REVIEWER IN READING AND WRITING

Three Parts of Academic Essay

1. An introduction serves as a ―road map‖ for the reader (Gabelo et al., 2016). It acquaints the
readers of what they are about to learn by providing them necessary background about the
subject. The writer‘s central argument can be identified in a form of a thesis statement.
2. 2. A body, also called as the middle section, presents the writer‘s point of view which is
supported evidences. These facts prove the writer‘s argument and persuade the reader to accept
the writer's opinion and perspective.
3. A conclusion restates and summarizes the thesis and it identifies the key points of the essay
which proved the writer‘s position. It may also provide possible implications, suggestions, or
recommendations.

Structure of Comparison and Contrast Essay

1. Subject-by-Subject Format, also known as the block method. When you use this style, you
present all the facts and supporting details about one subject in separate paragraphs. A subject-
by-subject arrangement can have the following structure:

2. Point-by-Point Format. In this method, you organize information by discussing each point for
both subjects before you proceed explaining the subsequent point. A point-by-point arrangement
can have the following structure:
Properties of Well-written Texts

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.

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 Shakepeare‟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.

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.

Mechanics These are conventions that have to be considered in writing. Spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are some of the examples. To prevent confusion, it is necessary to know and follow these
conventions in writing.

Identify Claims in Written Texts

What is a Claim A claim is the most important part of the text or it is also called as the central argument
or thesis statement of the text. It is a sentence that summarizes the most important thing that the writer
wants to say as a result of his/her thinking, reading, or writing. Claims in texts are significant propositions
/ arguments. The logical and meaningful arrangement of claims allows a better judgment of a reader
while he/she determines the value of the claims cited.

The 3 Types of Claim

1. Claim of Fact states a quantifiable assertion, or a measurable topic. It usually answers a ―what‖
question. It is an inference made based on data, documents, scientific observation results, and
research. Factual claims could be founded in historical facts, in relational-causal events/concept,
and prediction based on plausible evidence.
Examples:
1. The sampaguita’s roots are used for medicinal purposes, such as an anesthetic and a sedative.
This inference is based on scientific observation results, and research.
2. Due to this COVID-19 outbreak, classes were opened in October, 2020 as declared by DEPED
and approved in Malacanang. This is in relational-causal events/concept, and prediction based on
plausible evidence.

2. Claim of Value asserts something that can be qualified. It consists of arguments about moral,
philosophical, or aesthetic topics. It makes judgments, based on certain standards, on whether
something is right or wrong, good or bad, or something similar. It also use of credible
authority/experts for support.

Examples:

1. God is saying to you today; ―I know you are physically and emotionally drained. But you
have to keep on going, I’ll see you through.‖ Amen. (lessonslearnedinlife.com)
(This consists of arguments about moral and philosophical topics.)
 2. Food for thought on Sunday of the 18th week in ordinary time on August 2, 2020 by
Monsignor Bonifacio Burlaza, ―Do I acknowledge my need for God’s help or do I look to other
things to satisfy this need? The use of credible authority/experts for support is employed here.

3. Claim of Policy that specific and measurable actions should be chosen as solutions to a particular
problem in order to address issues or concerns presented in an argument or proposition. This requires
proposals of clear and measurable actions or steps, justification of the proposed action, advantages of the
proposed action, possible counter arguments. You can easily identify a claim of policy because they begin
with ―should,‖ ―ought to’‖ or ―must,‖ Claims of policy because they defend actionable plans, usually
answering ―how‖ questions.

Examples:

1. To insure the accomplishment of this task of national spiritual reconstruction, we shall formulate and
adopt a social code that can be explained in the schools and preached from the pulpits.
(This entails specific and measurable actions as solutions to a particular problem in order to address
issues or concerns presented in an argument or proposition.)

2. On the foregoing Covid-19 Pandemic, Mayor Sarah Duterte urged Dabawenyos to stay at home,
unless they are working or need to go out to buy food and medicines; must wear face-masks in
public places, observe physical distancing, and practice frequent handwashing with soap.

(This is a concrete example of policy claim because these defend actionable plans, usually answering
“how” questions.)