Communicative Purposes and Text Structures

Communicative Purposes and Text Structures

Definition 

1. Communicative purpose 

Communicative purpose in written academic discourse initially referred to the overarching communicative goal of a document (Bhatia, 1997; Johns, 1997). Askehave and Swales (2001) contend that one text may contain a variety of communicative purposes. 

The primary goals and intentions of those involved in acts of communication on a given occasion. Some theorists suggest basic generic purposes as an analytic convenience (these are often reflected in lists of communicative functions). 

Schramm lists four: to inform, to teach, to persuade, and to entertain.(oxfordreference)

2. Text structure

Text structure refers to how the details and information in a text are organized. There are five common types of text structure:

• Description

• Chronological Order/Sequence

• Compare and Contrast

• Problem and Solution

• Cause and Effect

Why is Text Structure Important?

When readers identify and recognize the text structure of a text, this can significantly improve their comprehension and retention of information.