Structuring an argument: Cooperative communication

Question 1

What is cooperative communication?

Answer 1

Cooperative communication is that we must say things in a way that ensures we are understood, respected and liked. This is all about predicting and managing expectations.

You have to be informative: say what needs to be said for achieving goals
You have to be truthful: say only what you know to be true
You have to be relevant: stay on topic and achieve one communicative goal at a time
You have to be clear: do your best to convey information understandably

Question 2

What expectations can you predict?

Answer 2

You can predict what someone wants out of the interaction, what someone knows prior to the interaction and what someone wants to know next.
When writing we have to make sure to do what is expected and be very clear if there is any chance we may be doing something unexpected.

Question 3

How do you manage expectations?

Answer 3

In order to manage expectations you have to structure a discourse, consisting of a main goal and sub-goals.
In order to make this cooperative, every sub-goal should contribute to attain the main goal. The sub-goals are in a sensible order and the relationships between the sub-goals are clear.

Question 4

What is coherence?

Answer 4

Coherence means that the text is goal-oriented, each part contributes to achieving the goal and each part makes sense exactly where it is.

Question 5

What is cohesion?

Answer 5

Cohesion means that each part is connected to the next, the connection between adjecent parts are clear and the text flows.

Question 6

What are expectations in academic writing?

Answer 6

There is an expected structure and content. The expected structure can be like the IMRaD.