Reading: Understanding Different Text Types & Genres
B2 Lesson 1: News, Editorials, Reviews & More
Listen to key concepts and vocabulary.
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
At a B2 level, we analyze texts using these important words.
Why Does Text Type Matter?
Why read a movie review the same way you read a business letter? Recognizing the text type instantly tells you the purpose (WHY the author wrote it) and the tone (HOW they wrote it). This helps you read faster and understand the *real* message.
Identifying 5 Common Text Types
Purpose: To inform you about recent events.
- Tone:
Objective(factual, no opinions). - Structure: Answers the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) quickly.
- Language: Formal, direct.
Purpose: To persuade you to agree with an opinion.
- Tone:
Subjective(full of opinions). - Structure: States an opinion, gives arguments, provides a conclusion.
- Language: Uses words like
"we believe","must","should". Shows clearbias.
Purpose: To entertain or explore a topic (e.g., travel, lifestyle, science).
- Tone: Can be objective (informative) or subjective (personal). Often
descriptive. - Structure: Uses a strong hook, storytelling, and vivid language.
- Language: More creative and engaging than a news report.
Purpose: To evaluate and give an opinion on a product or service.
- Tone:
Subjective(it's one person's opinion). - Structure: Introduction, description, analysis (pros/cons), and a final recommendation.
- Language: Uses strong positive or negative adjectives (e.g.,
"brilliant","terrible").
Purpose: To request, complain, apply, or confirm officially.
- Tone:
Formal,polite, andserious. - Structure: Follows strict rules (e.g.,
"Dear Sir/Madam","I am writing to...","Yours faithfully"). - Language: No slang, no contractions (
I amnotI'm).
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Text Type
Read the short excerpts below and choose the correct text type. Click "Check Answers" when you're done.
1. Excerpt:
"The new bridge connecting Chroy Changvar and Svay Chrum is scheduled to begin construction on January 5th, the Ministry of Public Works announced on Tuesday..."
2. Excerpt:
"While the new bridge is a welcome development, we believe the city's focus is misplaced. The $50 million budget should have been used to fix the city's failing public bus system first. The council must reconsider its priorities."
3. Excerpt:
"Dear Ms. Vandy, We are writing to acknowledge receipt of your application dated October 25. Your qualifications are currently under review, and we will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview..."
4. Excerpt:
"The new 'Royal Sands' restaurant offers a stunning view, but the food fails to impress. The fish amok was bland and the service was painfully slow. I cannot recommend it for the high price."
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
-
Objective
Based only on facts, with no personal feelings or opinions.
-
Subjective
Based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
-
Tone
The writer's attitude (e.g., serious, funny, critical, formal).
-
Bias
A strong, unfair opinion for or against something.
-
Editorial
An article giving the newspaper's official opinion.
-
Review
An article giving an opinion on a product, movie, or restaurant.
-
Correspondence
Communication by exchanging letters or emails.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
The "Fact vs. Opinion" Hunt
Your mission is to see these text types in the real world.
- Go to an English news website (like the Phnom Penh Post, Khmer Times English edition, or the BBC).
- Find one News Report and one Editorial (Opinion) about the *same topic* (e.g., a new law, an upcoming holiday, a sports event).
- In your notebook, write down one sentence from the news report that proves it is objective (fact).
- Write down one sentence from the editorial that proves it is subjective (opinion).
This will train your brain to instantly see the author's purpose!