Tipos de texto (Text types)
Note from the author: Most of the content in this section has been written in English to help students grasp concepts quickly. Subsections intended for teachers are presented in Spanish.
1. Anuncio
An advertisement (un anuncio) is a message created to promote or sell a product, service, event, or idea. Its purpose is to inform, persuade, or remind the audience about something that may meet their needs or interests. It may also aim to find something or someone.
Ads can appear in many formats, including print, online, radio, TV, or even in-person promotions. For the purpose of the exam, we will focus on printed ads pinned to a bulletin board. This type of physical advertisement is typically used for local promotions, events, or services. It is often used in places with high foot traffic, such as schools, community centers, cafés, or grocery stores.
Model text and key features
Image from: Milanuncios - Se busca camarero https://images.app.goo.gl/jFVLq9VWdcRiB79m6
SE NECESITA CAMARERO/A. Media jornada y fines de semana. Se valora experiencia y manejo de bandeja. Contrato S.S. y sueldo según convenio. Interesad@s, envíen su CV a jomafragrf@gmail.com. WhatsApp 699881147 (José María).
| Context | Audience | Purpose |
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Key words
The following key words in the exam may suggest that the appropriate text type is an ad (anuncio).
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Español
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Inglés
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|---|---|
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El tablón de anuncios
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The bulleting board
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Vender
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To sell
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| Alquilar, arrendar, rentar |
To rent
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| Necesitar, precisar |
To need
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Buscar
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To search, to look for |
| Ofrecer | To offer |
| Regalar, donar | To gift, to donate |
| Informar | To inform |
| Persuadir | To persuade |
| Promover, promocionar | To promote |
| Contactar | To contact |
| Datos de contacto | Contact details |
Key points at a glance
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Format
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Message
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Language
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Key features, tips and examples
- Must be relevant and short, to the point.
- Make it stand out: write bigger and bolder.
- The use of the impersonal form with "se" is very common in Spanish (not mandatory, but recommended).
- In commercial ads, where the purpose is to sell a product or service, the headline may contain exclamation marks.
Examples:
- Se necesita recepcionista (or: Necesitamos recepcionista)
- Se busca gato perdido (or: Busco mi gato)
- Se alquilan accesorios de lujo (or: Accesorios de lujo en alquiler)
- Se venden entradas al concierto de Quetama (or: Concierto de Quetama, ¡no te quedes sin entradas!)
- A good image catches the reader's attention more than words.
- Don't waste valuable exam time by drawing a picture; just draw a box and write the word 'FOTO' in it.
- If you have extra time, you may describe the content of the picture.
- This feature may not be appropriate in certain contexts.
Examples:
- Foto del hotel
- Foto de mi gato
- Foto de bolso de marca
- Foto del grupo Quetama
- Precise and concise: to the point
- Focused on essential features
- Key info must be visible right away:
- Use bullet points
- Highlight in bold
- Let the text "breathe": no crowded text
Note: This text type can be tricky, as you want to showcase your linguistic skills while respecting conventions. People tend to skim-read ads, so crowding your paragraphs with long-winded sentences is not advisable. You must find a compromise. The key to scoring high in both language and message lies in the precision of your vocabulary and the use of complex tenses (e.g., imperative and subjunctive moods).
Examples:
- Resorte de cinco estrellas. Experiencia y buena presencia indispensables. Se requiere que hable inglés y otros dos idiomas (preferentemente, francés y alemán). Trabajo estacional, de abril a octubre.
- Raza de pelo largo. Negro con marca distintiva en el lomo (mancha blanca en forma de corazón). Tímido y asustadizo. Se ofrece recompensa generosa: 1000 euros a quien lo encuentre.
- Bolsos de marca, gafas de diseño y más complementos de moda, en perfecto estado. Materiales nobles: piel, cuero, seda, plata, oro. Entrega a domicilio. Pago por adelantado con fianza.
- Entradas VIP, con acceso rápido al recinto y asientos en primera fila. Disfruta de vistas inmejorables al escenario.
- Be direct and persuasive; use the imperative.
- Depending on the type of ad, you may create a sense of urgency using exclamation marks.
Examples:
- Interesad@s, envíen su CV con declaración personal y foto reciente.
- Si lo ven, llamen inmediatamente. ¡Estamos muy angustiados!
- Tanto si vas a una entrevista de trabajo como a una fiesta de gala, te podemos ayudar. ¡Habla con nuestros estilistas!
- Date prisa, solo quedan tres entradas VIP. ¡Resérvalas ya!
- A phone number (número de teléfono / WhatsApp )
- An email (correo)
- A name (optional)
- Stay consistent with the voice: formal / informal
Examples:
- Formal plural - Llamen al 6998811474
- Formal singular - Mande un WhatsApp al 6998811474
- Informal plural - Enviad un correo a jomafragrf@gmail.com
- Informal singular - Pregunta por José María
Test your skills
Escribe entre 70 y 150 palabras.
Has heredado un instrumento musical de tu abuelo, pero no tienes tiempo ni vocación para aprender a tocarlo. Quieres venderlo a un amante de la música. Escribe un texto para encontrar el comprador ideal. Debes describir el objeto, su valor y precio.
| Anuncio | Correo | Publicación en medios sociales o foros |
Reflect
- What would be the second and third best text types for this task?
- What would you have done differently if you were writing a social media/forum post instead of an ad?
- What would you have done differently if you were writing an email instead of an article?
Click on the link to read a student sample for this prompt. Analyze it before reading the marking notes.
Download: Printable cheat sheet
Activities: Anuncios graciosos
- Collaborative and creative work: In groups, brainstorm "out-of-the-box" ideas to create humorous ads using the visual prompts provided by your teacher. Decide who will write each ad and which action verbs will be used: BUSCAR - NECESITAR - VENDER - ALQUILAR - REGALAR. Avoid reusing verbs.
- Peer feedback: Swap ads with another person in your group to give and receive feedback. Make changes accordingly to perfect your ad.
- Reflection: Create a class exhibition by lining up the ads on a wall, organized by category depending on what they represent (object, animal, person). Read the ads from other groups and place a sticker on your favorite ad in each category. The exhibition is time-bound (10 minutes), so you need to cast your votes quickly.
- Discussion:
- Why did you vote for these ads?
- What drew your attention to them?
- What made them stand out from the other ads?
- Can you recall their key information?