© Khoa Ngoc Tran │ Dessau-Roßlau
Non-fictional texts
I. Summarising and outlining
a) How to write a summary
• first sentence → mention text type, title, author, publishing date, main theme of the text
• highlight ideas, facts or arguments that support the thesis
• use simple present
• what happens and how the events are connected
• leave out non-essential information (e. g. direct quotations, descriptive details, examples)
• use your own words
• link the sentences with connectives
• length of your text should be not more than one third of original text
• no own ideas and opinion
b) How to write an outline
• first sentence → mention text type, title, author, publishing date, main theme of the text
• highlight ideas, facts or arguments that support the thesis
• use simple present
• focus on required aspects mentioned in the task
• no need to follow structure of original text
• leave out non-essential information (e. g. direct quotations, descriptive details, examples)
• use your own words
• link the sentences with connectives
• length of your text should be not more than one third of original text
• no own ideas and opinion
II. Quality papers and tabloid papers
a) Quality papers
• also broadsheet papers
• informative: facts, sources, precision
• separation between facts and speculation
• neutral language, offer formal register
• aim: → to provide the readers with information
→ to provoke critical thinking
→ examples: The Guardian; The Independent; The Telegraph; The Times
b) Tabloid papers
• sensationalist (kind of manipulation), emotion and evocative
• no clear separation between facts and speculation
• offer on informal register
• aim: → to entertain or fascinate the reader
→ to arouse strong feelings (e. g. shock, pity, disgust)
→ examples: The National; The Sun; The Daily Mail; The Daily Mirror
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, © Khoa Ngoc Tran │ Dessau-Roßlau
III. Non-fictional text types
a) Understanding non-fictional text types
Categories (text types) function (purpose) examples
• present information in a • news article, interview,
expository
structured way scientific paper
• present places and events to
descriptive • biography, travelogue
readers
• convince the readers of a • argumentative essay,
argumentative/persuasive
certain point of view comment, speech
• help readers to put • instructions, manual,
instructive
something into action recipe
b) Examples
1. Writing a formal letter
• polite, clear, structured, no short forms (e. g., “we’re”)
1. Head: • sender’s address; recipient’s address; date; reference line (topic)
2. Introduction: • formal salutation (“Dear […]”)
• brief self-introduction (if unknown)
• state purpose of writing; start with capital letter; clear statement
3. Main part: • explain details; give relevant information; remain factual and polite
• arguments, examples, facts etc.
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; closing phrase (“Yours sincerely”); name; signature
2. Writing a personal letter
• informal, friendly, personal tone, short forms (e. g., “you’re”)
1. Head: • sender’s address; recipient’s address; date
2. Introduction: • informal greeting (e. g., “Hi”)
• establish contact; refer to previous messages/events
• state purpose of writing; start with capital letter
3. Main part: • share information, experiences and feelings; respond to the other person
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; informal closing (“See you soon”); name
3. Writing an email
• tone either formal or informal – depends on recipient
1. Head: • clear subject line
2. Introduction: • greeting (formal or informal)
• state purpose of writing briefly
3. Main part: • structured points; short paragraphs; relevant details
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; closing phrase; name
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Non-fictional texts
I. Summarising and outlining
a) How to write a summary
• first sentence → mention text type, title, author, publishing date, main theme of the text
• highlight ideas, facts or arguments that support the thesis
• use simple present
• what happens and how the events are connected
• leave out non-essential information (e. g. direct quotations, descriptive details, examples)
• use your own words
• link the sentences with connectives
• length of your text should be not more than one third of original text
• no own ideas and opinion
b) How to write an outline
• first sentence → mention text type, title, author, publishing date, main theme of the text
• highlight ideas, facts or arguments that support the thesis
• use simple present
• focus on required aspects mentioned in the task
• no need to follow structure of original text
• leave out non-essential information (e. g. direct quotations, descriptive details, examples)
• use your own words
• link the sentences with connectives
• length of your text should be not more than one third of original text
• no own ideas and opinion
II. Quality papers and tabloid papers
a) Quality papers
• also broadsheet papers
• informative: facts, sources, precision
• separation between facts and speculation
• neutral language, offer formal register
• aim: → to provide the readers with information
→ to provoke critical thinking
→ examples: The Guardian; The Independent; The Telegraph; The Times
b) Tabloid papers
• sensationalist (kind of manipulation), emotion and evocative
• no clear separation between facts and speculation
• offer on informal register
• aim: → to entertain or fascinate the reader
→ to arouse strong feelings (e. g. shock, pity, disgust)
→ examples: The National; The Sun; The Daily Mail; The Daily Mirror
-1-
, © Khoa Ngoc Tran │ Dessau-Roßlau
III. Non-fictional text types
a) Understanding non-fictional text types
Categories (text types) function (purpose) examples
• present information in a • news article, interview,
expository
structured way scientific paper
• present places and events to
descriptive • biography, travelogue
readers
• convince the readers of a • argumentative essay,
argumentative/persuasive
certain point of view comment, speech
• help readers to put • instructions, manual,
instructive
something into action recipe
b) Examples
1. Writing a formal letter
• polite, clear, structured, no short forms (e. g., “we’re”)
1. Head: • sender’s address; recipient’s address; date; reference line (topic)
2. Introduction: • formal salutation (“Dear […]”)
• brief self-introduction (if unknown)
• state purpose of writing; start with capital letter; clear statement
3. Main part: • explain details; give relevant information; remain factual and polite
• arguments, examples, facts etc.
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; closing phrase (“Yours sincerely”); name; signature
2. Writing a personal letter
• informal, friendly, personal tone, short forms (e. g., “you’re”)
1. Head: • sender’s address; recipient’s address; date
2. Introduction: • informal greeting (e. g., “Hi”)
• establish contact; refer to previous messages/events
• state purpose of writing; start with capital letter
3. Main part: • share information, experiences and feelings; respond to the other person
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; informal closing (“See you soon”); name
3. Writing an email
• tone either formal or informal – depends on recipient
1. Head: • clear subject line
2. Introduction: • greeting (formal or informal)
• state purpose of writing briefly
3. Main part: • structured points; short paragraphs; relevant details
→ fulfill the task carefully
4. Ending: • summary; closing phrase; name
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