Reading: Understanding Different Text Types & Genres: B1 Lesson 1: Reading Graded Readers, Simple News Articles, Blog Posts, Reviews, Personal Letters/Emails
CEFR Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Target Reading Sub-skill: Understanding Different Text Types & Genres
Specific Focus: Reading Graded Readers, Simple News Articles, Blog Posts, Reviews, Personal Letters/Emails
What You Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify common features of graded readers, simple news articles, blog posts, reviews, and personal letters/emails.
- Understand the typical purpose of each of these text types.
- Recognize these text types when you encounter them.
Hello Cambodian Learners!
When you read in English, you'll find many different kinds of texts. A storybook written for learners is different from a news report about an event in Phnom Penh, and a friend's email is different from a review of a restaurant in Battambang. Knowing what kind of text you're reading helps you understand what to expect and how to read it effectively!
Exploring Different Text Types
Let's look at some common text types you will encounter. Click on the example snippets to hear them (if applicable for a short snippet).
1. Graded Readers
Purpose:
To provide reading practice for language learners with controlled vocabulary and grammar, usually telling a story.
Key Features:
- Simplified language and sentence structures.
- Often based on famous stories or created specifically for learners.
- May include glossaries or comprehension questions.
2. Simple News Articles
Purpose:
To inform readers about recent events (news).
Key Features:
- Headline: Catches attention and summarizes the main news.
- First paragraph (lead): Often answers Who, What, Where, When, Why.
- Factual information.
- Usually written in a formal or neutral style.
3. Blog Posts
Purpose:
To share opinions, experiences, information, or stories on a website. Can be personal or about a specific topic.
Key Features:
- Often has a title and date.
- Written by an individual or a group.
- Can be informal or formal in style.
- May include images, videos, and a comments section for readers.
4. Reviews
Purpose:
To give an opinion and information about a product, service, movie, book, restaurant, etc., to help others make decisions.
Key Features:
- Often includes a rating (e.g., stars).
- Describes what is being reviewed.
- Gives the reviewer's opinion (positive, negative, or mixed).
- May list pros (good points) and cons (bad points).
5. Personal Letters/Emails
Purpose:
To communicate privately between two or more people. Can be for sharing news, asking questions, making plans, etc.
Key Features:
- Greeting (e.g., Dear Sreyneath, Hi Piseth,).
- Body: The main message.
- Closing (e.g., Best wishes, See you soon, Yours,).
- Signature/Sender's name.
- Emails also have To, From, Subject lines.
Subject: Catching Up
Dear Vuthy,
How are you doing? I hope you are well. I wanted to tell you about my new job. It's quite interesting!...
Best,
Sophea
Practice Time!
Activity 1: Identify the Text Type
Read each short text excerpt below. Click the button that correctly identifies its type.
Quick Quiz!
Great Job!
Recognizing different text types helps you understand what to expect and how to approach your reading. Keep practicing with different kinds of English texts!