There are different types of texts depending on the intention, the discursive function, the type of language or the format. In 1979, Egon Werlich proposed a classification with five types of texts (narration, description, exposition, argument and instruction) that respond to the way in which human knowledge interprets and shapes reality.
The French linguist, Jean-Michel Adam, extended this concept in 1992, affirming that the types of texts are not rigid categories, since in the same writing several types of text can be identified.
Thus, despite the fact that there is no unity of criteria regarding the classification of texts, we can find the following types:
Narrative textsThey are stories with characters and plot. They develop a conflict in a defined time and space. Example: novels, short stories.
Descriptive texts: represent the characteristics of something or someone. They can be subjective or objective. Example: portraits, technical descriptions.
argumentative texts: Present an idea and defend its validity with arguments. Example: essays, debates.
expository textsThey present information clearly and concisely. Example: academic texts, reports.
Instructive texts: Give step by step instructions. Example: recipes, manuals.
Normative textsThey establish norms or rules. Example: laws, regulations.
Informative textsThey offer objective information. Example: news, reports.
persuasive texts: They try to convince the reader of something. Example: advertising, propaganda.
Scientific textsThey explain the results of investigations. Example: research articles, theses.
advertising texts: Promote products or services. Example: advertisements, brochures.
humanistic texts: reflect on the humanities. Example: essays, literary criticism.
lyrical textsThey express feelings and emotions. Example: poetry, songs.
dramatic texts: Present actions through dialogue. Example: plays, scripts.
Unimodal digital texts: documents created or digitized. Example: PDF files, eBooks.
Multimodal digital texts: include various media. Example: web pages, multimedia presentations.
1. Narrative texts
This type of text tells a succession of events that take place in a defined space and time. They are generally narrated in chronological order to facilitate the reader’s knowledge of the evolution of history.
A narrator describes actions, which can be real, fictional, or based on real events, within a structure that consists of a beginning, a climax, and an end. Although he narrates fantastic facts, the text must be credible for the reader.
The short story, the novel, the chronicle or the report are some examples of this type of text.
Narrative text example:
“And saying these and other similar reasons, dropping the shield, he raised his two-handed lance and struck the muleteer on the head with such a great blow that he felled him to the ground so battered that if he seconded with another, he would not need to of a teacher who would cure him.”
Don Quixote of La Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes.
2. Descriptive texts
Descriptive texts represent the characteristics and qualities of a person, animal, landscape, object, phenomenon, or feeling.
This representation can be objective, precise and approximate to reality, subjective, reveals the opinions and feelings of the author, or sensory, aimed at creating sensations in the reader.
The presence of descriptive texts is recurrent in the portrait, prosopography, technical texts or lyrical poems.
Example of descriptive text
The suspect has been described as a tall man, approximately 1.90 meters. He had very white skin, marked greenish veins, with a circular mole on his left cheek and a slight tremor in his right hand.
3. Argumentative texts
They are texts that are based on a central idea with the intention of demonstrating or refuting it. The plot is broken down throughout the text to make it more understandable to readers.
Argumentative texts can use resources such as quotes, verifiable data, or examples to reinforce the argument. They express ideas in a clear, direct and orderly way to gain coherence and capture the reader’s attention.
Reviews, theses, opinion articles or essays are some examples of argumentative texts.
Argumentative text example
documentary review Blackfish
Blackfish is a documentary that denounces the treatment that captive animals receive in the marine parks of a well-known multinational.
The whole story revolves around Tilikum, an orca who was captured and separated from his family during the 1980s. The animal was involved in different attacks on humans as a result of the stress caused by his captivity.
The broadcast of the documentary sparked controversy and had a great shock for the company, which suffered heavy losses due to the pressure of public opinion.
See:
4. Expository texts
Expository texts present a series of ideas in an informative way. They can serve as the basis for an oral discourse or for the presentation of concepts in a specialized field.
They serve to communicate ideas in a pedagogical way, use technical or specialized language and are usually structured in short, specific sentences that make their understanding easier.
Example of expository text:
Tea comes from a plant called Camellia sinensis. After harvesting, the Camellia sinensis leaves go through different processes (withering, drying, oxidation, fixation, etc.) to obtain green, white, black, Oolong or post-fermented tea.
See also Characteristics of expository texts.
5. Instructional or directive texts
They are texts that offer the necessary indications to carry out an action. Their content is usually specific and they use language that allows the instructions to be accessible to the majority of readers.
They present the information in a hierarchical way (steps, sequences, enumerated list, etc.) and use graphic resources, such as infographics or images, to facilitate their understanding.
Example of instructional text
How to use the floor cleaner:
Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with the product. Open the container and use a measure of cleaner for each liter of water. Dip the floor mop in the mixture. After cleaning, pass a new floor mop dampened with water only.
6. Regulatory texts
Normative texts are created to record standards or guidelines that must be complied with in a given context.
The normative texts of a legal nature, such as laws and agreements, are relevant to the social order, since they are written to be complied with and their non-compliance entails a sanction.
Legal texts are one of the most well-known and relevant types of regulatory texts, they must be created by lawyers, judges or legislators and have legal validity.
Example of normative text
“To the provider that does not comply with its legal or contractual obligations with the consumer, the judge may apply a civil fine in favor of the consumer, which will be graduated based on the seriousness of the fact, regardless of other corresponding compensation (…). ”
Article 52 of the Argentine Consumer Defense Law.
7. Informative texts
They are a type of text whose function is to inform about reality objectively. They relate real events and order the information from the most important to the least relevant.
They dispense with the emotions or points of view of the author and use a specific language that adapts to the topic addressed.
Although specific topics are covered, the information must be accessible to all readers.
Informational Text Example
“Covid-19: They identify a compound that blocks the access of the virus to cells
Researchers from the University of Geneva detected a group of compounds from the “sulfhydryl” family, capable of inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
News fragment published in the Mexican newspaper El Universal, in November 2020.
8. Persuasive texts
They are texts whose function is to persuade or induce a change of opinion or behavior in the reader.
To do this they can resort to rational appeal, using arguments, or subjective appeal, using emotions.
The paragraphs are usually short and the sentences simple, they can also use graphic elements that reinforce the main idea.
Advertising texts or political propaganda are examples of persuasive texts.
Example of persuasive text
In the United States, cigarette smoking causes between 80 and 90% of lung cancer deaths.
One less cigarette is one more breath of life to enjoy with those who love you.
9. Scientific or academic texts
They show the result of scientific or academic research, are aimed at a specialized public and are used in both natural sciences and social sciences.
In this type of texts, objective and verifiable data, methodologies, findings and conclusions obtained through research are collected.
They use a technical language according to the field of research addressed. The text must be clear and concise and, in addition, it must provide references to the sources of the research.
Example of scientific text
“(…)Between 1906 and 1912, the English biochemist Sir Frederick Hopkins discovered that rats subjected to a diet of “purified” products, which contained all the substances that until then were considered necessary for nutrition, stopped their process of growth. This was started again when the rats were given a small amount of fresh milk daily.
Sanchez, L.P. (2013). Brief history of vitamins. Sanitas Medical Journal, 16(3), 142-145.
10. Advertising texts
They are texts with a clear commercial orientation, which show the characteristics of a product or company, to promote the consumption of its goods and services.
The advertising texts are loaded with persuasive resources, which lead the consumer to have a favorable opinion about the product.
They tend to present ideas in a concrete way to make them easier to remember. They are creative texts and full of associations of ideas that generate an impact on the public.
The advertising texts are aimed at a specific group of people and the messages are designed to be related to that specific audience.
Example of advertising text
“The detergent that cleans your clothes and takes care of your hands, now in a liquid version. Higher performance, more cleanliness”
11. Humanistic texts
This type of text is characterized by disseminating knowledge related to the Humanities area (Literature, Literature, Ethics, Anthropology, Sociology, Arts, etc.). Use argumentation and exposition as the main resources for the transmission of ideas.
Although they deal with academic topics, they are not always objective, rather they are reflections or interpretations of the authors. The author’s conclusions are often subject to debate or controversy, given their subjective nature.
They use technical terms specific to the area of knowledge that they deal with and invite reflection and critical thinking.
Example of humanistic text:
“Freedom is being able to say “yes” or “no”;…