ABSTRACT
The contemporary concept of genre focuses on classifying texts by their purpose—the functions that they perform for their readers. This chapter covers the genre expectations of function, form, and style in specific workplace documents. It also covers letters, reports, proposals, job applications, style manuals, instruction manuals, media releases, and speeches. The key questions are why someone would need to write a particular document and why anyone would need to read it. University students who submit an academic assignment such as an essay that doesn’t adhere to the conventions of academic style and documentation will generally be penalised, though sometimes they will be given the opportunity to resubmit it. Reports should be written in a clear, easily understood style. Language should be straightforward, paragraphs should be short, and sections should be clearly signposted by judicious use of headings.
