LESSON 4
development), synthesizing and integrating readings, organizing and clarifying
Properties of a Well-Written Text
WEEK 4
Most Essential Learning Competencies:
 Identifies properties of a well-written text. EN11/12RWS-IIIgh-4
a. organization (EN11/12RWS-IIIgh-4.1)
b. coherence and cohesion (EN11/12RWS-IIIgh-4.2)
c. language use (EN11/12RWS-IIIgh-4.3)
d. mechanics (EN11/12RWS-IIIgh-4.4)
KNOWLEDGE ENRICHMENT
1. ORGANIZATION
Paragraphing is organizing ideas. To make your paragraph reader-friendly,
break up the mass of words and use appropriate signals as you make a new
point. Normally, readers want to see how the argument is advancing from one
point to the next. An unparagraphed page gives the reader the feeling of
hacking a way through a thick jungle without a track in sight--not very
enjoyable and very hard work. A neat series of paragraphs acts like “stepping
stones that can be followed pleasurably across the river."
There are 'basics' to a well-organized paragraph. First, each paragraph must
be built around a single idea termed as the "controlling idea." Next, create a
topic sentence which is generally written as opening sentence of the
paragraph. Then, an appropriate technique from a variety of ways of
developing a paragraph must be employed to develop the topic
sentence/key idea. Finally, in order to achieve unity, appropriate connectives
between and within paragraphs must be used. The formula of STTC (single idea,
topic sentence, appropriate technique and connectives) makes a well-
structured paragraph.
2. COHERENCE AND COHESION
Coherence and cohesion are two basic features that facilitate textual
continuity. The terms are used in discourse analysis to describe the properties
of text. Basically, coherence refers to the rhetorical aspects of your writing,
which include developing and supporting your argument (e.g. thesis statement
ideas. Cohesion of writing is focused on the "grammatical" aspects of writing.
Coherence and cohesion are connected but cannot be used
interchangeably.
The term 'coherence' means the overall understandability of what you write or
say. When writing an essay, coherence involves such features as: summarizing
the overall argument of an essay in the introductory paragraph; presenting
ideas in a logical sequence; putting separate, major points into separate
paragraphs; and beginning each paragraph with a 'topic sentence', following
by supporting sentences. Coherence is based more on the logic of the ideas
and how they are presented rather than on the language that is used to express
these ideas.
Cohesion, on the other hand, refers to the degree to which sentences (or even
different parts of one sentence) are connected so that the flow of ideas is easy
to follow. To achieve good cohesion, you need to know how to use cohesive
devices, which are certain words or phrases that serve the purpose of
connecting two statements, usually by referring back to what you have
previously written or said. Cohesion has nothing to do with the content but
rather on whether the paragraph has well connected or merely a group of
unrelated sentences. It helps locate meanings and accommodate the
understanding of a conversation. Through the use of cohesive devices,
cohesion serves as the glue that holds the structure together. Good cohesion
leads to good coherence.
3. LANGUAGE USE
On Appropriate Language
(Source: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/608/01/)
1. Levels of Formality
Writing in a style that your audience expects and that fits your purpose is
key to successful writing.
2. In-Group Jargon
Jargon refers to specialized language used by groups of like-minded
individuals. Only use in-group jargon when you are writing for members of
 that group. You should never use jargon for a general audience without first An exaggeration or
I am so hungry that I can
explaining it. Hyperbole overstatement for literary
eat a horse!
effect
EXAMPLES OF JARGONS Juxtaposition (placing side by Deafening silence
Oxymoron
Field Register Meaning/Elaboration Sample Words side) of two contrasting ideas Living dead
It is the language/term used in Leukemia, peptic ulcer, Thou shalt not kill.
Repetition of a word or words
Medicalese the field of medicine. rhinoplasty, vasectomy, Thou shalt not commit
Anaphora at the beginning of clauses,
scoliosis adultery.
lines or sentences
It is the language/term used in Criminologist, bona fide, Thou shalt not steal.
the field of law. defendant, plaintiff, The poor in the spirit are
Legalese Repetition of a word or words blessed.
habeas corpus,
illegitimate Epistrophe at the end of clauses, lines or Meek people are
It is the language/term used in Yellow journalism, payola, sentences blessed.
the field of journalism or lead, beat, libel, Merciful man is blessed.
Journalese
newspapering. classified ad, banner, by-
line 4. Deceitful language and Euphemisms
It is the language/term used in Normal distribution curve, Avoid using euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as "collateral
the field of education. outcome-based damage" for the unintended destruction of civilians and their property) and
Teacherese education, class list, other deceitful language.
assessment, blended
learning 5. Biased language
It is the language/term used in Lovebug, blog, chatting, Avoid using any biased language including language with a racial, ethnic,
Computerese computer science and bit, cybercrime, flow group, or gender bias or language that is stereotypical.
information technology. chart, gigabyte
The writer's choices about language can affect or aid his argument. Since
3. Slang and idiomatic expressions
written language is the representation of a spoken language, certain
Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic writing.
conventions must be considered. It is believed that an effective language has
Limited and mindful use of relatable figurative language to support or
the features of concreteness, conciseness, familiarity, preciseness,
explain ideas.
constructiveness and appropriately.

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition 4. MECHANICS
KIND DEFINITION EXAMPLE Mechanics describe the technical aspects of writing, it specifies established
A figurative comparison with conventions for words that you use- spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.
Simile Life is like a game.
the use of as and like This element is as important as well-developed story lines. A piece of writing
A figurative comparison must long worth reading such that it is not hard to figure out what you are trying
Metaphor Life is a game.
without the use of as and like to say.
A figurative attribution of
personal or human qualities to The moon played hide
Personification
things that are not human and seek with the clouds.
e.g., inanimate objects