Reading: Understanding Different Text Types & Genres
B2 Lesson 1: Reading News Reports, Editorials, Magazine Articles, Reviews, & Formal Correspondence
Different Texts, Different Strategies
A skilled B2-level reader understands that not all texts are the same. A news report has a different purpose and structure than a movie review or a personal email. Recognizing a text's genre1 allows you to predict its content and adapt your reading strategy.
Today, we will analyze the key features of five common text types to help you become a more flexible and efficient reader.
Part 1: The News Report
Purpose: To inform the public objectively about a recent, factual event.
Key Features: A headline, a dateline (location), a neutral/factual tone, and the most important information presented first.
KEP – June 12, 2025
The new 12-kilometer coastal road connecting the Kep pier to the Angkol beach area was officially opened to the public yesterday, two months ahead of schedule. The Head of the Provincial Department of Public Works stated that the road will improve local access and boost tourism.
Part 2: The Editorial (Opinion Piece)
Purpose: To persuade the reader to agree with the author's viewpoint on an issue.
Key Features: An argumentative tone, persuasive and emotional language, and a clear stance (for or against something).
While the new coastal road is visually impressive, the project is a tragic example of poor planning. The construction has irreversibly damaged sensitive mangrove forests that protected the coastline. Furthermore, the lack of proper drainage means the road will likely flood during the rainy season. This is not progress; it is a shortsighted decision that prioritized speed over sustainability.
Part 3: The Magazine Article (Feature)
Purpose: To inform and entertain the reader with an in-depth look at a topic.
Key Features: A catchy title, an engaging, often more personal or descriptive style, and a mix of facts, quotes, and storytelling.
Under the brilliant Cambodian sun, the salt fields of Kampot stretch out like a vast, shimmering chessboard. For generations, local families have practiced the ancient and arduous art of harvesting pure sea salt. I spoke with Mr. Sareth, a 60-year-old farmer whose hands tell the story of a lifetime spent working this unique landscape...
Part 4: The Review
Purpose: To evaluate a product, service, or work of art and give a judgment.
Key Features: A clear subject, a rating (e.g., stars), and a mix of objective summary and subjective, opinionated language.
This guesthouse has a fantastic location right on the river. The rooms are basic but clean, and the staff is friendly. However, the shared bathrooms were not well-maintained, and the noise from the nearby street was quite loud at night. A decent option if you are on a tight budget.
Part 5: Formal Correspondence (Email)
Purpose: To communicate in a professional or official capacity.
Key Features: A clear subject line, a formal greeting (e.g., Dear Mr. Chan,), a polite and respectful tone, and a formal closing (e.g., Sincerely,).
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Job Application
Dear Mr. Chan,
I am writing to follow up on my application for the position of Hotel Receptionist, which I submitted last week. Could you please confirm if my application has been received?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sophea Keo
Your Turn! Identify the Genre.
Practice Quiz
Read the short text and identify its genre.
1. "The film's plot was confusing and the acting was unconvincing. The special effects were impressive, but they were not enough to save this boring movie. I cannot recommend it. 1/5 stars."
This is an example of a: (News Article / Review / Personal Email)
Answer: Review. The star rating, opinionated words ("confusing," "boring"), and recommendation are clear clues.
2. "The Ministry of Health today announced a new public vaccination campaign starting on July 1st. The campaign aims to reach 500,000 people in the southern provinces."
This is an example of a: (Magazine Article / Editorial / News Report)
Answer: News Report. It informs the public about a recent, factual event with a neutral tone.
Vocabulary Glossary
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Genre (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ប្រភេទ
A style or category of writing, such as a news report, story, or review. ↩ back to text -
News Report (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថបទព័ត៌មាន
A text that gives objective, factual information about a recent event. ↩ back to text -
Editorial (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: វិចារណកថា
An article that gives the strong, persuasive opinion of the writer or publication. ↩ back to text -
Magazine Article (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថបទទស្សនាវដ្តី
An in-depth article that informs and entertains, often using storytelling and description. ↩ back to text -
Review (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការពិនិត្យឡើងវិញ
A text that gives a critical evaluation and personal judgment of something. ↩ back to text -
Formal Correspondence (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការឆ្លើយឆ្លងផ្លូវការ
Official or professional communication, like a business letter or job application email. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Be a Genre Detective!
Find two different genres of English text this week. For example:
- An editorial (opinion piece) from a major news website.
- A review of a hotel in Kampot on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
- A formal email you have received.
For each text, identify its genre and write down two key features (from the format, tone, or language) that helped you know what it was.