Learning Competencies:

Identifies the properties of a well-written text

Objectives:
-analyze a text; and
-write a position paper applying the properties
of a well-written text
REVIEW
 Paragraph
is a group of sentences that deals with one
particular idea
 Topic Sentence
It reveals what you generally plan to propose,
argue, or explain
It contains a main point that supports the thesis
statement
It can be implied or explicit
 Supporting Details
Elaborate on the topic sentence.
It may range from facts, examples or instances
 HOW TO MAKE YOUR
PARAGRAPH EFFECTIVE?
WEEK 1
 ORGANIZATION

Constitutes proper
paragraphing and logical
order of presentation of ideas.
 PARAGRAPHING
is a way of making visible to
the reader the stages in the
writer’s thinking
Ostrom (1978)

Organizing of ideas
Basics of a well-organized paragraph:

“controlling idea”
“topic sentence”
“technique”
“connectives”
REMEMBER

A Well-organized piece of writing is not only clear

but also logical and aesthetic.
 Bring to the act of writing all of your craft, care,
devotion, lack of humbug, and honesty of
sentiment. And then write without looking over
your shoulder for the literary police. Write as if
your life depended on saying what you felt as
clearly as you could, while never losing sight of the
phenomenon to be described.
If something feels bad to you, it is bad.
(The Spooky Art: Thoughts on Writing. Random House,2003,http://grammar.about.com)
 ACTIVITY 1.1

Organize your insights about “writing” and write a

four-paragraph essay.
COHERENCE
and
COHESION
 COHERENCE
is based on the logic of the ideas and how they are
presented
the overall “understandability” of what you write
or say
COHESION
Refers to the degree to which sentences are
connected so that the flow is easy to follow.
ADDITION Again, also, and, besides, first, finally,
furthermore
COMPARISON Also, in the same way, likewise,
similarly
CONTRAST Although, and yet, despite that

EMPHASIS Certainly, indeed, in fact, of course

EXAMPLE After all, an illustration, even, for

instance
SUMMARY All in all, finally, in conclusion

TIME SEQUENCE After a while, afterward, again, and

then, in the past
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.
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.
 Board Activity
Rewrite the paragraph making it more coherent. Use
appropriate transitional expression

The hotel is famous. It is one of the most well-

known hotels in the country. The latest international
dancing competition was held at the hotel. The hotel
spent a lot of money to advertise the event. Because
the hotel wanted to gain international reputation. But
not many people attended the event.
POSSIBLE REVISION
The latest international dancing competition was
held at the hotel, which one of the most well-
known hotels in the country. The hotel spent a lot
of money to advertise the event since it wanted to
enhance its international reputation; however it
failed to attract many people.
 Activity 1.2
Rewrite the paragraph making it more coherent. Use
appropriate transitional expression

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.
 ON APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE
www.owl.english.purdue.edu

1. Levels of Formality
2. In-group Jargon
Jargon refers to specialized language used by groups of
like-minded individuals
3. Slang and idiomatic expressions
4. Deceitful language and Euphemisms
5.Biased language
“The writer’s choices about language can
affect or aid his argument.”

Effective Language:
Concise
Familiarity
Preciseness
Constructiveness
Appropriately
SIX CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE
LANGUAGE
www.faculty.washington.edu
1. CONCRETE AND SPECIFIC LANGUAGE

Concrete language includes description which create

tangible images with details the reader can visualize.

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
2. CONCISE LANGUAGE
“A hallmark of effective writers is the ability to
express the desired messaged in as few words as
possible”

It is widely discussed by employees that many of

them will be forced to change jobs and take on
new responsibilities when the merger takes place
between the two companies.
3. FAMILIAR LANGUAGE

Familiar language is that which the readers easily

recognize and understand because they use it on a
regular basis.

“The presently assigned paper necessities an

eloquently articulated analysis of the Existentialist
perspective as it pertains to contemporary living. You
should adumbrate the points which represent the sine
qua non of your analysis”
4. PRECISE AND CLEAR LANGUAGE
The use of appropriate language is a tricky
matter because the meaning of words is relative
and situational.

Clarity decreases the potential

misinterpretation

Our student body is dull and slack-minded

5. CONSTRUCTIVE LANGUAGE
Constructive language phrases a potentially
negative message in a positive way, whereas
destructive language directs blame and criticism
toward the reader, creating defensiveness.

“I have never had a student who was so confused

with this material. Perhaps you should take an
easier course from an easier professor. It makes
no difference to me”
6. FORMALITY OF LANGUAGE
The formality of the language one uses should match
the formality of the situation and the relationship
between the writer and reader

Exceedingly large segments of the population are expressing their discontent with
medical practitioners who appear to be more engrossed in amassing financial
asses than in providing efficacious care to people with health disorders.
A large number of consumers are complaining about medical doctors who are
apparently more interested in making money than in providing effective health
care.
A lot of people are unhappy with their doctors who only seem to care about how
much money they make, and not about giving their patients good care.
 MECHANICS
Describes the technical aspect of writing.
It specifies the established conventions for words
that you use spelling, punctuations,
capitalization,etc.
 they are 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
Summary:

Coherence and cohesion are basic features that

facilitate textual continuity.