TEXT TYPES (OVERVIEW)

-1-

8TH FORM

MATURA SCHREIBEN TEIL A

Verpflichtende Aufgabe
Umfang: 350 400 Wrter
OPINION /
ARGUMENTATIVE
ESSAY

Style

formal

Structure

Introduction
should be short, clear and interesting
states the problem clearly
can start with a quotation, a provoking idea or a
rhetorical question
should finish with the thesis statement (the central
idea put down in a single sentence)
Body
consists of several, well-developed paragraphs (each
starts with a topic sentence)
supports the main idea and presents arguments
should include explanations, illustrations, examples,
comparisons, contrasts
should present the opposing viewpoint as well, but
dismiss it as unconvincing
Conclusion
sum up the main points briefly
refers back to the main idea in the introduction
must not contain any new information

Points to
consider

no first person I
all paragraphs must be linked in a logical way
(content, link words)
each paragraph contains a topic sentence
do not present pros and cons in a balanced way,
but decide for a clear point of view

TEXT TYPES (OVERVIEW)

-2-

8TH FORM

MATURA SCHREIBEN TEIL B

1 Aufgabe: Nachfolgende Textsorten knnen kommen
Umfang: 150 250 Wrter
INFORMAL LETTER/EMAIL

Style

informal
To / From / Subject line

Structure

Dear, Hi ,
Introduction
personal, thank the other one for the last letter
tell some interesting news
Body
different paragraphs
Conclusion
end the letter in a friendly way, give some
encouragement
give regards to friends
Yours, Love,

Points to
consider

use paragraphs
spoken English (questions, incomplete sentences,
question tags, informal link words, slang, phrasal
verbs)

FORMAL LETTER/EMAIL
Style

formal

Types

letter of complaint, letter to the editor (see below),

business letter
To / From / Subject line

Structure

Dear Sir/Madam,
Dear Mr Swan,
Introduction
say why you write
Body
different paragraphs
Conclusion
say what you expect the others to do

TEXT TYPES (OVERVIEW)

-3-

8TH FORM

Yours faithfully, (if no name at the beginning)

Yours sincerely, (if name at the beginning)
Points to
consider

use paragraphs
sign with your full name

LETTER TO THE
EDITOR

Style

formal

Structure

Dear Sir, (also: Sir, )

Introduction
say why you write
- I am writing with regard to the article
- I am writing concerning last weeks editorial
- I am writing to protest about
- As a father of four children of school age, I am
getting tired of
- As a businessman responsible for , I was
disappointed to read
Body
different paragraphs
Ending
say what you expect the others to do
- I trust that you will publish this letter, since I am
sure
- Knowing your papers reputation for balanced
reporting, I am sure you will print both an apology
and a correction of the facts in your next edition.
Yours faithfully,

Points to
consider

use paragraphs
in the introductory paragraph do not give your name
(you sign the letter anyway) but rather say
something about your person (age, family, job)
sign with your full name
With letters to the editor never say I look forward to
hearing from you soon

ARTICLE

Style

depends on the paper you have to write for and can be can
be formal (international magazine, aiming at adult readers)
or partly informal (college magazine, aiming at teenagers)

TEXT TYPES (OVERVIEW)

Structure

-4-

8TH FORM

Title (encourage reader to go on reading)

Introduction
ensures that readers keep on reading, prepares them
for what is to come (e.g.: brief definition, colourful
description, quotation, provocative question,
astonishing fact, meaningful proverb)
Body
clearly structured in paragraphs, you should give
opinions and thoughts and/or present facts, include
some amusing stories to involve your readers
Conclusion
rounds off your article (e.g.: serious question that
sets your readers thinking, humorous quotation,
return to the beginning and answer a question raised
in the introduction)

Points to
consider

A special kind of article is a newspaper article written by

journalists:
It depends on the type of newspaper (tabloid or quality
paper) whether the article is sensational or rather fact
based. Tabloids make a special use of quotes and
descriptive adjectives. Normally, there is an introductory
paragraph that summarizes the event (wh-questions). At
the end of the article there is often a direct quote.

REPORT

Style

formal

Structure

To / From / Subject line

Introduction
summarizes the content of your report
- This report outlines It also considers possible
amendments to and offers a final
recommendation.
- This report looks at some of the problems based
on information provided by
Body
different paragraphs with headings
Conclusion/Recommendation
say what you would change, what should be done

Points to
consider

is written for a superior (boss, teacher, mayor) or a

peer group
state where you got the information from

TEXT TYPES (OVERVIEW)

-5-

8TH FORM

(questionnaire, )
you must give factual information and make some
suggestions or recommendations
impersonal style (no I, passive voice)
each section needs a special heading for clarity
you may use bullet points (only with one paragraph!)