IB English Lit and Lang Paper 1 Text Type Conventions

Newspaper article

Non‑fiction piece with clear headline, subheading, byline, and often lead paragraph; uses objective or semi‑objective tone, quotes, statistics, and structured paragraphs to inform or shape public opinion.

Opinion column / editorial

Persuasive article with a strong, personal or institutional voice; clear stance, argumentative structure, use of rhetorical devices, anecdotes, and appeals to values to influence readers.

News report (straight report)

Fact‑focused article using inverted pyramid structure (most important information first), neutral register, third‑person narration, and attribution to sources; avoids overt opinion while selecting and framing facts.

Magazine feature article

Longer, more crafted piece with engaging headline, hook, and sometimes subheadings; blends factual information with descriptive detail, anecdotes, and interviews; often targets a specific demographic with a tailored voice.

Advertisement (print)

Multimodal text combining image, slogan, logo, and body copy; uses persuasive techniques (emotive appeals, aspirational imagery, branding, humour, repetition) to promote a product, service, or lifestyle.

Poster / campaign ad

Visual‑heavy text with minimal, impactful wording, bold typography, and strong layout; designed for quick comprehension, using slogans, icons, and colour symbolism to convey a message or call to action.

Brochure / leaflet

Folded or sectioned text with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and practical information; uses clear layout, persuasive but informative language, and visuals to guide readers and promote an organisation or event.

Speech (script)

Text addressed to a live audience, with clear opening, development, and conclusion; marked by direct address, rhetorical questions, repetition, inclusive pronouns, and signposting to build rapport and persuade or inspire.

Formal letter

Structured text with addresses, date, salutation, and closing; uses polite, formal register, clear paragraphs, and explicit purpose (request, complaint, application) tailored to audience and context.

Informal letter / email

Personal message with conversational tone, flexible structure, and direct engagement with the recipient; may use colloquial language, personal anecdotes, and questions to maintain relationship.

Email (semi‑formal)

Digital message with subject line, greeting, concise body paragraphs, and sign‑off; mixes efficient, clear information with appropriate politeness strategies depending on relationship and context.

Blog post

Online, often first‑person text with headline, subheadings, hyperlinks, and sometimes comments section; combines personal voice with informational or persuasive content, addressing a specific online community.

Social media post

Highly condensed, platform‑shaped text (hashtags, handles, emojis, abbreviations, images); uses immediacy, informality, and shareable hooks to engage followers and spread messages quickly.

Diary entry

First‑person, private‑seeming text dated and often time‑stamped; introspective tone, emotional honesty, and informal style revealing inner thoughts, doubts, and reactions rather than crafted public image.

Interview (Q&A)

Alternating questions and answers with speaker labels; questions guide topic and tone, while answers reveal character, stance, and ideology; may be edited or framed by an introduction or commentary.

Review (film / book / product)

Evaluative text with brief summary, criteria‑based judgement, and recommendation; uses a mix of description, analysis, and opinion, often with a distinctive, entertaining critical voice.

Opinion forum post / comment

Short persuasive or reactive contribution to an online discussion; uses informal or semi‑formal register, direct engagement with other users’ views, and concise arguments or rebuttals.

Report (internal / institutional)

Structured document with headings, sometimes executive summary, findings, and recommendations; uses impersonal, formal language, data references, and logical organisation for decision‑makers.

Speech transcript (political / ceremonial)

Written record of spoken address with marked rhetorical patterning, repetition, parallelism, and appeals to collective identity, history, or shared values; crafted for both live and mediated audiences.

Guideline / instruction text

Procedural, step‑based writing using imperatives, sequencing markers, and clear layout (lists, numbering); prioritises clarity and user‑friendliness over stylistic flourish.