Genre is a term used to classify types of spoken or written discourse.

Group of people sitting in front of a wall with lots of different icons on it

These are normally classified by content, language, purpose and form.

Example
Learners analyse an example of a formal letter of complaint, looking at structure, set phrases, formality and purpose. They identify the key elements of this genre then produce their own examples based on this data.

In the classroom
Written genres that learners deal with in class include reports, news articles, letters of enquiry, stories, invitations, e-mails and poems. Spoken genres include presentations, speeches, interviews and informal conversation.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/student-presentations

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/developing-writing-skills-a-news-report

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/cheat-swindle-holidays

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight