James Kinneavy's Aims of Discourse

This reading is a diagram that encompasses four main elements of textual writing in a triangular fashion with one main idea in the middle. The three triangle ideas are Encoder, Decoder and Reality; the element inside the triangle is Style.

Encoder is subcategorized into Expressive which in turn is broken down into Individual and Social. These writings can be journals diaries contracts or religious credos.

Decoder is a persuasive piece consisting of advertisements, political speeches, sermons, and editorials. these pieces are more of a call to action.

Reality is the broadest element which is subcategorized by referential. Exploratory, scientific and informative texts are in this category. They include dialogues, seminars, philosophic essays, news articles, reports, and textbooks.

Style, the central element consists of literary texts such as short stories, novels, lyrics, ballads, dramas, and movies.