Generic Structure of Texts

Definition
The generic structure of a text refers to the typical organizational framework or pattern that shapes how information is presented, depending on the text’s purpose and genre

Common Text Structures and Their Generic Patterns

Text Type| Purpose| Generic Structure Components
---|---|---
Narrative| To entertain/tell a story| Orientation → Complication → Resolution → (Re-orientation)
Recount| To retell past events| Orientation → Events → Re-orientation
Descriptive| To describe a person, place, or thing| Identification → Description
Report| To present information about something| General Classification → Description
Explanation| To explain processes or phenomena| General Statement → Explanation → Closing
Analytical Exposition| To argue a point logically| Thesis → Arguments → Reiteration
Hortatory Exposition| To persuade with recommendations| Thesis → Arguments → Recommendation
Procedure| To instruct how to do something| Goal → Materials → Steps
Discussion| To discuss issues with pros and cons| Issue → Arguments for/against → Conclusion
Review| To evaluate or critique something| Orientation → Evaluation → Interpretation → Summary
Anecdote| To share amusing or interesting incidents| Abstract → Orientation → Crisis → Reaction → Coda
Spoof| To retell events with a twist| Orientation → Event(s) → Twist
News Item| To inform about events| Main Event → Background Event → Source

Example: Narrative Text Structure

A narrative text typically follows this structure

:

• Orientation : Introduces characters, setting (who, where, when).
• Complication : Presents the problem or conflict.
• Resolution : Shows how the problem is resolved.
• Re-orientation/Coda : (Optional) Concludes with a message or moral.

Other Common Text Structures

• Chronological/Sequence : Events or steps are presented in time order.
• Cause and Effect : Explains reasons and results.
• Problem and Solution : Identifies a problem and proposes solutions.
• Compare and Contrast : Shows similarities and differences between ideas or items.
• Description/Definition : Lists characteristics or explains what something is

Why Structure Matters

Understanding the generic structure helps readers:

• Anticipate what comes next.
• Identify key ideas and relationships.
• Improve comprehension and retention of information

In summary:
The generic structure of a text depends on its genre and purpose, with each type (narrative, recount, descriptive, etc.) having its own typical sequence of components that organize the content clearly and logically