Using Credit Cards is convenient, but dangerous.

It
will give you a cashless transaction. Also, you can make
large purchases both online or in department stores
easily without saving up lots of money beforehand.
Moreover, this is beneficial when you purchase cars,
gadgets, home appliances, etc., because it is hassle free.
However, this convenience also comes at a high price
and high interest rates especially if you miss to pay your
monthly dues. If not managed properly, Credit Card debt
may double and may even soak you in a very horrible
situation facing a mountain of arrears or financial
obligation. OMG! That is very awful, owing to the fact
that paying accumulated bank interest is distressing!
1. What is the topic of the entire paragraph?
2. What is the topic sentence?
3. What is the cliché present in the paragraph?
4. What are the errors in mechanics specifically on
spelling and capitalization found in the text?
Properties of a Well- Written Text
In order for a paragraph to be effective and easy to
understand it should consider the properties of a well-
written text such as organization, coherence and
cohesion, unity, language use and mechanics.
1. UNITY- achieved when a paragraph is developed using one
idea. In a unified paragraph, all the sentences supports the main
idea.
Example:
Cellphones have both advantages and disadvantages to man.
Through cellphones, connecting with family members, friends, relatives,
acquaintances and even connecting with the world became possible. It also
makes our life comfortable because it brings us fun and leisure. Moreover,
cellphones give us an easy access to information and global issues in just a
single click. However, they also pose a number of disadvantages. For
example, spending too much time in using cellphones may later on lead to
addiction. Once a person is addicted, it will affect his/her productivity in
doing his work. Also, irresponsible use of cellphones through browsing
unnecessary websites may pollute one’s mind. Finally, too much
indulgence to this gadget may also bring health hazard due to too much
radiation absorbed by our body. To sum, gadgets like cellphones have
indeed benefits to man only if they are used wisely and responsibly.
2. COHERENCE- can be achieved when the ideas are connected at the conceptual
level.
COHESION- can be achieved when ideas are connected at the sentence level. It
can be applied through using transitional devices to connect ideas among
sentences, being consistent in the use of pronouns and by repeating the key words
to link all sentences together.
Examples of transitional devices
 To specify the sequence
- again, also, and, then, finally, first, last, moreover, next, still
 To specify time
- before, earlier, after a while, afterward, as long as, as soon as, at last
 To specify contrast
- although, but, despite, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the other hand,
regardless, yet
 To specify comparison
- likewise, similarly, once more
 To specify examples
- after all, for example, for instance, such as, indeed, specifically
 To specify cause and effect
- as a result, hence, because, therefore, thereupon, thus, for this reason
Example:
I am a proud Daonhon because our town Tobias Fornier
formerly known as Dao has several tourist attractions. First, it has
a beautiful Puntahagdan View Resort located at Brgy. Paciencia,
Tobias Fornier. A place is dubbed as a point “where the mountains
meet the sea.” The white sand and bleached corals add to the
attraction of the resort. It is a perfect venue for pre-nuptials,
wedding receptions, hiking, and seminars. Second, is the Alpas
Resort and Restaurant likewise located in the sitio of the same
barangay. This resort is known for serving organic foods grown and
produced in their own permaculture garden. And the last is
Dalaag Campsite and Resort located at Rizal St. Poblacion Norte,
Tobias Fornier. It has a 800-square meter swimming pool with water
slides and surrounded by a nipa huts. The place is also ideal for
family gathering, reunions etc. These three tourist attractions make
our town famous.
3. ORGANIZATION- this can be achieved when
ideas are arranged logically and accurately. This
helps in making the text readable and in making
its message clear. The use of signal words or
transitional device, pattern and structure can help
in making the paragraph organized appropriately.
Example:
My family is a great believer of superstitions
especially about taking examinations. First, a night
before the exam I should put my books and notebooks
under my pillow when I sleep so I could remember my
lessons. Second, I should not eat boiled eggs for
breakfast during examination day or else I will get zero
in the test. Finally, I have to wear red underwear
because it’s a sign of good luck. Along with a rigid
review, I always follow these beliefs which also turn out
good. Therefore, I am also superstitious because I let it
influence some aspects of my life.
4. LANGUAGE USE- this can be achieved through using the
right words that can capture the message that you want to
convey to the readers. This enables writers to effectively
communicate ideas without confusing the reader. The
following are the principles that must be observed for an
effective use of language.
a. Use standard or formal diction.
b. Use clear and concise sentence with an average of 18

words long.
c. Avoid redundancies, wordiness, clichés and

highfalutin language.
d. Avoid excessive use of “there” and “it”.
e. Use precise vocabulary.
5. MECHANICS- focuses on technicalities of the
structure. It determines errors on subject-verb
agreement, prepositions, tenses, the grammar, spelling,
capitalization, abbreviations and acronyms, the use of
numbers as part of the statement and the punctuation
marks.
Paragraph Coherence
Arrange the following sentences to form a coherent
paragraph.
1.
a. And if I'm really late, I even miss our first period in
the morning.

b. But if I forget to set my alarm, I woke up late and

rush in preparing everything.

c. As a result, I usually eat a little breakfast.

d. Setting an alarm clock helps you wake up early so

you will have plenty of time to prepare for school.
2.
a. Another way is watching English TV shows and
Holywood movies with subtitles.

b. Reading English books, comics, newspapers and

magazine can be of help.

c. Today, there are many ways to develop your

proficiency in using English language.

d. Practicing speaking English at home and in school is

also proven effective.
3.
a. While others remain undecided because they have so
many ambitions in life.

b. Deciding a course to be taken in college is quite

challenging, for this will define your future someday.

c. Some are already certain since they knew right from

the start what they wanted to be in the future.

d. It is indeed true that destiny is not a matter of

chance, but a matter of choice.
 I woke up at around 3 AM due to the urge to pee when I
smell smoke all over my place, panic creeps into my being, and I
rush through the window to see what is happening. A big fire is
already burning down my neighbor's house, loud sirens are all
over the place, and firefighters are already evacuating people
from our building. First, I grab my essential documents and then
pack some of my clothes when a large explosion happens, and
everything went blur. What property of a well-written text is
present in the paragraph?
a. Organization
b. Coherence and Cohesion
c. Language Use
d. Mechanics
 Hilda Asgeda is considered one of the most prominent
mayors in our country. Aside from that, she is also known for her
good deeds as a philanthropist whose advocacy is focused on
the empowerment of the youth as the future of the land. Due to
this, she was admired by her countrymen. What property of a
well-written text is present in the paragraph?
a. Organization
b. Coherence and Cohesion
c. Language Use
d. Mechanics
 Teacher James uses the word pedagogy to describe the
strategies and methodologies he used in the classroom when
writing his school reports. What property of a well-written text
James used?
a. Organization
b. Coherence and Cohesion
c. Language Use
d. Mechanics
 Micah made sure that her grammar, spellings,
capitalization of words, and acronyms used in her essay are
correct. What property of a well written-text was observed by
Micah while writing her essay?
a. Organization
b. Coherence and Cohesion
c. Language Use
d. Mechanics
 The onset of technology has brought a tremendous
transformation in the teaching and learning process.
Consequently, the rise of different mobile applications has
aided educators in enriching the learners' activities beyond
the classroom setting. What property of a well-written text is
present?
a. Organization
b. Coherence and Cohesion
c. Language Use
d. Mechanics
Activity: Create a short well–written text paragraph about
your personal experience in life employing the properties
of a well–written text.