1.8 Texts that inform
These texts give the reader information about something. They contain facts and avoid repetition. They can be very short, such as a street name sign, or longer, like a news article. The longer a text is, the more likely it is to describe or explain rather than inform. The difference is not always clear.
Think about the persuasive advert for the car boot sale you saw earlier. The same information is presented in the text below.
Big car boot sale to be held at the Bridgnorth Leisure Centre, Northgate, Bridgnorth on 25 Sept 2019. It opens at 6.30am. £5 per car. Parking available. Cheap prices. Special ‘£1 only’ stall. Farm shop and café. Dog show. Seconds direct from manufacturers. Telford Marching Band display at 11am. Representative from the Antiques Roadshow. Entertainment for children.
This text contains the same information, so it still tells you:
- when the car boot sale will be held
- where it will happen
- what attractions there will be.
But now it seems dull, so not so many people will be persuaded to go along. It is giving information rather than persuading.