Understand the Features of Non-Chronological Reports

A non-chronological report (sometimes simply called a report) is a text written to describe or classify something. Reports include guide books, information leaflets and books about animals or periods in history.

Reports often contain the following features:

1) They open with a general description or classification.

e.g. A dog is a mammal.

2) They are usually written in the present tense.

3) The main body of the text is divided into paragraphs about different aspects of the topic. The paragraphs may have sub-headings.

4) They contain facts, not opinions.

5) They describe the topic in general, rather than in particular (e.g. describing 'dogs' rather than 'my dog Sid').

6) They use fairly formal and technical language, rather than slang.

7) They end with a conclusion which might identify the main points already described.

Why not have a look at home and see if you have any of this type of text? See if you can identify some of the features mentioned above.

Then move on to try the questions.