For all purpose

Reading
and
Writing Skills

For Presenration
Edralyn Joy G. Orbigo
lesson 1.1

TEXT
vs.
DISCOURSE
Etymology of Text and
Discourse discourse
text
comes from the Latin word
texere which means “to
weave, fabricate, or make”
(Merriam-Webster Online
Dictionary, 2021, & Online
Etymology Dictionary, n.d.).
This can refer to the fact that
people use text to create
points of discussion with one
another.
comes from the Latin word
“discursus” when means “to
run off in different directions”
(Merriam-Webster Online
Dictionary, 2021).
This may refer to the factthat
conversations are dynamic that
conversations may be about
different topicsof interest or
that conversations may start
with one topic and end with
another.
Various Definitions of
Text and Discourse
 Text
- “a piece of writing or speech or the main body of a
printed or written matter on a page” (Merriam-
Webster, as cited by Antonio et al., 2017)
- “a piece of naturally occurring spoken, written, or
signed discourse identified for purpose of analysis; a
language unit with a definable communicative
function, such as a conversation or a poster” (Crystal,
1992:72, as cited by Antonio et al., 2017)
- “a stretch of language interpreted formally, without
context” (Cook, 1989:158, as
cited by Antonio et al., 2017)
Discourse
- “the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas;
a long talk or piece of writing about a subject”
(Merriam-Webster, as cited by Antonio et al., 2017)
- “a continuous stretch of (especially spoken)
language larger than a sentence, often constituting a
coherent unit such as a sermon, argument, joke, or
narrative” (Crystal, 1992:72, as cited by Antonio et
al., 2017)
- “a stretch of language perceived to be meaningful,
unified, and purposive” (Cook,
1989:158, as cited by Antonio et al., 2017)
lesson 1.2

TEXT AS
CONNECTED
DISCOURSE


A connected discourse is formed when the elements of a text are sequenced in a

way that shows unity and facilitates clear understanding of a topic or subject
matter. It must then be “logical and well organized and easy to understand”
(Antonio et al., 2017).

Coherence, also known

as the unifying element
in a text and discourse,
refers to proper
arrangement,
connection, flow, and
transition of ideas in a
sentence or a text
(Antonio et al, 2017).
 Three Basic
Considerations to
Achieve Coherence in
Writing
According to Antonio et al. (2017), the
three basic considerations that one
must think of to achieve coherence in
writing are:
[1] using of transitional words and
phrases to show relationships,
[2] repeating key words and phrases,
and [3] using parallel form or
observing parallelism.
The Use of Transitional
Prompts
words and phrases that connect ideas in
a sentence or composition. They signal
the relationship between or among
words or ideas in a piece. Some of the
common ones are coordinating
conjunctions (FANBOYS – for, and, nor,
but, or yet, so) and subordinating
conjunctions (although, because, and
the like).
 Some Useful Transitional Prompts (directly lifted from Antonio et al.,
2017):

1. Giving Examples – for example, for instance, in fact, indeed, to

illustrate
2. Comparing – also, likewise, similarly, in the same way, at the same time
3. Contrasting – although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite of, in
spite of, nevertheless, in contrary, on the other hand, even though,
though, however, notwithstanding
4. Adding – and, also, again, in addition, furthermore, moreover
5. Showing Place or Duration – above, below, beneath, beyond, farther,
here
6. Summarizing – in other words, in short, in summary, to sum up, all in
all
7. Showing Time – after, before, during, finally, afterward, next, since,
then, until, while, immediately, later, as soon as, finally1.
8. Indicating Logical Relationship(s) – because, therefore, thus, for this
reason, hence, if, otherwise, as a result, accordingly

 The Use of Repetition in Compositions

In our study of Oral Communication in Context through the lens of

Hermosa, Hernandez, and Vergara (2019), we learned that repetition
can be used to one’s advantage. People normally do this to highlight /
emphasize a point or to draw attention to themselves. Use this
technique wisely or you risk boring the reader or the listener!

Also, remember that a person can use substitute words (such as

pronouns) and/or trim sentences to avoid excessive repetition.

e.g.
[X] Go, go, go! You can do it! Fighting! Yes, go! You got this, man! (too
repetitive) [/] Go for it, bud! You got this! (shorter)

[X] Celine is my friend. Celine is beautiful. Celine is charming. [/]

Celine is my friend. She is beautiful and charming.

[X] Karen is my friend. Karen is defending me from my brother. [/]

Karen, my friend, is defending me from my brother.
Using Parallel Forms / Observing Parallelism
Parallelism can be defined as “having the same
grammatical structure or pattern to clearly
express ideas which are given in a series”. People
must be mindful of the tense, the part of speech,
and the overall structure that they use to write
sentences or compositions that are related to one
another!
e.g.
[X] Jean likes to play, writing, and milk tea.
[/] Jean likes to play, write, and drink milk tea.
[/] Jean likes playing, writing, and drinking milk tea.
[X] Jessa is a teacher. She was teaching for four years now.
[/] Jessa is a teacher. She has been teaching for four years now.
[X] Lynn is punctuality, possesses intelligence, and sincerity. [/]
Lynn is punctual, intelligent, and sincere.
[X] To see is believing! [/] To see is to believe! [/] Seeing is
believing!