Features of Written Genres

What are we learning today?

You will learn the typical words, sentences and parts of a forum post, an article and an email.

Explanation

• A forum post is informal. It has short tips, a user name and the time, for example "2 days ago".
• An article has a title, paragraphs and a FACT box. It often uses the present continuous: "I'm helping in an orphanage."
• An email has polite phrases, a greeting, a body, a closing (for example "Best wishes,") and a signature.
• Ask yourself: Who writes? Who reads? What for?

Examples

1. Hi everyone, I'm thinking of taking a holiday in Thailand. Have you got any tips?
2. Dear Granny, ... Best wishes, Tom
3. A postcard is short and informal: Wish you were here!

Remember!

• Use a greeting and a closing in an email.
• Do not write an article like a text message.

Check yourself

1. Which genre has user names and times like "2 days ago"?
2. Name one typical closing of an email.