CONVENTIONS

TABLE
Conventions: generally accepted rules, usage or standard formats employed in structuring texts, which are evident in a number of different texts.
Conventions allow readers/viewers to make meaning of texts more readily if they have a knowledge of the conventions used in the text. Conventions can be
seen as codes that have become widely acknowledged. The following table details some of the conventions for the main text types in English. The list is not
complete. You may want to add more.


FICTION (short story, novel) NON FICTION (feature article, FILM DOCUMENTARY
Fiction is the term used to describe expository) In this case a film refers to visual texts A form of visual text that is used to
works of the imagination. This is in A form of text that is used to convey that deal with fictional narratives. convey information about people,
contrast to non-fiction, which makes places events or ideas.
information. This category can include
factual claims about reality An interpretation of reality.
but is not limited to, feature articles,
discussion essays, academic essays,
newspaper articles, websites, etc,
Written Language Written Language Narrative
Narrative Structure character Photography/cinematography
character, Point of view setting (As for film)
setting, Word choice (diction) conflict PLOT mise en scene
conflict, PLOT Syntax (sentence length) resolution Actuality footage
resolution Facts Photography/cinematography Archival footage
Structure Opinions Shot distance Re-enactments
Point of view Stats Camera angles Interviews
Word choice (diction) Graphics Lighting
Syntax (sentence length) Anecdotes (little stories) Shutter speed post-production
Symbolism Rhetorical questions Depth of field /selective focus. Narrator or not?
Dialogue Quotes mise en scene Music
Experts Costume Sound effects
Historical references Props Graphics
Stage Play script all the above plus Selection of detail (whats left in) Body language Static images
Stage directions, Omission (whats left out) Performance Selection of detail
lighting, post-production Omission (whats left out)
props Editing/montage Lighting
Performance Music Editing
Sound effects Juxtaposition
Special effects
lighting,
props
Performance

CONVENTIONS TABLE
Conventions: generally accepted rules, usage or standard formats employed in structuring texts, which are evident in a number of different texts.
Conventions allow readers/viewers to make meaning of texts more readily if they have a knowledge of the conventions used in the text. Conventions can be
seen as codes that have become widely acknowledged. The following table details some of the conventions for the main text types in English. The list is not
complete. You may want to add more.