3rdQ-Lessons
3rdQ-Lessons
Words form sentences as sentences form paragraph and books composed of those that
is why it is a need for us to know what is a text and discourse?
Basically, a text is a large unit of written language. It is very important to know the
nature of text for us to learn how to read and write effectively.
What is text? This are made up of sentences of it came from an old French word
“textus” means scriptures that is why it is generally considered as as written material,
especially longer pieces of writing as in a book, a letter, or a newspaper.
What is discourse? It came from a Late Latin word “discursus” which means
“conversation.” That is why it is considered as conceptual generalization
of conversation within each modality and context of communication. A text is actually a
connected discourse, for its wide range of definitions--- utterance, talk or even a
speech.
When we link the discourses together, it makes up a large unit of written language we
call a text. Jorgensen and Phillips 2002 put the qualities of a text as:
Written text acquires the characteristics of connected discourse when: ideas are
linked logically.
A text is a connected discourse, which means that all ideas in the text must be related in
the sense that they would express only one main idea, or that the text must have unity
by combining all ideas to emphasize a central idea.
Connectives are helpful in making the entire text connected. Connective is a word that
joins one part of a text to another.
Concluding Connectives:
Three common concluding connectives are:
In fact/Indeed
These two connectives have almost the same meaning and both can be used in
the following situations:
Knowing the nature of text will lead you to becoming adept in writing for you will
be guided by your own awareness of what it takes to write an effective text.
VARITIES OF DESCRIPTION
Objective Description
- Also used in reportorial and scientific writing, or other writing in which the goal
is to present an objective picture of an object or scene.
- Looks into factual and scientific characteristics of what is being described as
objectively as possible.
* The writer stays away from emotional impressions or responses and instead,
describes the scene as it is.
Subjective Description
- A sort of description that the author would normally use to
“paint a picture” of how he sees a character, or how he wants the reader to
see a character.
- Also used in a literary discourse when there is stereotyped image that can be
attributed to a person, place, or an event.
VARITIES OF DEFINITION
Scientific Definition
- Defines concepts in the most factual way, which is often used in scientific,
proper, or real-world facts.
Subjective Definition
- Defines the objects in a more personal way.
- Usually derived from the author's own experiences and opinion
- Often used by a writer to state something from the point of view of the
characters or in relation to the setting.
-
Example of Subjective Definition
. . . “[I]diot” is not a nice word to call somebody, and I find myself asking, as Mr.
Welch did of Senator Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no sense of decency, sir?”
Throughout my life, I have had to struggle to keep from thinking of myself in the
limiting way that word implies. So, for the record, I would like it known that I am not
an “idiot.” I am a person who suffers from idiocy. Nobody knows what it is like to deal
with crippling bouts of idiocy while trying to lead a normal life. The last thing I need is
for somebody to make it harder by pointing out what an “idiot” I am. (Frazer)
4. Exemplification and Classification Grammatical Signals
Classification - divides things into groups, for Classification
classes, or categories another
- organizes ideas into divisions classified as
based on criteria or one kind
standards the last group
another kind
Exemplification final type
- provides examples and the first category
illustrations in order to further the next part
clarify or explain the concept
or subject matter Grammatical Signals
- presents the general for Exemplification
statement and then provides after all
specific and concrete for instance
examples to expound on the namely
main idea that is
as an example
in other words
put another way
to be specific consider
the following
in specifically
to clarify
for example
in short
stated differently
to illustrate
Example:
Dogs are domesticated animals that have been living with humans for generations.
Dogs can be classified in several different ways. For example, they can be classified
by breed. Examples of different breeds include beagles, basset hounds, poodles
and countless others as defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also
be classified by their role in the lives of their masters and the work they do. For
example, a dog might be a family pet, a working dog, a show dog, or a hunting dog.
In many cases, dogs are defined both by their breed and their role. For example, a
dog could be a beagle that is a family pet.
5. Comparison and - organizes ideas based on Grammatical Signals
Contrast how events, places, people, for Comparing
things, and concepts are also
similar to or different from equally
one another in the same way
a. separately -involves similarly
describing one item first as
followed by the second item in a similar fashion
b. side-by-side -involves like
discussing both items based to compare
on each point of comparison both
in comparison
likewise
Grammatical Signals
for Contrasting
although
despite
instead
otherwise
and yet
even so
however
still
as opposed to
even though
nevertheless
the fact remains
but
in contrast
nonetheless
unlike
conversely
in spite of
on the contrary
whereas
counter to
in the meantime
on the other hand
yet
Example:
Although I raised Marcee and Obbie from puppies, they have completely diverse
personalities. Obbie is a six year old, male, toy Pomeranian whereas Marcee is a
one year old, female, Boston terrier. Obbie is small and soft, unlike Marcee who has
bristly hair and is much bigger. Marcee insists on sleeping on the bed, under the
covers every night. On the other hand, Obbie will only sleep on the floor, under the
bed. Obbie is tremendously loyal and uptight; however, Marcee is hyper and friendly
to anyone she meets or sees. Around other dogs, Marcee cowers to the larger dog,
yet Obbie will always stand his ground, never giving up until he is scolded. Given
that they were both treated the same way all their life, it is hard to believe that they
are so different in everything they do.
6. Cause and Effect - explains why something Grammatical Signal
happens or what results a for Cause
particular event produces As for
- used to show how the facts, in view of (the fact)
events, or concepts result owing to (the fact)
due to other facts, events, or because (of the fact)
concepts. for the reason that
in as much as
Paragraph emphasizing cause seeing that being that
Example: Several factors in that
contributed to the instability of the one reason
economy today. since
Paragraph emphasizing effect due to (the fact that)
Example: Renan should never have
quit his job, for now he is really in Grammatical Signals
trouble. for Effect
accordingly
consequently
in consequence
so that
as a consequence
for this reason
so
therefore
as a result (of this)
hence
so much (so) that thus
because (of this)
Grammatical Signal
for Conceding a
Point
admittedly
it is true that
obviously
true
assuredly
needless to say
of course
undoubtedly
certainly
no doubt
to be sure
unquestionably
granted
Topic: Properties of a Well-Written Text
Properties of a Well-Written Text
Organization- is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader logically
through it.
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.
Cohesion and Coherence- Coherence and cohesion make your text easier for your
readers to follow and understand.
How can we organize the details of a paragraph? In order for you to assure
cohesion and coherence, you need to consider that use of transitional and signal
devices. To achieve cohesion and coherence you must check the organization of your
ideas.
One thing that you need to consider is the arrangement of your details. To
connect the new detail to old detail you must think of the appreciate pattern to use.
Chronological Order The details are arranged in the order in which they
happened.
B. Signal Devices- are words that give the readers an idea of how the points in
the paragraph are progressing.
1. Transitions Words that connect one idea to another, in order for our
ideas to flow smoothly.
4. Pronouns Words that connect readers to the original word that the
pronouns replace.
1. Transitions
Time first, immediately, afterward, before, at the same time,
after, earlier, simultaneously, finally, next, in the
meantime, later, eventually, then, meanwhile, now,
subsequent, etc.
Sequence moreover, furthermore, next, also, finally, last, another,
first, second, third, besides, additionally, etc.
Space above, next to, below, behind, beside, etc.
Illustration for instance, specifically, for example, namely, in this
case, to illustrate, etc.
Comparison similarly, also, in the same way, still, likewise, in
comparison, too, etc.)
Contrast but, despite, however, even though, yet, on the other
hand, although, on the contrary, otherwise, conversely,
etc.
Cause and Effect because, as a result, consequently, then, so, since, etc.
Conclusion thus, therefore, in conclusion, in short, etc.
2. Repetitions
Examples:
1. If you think you can do it, you can do it.
2. The boy was a good footballer, because his father was a footballer, and his
grandfather was a footballer.
3. The judge commanded, stamping his mallet on the table, “Order in the court,
order in the court.”
4. The president said, “Work, work, and work,” are the keys to success.
3. Pronouns
Example of Pronouns used in an actual sentence:
Language Use- Appropriate language use refers to the acceptable style of language for
a particular form a text.
It is important that you make good choices when it comes to language use
because how you use language affects the tone of the text and the readers’
interpretation of it. Before writing, you have to think about and consider your target
audience.
It is important to determine when it is appropriate to use formal and
informal language.
Examples:
1. We asked the secretary to call the professor and get her permission for us to
continue our research.
2. We requested that the secretary contact the professor and obtain her permission
for us to continue our research.
In the first sentence, the writer used casual words and the second used words
that are more serious and appropriate to use when talking or writing to a person
of authority.
1. Spelling- When you write, always make sure that you are consistently using
one standard with regard to the spelling of your words.
Examples: American Spelling British Spelling
Color Colour
2. Capitalization- is the act of writing the first letter of a word in uppercase while
the rest of the letters are in lowercase.
REMEMBER
Mechanics focuses on the technicalities of the structure.
There are three arrangements of ideas; chronological, spatial and
emphatic order.
Coherence and cohesion make your text easier for your readers to follow
and understand.
Appropriate language use refers to the acceptable style of language for a
particular form a text.
Organization is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader
logically through it.
Signal Devices are words that give the readers an idea of how the points
in the paragraph are progressing.
There are four properties of a well-written text: organization, cohesion and
coherence, language use and mechanics.
Claims state the point or position of an author regarding a certain topic. The claim
statement is further proven by supporting details from various resources and reliable
evidence. This is the most important part of a written text as it does not only limit the
scope of the topic, but it also gives a concise summary of the writer’s thoughts and
argument.
Claims state the point or position of an author regarding a certain topic.
What is explicit and implicit? Explicit information is information that is clearly stated in
the text. Implicit, on the other hand, are ideas suggested in the text by not directly stated.
This is where the ability to make inferences based on clues within the text is applied.
There are three times of claims: claim of fact, claim of value and claim of policy. In this
module you will know their differences and definitions.
Claim of Fact- asserts that a condition has existed, exists, or will exist. To support this
claim it is a must to use factual evidence that is sufficient, reliable, and appropriate.
A claim of fact is not dependent on merely on a person’s preference but can be true or
false.
To support this claim, you must establish your standard that you are going to use in
measuring the beauty and morality of the topic.
To support this claim, you must first convince the audience that a problem exists and
then prove that your policy will fix it.
What is fact? fact is something, that has actually taken place or known to have
existed, which can be validated with pieces of evidence.
Kinds of Fact
The Philippines is
composed of three major
islands, namely Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao.