Reading & Writing

Properties of a Well-Written Text

Incorporating the properties of a well-written text in our writing enhances clarity, engagement, credibility, professionalism, effectiveness, and audience satisfaction. This ultimately leads to more impactful and successful communication.

A. Unity:

- Unity in writing ensures that every part of your text supports a single main idea or theme. For example, in an essay about climate change, every paragraph should contribute to the central theme of environmental degradation caused by human activities.

Example:

Climate change, an urgent issue facing our planet today, is primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and intensive agriculture. These activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Moreover, human actions contribute to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, weakening ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate impacts. The reliance on non-renewable resources perpetuates this cycle of environmental destruction, posing immediate threats to ecosystems and communities. Understanding and addressing these human-induced factors are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding the future of our planet.

B. Coherence and Cohesion:

Coherence: Refers to the logical and orderly connection between ideas within a text. It is achieved if the text is organized in a way that makes it easy for readers to follow and understand the flow of ideas.

Cohesion: Refers to the grammatical and lexical devices used to connect different parts of a text. It ensures that there is a smooth transition between sentences and paragraphs, enhancing the clarity and readability of the text.

Example

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape, Sarah found herself lost in thought. She reflected on the day's events and the challenges she had encountered. Despite the setbacks, she remained determined to overcome obstacles and pursue her goals with unwavering resolve. With each new day, she drew strength from the lessons learned and the support of loved ones, propelling her forward on her journey towards success. As the stars began to twinkle in the evening sky, Sarah felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she was exactly where she needed to be.

C. Organization:

- Organizing your ideas logically is crucial for clarity and understanding. When ideas are organized logically and accurately the knowledge of the parts of a composition is a great in adhering to the correct organization of the ideas. The sentences within the paragraph must also be organized logically.

Example:

The process of baking a cake involves several steps. First, gather all the necessary ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Then, follow the recipe instructions carefully, mixing the ingredients in the correct order before baking in the oven.

D. Language Use:

- It refers to the deliberate and effective selection, arrangement, and manipulation of words, phrases, sentences, and stylistic elements to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and engage the reader. It enables the writer to effectively communicate ideas without confusing the reader. This is achieved by observing the following time tested principles in writing.

Language Use “The Do’”

Example:

In today's digital age, cyberbullying has emerged as a pervasive issue, with devastating consequences for its victims. The deliberate use of technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten others can have profound effects on mental health and well-being. From hurtful comments on social media to the spread of malicious rumors online, cyberbullying takes many forms, leaving its victims feeling isolated and powerless. It is imperative that

Do`s

Example

1. Use clear and concise sentences.

Should average18 words long per

sentence

• Proper internet usage entails respecting privacy and verifying information sources to foster a safe and informed digital environment. Misuse risks misinformation and breaches of personal data, compromising online integrity and security.

2. Avoid redundancies

• Although the offsprings are taught not to obtain free gifts from strangers, at the present moment many still do.

3. Avoid the use of “there” and “it” structures.

• There are many people walking on this street during Sundays. It is important to keep your valuables close to you.

4. Consistent pronoun`s point of view.

• We should accept that fate is simply an illusion; you must not base out decisions on

  something that does not exist.

5. Avoid sexist language

1. The chairman has already made a decision.

2. Every student must submit his task on time.

6. Use an appropriate level of formality Formal (academic tone): Diskettes may be outdated, but they are still fascinating.

Less formal (colloquial tone): Yes, diskettes are like thinks in the past but they`re still totally cool. we, as a society, take a stand against cyberbullying by fostering a culture of respect and empathy online. By promoting kindness and understanding in our digital interactions, we can create a safer and more inclusive online environment for all. Together, let us raise awareness about the harmful impacts of cyberbullying and work towards building a more compassionate and supportive online community.

E. Mechanics:

- Mechanics encompass grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting, ensuring that your writing is clear, accurate, and professional. The proper use of punctuation, such as commas and periods, helps clarify the structure of sentences and avoid confusion for the reader.

Example:

The bustling city streets were alive with activity as pedestrians hurried along the sidewalks, cars honked their horns, and street vendors called out to passersby. Amidst the chaos, Sarah spotted her friend waiting patiently outside the coffee shop. With a smile, she quickened her pace, eager to catch up over a steaming cup of coffee. As they settled into their seats, Sarah's friend shared exciting news about an upcoming project, and Sarah listened intently, offering words of encouragement and support. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and shared memories, creating a moment of connection amidst the bustling cityscape.

IV. Recap

- Remember the acronym L-U-C-C-O-M (Language Use, Unity, Coherence and Cohesion, Organization, Mechanics) as a guide for crafting well-written texts.

What is INTERTEXTUALITY?

- It refers to a work whose meaning is shaped by referencing or calling to mind other texts.

- This can take various forms, including direct quotations, allusions, parodies, or stylistic imitations.

- Reader gets to understand the context of the piece only through wealth of previous knowledge

- Julia Kristeva coined the term “intertextuality.” She argues that authors do not create their texts from their own mind, but rather compile them from pre-existent texts.

Examples:

• “Their parents are against their marriage. They are just like Romeo and Juliet.”

• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen: In this classic novel, Austen makes numerous allusions to

other literary works and historical events. For instance, the opening line, "It is a truth universally

acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife," is a playful inversion of a common sentiment found in moralistic literature of Austen's time.

• "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot: Eliot's modernist poem is densely intertextual, incorporating

references to a wide range of texts, including classical mythology, Shakespeare's plays, the Bible, and the works of Dante. These references enrich the poem's meaning and invite readers to engage with a complex web of cultural and literary allusions.

What is HYPERTEXTUALITY?

✓ characterized by external links embedded in a text by the writer

✓ the reader can read in a non-linear manner because he/she is led to the other links outside the text

✓ Theodor Holm Nelson coined the terms hypertext and hypermedia to refer to features of a

computerized information system. He used the word "link" to refer the logical connections that came to be associated with the word "hyperlink."

Hypertext in Online Media

“Hello, my dear readers!

In my past blog, I have shown you the travel spots in Palawan. In this post, allow me to take you to Boracay!

Go to Summer Escapades.”

Hypertext in Print Media

The Pearl of the Orient Seas1 is blessed with many beaches, but Boracay2 still remains as one of the most popular tourist destinations.

1 A historical moniker given to the Philippines

2 A small island in Aklan, Visayas

Synthesis:

• In the course of browsing information, there are readers who find pleasure and satisfaction in the text by connecting it with a similar narrative or issue.

• However, some readers with the intention to further enrich the information at hand, deliberately open the highlighted parts or links of the text.

• Both practices cover the intertextuality and the hypertextuality of the content and the context of the reading material.

TYPES OF CLAIMS:

✓ Claim of FACT

✓ Claim of VALUE

✓ Claim of POLICY

What is a CLAIM?

• In a strategic discourse, a claim is a statement we make to an audience with an anticipation that they should agree with it.

• It could also be an opinion, an idea, or an assertion.

Claim of FACT

✓ asserts some empirical truth

✓ those we think rightly as being true or false, “How likely is it that it is true?”

✓ provides information or explanation that predicts or characterizes events

✓ determined by careful observation of past, present, or future

✓ argues through the strength of the evidence presented as a reason for the arguer's belief in claim

Examples:

• Research studies are conducted to improve human condition.

• The use of cellphones pulls students away from learning.

• "The average global temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius over the past century."

• "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level under standard atmospheric pressure."

• "Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor."

Claim of VALUE

• asserts a judgment of some sort

• based on things we like or dislike deals with goals or things we find attractive)

• argues whether the underlying value of the claim is accepted as a public good

• key words: good, well, kind, useful, desirable

Examples:

• Musical comedy is the best form of entertainment.

• The work from home set-up is better than working in the office.

• "Environmental conservation should take precedence over economic development."

• "Traditional family values are essential for societal stability."

• "Freedom of speech should be protected, even if it means allowing hate speech."

Claim of POLICY

• asserts that an action should be taken

• typically provide a solution or another series of questions

• argues whether the reasons for taking the action outweigh the possible costs of taking the action

• key words: should, ought, must

Examples:

• Dress code should be introduced for all students.

• President Duterte recalled an order allowing kids aged 10-14 outside their homes.

• "Schools should mandate comprehensive sex education programs to reduce teen pregnancy rates."

• "The minimum wage should be raised to provide a living wage for all workers."

• "Public smoking should be banned to protect public health."

More examples:

• Claim of Fact: The death penalty does not deter crime.

• Claim of Value: Since it is inequitably administered, capital punishment is unjust.

• Claim of Policy: The death penalty should be abandoned by civilized societies.

• Claim of Fact: E-mail is not private.

• Claim of Value: It is ethical to use the office e-mail system for private business.

• Claim of Policy: The Philippines should institute national laws regulating privacy in use of e-mail.

Synthesis:

• Claims of FACT asserts the truth or falsity of a statement based on verifiable evidence and objective reality. These claims are grounded in empirical observation, scientific inquiry, or historical analysis.

• Claims of VALUE, on the other hand, express subjective judgments about the worth, desirability, or morality of something. Unlike claims of fact, which can be proven or disproven through empirical

evidence, claims of value are rooted in personal beliefs, cultural norms, and ethical principles.

• Claims of POLICY propose specific courses of action or advocate for particular policies to address

social issues, solve problems, or achieve desired outcomes. These claims focus on what should be done in response to a given situation, aiming to influence decision-makers, shape public policy, or mobilize collective action.