their understanding, and use, of different text types in the classroom. This task would only be introduced after our trainees had experienced the previous tasks outlined. It takes them into the area of comparing similar text types but aimed at different audiences.

Activity 5.1 Comparing text types

Select TWO examples of texts from the same genre but created for different audiences:

e.g.

• the openings of two adventure/romance stories
• a report on the same sporting event from two different newspapers
• an advert for the same product in different publications
• horoscopes in magazines for different audiences
• two holiday websites for different popular places
• two recipes – same meal, different audience.

1. Using the template below, identify some of the language features in evidence for the two texts.
2. Analyse why certain language features are characteristic of both texts and why others are different.
3. Discuss the implications of the analysis for developing pupils’ reading and writing skills in the context of the classroom.