Reading: Understanding Different Text Types & Genres
A2 Lesson 1: Recognizing Simple Text Types
Listen to the lesson introduction.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
Let's learn these important words for this lesson.
Exploring Different Text Types
Reading is not just about words. It's about understanding *why* you are reading. A sign at a bus stop has a different purpose than a story. Let's look at 5 common types.
1. Simple Story
Purpose: To entertain or tell what happened.
- Uses past tense (e.g., went, saw).
- Has characters (e.g., he, she, a man).
- Has time words (e.g., One day..., Then...).
One day, a small rabbit was very hungry. He looked for some carrots. Then, he saw a big, orange carrot in a garden.
2. Short Email
Purpose: To communicate (ask a question, give information).
- Has "To:", "From:", "Subject:".
- Has a greeting (e.g., Hi Dara,).
- Has a closing (e.g., Best regards,).
Subject: Meeting tomorrow
To: Dara
From: Vanna
Hi Dara,
Can we meet at 10 AM tomorrow?
Best regards,
Vanna
3. Postcard
Purpose: To send a short, friendly message from a trip.
- Has a greeting (e.g., Dear Sam,).
- Talks about a place or holiday.
- Has a friendly closing (e.g., See you soon,).
Dear Sam,
I'm in Siem Reap! It's amazing. Angkor Wat is beautiful. The weather is very hot.
See you soon,
Lina
4. Sign
Purpose: To give a short, fast instruction or warning.
- Very short (often 1-3 words).
- Uses strong command verbs (e.g., STOP).
- Often in UPPERCASE letters.
WET FLOOR
5. Menu
Purpose: To show what food and drinks you can buy.
- A list of items.
- Has prices (e.g., $ or ៛).
- Organized in sections (e.g., Drinks, Food).
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: What Am I Reading?
Read the text snippet, then choose the correct text type. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. "Hi Sam, Can you meet at 3 PM? Best, Dara"
2. "Beef Lok Lak - $5.00 | Iced Coffee - $1.50"
3. "One day, a clever monkey wanted to cross the river..."
DANGER - DO NOT ENTER
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Text Type / Genre
The type of writing (e.g., a story, a sign, a letter).
-
Purpose
The reason why something is written (e.g., to inform, to entertain).
-
Sign
A notice giving information, a command, or a warning.
-
Menu
A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant.
-
Story
A text that tells about imaginary or real events.
-
Email
A message sent by computer.
-
Postcard
A card for sending a message by mail without an envelope.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Text Type Detective
This week, be a 'Text Type Detective'! Find one real-life example of each of these 5 text types:
Story | Email | Postcard | Sign | Menu
You can find them in books, on your phone, or on the street. For each one, answer these two questions in your notebook:
- What is it? (e.g., "It's a sign.")
- What is its purpose? (e.g., "Its purpose is to tell people to stop.")