Short Functional Text

Meaning of Short Functional Text (SFT):

Short functional texts are types of informational texts to help the readers understand the information quickly.

Short functional texts are usually characterized by:

- The use of clear, simple, and concise sentences.

- Pictures or symbols

- The use of particular words or letters.

Types of Short Functional Texts (SFT)

1.Announcement

An announcement is a statement addressed to public to provide information that something has happened or is going to happen. This type of SFT is commonly found in the public place or media, respectively, such as at school (on an announcement board), a newspaper, magazine, a window of a shop, a city park, etc.

Announcement commonly has the following features.

a. The sentences are written concisely.

b. The information is written completely and clearly, so that the readers can understand it quickly and easily.

c. It contains type of event, date and time, place, and contact person or address.

2. Advertisement

Typical information used to persuade audience (readers or listeners) to do something or to take some action. This type of SFT usually contains the name of a product or service and the explanation of how the product or service benefits the audience.

3. Memo

Memo, commonly sent to colleagues and co-workers. They differ from letters as they are more informal and do not require a salutation or a closure statement as in formal letter. This type of text is used to convey some basic information, particularly to persuade action, to issue a directive, or to provide a report.

Memos are commonly written in following format:

TO: the name of the receiver

CC: people that the sender is copying the memo to

FROM: the name of the sender

DATE: the date when the sender writes the memo

SUBJECT: the subject heading

THE MESSAGE (information given to the receiver)

SIGNATURE (optional)

4. Invitation Letters

An invitation is a type of letter which is written to invite a guest to a particular event or celebration. Invitation is categorized into a formal and informal. For example, an invitation letter inviting peers or clients to an event hosted by the company or inviting persons for an important meeting is a formal letter. Those letters are categorized as business invitation letters and are written in a formal tone. Invitation letters sent to friends and family members can be less formal. This type of letter is sent for a social function such as such as wedding invitation, birthday invitation, etc

5. Label

Label is a term which refers to printed information affixed on a container of product. Label function to communicate product-specific information to the consumers and encourage a purchase. A food label, for example, should contain name of the food, net quantity in metric units, date of expire, list of ingredients, storage instructions, name and address of manufacturer or packager, when the product was manufactured, and instruction for use.

6. Postcards

Postcards can be defined as a small, usually having a picture on one side and space for a short message on the other for sending a message by post without an envelope. It serves some purposes, namely to congratulate, keep in touch, inform, express feeling, etc.

Following is ten expressions often used in post card :

1) We're having a lovely / great time.

2) We're thinking of you.

3) The weather's been lovely / gorgeous.

4) It's our third day in (Majorca).

5) We're flying back on the (5th).

6) We've only got three days to go.

7) I've caught the sun a bit.

8) Don't think much of the food.

9) Say hello to (the kids).

10)Wish you were here

7. Notice

Notice is a symbol or text to inform or instruct people to do or not to do anything. People usually use notice to give information, instruction or warning. Notice may take forms of command, warning, information, and prohibition.

• “NO SMOKING”
• “DON’T GO SWIMMING”
• “PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE"
• “DON’T ENTER. STAFF ONLY”
• “DON’T TURN LEFT”

8. Short Message

Example :

To: Doni

Don’t forget to pick up your little sister at school at 10.am. Because today is very hot, don’t forget to bring an umbrella.

9. Greeting card

Examples :

a. Birthday card.

b. Thank you Card.

c. Congratulation Card.

d. Condolence Card.

e. Religion card

What you need to pay attention :

1) Who is the sender who sent cards and
2) What is the author's purpose to send a card
3) What is the relationship and the sender sent
4) Why does the author to send a card

10. Shopping list