Advisory Texts

Question 1

What are the forms of advisory texts?

Answer 1

Columns, articles, letters, posters or infographics are all text types that can give advice in one form or another.

Question 2

Tone

Answer 2

Authoritative, reasonable, commanding or trustworthy. Look out foropinions presented as if they are facts.

Question 3

Tense

Answer 3

Theimperativetense (also called the command tense) can be recognised by the position of the verb at or near the start of the sentence.

Question 4

Modality

Answer 4

Modal verbssuch as ‘must’, ‘will’, ‘should’ and ‘ought’ transmit strength of feelings.

Question 5

Credibility

Answer 5

Expert sources, research and scientific evidence might be used to establish credibility.

Question 6

Register

Answer 6

Official advice will be formal andpersuasive; friendly advice will be delivered in a reassuring or intimate way. Sometimes, advice will include awarning.

Question 7

Structure

Answer 7

Look forcause-and-effectstructures,step-by-stepguides orlinearstructures that are easy to follow.

Question 8

Where can advisory texts be found?

Answer 8

Newspapers and magazines feature advisory sections (in Britain, the writers of these columns are known asAgony AuntsorAgony Uncles).

Elsewhere, institutions such as the medical practice, health services and even governments like to give advice.