chat genres Flashcards
(19 cards)
Genre: advertisement
An advertisement is a persuasive text designed to promote a product, service, event, or idea. Its goal is to attract attention and prompt action, often purchasing or engaging.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Persuasive and emotive language (e.g. “unmissable”, “life-changing”)
- Direct address (e.g. “You deserve…”, “Don’t miss out!”)
- Rhetorical questions
- Repetition and slogans
- Hyperbole and buzzwords
- Imperatives (e.g. “Call now!”)
Form:
- Concise blocks of text
- Often multi-modal (includes images, logos, fonts, colour)
- Branding elements (e.g. company name, contact info)
Structure:
- Hook → Features → Benefits → Call to Action (CTA)
Purpose:
- To persuade the audience to take action—buy a product, attend an event, use a service, or adopt an idea.
Audience:
- Depends on the product or service; language and tone are tailored to the intended demographic (age, interests, income, etc.)
Genre: brochure
A brochure is an informative text designed to provide details about a place, service, product, organisation, or initiative. It is usually folded or sectioned and combines factual information with persuasive elements.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Informative yet accessible
- Second person or third person
- Persuasive features used more subtly (e.g. benefits over commands)
- Bulleted lists, headings, subheadings
Form:
- Multi-section layout (e.g. panels, pages, folds)
- Visual aids like photos, maps, icons
- Short paragraphs and lists
Structure:
- Introduction → Key Information → How to Engage → Contact/CTA
Purpose:
- To inform and persuade—whether that’s convincing someone to visit, enrol, donate, or take part.
Audience:
- Often broader than ads—tourists, customers, new students, stakeholders—requiring accessible, friendly tone.
Genre: leaflet
A leaflet is a printed or digital document used to inform, persuade, or raise awareness. It’s typically used in campaigns, organisations, public services, or events.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Clear and direct
- Second person (“you”) or impersonal tone
- Persuasive and informative mix
- Rhetorical questions, bullet points, slogans
Form:
- Folded or sectioned into panels
- Short, punchy headings
- Use of visuals: icons, logos, photos
- Contact information and call to action (CTA)
Structure:
- Headline → Introduction → Key Details → Benefits → CTA/Contact
Purpose:
- To provide essential information and/or persuade the reader to take action (e.g., attend, donate, change habits).
Audience:
- Often general public, specific community groups, or targeted interest demographics.
Genre: editorial
An editorial is a persuasive opinion piece often written by an editor or journalist, expressing a publication’s viewpoint on current issues.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Formal yet persuasive
- Emotive and rhetorical
- Uses facts and expert opinions for credibility
- Can include metaphors or irony
Form:
- Appears in newspapers, magazines, or online
- Often signed off by “The Editor” or anonymous
- No visuals unless paired with illustrations in print
Structure:
- Introduction → Argument → Evidence/Analysis → Counterpoint → Conclusion/Call to Thought
Purpose:
- To influence public opinion, provoke thought, or take a stance on an issue.
Audience:
- Informed readers, newspaper/magazine subscribers, or the general public with interest in current events.
Genre: news story
A news story presents current events or recent developments in a clear, factual, and objective manner. It answers the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Formal and neutral tone
- Factual, concise, avoids opinion
- Use of reported speech
- Third person
Form:
- Headline → Byline → Lead (intro) → Body
- Paragraphs ordered by importance (inverted pyramid style)
- Short sentences, often front-loaded with key info
Structure:
- 1st paragraph: most essential info
- Following: supporting details, quotes, background
- Final: context or less important information
Purpose:
- To inform the public about recent events quickly and objectively.
Audience:
- General public, news consumers, individuals seeking reliable and fast updates.
Genre: article
An article is a non-fiction piece written to inform, explain, or explore a topic. It may include the writer’s perspective, unlike a news report, and is often more thematic or reflective.
Typical Conventions:
Language:
- Semi-formal to formal tone
- Can include first or third person
- May include facts, opinions, anecdotes, rhetorical questions
- Clear paragraphing and subheadings (in some cases)
Form:
- Can appear in magazines, blogs, newspapers, journals
- More varied structure—often intro → development → conclusion
- Includes engaging title
Structure:
- Introduction hooks reader
- Body explores points or themes with evidence/examples
- Conclusion sums up or offers final insight
Purpose:
- To inform, reflect, entertain, argue, or analyse a topic in a thoughtful or accessible way.
Audience:
- Depends on context—general public, niche interest groups, students, readers of specific publications.
Genre: review
Conventions
Language:
- Evaluative vocabulary (e.g., brilliant, flawed, underwhelming)
- Subjective but balanced tone
- First-person or third-person narration
- Persuasive and descriptive expressions
- Modal verbs (e.g., “should”, “could”, “might not”)
Form:
- Title indicating topic and/or verdict
- Star rating (optional)
- Structured paragraphs, often 3–5
- Informal to semi-formal register depending on platform
Structure:
- Introduction: topic and context
- Summary: key features or plot
- Evaluation: positives and negatives
- Conclusion: overall judgment and recommendation
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form is shaped by the platform (e.g. blog vs. magazine).
- Purpose is usually to inform and persuade.
- Audience ranges from general consumers to niche enthusiasts, so tone and detail level adapt accordingly.
Genre: blog
A blog is a regularly updated personal or professional piece of writing, usually found online, that reflects opinions, experiences, insights, or expertise on a specific topic.
Conventions
Language:
- Conversational and informal tone
- Use of first-person (“I,” “we”) or second-person (“you”)
- Rhetorical questions and exclamations
- Emotive language, humour, anecdotes
Form:
- Eye-catching title
- Short paragraphs
- Subheadings or bullet points (optional)
- Visual aids (in actual blogs – photos, GIFs, links)
Structure:
- Hook/introduction
- Development of topic or story
- Reflection, insight, or advice
- Conclusion or call to action (CTA)
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form is shaped by digital media: scannable, visual, personal
- Purpose may be to entertain, inform, inspire, or share a personal journey
- Audience varies from niche hobby groups to general public—tone adapts accordingly
Genre: investigative journalism
Investigative journalism is a genre of reporting that involves deep research into a single topic of public importance—such as corruption, crime, or injustice—with the aim of uncovering facts that are hidden or deliberately concealed.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Objective, factual tone
- Precise and formal language
- Quotations from sources and interviews
- Statistics, evidence, and references to documents
- Third-person narration
- Clear distinction between fact and interpretation
Form:
- Headline with hook or exposé angle
- Subheadings to guide readers
- Paragraphs clearly focused on one idea
- Includes images, charts, or documents (in published form)
Structure:
- Lead: Hook and summary of findings
- Background: Context and origin of the issue
- Investigation: Methods, key discoveries, and analysis
- Voices: Quotes, testimonies, responses
- Conclusion: Summary, possible consequences, next steps
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Long-form, in-depth report shaped by extensive research
- Purpose: To inform the public, expose wrongdoing, hold power accountable
- Audience: General public, professionals, policymakers; tone must be credible and authoritative
Genre: Letter
A letter is a written or typed message addressed to a specific person or group. It may be formal or informal and serves purposes ranging from personal communication to professional and public expression.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Formal letters: Polite, structured, impersonal
- Informal letters: Friendly, conversational, emotive
- Both may use rhetorical devices, direct address (“Dear…”), and closing formulas
Form:
- Date and address (formal)
- Greeting (Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Alex, etc.)
- Body paragraphs
- Closing (Yours sincerely/faithfully, Best wishes)
- Signature
Structure:
- Salutation
- Purpose of writing
- Main content/details
- Request, reflection, or resolution
- Closing
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form depends on context—formal (job application) vs. informal (personal)
- Purpose: to inform, persuade, complain, express, or maintain relationships
- Audience: individuals (friends, employers, editors, officials)
Genre: Podcast
A podcast is a digital audio or video broadcast available for streaming or download. It typically presents spoken content in episodes and can span genres from news and storytelling to interviews, discussions, and education.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Conversational and accessible tone
- Informal expressions, filler words, natural speech
- Rhetorical questions, humour, idioms
- Use of direct address (“Hi listeners!”)
- Often scripted but sounds spontaneous
Form:
- Audio-focused, often with music or sound effects
- May include intro music, theme tune, outro
- Host(s), guest(s), and interviews
- Calls to action (e.g., “Subscribe,” “Leave a review”)
Structure:
- Intro (music, greeting, episode theme)
- Main content (interview, discussion, narrative)
- Breaks for sponsors/announcements
- Closing summary and outro
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Designed for listening; scripting must feel natural
- Purpose: To inform, entertain, reflect, or create community
- Audience: General or niche listeners; tone shaped by audience expectations (e.g., professional, hobbyist, youth)
Genre: Travel Writing
Travel writing is a genre that describes places, experiences, and cultures, often combining factual information with personal reflection and storytelling.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Vivid imagery and sensory description
- First-person perspective
- Use of anecdotes and observations
- Evocative vocabulary, cultural references
- May blend poetic language with practical tips
Form:
- Magazine articles, blog posts, or essays
- Sometimes includes maps, sidebars, or photo captions (in full formats)
Structure:
- Opening hook (setting, feeling, question)
- Personal narrative or journey description
- Cultural reflection, practical advice
- Conclusion or insight
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Flexible and reflective; often informal
- Purpose: To inform, entertain, inspire, and help readers imagine or plan travel
- Audience: Tourists, adventurers, cultural enthusiasts; tone varies by platform (magazine vs. blog)
Genre: Biography
A biography is a detailed, factual narrative of a person’s life, written by someone else. It may cover the subject’s entire life or focus on a specific period or achievement.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Formal or semi-formal tone
- Third-person perspective
- Objective and factual, with occasional evaluative language
- Descriptive, using reported speech or citations
Form:
- Non-fiction prose
- Sometimes includes footnotes, references, dates, quotes
- May use chapters or chronological sections
Structure:
- Introduction: Significance of the person
- Chronological life events (childhood, education, career, legacy)
- Key turning points or influences
- Conclusion: Reflection on legacy or relevance
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Structured, narrative-driven prose with factual support
- Purpose: To inform, inspire, or preserve a legacy
- Audience: General readers, students, historians, fans; tone and complexity vary by audience
Genre: Autobiography
An autobiography is a self-written account of a person’s life. It blends factual detail with personal reflection and perspective.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- First-person perspective (“I,” “my”)
- Reflective and emotional tone
- Descriptive with personal anecdotes
- Often includes dialogue and inner thoughts
Form:
- Prose narrative, often book-length
- Sometimes includes diary entries or letters
- May include a preface or postscript
Structure:
- Introduction: Purpose of writing
- Life narrative (chronological or thematic)
- Reflections on key events or turning points
- Conclusion: Present self and future hopes
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: More intimate and subjective than biography
- Purpose: To reflect, document life, share lessons or insights
- Audience: Readers interested in the author’s life, character, or era
Genre: Diary
A diary is a personal, often private, record of an individual’s daily thoughts, experiences, and emotions, usually written chronologically.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Informal and conversational
- First-person narration (“I”)
- Emotionally expressive, introspective
- May use slang, abbreviations, or fragmented sentences
Form:
- Written in dated entries (daily or occasional)
- Often handwritten or typed as a personal journal
- No need for external audience or polish
Structure:
- Date at the top
- Description of events
- Thoughts, feelings, or reflections
- May include rhetorical questions or unfinished thoughts
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
Form: Intimate, fragmented, and honest expression
Purpose: Self-reflection, emotional processing, memory recording
Audience: Usually the writer themself; not intended for public view
Genre: Essay
An essay is a structured piece of writing that presents a coherent argument or explores a specific topic, usually from the writer’s point of view but grounded in logic and/or evidence.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Formal or semi-formal
- Objective tone (especially in analytical essays)
- Clear and precise vocabulary
- May include technical terms or referencing (if academic)
Form:
- Written in full sentences and paragraphs
- May be argumentative, descriptive, analytical, reflective, or discursive
- Often follows a clear introduction-body-conclusion format
Structure:
- Introduction: outlines topic and thesis
- Body paragraphs: each with a clear point and supporting evidence
- Conclusion: summarises argument or insight
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Logical, cohesive writing for clarity and impact
- Purpose: To inform, persuade, analyse, or reflect
- Audience: Can range from teachers and academics to general readers, depending on the type
Genre: Scripted Speech
A scripted speech is a pre-written text meant to be spoken aloud, often to inform, persuade, or inspire an audience in a formal or semi-formal setting.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Rhetorical devices (e.g., repetition, anaphora, rhetorical questions)
- Direct address (“you”, “we”)
- Figurative language, anecdotes
- Persuasive or emotive tone
Form:
- Written to be heard, not read
- Often uses pauses, emphasis, and changes in rhythm
- Addressed to a specific audience
Structure:
- Greeting/opening hook
- Statement of purpose
- Main body with points and supporting examples
- Memorable closing or call to action
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Must flow when spoken and maintain audience attention
- Purpose: Usually to persuade, motivate, or inform
- Audience: Listeners (e.g., students, voters, colleagues); tone and content tailored to their values, age, and context
Genre: Narrative Writing
Narrative writing tells a story—real or imagined—with characters, settings, and plot. It’s structured around events unfolding over time.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Figurative and emotive language
- Varied sentence structure and dialogue
- First or third person perspective
Descriptive detail
Form:
- Storytelling format: plot-driven
- Chronological or non-linear events
- May include flashbacks, cliffhangers
Structure:
- Exposition (setting and characters)
- Rising action
- Climax
- Falling action
- Resolution
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Structured to build tension and resolution
- Purpose: To entertain or explore themes emotionally
- Audience: Readers expecting an engaging story and emotional payoff
Genre: Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing aims to paint vivid pictures using words, appealing to the senses and evoking a specific mood, place, or atmosphere.
Typical Conventions
Language:
- Rich, sensory vocabulary
- Figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification)
- Sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
- Adjectives and adverbs
Form:
- No strict plot or dialogue required
- May focus on a person, place, object, or feeling
Structure:
- Focus on one idea, scene, or moment
- Organised by space, time, or sensory impressions
- Often ends with a shift in mood or reflection
Impact on Form, Purpose, Audience
- Form: Loosely structured but focused on evocation
- Purpose: To create atmosphere or emotional response
- Audience: Readers who appreciate detailed, immersive imagery
