What defines functional texts in comparison to literary texts?

Functional texts are characterized by their purpose, which is to help readers accomplish specific tasks or provide practical information. This includes materials such as user manuals, reports, schedules, and instructions, where clarity and utility are paramount. The goal of functional texts is to communicate information efficiently so that readers can perform an action or understand a procedure.

In contrast, literary texts focus on storytelling, emotional experience, and artistic expression. They often contain narrative structures and themes that evoke feelings, imagination, and critical thinking. While literary texts can entertain and engage readers on an emotional level, functional texts are strictly utilitarian, aimed at fulfilling practical needs. Therefore, the defining feature of functional texts lies in their design for achieving specific tasks, making them fundamentally different from literary texts.