Properties of a well-written Text Flashcards
Arranging our thoughts to deliver a purposeful message is essential in all forms of communication.
Properties of a well-written text
This is clearly evident among written texts, which are supposed to be well-organized, coherent and cohesive, using proper language and mechanically neat.
Properties of a well-written text
Properties of a well-written text
- ORGANIZATION
- COHERENCE AND COHESION
- LANGUAGE USE
- MECHANICS
is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader logically through it.
Text Organization
This property makes a text readable and its message clear.
Text Organization
A well-organized piece of writing is not only clear but also logical and aesthetic. Existence of organizational markers and coherent flow of ideas are typically the focus in evaluation of writing
Text Organization
In writing a story or an essay, it is necessary to identify the sequence of events from the beginning to the end because a strong organization comprises proper paragraphing and logical order of presentation of ideas
Text Organization
Organization can be achieved through the following techniques:
Physical format
Signal words
Structure
It’s an aspect of the organization that is immediately apparent to the reader. It is seen in how the text physically appears like headings and subheadings, bullet points or font emphasis.
Physical Format
are textual cues that readers can use to follow a text
Signal Words
They can “signal” the transition from one point to another, the ordering of events and concepts, or the writer’s chosen text type
Signal words
provides the framework upon which the text is organized.
Structure
Structure consists of the following:
Beginning: introduction, thesis statement
Middle: supporting details
End: conclusion, summary, final message
are two basic features that facilitate textual continuity.
COHERENCE AND COHESION
we mean that every part of a composition must contribute to one main unifying thought, which means that the various parts of a text must follow one another in an order which makes their relationship clear.
Cohesion
means that the overall text has meaning.
Coherence
A text with both has a central concept linking all the ideas in the text, and these ideas are presented in a logic lanner. The main point is clear, and the text is easy to follow and understand.
Coherence and Cohesion
A text with both is logically sequenced and stays on topic.
cohesion and coherence
refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary use. An effective language is specific, concise, familiar, correct and appropriate.
Language Use
It is important that you make good choices when it comes to language use because how you use language affects the tone of the text and the readers’ interpretation of it. Before writing, you have to think about and consider your target audience
Language Use
Determine when it is appropriate to use formal language or when informal language is acceptable
Language Use
(Formal, very formal, informal)
You have to consider the style, tone and clarity of your writing.
Language Use
You are responsible to choose the appropriate language to be used and to regard the objective of the writing, the context in which it was written and the target audience in mind.
Language Use
The five major issues that should be avoided in an effective and well-written text
(identified by Purdue Online Writing Lab 2020)
NO 1
- The formality of the language one uses should depend on how formal the situation is and how the writer and the reader are related to one another.
The five major issues that should be avoided in an effective and well-written text
(identified by Purdue Online Writing Lab 2020)
NO 2
- Jargons or specialized language used by groups of individuals in the same field, should only be used if the target readers belong to the same group
The five major issues that should be avoided in an effective and well-written text
(identified by Purdue Online Writing Lab 2020)
NO 3
- Slangs and idioms should be avoided:
Slangs are words, phrases, or expressions that do not literally mean what they express
Idioms or expressions whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual word it contains.
The five major issues that should be avoided in an effective and well-written text
(identified by Purdue Online Writing Lab 2020)
NO 4
- Euphemisms or words that veil the truth shall also be avoided.
Examples of which are “virtually challenged” for someone who is short; “passed away” instead of died, and other deceitful language
The five major issues that should be avoided in an effective and well-written text
(identified by Purdue Online Writing Lab 2020)
NO 5
- Avoid using any biased language including those associated with any racial, ethnic, group, or gender.
Hence, an effective language can be characterized as:
-Concrete and specific (not vague and abstract)
-Concise (not verbose)
-Precise and clear (not obscure)
-Constructive (not destructive)
-Appropriately formal (not slang)
Informal Language Use
Usually used in writing for oneself or in writing to family, friends, and colleagues.
Formal Language Use
Used in writing academic, business, and official texts.
refers to a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate and capitalize.
Mechanics
Mechanics
SPELLING
PUNCTUATION
CAPITALIZATION
always make sure that you are consistently using one standard with regard to the spelling of your words.
Remember that there are slight differences in American English spelling and British English spelling.
Spelling
act of using a system of symbols such as the comma, period, quotation marks, question marks, etc. that are used to give structure to and organize a text
Punctuation
The use of it guides the reader regarding how the text should be read
Punctuation
is the act of writing the first letter of a word in uppercase while the rest of the letters are in lowercase.
Capitalization
The rules in capitalization that one has to remember:
- Capitalize the first letter in a sentence.
- Capitalize the first letter of the person’s job title or position if it precedes the person’s name, or are used instead of the person’s real name.
- Capitalize days of the week, months, and holidays.
- Always capitalize the pronoun I.
- Always capitalize proper nouns.
Punctuation Types:
Comma ,
Exclamation mark !
Question mark ?
Semicolon ;
Colon :
Close and Open Parenthesis ( )
Dash -
Bracket [ ]
Braces { }
