LESSON 1

TEXT AS CONNECTED
DISCOURSE
•A text is generally
considered as written
material, especially longer
pieces of writing as in a
book, a letter or a
newspaper.
•Discourse is generally
regarded as spoken.
Jorgensen and Phillips put
forth the qualities of a text
as:
1. Cohesion. The parts are connected.
2. Coherence. The overall text has
meaning.
3. Intentionality. The writer’s attitude
and purpose can be discerned.
4. Acceptability. The text is recognized.
5. Informativity. There is a quantity
of new or expected info.
6. Situationality. The text’s topic is
situationally and culturally
appropriate.
7. Intertextuality. The text can be
linked to preceeding discourse.
Written text is also
described as written
discourse, especially
when a simple analysis of
it reveals that is
connected discourse.
Written text acquires the characteristics of connected
discourse when:

• 1. Its ideas are linked logically.

Here are some steps to make a logical division of idea
paragraph:

a. Begin a logical division paragraph with a topic sentence.

b. In the supporting sentences, discuss each point one after
the other.
c. Introduce each new point with a signal word or phrase.
d. In addition, support each point with a convincing detail
such as an example or statistic (numbers, amounts,
percentages, etc).
e. Finally, end a logical division paragraph with a concluding
sentence.
Connectives for listing arguments
This can be used for the first
Firstly supporting argument.

These can be used for any

Secondly, furthermore, further supporting arguments
moreover, in addition (except, of course, for “Secondly”
which can only be used for the
second.

This can be used for the last

Finally supporting argument.
Concluding Connectives
Three common concluding connectives are:

In conclusion
These all carry roughly the same
meaning. They should be used to
indicate that you are making final
In summary statements that cover all the
supporting arguments in a very
general way.

Thus
In fact/Indeed
These two connectives have almost the
same meaning and both can be used in the
following situations:

1. To connect a more detailed statement

with a preceding general statement
Example: Today is very warm. In fact (or
Indeed) it is 35 degrees Celsius.
2. To connect a statement which is more
factual and exact with a preceding
statement that is more debatable and
general.

Example: The internet is very popular in

Australia. Indeed (or In fact), Australia
has the highest proportion of Internet users
per head of population of any country in
the world.
Techniques in Selecting and
Organizing Information
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is one way of generating ideas by
listing of ideas spontaneously. Itcan be done
individually or as a group. Through brainstorming,
you can develop new ideas and solve problems;
think of it as a free association.

Listing is a brainstorming technique. It means

writing down anything that comes to your mind
about the topic.
Graphic Organizers
Graphic Organizers such as concept maps and
mind maps are important and effective ways for
organizing content and ideas. Since the graphic
organizer is a visual display, it demonstrates
relationships between facts, concepts, or ideas. It
guides your thinking as you fill in a visual map or
diagram. There are four basic graphic organizers:
an outline, Venn diagram, hierarchical topical
organizer, and bubble organizer.
A Venn diagram is used when you compare and
contrast things; it helps to visualize similarities
and differences. Connected organizational charts
and bubble graphs are particularly helpful for
visual learners as they allow writers to map out
ideas spatially.
To create a concept map, write your topic in the
middle of the page, then jot down different ideas,
points, or facts related to or support your topic.
Example: Venn Diagram
Hierarchical Topical Organizer
Example: Bubble Organizer
Outline
An Outline is another way of organizing
information. It organizes materials hierarchically
and sequentially by classifying the main topics,
subtopics, and supporting details.
Use “Roman Numerals” for the top-level, ‘capital
letters’ in the alphabet for the next level, ‘Arabic
Numerals’ for the next level, and then ‘lowercase
letters’ for the next level. Each numeral or letter is
followed by a period, and each item is capitalized.