TYPES of instructional texts and their CHARACTERISTICS

Instructional texts They are those that provide the reader with information on how to do something. They explain things step by step and with a clear and simple language so that you can follow the instructions just by looking at it.

Instructional texts can be oral or written. In this lesson from a TEACHER we want to explain what are they and how many types of instructional texts exist.

Before discovering what the types of instructional texts are, we are going to know their definition. And is that orn instructional text is a type of text (can be oral or written) that is fact of instructions and that serves so that the reader can know in a clear and organized way all the steps to follow to meet your goal. These texts can be found very often in your day to day, such as recipes for cooking.

There are some who are aimed at a very wide audienceTherefore, they use simple words and easy-to-understand language. But, instead there are others that are intended for a very specific class of people who master the subject perfectly, therefore, they will use more technical and complex language.

Inside of structure of an instructional text we find that, many times, they offer visual aids like numbered points or outlines to help the reader not get lost if he looks up from the paper.

The function of an instructional text is instruct your readersTherefore, there is nothing enigmatic or double meaning hidden in the text. All it says is literally what the reader will have to do if he wants to carry out his task successfully. Must meet the guide function and many times you can include sections as warnings to alert readers of common errors from other users.

exist 4 different types of instructional texts according to the presentation that they offer us at the time of seeing them. We speak, now yes of written texts, because we are evaluating the visual part of these.

Textual instructional texts

They are texts that, in their presentation only offer a written instructional text and very well ordered. Normally, these types of texts are for a specific audience, since the writer should not capture her attention, but simply must order all the points to follow as best as possible.

A good example would be a statute or a compendium of laws. These texts are not written to amuse or entertain and who is reading it is because they need to find something very specific.

Graphic instructional texts

Graphics are another type of instructional text. Here what prevails is the drawing before the word. In fact the words will be very few and repetitive. The text will be a set of drawings arranged in chronological order that will guide the reader in the instructions that he must follow to carry out his objective. The word will only be used to highlight concepts such as Attention !.

The graph is already understandable enough as if something more is needed. If they are graphic texts that show us how to assemble a piece of furniture with many pieces, surely the only words that we will see written will be the names of the pieces.

An example of graphic instructional text is the manual for hand washing Correctly put on the mirror in restaurants. It is composed only of drawings that explain the step by step and some words to reinforce the concept.

Mixed instructional texts

Mixed instructional texts are those that unify the two concepts previously explained. These are texts that put the the same level the graphic as the written part and they use each other to complement each other. It is also very common to use this type of text to capture a larger audience: people who are more visual and people who better understand the word.

An example of mixed instructional text can be found in the assembling a chair. The text will give you the steps you must follow and the tools you need in each moment, at the same time that the drawing gives you a quick idea of ​​what the next step will be touch to do.

Audiovisual instructional texts

They are all those instructive texts to which you can access them digitally using technology. It may be that you have to download an application in which you have to advance through the steps once you have completed them. Or simply the link will take you to a video that will explain the step by step of how to perform a specific task.

The main feature one of these texts is that they use drawings, texts, moving images and sound to make the reader understand and carry out a task as easily as possible.

Now you know the different types of instructional texts and you have seen some examples. If you are interested in continuing to learn about this topic or about a related topic, do not hesitate to take a look at the writing section.