Reading and Writing Skills

Quarter 3 –Module 2:
Properties of Well-written
Texts

HAZEL MAE M. HERRERA, LPT

SUBJECT TEACHER

Ridgewood School of Caloocan, Inc.

31 L27, Acacia St., Rainbow 5, Ph.2 Bagumbong
Caloocan City
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to guide you in writing a well-
written text. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

Learning competency:

Evaluate a written text based on its properties (organization, coherence and cohesion,
language use and mechanics)

The module is intended to discuss the topic: Properties of a well-written text

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify properties of a well-written text;

2. Evaluate written text based on the identified properties; and

3. Write a well-written text

Lesson 1: Properties of Well-Written

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.

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

 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.

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.

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.
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
Shakespeare’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.
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.

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.
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.

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:

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.

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.
 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.
Congratulations! You have finally reached the end of this module. Before testing yourself on
how much you have learned about the concepts discussed. Here are the lesson’s key takeaways.

 A well-written text requires organization, coherence and cohesion, appropriate language

use, and mechanics.
 Organization is about the arrangement of ideas, incidents, details, evidence, and order.
 Coherence is the connection of ideas in the concept level.
 Cohesion is the connection of ideas in the sentence level.
 Language use refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary usage.
 Mechanics includes correct grammar, spelling, capitalization, abbreviations, and
acronyms, the use of numbers as part of the statement, and the punctuation marks.