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?