Senior High School

Reading and Writing

Quarter 4: Module 1 - Lesson 1
Hypertext: A Click to Discovery

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Reading and Writing – Senior High School
Module 1 - Lesson 1: Hypertext: A Click to Discovery
First Edition, 2020

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Printed by the Department of Education – Regional Office 5

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad
Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Lemuel F. de Ramon
Editors: Liny B. Grefal
Evangeline B. Meteeoro
Ivy Jill H. Valmores
Princess Anne G. Grajo
Reviewers: Maricel M. Dineros & Albay Division (headed by Mai Anne D. Rondola)

Layout Artist: Lemuel F. de Ramon

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 MODULE 1 – LESSON 1

Hypertext: A Click to Discovery

In reading, there will be instances that you won’t understand some of the words
or phrases. You will also find it challenging to look out for the meaning of these words
in an instant yet you would think that there is a need for you to know more about them
to have a better understanding of what you are reading. Fortunately, we already have
this technology of hypermedia which helps in making things like this to be, just literally,
one click away.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

✓ define what hypertext is
✓ distinguish between hypertexts in online and print media
✓ produce a printed hypertext
✓ identify if the context of the material read is in hypertext
✓ point out importance of hypertext in reading

Here are some terms you must be familiar with before we begin:

1. Database – A large collection of data organized especially for quick search and
retrieval in a computer.

2. Hyperlink – An electronic link providing direct access from a hypertext or

hypermedia document to another in the same or different document.

3. Hypermedia – A database format similar to hypertext in which text, sound, or

video images related to that on the display can be accessed directly from the
display.

4. Websites – Group of World Wide Web or internet pages usually containing

hyperlinks and made available online by an individual, company, educational
institution, government, or organization.

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 Let us assess your knowledge about hypertext. Write T if the statement
indicates truth about hypertext; write F if it does not. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

__________1. Hypertexts, just like any other examples of texts, are linear texts.
__________2. Hypertext reading is an easy-to-do reading task.
__________3. There is no big difference between print and online hypertexts.
__________4. Hypertext is an old term developed for texts online.
__________5. Hypermedia is somewhat the same as Hypertext.

How did you find the task? Did you get a score of 4-5? If not, it’s okay. Let’s learn
more as we go through with the lesson.

What is Hypertext?

Used in as early as 1965, hypertext has created

quite a buzz in the online world and also in the area of
critical reading, helping a lot of people quickly access
information about what they read with the use of
hyperlinks.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term as a format of database where

you can directly go to websites of related textual information about what is displayed
on a computer monitor. In just a click on the highlighted words, you are redirected or
brought to these sites giving you a larger perspective on ideas (such as definitions,
explanations, and even more things about a story plot) about a certain topic. It is
usually present in texts or in articles and most commonly implemented in the World
Wide Web.

Theodore H. Nelson who pioneered the use of hypertext, has described the
word as a number of text pieces connected to links which give readers the option to
decide on the sequence or order of what they are reading (Koskimaa, 2016). In his
interview with Jim Whitehead in 1996, he emphasized that the inspiration in developing
the hypertext is to maximize both the writer’s and reader’s time and effort in
understanding what was being presented in a text. Nelson also coined the word
Hypermedia as a related term which includes graphics, images, audio and media
other than texts. Hypertext is considered to be its subset.

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 “Before finding out, I glanced at the rest of the
document, and it was then that I began to experience the
vertigo of Net travel. On the lower parts of the page
were abstracts of Paul's scientific papers, some co-
authored with Benjamin Grinstein...”

Excerpt from Gary Wolf’s "Why I Dig Mosaic" Wired (October, 1994)

Example of hypertext

Hypertext reading is a non-linear type of reading. As an analogy, take for

example a walk in the park. Linear means a straight path of reading or the usual
process of following eye direction of reading from left to right, top to bottom. In non-
linear reading, you take shortcuts and pauses to read some more about what you are
reading. This gives the readers the power to manage their own reading unlike the
usual way of just following what an author has written.

Online hypertext vs Print hypertext

Though introduced using online technology, hypertext is not only constrained

in texts found on the internet. It is also present in print media, which is somehow
different from what we ordinarily see such as the example presented above. In online
medium, hypertext can be seen through the hyperlinks embedded by the author while
print media uses commentaries and footnotes under the text or in the margins
(Barrot, 2016). Take these illustrations:

Players control these champions through a third person perspective. Most MOBA
games have a single map, with three “lanes” leading from your base to the enemy’s. Each
lane is defended by turrets and “minions”, computer-controlled enemy characters. There
are also wild monsters, unaffiliated with either side. Defeating these will power up your
champions -- making them stronger for the push to the enemy base.
Go to MOBA
Excerpt from ‘MOBA explained: One of the most popular genres in esports is making a push on mobile’
https://www.scmp.com/abacus/who-what/what/article/3028224/moba-explained-one-most-popular-genres-esports-making-
push

Hypertext in Online Media

The pearl of the Orient Seas1 is blessed with many beautiful beaches, but Boracay2
still remains one of the most popular tourist destinations.
1 A historical moniker given to the Philippines
2 A small island in Aklan, Visayas

Taken from Academic Reading and Writing for SHS LM by Jessie S. Barrot

Hypertext in Print Media

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Two Common Examples of Hypertext

The Linux Information Project in 2006 cites two (2) common examples of
hypertext:

1. Static Hypertext

This hypertext is prepared, encoded, and stored in advance. Usual example of

this is what we commonly see online which give out information about something and
are written by web authors such as historical articles and online encyclopedias. In
static hypertext, things can be stagnant and may remain unchanged over time.

Example of a Static Hypertext

Taken from ‘The Play and Playground Online Encyclopedia’

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2. Dynamic Hypertext

As the name suggests, and opposite to static hypertext, this changes

continuously depending and in response to user’s input. Good example of a dynamic
text is what we find in blogs and social media platforms where users can interact with
the writer and with other users.

Example of a Dynamic Hypertext

Taken from Research Gate Website

To know more about hypertext, this link will give you additional knowledge about
it. You may check it online if you have access.

Hypertext Literacy... What is it?

https://www.digilanguages.ie/hypertext-literacy-what-is-it-2/#/roles

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Identifying a context of a story in hypertext

You read about the definition and description of a

hypertext, together with its types and examples. It’s time for
you to apply your knowledge about hypertext in narratives to
practice your critical reading skills.

Study these descriptions of two stories and compare them:

AFTERNOON, a story is a computer-generated story written by

Michael Joyce in 1987. At the beginning of the narrative, you are
tasked to click a picture to enter a realm of choices. The ending or the
flow of this story depends solely on the decision of the reader as he
goes on with the story.

Kozdras and Haunstetter made the story Wonderland Research as a high

technology parody of Alice in Wonderland. In their Alice story, the reader,
assuming the role of Alice, makes constant choices that dictate what will
happen next. Alice meets either Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum or the
Chesire Cat depending on author choice.

Of the two descriptions above, which story do you think is written in

hypertext?

Actually, the context of both stories were in hypertext. Did you get it right? If
your answer is yes, great job! If it is not, it’s okay. Here’s what you should always
remember in determining whether or not the story is written in hypertext
(Kozdras, 2005):

✓ Reader is considered to be a co-author of the story.

✓ The narrative shows non-linear plot. Choices and links provide multiple paths.
✓ The story is often written in second person point of view.
✓ The story has multiple endings or sometimes never ending.
✓ The story has multiple settings due to choices to move within text: forward,
backward, or different storylines.
✓ CD Rom, video game-like, Ebooks, online are common medium.
✓ Multiple media can be present, including sound, video, writing tools, and
motion.
✓ Reader has some autonomy in choosing path through text.
✓ Some stories allow readers to change or add to text.

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Task 1. Connect the Nodes

Hypertexts work with connections and nodes. In the graphic organizer below,
connect the two types of hypertexts to their appropriate descriptions using a line to
create a web. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

USES LINKS

USES REFERENCING
LIKE SUPERSCRIPTS
REDIRECTS
INFORMATION
PRINT
USES FOOTNOTES
HYPER
COMMON TYPE OF
HYPERTEXT TEXT ONLINE
HYPER
TEXT

NOT THE USUAL TYPE

OF HYPERTEXT

How did you find this practice task? Were

you able to connect the hypertext descriptions
to their right classifications?
You can always review and check your
understanding about the types of hypertext.
Meanwhile, your next tasks will assess
your skills in identifying if a context of a story is
in hypertext and creating a hypertext. Enjoy!

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Task 2. Check the Hypertext

Here’s a checklist of some descriptions of different stories or novels. Put a

check ( ) before the passage if you think its context is in Hypertext; leave it blank
if it is not. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answer.

? Passage
Snow, Glass, Apples is a short story by Neil Galman. This piece tells the
story of Snow White from the point of view of her stepmother, who was
actually trying to save the kingdom from her bloodthirsty stepdaughter.

Wicked by Gregory McGuire revolves around the story of the Wicked Witch
of the West from Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz and reimagines her as
the misunderstood protagonist, Elphaba.

Fast City by Don Bosco is an interactive narrative which presents a set of

conflicts and psychological landscapes placed within a technology-
obsessed urban space. To simulate the landscapes, the author used
hyperlinks.

The Museum by Adam Kenney emulates the experience of being in a

museum by allocating a page to each part of the museum and giving the
reader free rein as to where he or she wants to go by providing links to
different areas of the museum.

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding is written in a diary format and

chronicles events within a year in the life of the protagonist Bridget in the
90s; it is loosely based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Task 3. Create a HyperPrint

Get ready to start writing a Print Media Hypertext. Prepare a small writing
board and start writing a paragraph of at least four (4) sentences about the latest game
you played. Once done with your paragraph, select and underline words or phrases
that you think need elaboration or explanation. On sheets of paper, write down things
about these selected phrases and paste them just below the paragraph. Use
superscripts (the numbers found above of the ending of the words or phrases) for
referencing. You can also use this template:

_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________.
1
_____________________________________________________________________________
2_____________________________________________________________________________

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 How did you do in the previous tasks? Were they challenging? Do you
think you’re ready for the test?

Read the following hypertext sample and answer the questions that follow on a
piece of paper.

The social side of gaming: How playing online computer games creates
online and offline social support
by Sabine Trepte, et.al.

Abstract

Online gaming1 has gained millions of users around the globe, which
have been shown to virtually connect, to befriend, and to accumulate online
social capital. Today, as online gaming has become a major leisure time
activity, it seems worthwhile asking for the underlying factors of online social
capital acquisition and whether online social capital increases offline social
support. In the present study, we proposed that the online game players’
physical and social proximity as well as their mutual familiarity influence
bridging and bonding social capital. Physical proximity was predicted to
positively influence bonding social capital online. Social proximity and familiarity
were hypothesized to foster both online bridging and bonding social capital.
Additionally, we hypothesized that both social capital dimensions are positively
related to offline social support. The hypotheses were tested with regard to
members of e-sports clans. In an online survey, participants (N = 811) were
recruited via the online portal of the Electronic Sports League2 (ESL) in
several countries. The data confirmed all hypotheses, with the path model
exhibiting an excellent fit. The results complement existing research by showing
that online gaming may result in strong social ties, if gamers engage in online
activities that continue beyond the game and extend these with offline activities.
1
electronic game playing over a computer network, particularly over the internet (Britannica, 2020)
2
It organizes competitions around the world, hosting some of the largest and most lucrative events on the esports
calendar. It has grown substantially since being founded in 2000, with eleven offices worldwide, and a number of
international television studios. (ESL Gaming GmbH, 2020)

1. What is the hypertext article about?

2. The author used what type of hypertext? What example of hypertext was used?
3. What do you think is the primary use of the highlighted words in the text? Are they
leading to more interpretation? Explain your answer.
4. Were the footnotes presented useful in this hypertext? In what way? Give
justification.
5. How do you think will development of hypertext help the future of reading?

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 Congratulations for doing all the task and learning more about
hypertext! Here’s a thumbs up for a job well done.

Picture that Out!

Look for a story with different characters. Provide details about them which may
be taken from the story or provided by yourself based on your imagination. You could
also include cartoons, images, or illustrations to make it more creative. Apply your
learning about hypertext in developing the character pop-ups. Present your output
on a cardboard with the copy of the story pasted in the middle. Underline or highlight
the names of the characters and then put the details outside the copy of the story to
make it as if it was popping out from it. Enjoy your activity!

Hypertexts are texts with clickable or highlighted words

linked to related information.

Hypertext reading is a non-linear type of reading and is

not an easy task.

Online hypertext is different from print hypertexts. The

former uses hyperlinks and the latter uses footnotes.

Two common examples of hypertext: static, which remains

unchanged; and dynamic, which continuously changes.

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Answer Key

F 1. Hypertexts, just like any other examples of texts, are linear texts.
F 2. Hypertext reading is an easy-to-do reading task.
F 3. There is no big difference between Print and Online Hypertexts.
T 4. Hypertext is an old term developed for texts online.
T 5. Hypermedia is somewhat the same as Hypertext.

Task 1: Connect the Nodes

USES LINKS

USES REFERENCING LIKE

SUPERSCRIPTS
REDIRECTS INFORMATION
PRINT
HYPER
TEXT
COMMON TYPE OF HYPERTEXT USES FOOTNOTES
ONLINE
HYPER
TEXT
NOT THE USUAL TYPE OF
HYPERTEXT

Task 2. Check the Hypertext

? Passage
Snow, Glass, Apples is a short story by Neil Galman. This piece tells the story of Snow White
from the point of view of her stepmother, who was actually trying to save the kingdom from her
bloodthirsty stepdaughter.

Wicked by Gregory McGuire revolves around the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from
Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz and reimagines her as the misunderstood protagonist, Elphaba.

Fast City by Don Bosco is an interactive narrative which presents a set of conflicts and
psychological landscapes placed within a technology-obsessed urban space.

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 The Museum by Adam Kenney emulates the experience of being in a museum by allocating a
page to each part of the museum and giving the reader free rein as to where he or she wants to
go by providing links to different areas of the museum.

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding is written is a diary format and chronicles events within a
year in the life of the protagonist Bridget in the 90s; it is loosely based on Jane Austen’s Pride
and Prejudice.

*students may have varied answers in the part of explanation.

1. The hypertext is about how Online Gaming create social support / is an abstract of
how Online Gaming create social support.

2. The author used a Printed Hypertext and it shows an example of a static hypertext.

3. The highlighted words in the text emphasized the big idea in the selection which
need to be explained further for better understanding. Since the data or information
about the highlighted words are provided already just under the text, it is suggested
that it must not lead to more interpretation. This is one aspect of hypertext that make
information secure and valid.

4. Yes, the footnotes aided the comprehension of the unfamiliar words used in the text.
By just pausing for a while and reading the meaning of these words provided on the
footnotes, the reader will have a better grasp on the topic at hand.

5. The idea of hypertext gave a lot of help in reading. It introduced us to the non-linear
reading where we decide on how we make use of the text to learn more about what
we read. The future of reading, with hypertext paving the way, may be more interactive
that would eventually lead to more meaningful learning.

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References

Barrot, Jessie S. Hypertext vs. Intertext. Academic Reading and Writing for Senior
High School. C&E Publishing, Inc. Quezon City. 2016. Pgs 85-87.

Database. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Mobile Application. Merriam-Webster, Inc.

2018. Licensed by Alamofire Software Foundation, 2011-2016. Accessed in June,
2020.

Electronic Sports League. e-sports bet. com. https://esportbet.com/electronic-sports-

league/. Accessed in June 22, 2020.

Hypermedia. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Mobile Application. Merriam-Webster, Inc.

2018. Licensed by Alamofire Software Foundation, 2011-2016. Accessed in June,
2020.

Hypertext: A Brief Introduction. The Linux Information Project. August 25, 2006
http://www.linfo.org/hypertext.html. Accessed in June, 2020.

Hypertext. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Mobile Application. Merriam-Webster, Inc.

2018. Licensed by Alamofire Software Foundation, 2011-2016. Accessed in June,
2020.

Joyce, Michael. AFTERNOON, a story. Eastgate Systems Inc., Watertown, MA, 1987-
1991. https://wwnorton.com/college/english/pmaf/hypertext/aft/. Accessed in July 7,
2020.

Koskimaa, Raine. Hypertext, Hypermedia. Wiley Online Library. October 23, 2016.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118777804.wbiect054. Accessed
in June, 2020.

Kozdras, Deborah. Hypertext Fiction: Jnteractive Learning Adventures in Education.

blog@usf website.
http://myweb.usf.edu/~dkozdras/HypertextFiction/Templates/page.htm. Accessed in
July 7, 2020.

Online Gaming. Online Dictionary Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/online-gaming. Accessed in June 22, 2020.

Play-and-playground-encyclopedia.jpeg. Playgroundology blog.

https://playgroundology.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/play-and-playground-
encyclopedia.jpg Accessed in July 3, 2020

Screenshot-of-a-random-blog.jpeg. Research Gate Website, January, 2007

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Screenshot-of-a-random-blog_fig1_266866196.
Accessed in July 3, 2020

Tosca, Susana P. Writing Hypertext. Text and HTML, October, 2000. https://www.eu-
train.net/connect/project/writinghypertext.htm. Accessed June, 2020.

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Trepte, Sabine, et. al. The social side of gaming: How playing online computer games
creates online and offline social support. Computers in Human Behavior. Volume 28,
Issue 3, May 2012. Pages 832-839
We are ESL. About Us, ESL Gaming GmbH, 2020.
https://about.eslgaming.com/about-us/
Website. Merriam-Webster Dictionary Mobile Application. Merriam-Webster, Inc.
2018. Licensed by Alamofire Software Foundation, 2011-2016. Accessed in June,
2020.

What is hypertext? W3 website. http://w3.org/WhatIs.html. Accessed in June, 2020.

Whitehead, Jim. Orality and Hypertext: An interview with Ted Nelson. UCI Donald Bren
School of Information and Computer Sciences, 1996.
https://www.ics.uci.edu/~ejw/csr/nelson_pg.html. Accessed in June 23, 2020.

Wolf, Gary. Wired. Wired Ventures, Ltd. October 1994. Pgs. 120-121. Accessed in
June, 2020 from https://www.het.brown.edu/people/mende/wired/index.html.
Ye, Joseph. MOBA explained: One of the most popular genres in esports is making a
push on mobile. Who is and What is. South China Morning Post - abacus.
https://www.scmp.com/abacus/who-what/what/article/3028224/moba-explained-one-
most-popular-genres-esports-making-push. Accessed June, 2020.

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For inquiries or feedback, write or call:
Department of Education – Region 5
Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City 4500
Contact: 0917 178 1288
Email: region5@deped.gov.ph

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