Applying

Properties of a
Well – written
Text

JORIZA CABIDA
 4 1 Organization
Fundamental 2 Coherence and Cohesion
Properties of a
Well- written 3 Language use
Text
4 Mechanics
 Organization
Strong organization constitutes proper paragraphing and logical order of presentation of
ideas. Paragraphing is dividing a text into paragraphs. Ostrom (1978) averred that it is a
way of making visible to the reader the stages in the writers thinking.

• There are ‘basics’ to a well- organized paragraph.

1st - each paragraph must be built around a single idea – termed
as the “controlling idea”
2nd – create a topic sentence which is generally written as
opening sentence of the paragraph
3rd – appropriate technique from a variety of ways of developing
a paragraph must be employed to develop the topic
sentence/key idea.
4th – appropriate connectives between and within paragraphs
must be used.
 Organization
The formula of STIC (single idea,
topic sentence, appropriate
technique and connectives) makes
a well- structured paragraph.
 Coherence and Cohesion
Coherence and cohesion are two basic features that facilitate textual continuity.
COHERENCE
 Refers to the rhetorical aspects
of your writing which include
developing and supporting your
argument, synthesizing and
integrating readings, organizing
and clarifying ideas.
 Overall understandability
COHESION
 Focused on the grammatical
aspects of writing.
 To achieve good cohesion,
you need to know how to use
cohesive devices.
 Transitional Devices
again, also, and, and then, besides, equally important, finally, first, further, furthermore, in
ADDITION
addition, in the first place, last, moreover, next, second, still, to
COMPARISON also, in the same way, likewise, similarly
CONCESSION granted, naturally, of course
although, and yet, at the same time, but at the same time, despite that, even so, even
CONTRAST though, for all that, however, in contrast, in spite of, instead, nevertheless, not with
standing, on the contrary, on the other hand, otherwise, regardless, still, though, yet
EMPHASIS certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
after all, as an illustration, even, for example, for instance, in conclusion, indeed, in fact, in
EXAMPLE OR
ILLUSTRATION other words, in short, it is true, of course, namely, specifically, that is, to illustrate, thus,
truly
all in all, altogether, as has been said, finally, in brief, conclusion, on other words, in
SUMMARY particular, in short, in simpler terms, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to put it
differently, to summarize
After a while, afterward, again, also, and then, as long as, at last, at length, at that time,
TIME before, besides, earlier, eventually, finally, formerly, further, furthermore, in addition, in
SEQUENCE the first place, in the past, last, lately, meanwhile, moreover, next, now, presently, second,
shortly, simultaneously, since, so far, soon, subsequence, then, thereafter, too, until, until
now, when
 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.
Italics indicate pronouns and repeated/restated
Bold indicates transitional tag –words
Underlining indicates parallel structures
The ancient Egyptians were masters of preserving dead people’s bodies by
making mummies of them. In short, mummification consisted of removing the internal
organs, applying natural preservatives inside and out, and then wrapping the body in
layers of bandages. And the process was remarkably effective. Indeed, mummies several
thousand years old have been discovered nearly intact. Their skin, hair, teeth,
fingernails and toenails, and facial features are still evident. Their diseases in life,
such as smallpox, arthritis, and nutritional deficiencies, are still diagnosable. Even their
fatal afflictions are still apparent: a middle – aged king died from a blow on the head; a
child king died from polio.
Activity:
Notice how the paragraph below seems disjointed, and that it is difficult to
follow the writer’s point. Rewrite the paragraph making it more coherent. Use
appropriate transitional expressions.

The Human Resources department is developing a plan to

increase employee retention. Three employees resigned from the
accounting department last month. We had to hire temporary staff to
fill the positions until new accounting staff could be hired. Many
important accounting tasks went unfinished. Employee retention has
become a top priority for Human Resources.
 Language use
Appropriate language increases one’s credibility, strengthens
his argument and keeps his audience. Major issues with
appropriate language use include levels of language formality,
deceitful language, and euphemisms, slang and idiomatic
expressions; using group specific jargon, and
biased/stereotypical language.
 On Appropriate Language
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 explaining it.

3. Slang and idiomatic expressions

Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic
writing
 On Appropriate Language

4. Deceitful language and Euphemisms

Avoid using euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as
“ collateral damage” for the unintended destruction of
civilians and their property) and other deceitful language.

5. Biased language
Avoid using any biased language including language with a
racial, ethnic group, or gender bias or language that is
stereotypical.
The Six Characteristics of
Effective Language

IVY NADINE CLORES

 1. Concrete and Specific
Language
Concrete Notice
language includes
how much description which create
more effective the tangible
images with details the reader can visualize. Abstract language is
statements
vague because
and obscure, asnot
and does thebring
language
to mind becomes
specific visual
images. more specific and concrete.

He is a bad roommate
He is a lazy and discourteous
He is untidy and unclean
He doesn’t clean up his own messes
He leaves his dirty dishes on the kitchen counter

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2. Before making a
1. It is widely discussed by decision Notice how
about whether the
employees that many of themperson on trial long-winded
is Aguilty
will
hallmark
or
be forced
ability
of effectiveinwriters
innocent
to change
to express
this
the jobs
is the
case,and
desired
2.
these sentences
the
take members of the jury
on newin responsibilities should are, and how
be
message
to carefully
possible. Good
as few words as
think about,
writers,
when the merger takes place in other Concise
easily they
words, and
ponder usereflect
language
on which
all of the is
between the twoand
straightforward
important
companies.
and relevant to-the-point. Language
could be
Consider the following examples. shortened and
testimonies in the case. simplified.

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 3. Familiar Language
AFamiliar
letter sentlanguage
to highgiven
An assignment is that
school awhich
class the
to students readers
warning
of business themeasily
of the
students recognize
risk of an and
by their
understand
unhealthy because
diet: they use it on a regular basis. One of the most
philosophy professor.
important
In bothfunctions
examplesofaforementioned,
language is to the build homophile
language or a sense of
that is
commonality
“Individuals
used is whoone’s
with
unfamiliarmaintain
to
reader.
the a diet Language,
readers. ofAshigh
a
which are
fat content
result, the
is exposed
message
foreign and
“The presently
unfamiliar to the reader assigned paper necessitates
tends to emphasize the differences an
between
to an increased risk
loses its impact. of developing atherosclerosis, which is buildup
eloquently
writer
of fatand
deposits articulated
reader, onand
the makes analysis
the message
inner walls of difficult
theThis
of the arteries. Existentialist
tocondition
understand.
can
perspective
reduce or cut as it pertains
off the flow of blood to incontemporary living.
the arteries serving You
the major
organs of
should the body. This
adumbrate thecan lead towhich
points poor health”
represent the sine
qua non of your analysis.”

15
• The use of appropriate language is a tricky
matter because the meaning of words is
relative and situational
• This implies that words can be interpreted
4.
in different ways by different people in
different situations. Precise and
• The more precise and clear one’s use of
language becomes, the fewer the number Clear
of possible interpretation for a message.
• Clarity decreases the potential Language
misinterpretations.

16
 5. Constructive Language

Constructive language phrases a potentially

negative message in a positive way, where as
destructive language directs blame and criticism
toward the reader creating defensiveness.

17
 6.Formality of Language
Very formal:
Exceedingly large segments of the population are
The formality
expressing ofwith
their discontent the language
medical one
practitioners who
usestoshould
appear matchinthe
be more engrossed formality
amassing financial of thethen
assets
in providing efficacious care to people with health disorder.
situation and the relationship of the
Formal:
writer
A large number and reader
of consumers are complaining about
medical doctors who are apparently more interested in making
money than in providing effective health care.
Informal:
A lot of people are unhappy with their doctors who only
seem to care about how much money they make, and not about
 4. Mechanics
Mechanics describe the technical aspects of
writing. It specifies the established conventions for
words that use- spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, etc.
This element is as important as well-developed
story lines. A piece of writing must look worth
reading such that it is not hard to figure out what
you are trying to say

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 4.Mechanics
Memorable students
they are the memorable
students. In any class,
they participate fully. In
any mischief they see no
point. In volunteering for
extra jobs, they delight. In
distracting their
classmates, they take no
pleasure. In learning, they
are never satisfied.
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Memorable Sutdents
they are the memorable
students in any class.
They participate fully in
any mischief. They see no
point in volunteering for
extra jobs. They delight in
distracting their
classmates. They take no
pleasure in learning. They
are never satisfied.