Types of Texts

Grade 4 · English

Semester 1 | Period 3 | Week 13

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Subject: English

Semester: 1

Period: 3

Week: 13


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 4
Date: Week 13
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 13, Period 3
Topic: Types of Texts
Sub-topic: Introduction and Purpose

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the meaning of a text.
  2. Identify the major types of texts.
  3. State the purpose for which different types of texts are written.
  4. Give examples of descriptive, expository, persuasive, and informative texts.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know that writers communicate ideas and information through writing.

Instructional Materials
English Language textbook for Grade 4, samples of magazines, newspapers, storybooks, advertisements, and school notices.

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher displays different materials such as a storybook, a school information sheet, a magazine article, and an advertisement. The teacher asks students to describe what they see and what each is used for. Students share their ideas on what they think each text is about.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes

👦🏽👧🏼 Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  1. Teacher Explanation & Class Discussion
  • The teacher begins with a clear explanation of the term “text”:

“A text is any piece of writing that communicates meaning to a reader.”

  • The teacher explains that texts have different purposes depending on what the writer wants to achieve — to describe, explain, persuade, or inform.
  • Learners are invited to share examples of texts they have seen (stories, ads, school notices, reports).
  1. Identifying Text Types
  • The teacher displays examples of four different texts (printed or projected), one from each type:
    • A short descriptive paragraph (e.g., describing a football match).
    • An expository passage (e.g., how plants grow).
    • A persuasive advertisement (e.g., a flyer urging people to recycle).
    • An informative school notice or newsletter snippet.
  • Learners work in pairs or small groups to read the examples aloud and discuss:
    • What is the main purpose of this text?
    • Which category does it belong to?
  1. Matching Activity
  • Learners receive a set of cards or slips with text excerpts and another set with the purposes of texts.
  • In groups, learners match each text excerpt to its correct purpose and type.
  • Groups then share their matches and reasoning with the class.

 

✅ Assessment Checks

Teacher asks learners orally or in writing:

  • “What is a text?”
  • “How is a descriptive text different from a persuasive text?”
  • “Can you name a text type that informs readers?”
  • “What type of text would a school notice be?”
  • Follow-up questions based on learner responses to confirm understanding.

 

📘 Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

What is a Text?

  • A text is any written material that conveys meaning to readers.
  • Writers produce texts to serve different purposes, which affect how the text is written and what it contains.

 

Four Main Types of Texts & Their Purposes:

Text Type

Purpose

Characteristics

Examples

1. Descriptive Text

To describe a person, place, or thing

Uses vivid details, sensory language (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste)

A short story describing a football match, a person, or a place.

2. Expository Text

To explain or provide information

Factual, clear, logical structure; often includes definitions, facts, explanations

A passage explaining how plants grow, a science textbook excerpt.

3. Persuasive Text

To convince or persuade the reader

Uses opinion, strong language, calls to action, emotional appeals

An advertisement encouraging people to buy a product or support a cause.

4. Informative Text

To inform or educate the reader

Presents facts or data clearly and objectively

A school newsletter, information leaflet, or instruction manual.

 

How Different Texts Serve Different Purposes:

  • Descriptive texts help readers visualize and experience something.
  • Expository texts provide clear information or instructions.
  • Persuasive texts try to change the reader’s opinion or behavior.
  • Informative texts share important data or news.

 

✍️ Examples:

  • Descriptive:
    “The sun shone brightly as the crowd cheered. The players ran swiftly across the green field, their faces full of determination.”
  • Expository:
    “Plants need sunlight, water, and air to grow. The process by which they make their food is called photosynthesis.”
  • Persuasive:
    “Join us in keeping our park clean! Don’t litter – help protect our environment for future generations.”
  • Informative:
    “School will be closed next Friday for a public holiday. All classes will resume on Monday.”

📝 Extension/Practice:

  • Learners can be asked to write a short example sentence or paragraph for each text type.
  • They can also identify text types in books, newspapers, or magazines they bring to class or find online.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
Students summarize the four types of texts and their purposes. The teacher clarifies any confusion and reinforces the examples discussed.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Students write one example of each type of text and its purpose.
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
Write one paragraph describing your classroom (descriptive text). Bring an example of an advertisement or article from home.

Follow-up Activity:
In the next class, students will analyze what a text explicitly states.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Group activities are arranged so that all students, regardless of ability, can participate. Learners may work in mixed groups to identify texts based on pictures.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low