IB's Definition of a Non-Literary Text
The International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language and Literature curriculum offers a rich and varied exploration of non-literary texts, which are factual and functional, designed to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. These texts, distinct from fictional works, are rooted in the real world and often serve a practical purpose.
The curriculum recognises several key types of non-literary texts, including newspaper articles, speeches, letters, diary entries, biographies and autobiographies, reports, guides, and reviews. Each genre adheres to specific conventions, and students are taught to recognise and analyse these, particularly in relation to the writer's intentions and the text's audience and context.
Newspaper articles, for instance, provide factual reports on current events, informing the public about what's happening locally, nationally, or globally. Speeches, on the other hand, are formal addresses intended to persuade or inspire an audience. Letters, diary entries, and biographies/autobiographies offer personal insights and reflections, while reports present information on specific topics, often based on research or analysis. Guides provide detailed instructions on how to use products or perform tasks, and reviews offer critical analyses of products, services, or ideas.
The IB curriculum encourages students to delve into non-literary texts from various media, styles, periods, and cultures, enriching their understanding of different perspectives and the diverse ways language can construct meaning. This approach aims to help students critically engage with how texts reflect and influence local and global issues, broadening their analytical and interpretive skills.
In addition to the genres mentioned above, the curriculum also acknowledges instruction manuals and advertisements as forms of non-literary texts. Instruction manuals are guides providing detailed instructions on how to use products or perform tasks, while advertisements are texts designed to promote products, services, or ideas with the purpose of persuading the audience to take action.
In conclusion, the IB English Language and Literature curriculum offers a comprehensive exploration of non-literary texts, emphasising their real-world basis and cultural-historical significance. By analysing these texts, students develop critical thinking skills, learn to engage with various perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the power of language in shaping our world.
Personalized learning can be facilitated through online education platforms, offering education-and-self-development courses that incorporate the analysis of non-literary texts. For instance, the International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language and Literature curriculum includes the study of a variety of such texts, from newspaper articles and speeches to biographies and guides, each with unique conventions and purposes.
