Lesson Properties of Well-Written

1 Texts
Whatever the intent or whoever the intended audience is, composing texts involves a
sequenced process from the production of initial ideas to the realization of a finished
product. Thus, effective writing is not a ready-made skill; it entails preparation on our part as
writers being knowledgeable with the rudiments of writing as well as with the components
that contribute to good writing.

Bear in mind that writing skills are an essential element of communication.

Consequently, producing a well-written text makes you capable of effectively expressing
your views, opinions, and ideas to your readers.

Let Us Study

As you continue your journey of becoming an effective writer through this lesson, try to
have a quick recollection of thoughts on the concept shown below and have fun reminiscing.

Activity 1. Memory Recall

Directions: Provide the graphic organizer below with your ideas about written text. Copy the
graphic organizer in a separate sheet of paper and write your answers.

organization

language
coherence & Written text use
cohesion

mechanics

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 Did you accomplish the activity easily? That is Great! Certainly, I know that you will
find the next section of this module interesting as you are about to unpack the different
properties that make a well-written text.
Properties of a Well-Written Text
In academic terms, a text is defined as written material or piece of writing such as an
article, essay, book, magazine, or newspaper.
For a paragraph or any composition to be effective, it must always consider the
properties of a well- written text which includes organization, cohesion and coherence,
language use, and mechanics.
Organization

This is also known as an arrangement that refers to the structural framework for
writing. A text is considered organized when ideas are accurately and logically arranged
with a focus on the arrangements of ideas, incidents, evidence, or details in a definite order
in a paragraph, essay, or speech.
The logical progression and completeness of ideas in a text is an organization. This
property makes a text readable and its message clear. Organization can be achieved
through the following techniques: text structure, signal words, and physical format.
Text structure refers to the framework of a text’s beginning, middle, and end.
Different narrative and expository genres have different purposes and different audiences,
so they require different text structures. Beginnings and endings help link the text into a
coherent whole.
Three major parts of a text

Beginning
Also called as the lead or the hook. It introduces the readers to the
purpose of the writing by introducing characters or setting(for narrative)
or the topic, thesis, or argument (for expository writing)

Middle
The organization of the middle of a piece of writing dependes on
the genre. Researchers have identified five basic organizational
structures: sequence, description, cause and effect, compare and
contrast, and problem and solution.

End/Conclusion
It is the restatement of the thesis and majoir points, showing how
the writer has proven his/her position. Possible implications of what has
been discussed and writer's conclusion may also be included .

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Example:

The great body parts of a snow leopard help it

survive in the mountains. For example, a snow
leopard‟s paws are like sandpaper and that helps
them not slipping on the deadly rocks of the
mountains. Amazingly, the ears help it hear an
animal‟s footsteps from miles away from where the
snow leopard is located. Did you know that a snow
leopard‟s tail helps keep it from falling? The long tail
helps it to balance. Finally, the fur on a snow
leopard‟s body helps it stay warm in this frigid
habitat. So, all those body parts of a snow leopard help
it survive in the mountains.
Source: Assanosi, A. (2016). Paragraph Organization

 The italicized statement is the

beginning part of the text which serves
as the topic sentence.
 The highlighted statements cover the
body/middle part of the paragraph
which explains in detail how snow
leopard body parts help this animal
survive in the mountains.
 The underlined statement found in the
last part of the restates the thesis/main
idea of the text

If text structures serve as the framework, signal words are textual cues that readers
use to follow a text. They can ―signal‖ the transition from one point to another , the ordering
of events and concepts, or the writer’s chosen text type.
Example:

Comparing the British and American Education System

The British system of education is common not only in England but also in
countries all over the world that were once British colonies. It differs from the American
system in some ways. First, most American children have only one year of kindergarten,
beginning at age five. Under the British system, children begin kindergarten at age four
and then go on to another year or more advanced kindergarten called preparatory which
is comparable to American first grade. Starting in seventh grade, most American students
study basic subjects separately, devoting a semester to algebra. However, under the
British system, algebra, geometry ,and trigonometry are taught together in a single
course that is then repeated at a higher level every term. Also, in American high schools
some classes, particularly elective may include sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In
schools run according to the British system, students at different levels, or ―forms,‖ are
not mixed in classes; each form attends all its classes altogether. Finally, American
students generally graduate after their twelfth year of course work. British students, on
the other hand, finish everything they need to learn in secondary school during the first
term of the eleventh year of school. 5
 Notice that the signal words which are highlighted in the text above are used to show
the relationship from one statement to another. Through the use of signal words, the writer
clearly presents the similarities and differences between the British and American education
systems.
Another aspect of the organization that is immediately apparent to the reader is the
format. It is observed in how the text physically appears like headings and subheadings,
bullet points, or font emphasis.

Consider the example below.

Marxist ideology has three main theories. Historical materialism purports that all
the features of society can be historically traced back to economic activity. Social class
in capitalist societies is what produces unjust structures of power that exist today.
Socialism would be the next rational step for the development of human society.

The highlighted words are the three most important Marxist theories that the topic
sentence is referring to. Through such emphasis, the reader can easily identify the
appropriate term for the concepts together with their definitions. However, this technique
must be used carefully for improper or superfluous formatting may confuse the readers

Coherence and Cohesion

When ideas are organized well, a text can achieve coherence and cohesion.
Coherence refers to the overall sense of unity in a text. On the other hand, cohesion is the
connection of ideas both at the sentence level and at the paragraph level. Both should be
present to make your text easier for your readers to follow and understand.

To achieve coherence and cohesion, one technique is to use signal devices which
that hint readers on how the points in your paragraph are a progression. This can be shown
in the paragraphs using transitions, repetitions, synonyms, pronouns, and parallel structures.

1. Transitions refer to words that connect one idea to another, making the writer’s
ideas flow smoothly.

Category Transition Words

causation thus, therefore, since, on account of, hence, for that reason, consequently,
because, and so, as a result, accordingly
time first, afterward, before, after, earlier, eventually, then, meanwhile, now,
next, also
sequence furthermore, moreover, next, also, finally, last, besides, additionally
contrast after all, otherwise, though, yet, notwithstanding, nonetheless, in contrast,
however, despite, conversely
comparison in like manner, in similar fashion, in the same way, likewise, still, in
comparison, too
example as an illustration, to demonstrate, to illustrate, for instance, for example,
specifically, that is
location above, adjacent to,wherever, there, peripherally, opposite to, nearby, here,
centrally, beyond

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importance primarily, of less importance, foundationally, critically, chiefly, most
importantly
intensification in fact, without doubt, undoubtedly, surely, to repeat, of course, indeed, no,
yes
concession granted, it is true, naturally, to be sure, of course
purpose to this end, so that, in order that, for this purpose
summary to sum up, to summarize, in summary, in short, in sum, in brief
conclusion to conclude, in the end, in conclusion, lastly, finally, thus, therefore

2. Repetitions include a word, a phrase, or a full sentence repeated to highlight its

importance in the entire text. The repetition of the main ideas keeps continuity and helps the
readers remain focused and headed in the right direction.

Examples:
1. The president said, “Work, work, and work,” are the keys to success.
2. If you think you can make it, you can make it.
3. Most students are intimated by the works of William Shakespeare. They believe
Shakepeare‟s sonnets and plays are far too complicated to read and understand.

3. Synonyms are words similar in meaning to important words or phrases. This technique is
used if direct repetition is too obvious.

Example:

Teenagers face an enormous amount of peer pressure from friends. Hence, many
young adults are showing signs of great stress or depression at an early age.

4. Pronouns are used to connect sentences by referring to preceding nouns and pronouns.
They can also help create paragraphs readable by removing wordiness and unnecessary
repetition.

Examples:

1. Rodrigo R. Duterte is the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Moreover, he also served as Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time.
He is also known by many as a strong leader.

2. Mrs. Gomez approved to have a meeting with the workers’ union before
she signed the contract. She was willing to hear their concerns about the
newly proposed amendments in the company.

5. Parallel Structures include the use of matching words, phrases, clauses, or sentence
structures to express similar ideas. It allows the reader to understand the connections
between ideas and to flow smoothly from one idea, sentence, or paragraph to the next.

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Example:
In the conference hall, the students attended a lecture where the speaker
demonstrated how to properly wear a PPE. They also attended a lecture where their
school nurse explained how to keep one’s health protected from COVID-19.

Language Use
It refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary usage. Proper language use
enables you, the writer, to capture the message that you want to give to your readers.
Language use is one of the strongest indicators of a well-written text because it leads
writers to effectively communicate ideas without confusing the reader.

Six characteristics of effective language:

1. concrete and specific, not vague and abstract
2. concise, not verbose
3. familiar, not obscure
4. precise, not ambiguous
5. constructive, not destructive
6. appropriately formal

Concrete and Specific Language

Concrete language involves tangible qualities/characteristics and things we know
through our senses. Specific language designates particular items or individuals cases.
Consider the examples below.

Abstract Concrete
To excel in college, you’ll have to work To excel in college, you’ll need to attend
hard. every class; do all your reading before you
fo; write several drafts of each paper; and
review your notes for each class weekly.
General Specific
The student enjoyed the class. Rhea enjoyed Mr. Gallardo’s 8:00 a.m.
EAPP class.

Observe how statements become more effective as the language becomes more
concrete and specific. In contrast, abstract and general statements can generate multiple
interpretations, and leave many questions unanswered.

Concise Language
It involves using the most appropriate terms to get one’s point across. Concise
language means using a minimal amount of effective terms to convey one’s argument. To
make the sentence more succinct, writers must avoid unnecessary words in their sentences.

Verbose/Wordy Concise
Leah believed but could not verify that Leah assumed that James adored her.
James had feelings of affection for her.
My professor demonstrated some of the My professor demonstrated methods for
ways and methods for cutting words from cutting words from my essay.
my essay that I had written for the class.
Ludwig’s castles are an astounding Ludwig’s three castles are an astounding
marriage of beauty and madness. By his marriage of beauty and madness.
death, he had commissioned three castles.
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Familiar Language
It refers to words/ terms that the reader easily recognizes and understands because
they use them regularly. The message has a greater effect when using vocabulary that is
familiar to the reader.
Unfamiliar Familiar
After our perusal of pertinent data, the The data we studied show that your
conclusion is that a lucrative market exists property is profitable and in high demand.
for the subject property.

The use of unfamiliar language or highfalutin words can eliminate the essence of the
message like in both examples below:

A letter sent to senior high school students warning them of the risks of an unhealthy
diet:
―Individuals who maintain a diet of high-fat consent are exposed to an increased risk
of developing atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fat deposits on the inner walls of the
arteries. This condition can reduce or cut off the flow of blood in the arteries serving the
major organs of the body. This can lead to poor health.‖

An assignment given to a class of ABM students by their philosophy teacher:

―The presently assigned paper necessitates an eloquently articulated analysis of the
Existentialist perspective as it pertains to contemporary living. You should adumbrate the
points which represent the sine qua non of your analysis.‖

Precise Language
Through the use of precise language, vocabulary of specific nouns ,and vivid verbs,
you can construct clear mental images and avoid wordiness. Moreover, the use of concise
language, using the fewest possible words without sacrificing meaning, makes your writing
more understandable.

Precise writing replaces vague terms for accurate nouns and active verbs.

Examples:

Imprecise Precise
Entrepreneurs use professional writing skills Entrepreneurs use professional writing
to communicate with others. skills to communicate effectively with clients
and business partners.

Research is taught early in the academic Research is taught to first-year university

world. students.

Constructive Language
The use of constructive language expresses a potentially negative in a positive way,
while destructive language leads the reader to blame and criticism, causing defensiveness.
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 Destructive Constructive
The problem is.. The challenge is..
What you do not understand is .. Let me explain in a different way.
It is not my problem. How can I help?

Formality of Language
The formality of the language used should conform to the formality of the situation and the
relationship between the writer and the reader. Consider the following examples.

Very Formal Formal Informal

Exceedingly large segments A large number of consumers A lot of people are
of the population are are complaining about medical unhappy with their
expressing their discontent doctors who are apparently doctors who only seem
with medical practitioners who more interested in making to care about how much
appear to more engrossed in money than in providing money they make, and
amassing financial assets effective health care. not giving their patients
than in providing efficacious good care.
care to people with health
disorders.

Depending on the reader, the writer’s relationship with the reader, and the
circumstance, the three examples may be suitable.
In one case, it might be appropriate to note that the language will be entirely
permissible in another. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the objectives of your writing,
and use language that is consistent with your objectives.

Take note.

Colloquial Informal Semi-Formal Formal

Language Language Language Language
Audience Close friends, General General Specialized
family
Purpose Immediate Expression of Expression of Expression and
communication ideas of a ideas of general development of
personal nature interest ideas within the
course
Contractions Common Contractions, Generally Avoided
and slang yes; slang, no avoided
First/ Second Common Used for Used only to Avoided
Person rhetorical effect clarify meaning
Sentence Whatever Complete Sentences are Sentences are
Structure conveys correct complete and complete and
meaning sentences are correct. correct.
used, but not
always

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Mechanics

These are conventions that have to be considered in writing. Spelling, punctuation,

and capitalization are some of the examples. To prevent confusion, it is necessary to know
and follow these conventions in writing.

1. Spelling
When you write, always make sure that you are consistently using one standard
regarding the spelling of your words. Remember that there are slight differences in American
English spelling and British English spelling.

American Spelling British Spelling

airplane aeroplane
analyze analyse
anesthesia anaesthesia
aging ageing
color colour
defense defence
learned learnt
organize organise
theater theatre
traveled travelled

2. Punctuation
It is the act of using a system of symbols used to provide structure to and organize a
text, such as a comma, period,quotation marks, question marks, etc. The use of punctuation
directs the reader to interpret the text.

Punctuation Marks Uses

1. Commas ,
a. Use a comma to separate items in a series. If all items in the
series are followed by and or or, use a comma
Example:
Squirrel, rabbit, and venison are the three kinds of meat
originally in a burgoo.
b. Use a comma to separate two complete sentences joined by a
conjunction (and, but, or, nor, or for, and sometimes yet and so).
Example:
We ran out of gas, so I went to the nearest gas refilling station.
c. Use commas to set off dates and addresses
Examples: January 08, 2021/ Davao City, Philippines
2. Semicolons ; a. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences when there is no
coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, or for.
Example: Class was canceled today; Mr. Diaz was homesick.

b. If the two sentences are joined by a conjunctive adverb, such

as however, consequently, therefore, or moreover, use a
semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Example: Leaves fell from the trees in multiple colors;
consequenty, we have a big job ahead for us raking them into
compost piles.

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 c. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences joined with
coordinating conjunction when commas are contained within
either of the sentences.
Example: Leaves fell from the trees in red, gold, yellow, and
brown; and it looked like snow with a rainbow.

d. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series if there are

commas within the items
Example: Ms. Dapar, my friend; Mr. Diaz, my neighbor; and Ms.
Lastimosa, my MAPEH teacher all pledged to support the
program.

3. Colon : a. Use colon for conventional items: giving the time, separating
chapter from a verse in Bible references, separating volume from
a page in bibliography references, and writing a salutation in a
business letter.
Examples: 5:30 a.m./ Luke 4:17-28/ Dear Madam:

b. Use a colon to introduce a formal list. Words such as the

following or as follows frequently signal a formal list.
Example: The attendant made the following checks on my car: oil
level, transmission fluid level, battery, tire pressure, and
windshield washer fluid.
Apostrophe „ An apostrophe is used as a substitute for a missing letter or letters
in a word (as in the contraction cannot = can't), to show the
possessive case (Jane's room), and in the plural of letters, some
numbers and abbreviations. Note: groups of years no longer
require an apostrophe (for example, the 1950s or the 90s).
Dash — A dash is used to separate parts of a sentence.
Example:
The dash is also known as an "em dash" because it is the length
of a printed letter m — it is longer than a hyphen
Ellipsis ... An ellipsis (three dots) indicates that part of the text has been
intentionally been left out.
Example: 0, 2, 4, ... , 100
Exclamation point ! An exclamation point is used to show excitement or emphasis.
Example: It is cold!
Hyphen - A hyphen is used between parts of a compound word or name. It
is also used to split a word by syllables to fit on a line of text.
Example: The sixteen-year-old girl is a full-time student.
Parentheses () Parentheses are curved lines used to separate explanations or
qualifying statements within a sentence (each one of the curved
lines is called a parenthesis). The part in the parentheses is called
a parenthetical remark.
Example: This sentence (like others on this page) contains a
parenthetical remark.
Period . A period is used to note the end of a declarative sentence.
Example: I am busy.
Question mark ? A question mark is used at the end of a question.
Example: Where are you?
Quotation mark ― Quotation marks are used at the beginning and end of a phrase to
show that it is being written exactly as it was originally said or
written.

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 Example: She said, "Let's eat."

3. Capitalization
Capitalization, like punctuation, helps express details. Any sentence’s first word is
capitalized, signaling that a new sentence has started. To signify uniqueness, proper nouns
are capitalized. However, using capitalization merely to make a word appear or sound
significant is not right.
Below are few examples of words that require capitalization:
Proper nouns Examples : Arthur, Davao City
Proper adjectives Examples : Chinese, Filipino
Days of the week Examples : Sunday, Monday
Months of the year Examples: January, February

Specific Course Titles Example : Theater 101

Kinship names used in place of personal Examples: Grandpa, Mom, Aunt Selly,
name and are followed by personal names Uncle Ben
Historical periods, events, documents Examples: Great Depression, the
Renaissance, the Constitution

Let Us Practice

Activity 2. Into the text

Directions: Read carefully the paragraph below and examine its content applying the
properties of a well-written text. Write your text evaluation in the table below.

(1) Learning how to drive a car with a stick shift is difficult. (2) The
location of each gear and the best speed to drive for each gear must be
learned. (3) How to push in the clutch and change the gear to obtain the
best speed can be tricky until the driver discovers just where the clutch
accelerates the gear speed. (4) bouncing and jerking can occur until the
maneuver is mastered. (5) The ―sweet spot‖ is different in all cars. (6)
Downshifting has to be learned to allow for turns and slowing. (7) The
clutch and gear speed work together again but the gear is shifted to slow
down, not to speed up.

My evaluation…….

Text Organization Coherence and Language Use Mechanics

Cohesion

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