Functional Text
What is functional Text?
Definition
Functional text is used for everyday information. It is called functional because it helps you function in
your day-to-day life.
Everyday Examples• If I wanted to make chocolate chip
cookies, I would read and follow a recipe. • If I wanted to know my friend's phone
number, I might search for it online (DEX online).
• If my English teacher gave a test, I would need to know how to read and follow the directions carefully.
Everyday examples cont.
• If you were going on a road trip and needed to know how to get there, you would use a …
• If you were registering for classes through City of Chandler, you would need …
• If you were going to see a movie and wanted to know when it started, you would look …
Academic and Everyday Examples
• Internet• Atlas• Almanac• Dictionary• Phone Book• Encyclopedia
• Newspaper
• Magazine
• Thesaurus
• Menu
• Recipes
• Road maps
Four types/categories of functional text
Follow directions
Think of some examples
Reading to Follow Directions
• Road maps• Recipes• Bus schedules• Manuals• Hobby/craft instructions• Game directions• Building/street signs• First aid instructions
Gain Information
Think of some examples
Reading to Gain Information
• Menus• Movie ads• Sports info.• Temperature charts• TV schedule• School schedule• Want ads/classifieds• Food labels• Store flyers/ads
ReferencesThink of some examples
Reading to Use References
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Glossary/index
• Phone directory/yellow pages
• Job manual
• City services directory
• Table of contents
Fill out forms
Think of some examples
Reading to Fill Out Forms
• Club memberships (Costco)• Subscriptions• Resumes/job applications• School forms (registrations, emergency card)• Banking forms• Contest/puzzle entries• Library card application• Book club order forms
Questions
Which examples of functional text do you think would be most useful
in your life (as a teen)?
Why is functional text important?