Properties of a

Well-Written
Text
TO DO LIST:
 Identify the different properties of a well-
written text;
 Cite the importance of a well-written text; and
 Create a short well-written paragraph
employing the properties of a well-written text.
THESIS STATEMENT: For a text to be well-written, one must keep in mind these four
properties.
I. Organization
II. Coherence and Cohesion
A. Arrangement of details according to . . .
1. Chronological Order
2. Spatial Order
3. Emphatic Order
B. Signal Devices
1. Transitions
a. Time e. Comparison
b. Sequence f. Contrast
c. Space g. Cause and Effect
d. Illustration h. Conclusion
2. Repetitions
3. Synonyms
4. Pronouns
III. Language Use
IV. Mechanics
I. ORGANIZATION
• It is said that ideas are well-developed when
there is a clear statement of purpose, position,
facts, examples, specific details, definitions,
explanation, justifications, or opposing
viewpoints.
• Organization is achieved when these ideas are
logically and accurately arranged.
 ORGANIZATION

If there is a clear
statement of IDEAS are
purpose, position, facts, formed
examples, specific details, and well- ORGANIZATION
definitions, explanation,
justifications, or developed.
opposing
viewpoints,

And if there is organization. . .

there is . . .
COHERENCE
II. COHERENCE AND COHESION

COHERENCE: This means that

sentences are arranged in a logical
manner, making them easily understood
by the reader.
COHESION: connection of ideas at
sentence level
COHESION
- the property of unity in a written text or a
segment of spoken discourse that stems from
links among its surface elements, as when words
in one sentence are repeated in another, and
especially from the fact that some words or
phrases depend for their interpretation upon
material in preceding or following text
Example:
Be assured of this. Most people do
not want to fight. However, they will
do so when provoked.
How can we organize the
details of a paragraph?
II. Coherence and Cohesion
A. Arrangement of details according
to . . .
1. Chronological Order
2. Spatial Order
3. Emphatic Order
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

1. CHRONOLOGICAL. The
details are arranged in the
order in which they
happened.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set for PM

instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just threw on some
clothes and ran out the door. I rode my bike as fast as I could
and thought that I was going to be late for sure, but when I got
there everyone was outside and there were firetrucks all lined
up in front of school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm
before class started. It worked out though, because nobody
really noticed or minded that I was tardy.
COHERENCE ANDCOHESION
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

2. SPATIAL – The sentences of a

paragraph are arranged
according to geographical
location, such as left-to-right, up-
to-down, etc.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

The inside of Bill's refrigerator was horrible. On the

top shelf was a three week old carton of milk. Next to it
sat a slice of melon that had started to get moldy. To the
right of the melon sat the remains of a macaroni and
cheese dinner that had been served a week earlier. On
the shelf below was a slice of cake from his sister's
birthday party. Though there was food, none of it was
edible.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION
3. EMPHATIC – is when information
found in a paragraph is arranged to
emphasize certain points depending on
the writer’s purpose.
The coherence of the paragraph is
established in one of two ways: (a) from
least to most important, or (b) from most
to least important.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

After looking at all the brochures and talking to

several salesmen, I decided to purchase an SLR
camera. For several years I had been dissatisfied with
the results I was getting from my point-and-shoot
camera. The framing was imprecise and the focus was
not always accurate. I had planned a vacation to an
area that promised many fabulous photo opportunities,
and I wanted to capture each one with accuracy. But
the most important reason I decided on the SLR
camera was the great versatility it offered.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

In the previous paragraph, the organization

moves from the least important idea
(dissatisfaction with the results of the point-
and-shoot camera) to the most important
idea (the versatility offered with the SLR
camera).
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

B. Signal Devices
1. Transitions
a. Time e. Comparison
b. Sequence f. Contrast
c. Space g. Cause and Effect
d. Illustration h. Conclusion
2. Repetitions
3. Synonyms
4. Pronouns
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

B. Signal Devices
- words that give readers an
idea of how the points in your
paragraph are progressing
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

Examples:
1. TRANSITIONS (words that
connect one idea to another, in
order for our ideas to flow
smoothly)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

a. Time (first, immediately,

afterward, before, at the same time,
after, earlier, simultaneously, finally,
next, in the meantime, later,
eventually, then, meanwhile, now,
subsequent, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

b. Sequence (moreover,
furthermore, next, also,
finally, last, another, first,
second, third, besides,
additionally, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

c. Space (above,
next to, below, behind,
beside, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

d. Illustration (for
instance, specifically, for
example, namely, in this
case, to illustrate, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

e. Comparison (similarly,
also, in the same way,
still, likewise, in
comparison, too, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

f. Contrast (but, despite,

however, even though, yet,
on the other hand,
although, on the contrary,
otherwise, conversely, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

g. Cause and Effect

(because, as a result,
consequently, then, so,
since, etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

h. Conclusion (thus,
therefore, in
conclusion, in short,
etc.)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

2. REPETITIONS (repetitions of
main ideas keep continuity and
highlight important ideas)
-it could be a word, a phrase, or a full
sentence, or a poetical line repeated to
emphasize its significance in the entire text
Examples of Repetitions:
1. If you think you can do it, you can do it.
2.The boy was a good footballer, because his
father was a footballer, and his grandfather was a
footballer.
3.The judge commanded, stamping his mallet on
the table, “Order in the court, order in the court.”
4.The president said, “Work, work, and work,” are
the keys to success.
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

3. SYNONYMS (these are

words similar in meaning to
important words or phrases
that prevent tedious
repetitions)
 COHERENCE ANDCOHESION

4. PRONOUNS (words
that connect readers to
the original word that
the pronouns replace)
Example of Pronouns used in an actual sentence:

INCORRECT: Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the

Republic of the Philippines. Aside from that, Rodrigo Duterte
also served as Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time.
Rodrigo Duterte is also known by the populace as an adamant
leader. . .

CORRECT: Rodrigo Duterte is the 16th President of the

Republic of the Philippines. Aside from that, he also served as
Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time. He is also known
by the populace as an adamant leader. . .
 LANGUAGE USE

III. Language Use

 LANGUAGE USE

III. LANGUAGE USE

- appropriateness of
word / vocabulary
usage
 LANGUAGE USE

Words and Phrases one must

avoid to use in order to practice
appropriate Language Use:
 LANGUAGE USE
Words and Phrases one must avoid
to use in order to practice
appropriate Language Use:

Table of contents
1.Too informal
2.Too unsophisticated
3.Too vague
4.Other tips
 LANGUAGE USE
Too informal
Too unsophisticated
Too vague
 LANGUAGE USE
Other tips
•Jargon (i.e. “insider” terminology that may be difficult
for readers from other fields to understand)
•Clichés (which are expressions that are heavily
overused, such as think outside of the box and but at
the end of the day)
•Everyday abbreviations (e.g. photos, fridge, phone, info)
•Slang (e.g. cops, cool)
•Not gender neutral (e.g. firemen, mankind)
And lastly. . .
IV. MECHANICS
P M YWYW
M YWYW
M
 MECHANICS
IV. MECHANICS
- set of conventions on
how to spell, abbreviate,
punctuate, and capitalize
*Avoid contractions and exclamation
points (unless part of a direct quotation)
*Mention the full name before the abbreviation.
*Numbers from 0-10 must be spelled out.
 MECHANICS

Other examples. . .
How about a
game?
 There will be excerpts or
examples from a text. Try to
determine what property of a
well-written text is used. For
example. . .
Michael took the children with him.
Answer: Coherence and cohesion,
Pronouns
Listen carefully. It will only be read TWICE.
Write your answer on your white board. Only
ten seconds will be allocated for you to answer.
Question no. 1:
Central Idea: The Eiffel Tower is divided into three
sections.
Main Points: I. The lowest section of the tower
contains the entrance, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
II.The middle section of the tower consists of stairs
and elevators that lead to the top.
III.The top section of the tower includes an
observation deck with a spectacular view of Paris.
Answer: Coherence and Cohesion, Spatial Order
Question no. 2
During the early twentieth century, in addition to
industrialization, urban growth and technological
development, Australian society was experiencing a
transformation of the domestic ideal. Consequently,
people were subject to an increasing array of
government and professional programs aiming to
manage and regulate life, particularly family life.
Some of these programs were. . .
Answer: Coherence and Cohesion,
Signal Devices/Transitions
Question no. 3
Alternative: Apoor or negative result
Instead of: A bad result
Answer: Language Use
Question no. 4
(Aside from transitions)
During the early twentieth century, in addition
to industrialization, urban growth and
technological development, Australian society
was experiencing a transformation of the
domestic ideal.
Answer: Mechanics
Question no. 5
This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set
for PM instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just
threw on some clothes and ran out the door. I rode my
bike as fast as I could and thought that I was going to
be late for sure, but when I got there everyone was
outside and there were firetrucks all lined up in front of
school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm before
class started. It worked out though, because nobody
really noticed or minded that I was tardy.
Answer: Coherence and cohesion,
Chronological order
Question no. 6
President Rodrigo Duterte was the
th
16 President of the Republic of
Philippines. He is also the former
Mayor in Davao City for a long time.
Answer: Coherence and Cohesion, Pronouns
Question no. 7
Incorrect: The value in this variable is used to
determine when to pause during long display output,
such as during a software dump. Its value is reset
each time the ok prompt is displayed.

Correct: The value in this variable is used to

determine when to pause during long display output,
such as during a software dump. The variable’s value
is reset each time the ok prompt is displayed.
Answer: Mechanics
 Remember
Einstein:

E= mc2
EFFORT is equal to:
MISSION
CASH
CONGRATULATIONS
Let’s test your skills!
IV. EVALUATION
IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the following by writing it on the space before the item
number.
1. This is achieved when these ideas
are logically and accurately arranged.
2. The details of a paragraph are
arranged according to the order in which they
happened.
3. It is a set of conventions on how to
spell, abbreviate, punctuate, and capitalize.
IV. EVALUATION
IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the following by writing it on the space before the item
number.
4. These are words that connect one
idea to another, in order for our ideas to flow
smoothly.
5. This means that sentences are
arranged in a logical manner, making them
easily understood by the reader.
6. These are words similar in meaning
to important words or phrases that prevent
tedious repetitions.
7. The sentences of a paragraph are
arranged according to geographical location,
such as left-to-right, up-to-down, etc.
8. These are words that give readers an
idea of how the points in your paragraph are
progressing.
9. These are the words that connect
readers to the original word that they replace.
10. To attain this property, one
must be consistent with the use of
pronouns.
Key toCorrection:
1. Organization
2. Chronological/Order
3. Mechanics
4. Transitions
5. Coherence
6. Synonyms
7. Spatial/Order
8. Signal Devices
9. Pronouns
10. Language Use
V.ASSIGNMENT (2minutes)
Create a short well-written paragraph (about
anything) employing the properties of a well-written
text. Your essay will be rated according to this analytic
rubric. Consequently, use this rubric as a guide when
writing your essay and check it again before you
submit your essay.
 TRAITS 4 3 2 1
Focus & Details There is one clear, well- focused topic. There is one clear, well-focused There is one topic. The topic and main ideas are not
Main ideas are clear and are well topic. Main ideas are clear but are Main ideas are somewhat clear. clear.
supported by detailed and accurate not well supported by detailed
information. information.

Organization The introduction is inviting, states the
main topic, and provides an overview
of the paper. Information is relevant
and presented in a logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
The introduction states The introduction states the main There is no clear introduction,
the main topic and provides an topic. A conclusion isincluded. structure, or conclusion.
overview of the paper. A conclusion
is included.

Voice The author’s purpose
of writing is very clear,
and there is strong evidence of
attention to audience. The
author’s extensive
knowledge and/or
experience with the topic is/are
evident.
Word Choice The author uses vivid words and
phrases. The
choice and placement of words seems
accurate, natural, and not forced.
The author’s purpose of writing is
somewhat clear, and there is some
evidence of attention to audience.
The author’s knowledge and/or
experience with the topic is/are
evident.
The author uses vivid words and
phrases. The choice and placement
of words is inaccurate at times
and/or seems overdone.
The author’s purpose The author’s purpose of writing is
of writing is somewhat unclear.
clear, and there is
evidence of attention to audience.
The author’s knowledge
and/or experience with the topic
is/are limited.
The author uses words The writer uses a limited vocabulary.
that communicate clearly, but the Jargon or clichés may
writing lacks variety. be present and detract from the
meaning.

Sentence Structure, All sentences are well
Grammar, Mechanics, & constructed and have
Spelling varied structure and length. The
author
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Most sentences are
well-constructed and
have varied structure and length.
The author
makes a few errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling, but
they do not interfere
with understanding
Most sentences are well
constructed, but they
have a similar structure
and/or length. The
author makes several
errors in grammar,
mechanics, and/or
spelling that interfere with
understanding.
Sentences sound
awkward, are distractingly repetitive,
or are difficult to understand. The
author
makes numerous errors
in grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling
that interfere with understanding.