Functional texts make up a large portion of the materials you will need to read and comprehend as an adult. Examples of functional texts include mailers, credit card offers, real estate agreements, warranties, technical manuals, memos, calendars, lists, instructions, legal documents, illustrations, guidelines, schedules, TV guides, service agreements, government documents, and so on. The way you read a functional text is different from the way you read a story, novel, or article. Study the chart below to understand the differences between how a functional text is typically read and how a novel is typically read. Reading Purpose Style of Reading Level of Difficulty Functional Text The overall purpose for reading a functional text is to find specific information. Readers most often use functional texts to help carry out everyday actions or understand how to do something. Information is often gathered by jumping around in the document. Headings are used to help locate information. Sections are reread for understanding. Unnecessary sections are skipped. Some functional texts are extremely difficult to understand. Readers sometimes have to look up additional information or contact others in order to fully understand what they are reading. Novel The overall purpose when reading a novel is for pleasure or to acquire knowledge. Novels are typically read from beginning to end, at a steady pace. Readers may reread confusing or interesting sections as needed. The reading level is generally uniform throughout the piece of writing, though some sections may require extra work in order to be understood. Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 1
Review the following documents, and then answer the questions. Document 1: Jury Summons Official Jury Summons Hartson County Sheriff To: Ruby Smith You are hereby SUMMONED TO APPEAR for jury duty and expected to appear promptly On Wednesday July 10, 2009, at 9:00 AM At Hartson County Courthouse, 600 Congress Lane, Hartwell, CT In the Stafford Assembly Room Security procedures: Upon entering the courthouse, you will be required to pass through a security system. All items and belongings are subject to search. Parking: Paid parking is available at various city lots within a one-mile radius of the courthouse. You may validate your parking pass and receive reimbursement upon exiting the courthouse building at the end of the day. To view nearby parking, visit the Hartson County website and access the parking link on the website. Check-in: After passing through security, please check in at the information desk in the courthouse atrium. Bring a government-issued picture ID such as a driver s license or passport. The information attendant will be able to direct you to the correct room. What to expect: You will be interviewed for jury selection. The maximum length of time you will be asked to remain on the premises is until 5:00 p.m., at which time you may be asked to return the following day. Information and updates: If you are unable to attend on the assigned date, please call 555-0150 to reschedule. On the day before your scheduled attendance date, please call 555-0151 for recorded information about a possible change to your jury service. For directions and general questions, call 555-0152. Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 2
Document 2: Ruby Smith s Calendar for July Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Doctor at 3 pm 19 Meeting 10-4 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 3
The following document states the company policy for jury duty where Ruby Smith works. Document 3: Contour Corporation: Staff Policies and Guidelines Contour Corporation: Staff Policies Handbook Policy Title Jury Duty Policy Document Number 6-5782 Policy Creation Date August 7, 1999 Policy Revision Date March 16, 2008 Policy Owner Max Bettorson Eligibility: This policy applies to all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees of Contour Corporation. Policy and Pay Received: Employees called for jury duty are eligible for up to 4 weeks of paid time off. Employees who complete their jury duty earlier than expected or who are excused from jury duty are expected to return to work immediately. Procedures: When an employee is notified of jury duty, he/she must: a) Notify the supervisor or manager immediately. b) Notify human resources and provide a copy of the jury duty summons. c) Make arrangements with the supervisor or manager for replacement personnel to cover responsibilities on absent days, if needed. d) Update supervisor or manager on any additional jury duty requirements. e) Apply timekeeping rules for indicating day(s) off for jury duty. Please contact your Human Resources representative for additional information or questions about this policy by calling 555-0123. Refer to the Policy Document Number when communicating with the Human Resources representative. Page 26 Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 4
Questions Use information from both documents to answer the following questions. 1. Describe the schedule conflict that Ruby Smith has for fulfilling her jury duty. 2. What number should Ruby call to reschedule her jury duty? 3. If Ruby s jury duty lasts 5 weeks, for how many of those weeks will she be paid? 4. Ruby needs to contact Human Resources and her supervisor/manager. Which document number will she give to Human Resources and her supervisor/manager when she calls or emails them? 5. What other information about jury duty does Ruby need to discuss with her supervisor or manager? 6. While at jury duty, will Ruby need to pay for parking? 7. Ruby wants to know if she can bring her cell phone and a laptop to jury duty so she can do some work while she waits her turn. What number should she call to get an answer to her question? 8. If Ruby needed more information about available parking in the vicinity of the courthouse, what website should she access? Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 5
9. List 3 questions Ruby might have about jury duty that are not explained in the Jury Duty Summons. Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 6
Student Answer Key 1. Ruby has been summoned for jury duty on July 10, but she cannot make it because she is on vacation. 2. 555-0150 3. 4 weeks 4. 6-5782 5. Ruby needs to make arrangements for replacement personnel if needed, discuss timekeeping for her jury days, and alert her manager/supervisor to any extra days she will be required to perform jury duty. 6. No 7. 555-0152 8. Hartson County website 9. Answers will vary. Suggested responses: a) How many days will jury duty last and when do I find this out? b) Do I need to bring a lunch? c) What is the case about? Copyright 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved. 7