Properties of Written Texts
Properties of Written Texts
I. ORGANIZATION
•It is said that ideas are well-developed when there is a clear statement of purpose, position, facts, examples,
specific details, definitions, explanation, justifications, or opposing viewpoints.
•Organization is achieved when these ideas are logically and accurately arranged.
This means that sentences are arranged in a logical manner (PARAGRAPH/ESSAY), making them easily
understood by the reader.
COHESION: SPECIFIC
-the property of unity in a written text or a segment of spoken discourse that stems from links among its
surface elements, as when words in one sentence are repeated in another, and especially from the fact that
some words or phrases depend for their interpretation upon material in preceding or following text
Example:
Be assured of this. Most people do not want to fight. However, they will do so when provoked.
Example:
2. Spatial Order (LOCATION)
The sentences of a paragraph are arranged according to geographical location, such as left-to-right, up-
to-down, etc.
Example:
3. Emphatic Order
is when information found in a paragraph is arranged to emphasize certain points depending on the
writer’s purpose.
(a) from least to most important, or (b) from most to least important.
In the above paragraph, the organization moves from the least important idea (dissatisfaction with the results
of the point-and-shoot camera) to the most important idea (the versatility offered with the SLR camera).
B. SIGNAL DEVICES
- words that give readers an idea of how the points in your paragraph are progressing
Examples:
1. Transitions (words that connect one idea to another, in order for our ideas to flow smoothly)
a. Time (first, immediately, afterward, before, at the same time, after, earlier, simultaneously, finally,
next, in the meantime, later, eventually, then, meanwhile, now, subsequent, etc.)
b. Sequence (moreover, furthermore, next, also, finally, last, another, first, second, third, besides,
additionally, etc.)
c. Space (above, next to, below, behind, beside, etc.)
d. Illustration (for instance, specifically, for example, namely, in this case, to illustrate, etc.)
e. Comparison (similarly, also, in the same way, still, likewise, in comparison, too, etc.)
f. Contrast (but, despite, however, even though, yet, on the other hand, although, on the contrary,
otherwise, conversely, etc.)
g. Cause and Effect (because, as a result, consequently, then, so, since, etc.)
h. Conclusion (thus, therefore, in conclusion, in short, etc.)
2. Repetitions (repetitions of main ideas keep continuity and highlight important ideas)
-it could be a word, a phrase, or a full sentence, or a poetical line repeated to emphasize its significance in
the entire text
Examples of Repetitions:
b. The boy was a good footballer, because his father was a footballer, and his grandfather was a footballer.
c. The judge commanded, stamping his mallet on the table, “Order in the court, order in the court.”
d. The president said, “Work, work, and work,” are the keys to success.
3. Synonyms (these are words similar in meaning to important words or phrases that prevent tedious
repetitions)
4. Pronouns (words that connect readers to the original word that the pronouns replace)
INCORRECT: Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Aside from that,
Rodrigo Duterte also served as Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time. Rodrigo Duterte is also known by
the populace as an adamant leader. . .
CORRECT: Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Aside from that, he also
served as Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time. He is also known by the populace as an adamant
leader. . .
• Jargon (i.e. “insider” terminology that may be difficult for readers from other fields to understand)
• Clichés (which are expressions that are heavily overused, such as think outside of the box and but at
the end of the day)
IV. MECHANICS
- set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate, and capitalize