Lesson 1

Definition and
Purposes of a
Discourse
Learning Describes a written text
Competency 1 as connected discourse
(EN11/12RWS-IIIa-1).
Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be

able to:
A. define discourse;
B. identify the purpose of a discourse; and
C. analyze a discourse.
 Is this a text?
Objectives

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DMLVHDVGXDBC ?
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What is a TEXT?
● a text is generally considered as written material ,especially
longer pieces of writing as in a book, a letter or a news paper
● a group of ideas put together to make a point or one central
idea .
● text also made up of sentences.
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What is a DISCOURSE?
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Definition of Discourse
● comes from the word discursus
○ in medieval Latin - “argument”
○ in late Latin - “conversation”
● formal and often lengthy discussion of a topic, where
concepts and insights are arranged in an organized and
logical manner
● often associated with speech but may also be a written text
● the way that language is used to convey meanings or to
propel action or provoke a specific response
 Learn about It! EXAMPLE
● Journal diary
● News articles
● Anecdotes
● Procedures
● Critiques
● Opinion piece
● Research articles
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Critique
● one example of a discourse
● states a writer’s opinion about the good and the bad parts
of another piece of writing or a work of art
● uses formal language
● contains ideas that are arranged in an organized and
logical manner
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Diary
● another example of discourse
● a daily record of someone’s personal experiences and
thoughts
● gives readers a sense of the writer’s character or values
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Purposes of a Discourse

To inform
● provides a descriptive and comprehensive discussion on
the topic
● points out what one should know about a topic or subject
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Purposes of a Discourse

To persuade
● tries to convince the readers that the proposed claim or
solution is better than any other proposal
● tries to convince the readers to believe in or do something
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Purposes of a Discourse

To entertain
● aims to amuse its readers
● provides a source of entertainment for its readers
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Analyzing a Discourse

● Consider several factors that may have influenced the

writer to make certain claims.
● Those factors explain the author’s biases, philosophy, and
educational and professional backgrounds, among others.
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Analyzing a Discourse
Culture
● The beliefs, customs, attitudes, language, and other
things that define culture may influence the author’s
perspective on several issues.
● Knowing about the author’s culture may help the reader
understand his or her biases.
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Analyzing a Discourse
Social Environment
● The author’s physical surroundings and social
relationships, as well as the culture of the time may have
influenced his or her writing.
● For instance, during the early decades of the 20th century,
most writers produced works that were classified as
“modern” because of a distinct feature: stream of
consciousness.
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Analyzing a Discourse

Experiences
● Personal accounts or firsthand experience of events,
though subjective, establish credibility and reliability of
information presented in any discourse.
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7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photogr

apher
NewsUSA
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Guide Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the text? Cite evidence to support

your answer.
2. For whom was this text written? Justify your answer.
3. Who could have possibly written this text? Explain.
4. Could this text be helpful for brides and grooms? Use your
knowledge of identifying the purpose of discourse to justify
your answer.
 Analysis

Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

Forget that Facelift - “Wrap” Your Face into Shape

NewsUSA
 Analysis

1. What is the purpose of the text?

2. Who do you think could have written the text?
3. For whom is this text written?
4. State how the text caters to the said audience.
5. Is the text appropriate for the audience and its purpose?
1. The class will be divided into three, and each division will be
Synthesis
assigned one of the following purposes:
a. To inform
b. To persuade
c. To entertain
2. Work with a partner from your respective division.
3. With your partner, write a paragraph about the topic “The
Philippines as a Tourist Destination.” Make sure that the
paragraph you write fulfills the purpose assigned to your division.
4. You have 20 minutes to write your paragraph.
5. Present your work to the class.
 Synthesis

6. After the activity, answer the following questions:

a. Were you able to carry out the task well? Why or why
not?
b. How has this activity helped you understand the
concept of discourse?
 Assignment
Reread the essay used in the discussion, “7 Questions You Should
Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer.” Critique the
piece using the following questions:

1. Does it fulfill its purpose?

2. What were the text’s strong points?
3. What were the points for improvement?
4. Cite who you think wrote the text then answer this question:
How do you think the author’s culture, social environment,
and experiences influenced the writing of the text?
5. If you were to be the writer of a text with the same topic, how
would you approach writing the text, considering its purpose?
Criteria Score
Content
(The critique addressed all the guide questions. Textual
evidence is given, and opinions are clearly explained.) 5 pts.
Organization
(Logical progression of details; clear transitions between
ideas) 3 pts.
Language
(Use of proper spelling, mechanics, grammar, and word
choice)
2 pts.
Score: /10