8. Stages and Phases

8.1. Stages

Stages are the major, compulsory sections of a genre.
They function as the large building blocks of the text.
Characteristics:

  • Each stage serves a distinct purpose.

  • The genre will not work properly if a compulsory stage is missing.

  • Stages structure the whole text.

Examples of stages in school science genres:

  • Sequential Explanation: Title β†’ General Statement β†’ Explanation Sequence

  • Procedure: Goal β†’ Materials β†’ Steps

  • Information Report: General classification β†’ Description

8.2. Phases

Phases are the smaller functional units within each stage.
They organise how meaning unfolds inside a stage.
Characteristics:

  • Phases are sub-moves that contribute to the purpose of the stage.

  • They help guide the reader step-by-step through the meaning.

Example: Phases within a Sequential Explanation

In the General Statement stage - Phenomenon Identification - Optional Definition or Classification

In the Explanation Sequence stage - Temporal Staging (e.g., β€œfirst”, β€œnext”, β€œthen”) - Description of Actions/Events - Cause and Effect - Final Outcome