Senior High School

Reading and Writing

Quarter 3: Module 2 - Lesson 1
Stay Organized

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Reading and Writing – Senior High School
Module 2 – Lesson 1: Stay Organized
First Edition, 2020

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Editors: Liny B. Grefal

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 MODULE 2 – LESSON 1

Stay Organized
Welcome to your new lesson!
With your learning experiences in the previous lesson, I am pretty sure that you completely
understand the different patterns of development across disciplines. You also had exciting and
interesting activities that made you realize how important writing a paragraph is. However, it is
not enough that you only know the parts of a paragraph and essay. You also have to be
knowledgeable on the aspects that make a well-written text to ensure the quality of your work and
to effectively communicate your message.
Through this module, you will gain knowledge on text organization as one of the properties
of a well-written text and the techniques in achieving it

Specifically, after working on this module, you should be able to:

 identify the features of a well-organized text

 evaluate a written text based on its organization.

Now, let us begin.

As you start studying this module, you will encounter some difficult words that
might hinder you in understanding the lesson. Try to make yourself familiar with the words
listed below.
1. Organization – the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader logically
through it
2. Physical format – it is how the text physically appears like headings and subheadings,
bullet points or font emphasis
3. Signal words - these are textual cues that readers can use to follow a text
4. Structure - this is the framework upon which the text is organized
5. Chronological - it organizes events in the order they happened
6. Spatial - it describes a scene typically organizing that information by location
7. Sequence – arrangement
8. Logical - reasonable

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 Below are set of sentences about rewriting. Determine the most logical sequence of the
sentences to arrive at a well-organized paragraph by writing the letters A-E on a separate sheet
of paper.

______1. They create and review in their minds before they approach the page
______2. There are a few writers who also do little formal rewriting.
______3. Rewriting is something most writers find they have to do.
______4. They rewrite to discover what they have to say and how to say it.
______5. They have capacity and experience to create and review a large number of invisible
drafts.
.

How did you find the

initial activity? Did you get all
the answers correctly? If not,
don’t worry, you’ll learn as you
proceed with the module.

?
What is text organization?
Text organization is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the
reader logically through it. This property makes a text readable and clear.
In simpler words, it is the consistent development and completeness of
ideas in a text.
You have to remember that a well-organized piece of writing supports
readers by making it easy for them to follow.

How can text organization be achieved?

Text
Organization

ideas are knowledge of

logically and the parts of a
accurately composition
arranged

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What are the techniques to achieve text organization?
Organization can be achieved through the following techniques:
1. PHYSICAL FORMAT
- it is an aspect of the organization that is immediately apparent to the reader. It is seen
in how the text physically appears like headings and subheadings, bullet points or font
emphasis. However, use this technique with discretion as improper or superfluous
formatting can be confusing.

Example:
Marxist ideology has three main theories. Historical materialism
claims that all the features of society can historically be 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.
Explanation:

The words in bold are the three main most important Marxist theories
that the first sentence is referring to. By emphasizing these words, the
reader can identify the correct term for the concepts along with their
definitions; this would also aid in remembering the theories since they
stick out from the rest of the text.

2. SIGNAL WORDS
- are textual cues that readers can 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 (e.g., linear narration, question and answer).

Example:
Chuck Palahniuk’s novel Fight Club greatly influenced me as a fictional
writer. First, his use of the unreliable narrator fascinated me, and I have
written similar characters in my works. Second, the theme of
patriarchal oppression can also be found in the stories I write. Third,
the novel’s stunning twist is something that I have been trying to
recreate. Thus, I am extremely grateful to have encountered
Palahniuk’s genius early in my writing career.
Explanation:
The words in bold are the three main most important Marxist theories
that the first sentence is referring to. By emphasizing these words, the
reader can identify the correct term for the concepts along with their
definitions; this would also aid in remembering the theories since they
stick
By using sequential signal words (first, second and third)
before the beginning of every sentence, the reader can follow
what seems to be the writer’s list of three reasons why the novel
influenced him. The word “thus” also signals the conclusion and
the end of the list.
out from the rest of the text.
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 3. STRUCTURE
- provides the framework upon which the text is organized. It consists of the following:
 Beginning: introduction, thesis statement, hook
 Middle: supporting details
 End: conclusion, summary, final message

Example:

Ancient philosophies believe that a person has an “aura,” this appears

as a rainbow of light around the body that can be seen by individuals
with clairvoyant abilities. The colors change depending on one’s mood,
health and thoughts. Some scientists believe that the existence of the
aura has something to do with the electromagnetic fields produced by
cells and tissues in the human body. Whether auras are real or not, the
fact remains that there are forces everywhere that are real even though
we cannot see them.

Explanation:

Organization in this paragraph is not readily noticeable as it does not

use cues like formatting or signal words. However, the text is organized
in this way:
 Beginning: Introduce topic of aura
 Middle: Definition and evidence of existence of
auras
 End: Ending message about forces in the world
By adhering to the structure, the writer can produce a text that is still
easy to follow. The topic, supporting details and concluding message
is still clear to the reader.

Practice Task 1: Get ready to ASSEMBLE

Below are paragraphs which are made of jumbled sentences. Can you arrange the
following sentences in the correct order to produce well-organized paragraphs? Write the
numbers on your answer sheets.

Paragraph 1
_____a. For a lightweight poster or sign, you can use either offset book stock or cover
stock.
_____b. You’ll probably have to take your publication to a commercial printer, however,
since bristol won’t feed through most desktop printers or copy machines.
_____c. The type of paper you choose for a poster or a sign depends on how it will be
reproduced and how it is going to be used.
_____d. If you need to create a more durable poster or sign, or create packaging, bristol
stock is your best choice.

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Paragraph 2
_____a. Time may indicate the importance of the occasion as well as on what level an
interaction between persons is to take place.
_____b. The same applies for calls after 11:00 P.M.
_____c. Different parts of the day, for example, are highly significant in certain contexts.
_____d. Our realization that time talks is even reflected in such common expressions as,
“What time does the clock say?”
_____e. In the United States, if you telephone someone very early in the morning while
he is shaving or having breakfast, the time of the call usually signals a matter of utmost
importance and extreme urgency.
_____f. A call received during sleeping hours is apt to be taken as a matter of life and
death, hence the rude joke value of these calls among the young.

That’s a good start! Let’s get

deeper. Are you ready to do
the next task? Good luck!

Practice Task 2: Know the SIGNS

One of the techniques to achieve text organization is through signal words. Below are well-
organized paragraphs. Copy the text on your notebook or on a separate sheet of paper then
underline the signal words used in each.
1. There are many benefits to reading more often. First and foremost, reading more will broaden
your understanding of yourself and other people. It will also introduce you to new information and
ideas. Furthermore, it will improve your overall reading comprehension. In addition, reading more
will improve your vocabulary and increase your reading speed.

2. It was just one of those days. First, I woke up an hour late. Then, I realized that my shirt had a
big stain on it. So I quickly changed and ran out the door. A few minutes later, I was standing at
the bus stop wondering where my bus could be. Suddenly, I remembered that I was supposed to
set my clock back an hour last night. That’s when I realized I wasn’t late – I was a whole hour
early!

3. Before applying the screen protector, clean the surface of your phone’s screen with a soft cloth.
Once the surface of your screen is clean, remove the paper backing on the screen protector.
Evenly apply the sticky side of the screen protector to your phone’s screen. Smooth out any air
bubble trapped on between the protector and the phone screen. Enjoy the added protection.

Fantastic! You’re doing better.

One more task left…Let’s do it
now!

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Practice Task 3: Put your COMMENTS below!
Read and analyze the three paragraphs and give your comments on how the ideas are
organized and presented. Write your responses on a separate sheet of paper.

Paragraph 1
The hotel is famous. It is one of the most well-known hotels in the country. The latest
international dancing competition was held at the hotel. The hotel spent a lot of money to advertise
the event. Because the hotel wanted to gain international reputation. But not many people
attended the event.
Paragraph 2
The hotel, which is one of the most well-known hotels in the region, wanted to promote its
image around the world by hosting the latest international dancing competition. Although the event
was widely advertised, not many people participated in the competition.
Paragraph 3
The latest international dancing competition was held at the hotel, which is one of the most
well-known hotels in the region. The hotel spent a lot of money on advertising the event since it
wanted to enhance its international reputation; however, it failed to attract many people.

Great job! You’re done with

all the tasks.
Congratulations!

Now that you have completed the exercises above, let’s have some more. But this
time, you have to evaluate each paragraph.
Read the following paragraphs and decide whether or not they are well-organized
paragraphs of sufficient length and with a proper topic sentence. If yes, write acceptable; if not,
write unacceptable. Write your responses on a separate sheet of paper.

1. There are many types of pets in an average household. People will often even choose pets
according to their personalities. Some people like small dogs that are easy to take care of and
do not demand a lot of attention. Some owners prefer strong or vicious dogs, like bulldogs for
example. Other people might like cats because they are independent and really need no
attention at all. Birds provide people with a lot of company; if you like bird songs, but their
cages need a lot of cleaning. A fish tank is great to look at but that tanks must be cleaned
often as well. Some people even treat their plants like pets and talk to them. In a zoo, large
animals, like polar bears, are left to themselves in their cages.

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2. Every human like to wonder by nature. We wonder where our next meal is coming from or
whether we have enough money to go out the next weekend. We wonder whether we might
all catch a virus or disease if we are not careful, but what we can do? We also need to take
care of our environment and car pollution is a major problem. Most large cars are gas guzzles
and the gas is even getting more and more expensive. Who can afford a car anymore? Who
needs a car anymore? We must control our natural resources. No wonder we are unhappy.

3. In conclusion, we see that Thomas has clearly centered his choices of seven wonders in
the scientific world, on cells and a virus for example, on the smallest living things. However,
he has also gone to the other end of the scale with his choices of the human child and the
planet Earth. Most readers would probably agree with the last two choices and even with most
of the other choices as well, because he is convincing in his arguments. Just thinking of the
development of Earth could keep us busy a long time. My choices would likely include the
modern automobile or jet plane, I think. What would your choices include? Just making us
think about it all means he has written a successful essay.

4. The ancient Egyptians were masters of preserving dead people’s bodies by making
mummies of them. Mummies several thousand years old have been discovered nearly intact.
The skin, hair, teeth, fingernails, and toenails, and facial features of the mummies were
evident. It is possible to diagnose the disease they suffered in life, such as smallpox, arthritis,
and nutritional deficiencies. The process was remarkably effective. Sometimes apparent were
the fatal afflictions of the dead people: a middle-aged king died from a blow on the head, and
polio killed a child king. Mummification consisted of removing the internal organs, applying
natural preservatives inside and out, and then wrapping the body in layers of bandages.

5. Advertising is a kind of business tool that is used by producers to attract people’s attention
to buy their products. Advertisements also seem like news of fashions and styles. Producers
promote their products in magazines, newspapers, posters, and also through television and
radio. Whether we realize it or not, advertising brings more negative than positive effects. Our
life is influenced by advertising without realizing that we are cheated by the producers who
used advertisements to promote their products.

Job-well-done! You completed

the module. I hope you enjoyed
the journey.

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 Rewrite the given paragraph on a separate sheet to make it a well – organized one. You
may use appropriate signal words or transitional devices discussed in Learning About It section.

Text without Organization Text with Organization

Thomas Edison was simply the one
who created the first commercially viable
light bulb. It is widely believed that he
invented the light bulb. What made Edison’s
light bulb successful was his use of
carbonized bamboo as the filament. This
made the bulb last longer and it was cheap
enough to be available for the masses. He
only improved on previous works of
inventors who also worked on the same
project.

One of the properties of a well-written text is text organization. It refers to the way
sentences are ordered and structured to create a unified and cohesive body of text. It can be
achieved through physical format, signal words and structure.

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Possible Answer:
Although it is widely believed that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, in reality
he was simply the one who created the first commercially viable light bulb. Along with
his team, Edison improved the previous works of inventors who also worked on the
same project. Compared to previous versions, what made his light bulb successful was
his use of carbonized bamboo as filament. This made the bulb last longer and it was
cheap enough to be available for the masses.
1. Unacceptable
2. Unacceptable
3. Acceptable
4. Unacceptable
5. Unacceptable
Task 1:
Paragraph 1: c, a, d, b
Paragraph 2: a, c, e, b, f , d
Task 2:
1. First and foremost, Furthermore, In addition
2. First, Then, Suddenly
3. Before, Once
Task 3:
Possible answers:
Paragraph 1: The ideas are not well-organized.
Paragraph 2: The organization of ideas is better than in the first example
Paragraph 3: The ideas are well presented and well – organized.
Possible answer:
1. F
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. D
Answer Key
References

www.slideshare.net. “Properties of a Well-Written Text – Reading and Writing.” Published on

February 24, 2018. https://www.slideshare.net/aliciamargaretjavelosa/properties-of-a-
wellwritten-text-reading-and-writing

Monica Tan.www.academia.edu. “Properties Of A Well-Written Text.” Accessed date July

02,2020.https://www.academia.edu/34256187/READING_AND_WRITING_First_Quarter
_Period_ PROPERTIES_OF_A_WELL-WRITTEN_TEXT

KatrinaClaireLandich.www.slideshare.net.“Properties of a Well-Written Text.” Accessed date

July 02,2020.https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/KatrinaClaireLandich/properties-of-a-
well-written-text-88147656

Liza Mae Neis. “PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT.” Updated December 08, 2016.
https://prezi.com/bhm-a9lxb8wu/properties-of-a-well-written-text/?fallback=1

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Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City 4500
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Email: region5@deped.gov.ph