LESSON 1: TEXT AS CONNECTED DISCOURSE

When we speak of Text as Connected Discourse, we will be dragging in two interrelated

concepts – the text and the discourse. The understanding of the text requires an understanding of
the discourse. As defined, discourse is the expression of ideas that a person can think of. I want
that pair of shoes as a sample sentence gives us an idea that someone wants a particular pair of
shoes; this idea is considered a discourse. In addition, the ideas in discourse may spark responses or
may provoke an action.
In terms of text, it refers to the sum of the discourses. When we link the discourses together, it
makes up a large unit of written language we call a text.

Text - can be defined as an object that can be read, whether it is a work of literature
- can be defined as a large unit of written language.

Discourse - is the use of written or spoken language in a social context.

- it is also defined as a verbal interchange of ideas.
- it is also defined as how language is used to convey meaning.

Purposes of Discourse
1. TO INFORM – we provide in-depth and complete discussion of the topic.
2. TO PURSUADE – we try to influence the readers that the argument is better.
3. TO ENTERTAIN – we provide readers with captivating amusement to be more motivated to
the topic.

LESSON 2: TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

1. Brainstorming List - An informal way of generating topics to write about, or points to make about
your topic and is generally shared by the members of a group. Using this technique, efforts are made
to make a solution to a particular problem. Ideas are gathered and listed from the input of every
member.

 Methods in Brainstorming:
1). Creating an Idea List – simply involves listing ideas about a particular topic. It also helps you
find the main idea and supporting details from the numerous ideas listed.

How to make an idealist: This strategy is especially appropriate to textual people or those who are
more comfortable in processing words than visuals.

2). Making an idea map – It is a visual representation of ideas and their connections with one
another. Unlike the idea list, an idea map is more structured; thus, it is able to show how one idea
subordinates another idea.

How to make an idea map: Put the big idea or question at the center. Then, add a related idea by
writing it down in a circle near the big idea, and drawing a line between the two to show how the ideas
are connected.

LESSON 3: TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

2. Graphic Organizers - are tools that can be used to visualize and organize
information. They are often used as prompts for students to construct ideas, organize and/or
sequence information, plan to write, and increase reading comprehension.

Examples of Graphic Organizers:

1) Venn diagram 6) Cycle diagram
2) Clock diagram 7) Fishbone diagram
3) K-W-L chart 8) Timeline
4) Problem-Solution map 9) Series of Events chain
5) Network Tree 10) Plot diagram

LESSON 4: TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION (Continuation)

3. Outline – An outline is a map of your essay. It shows what information each section or paragraph
will contain, and in what order. Most outlines use numbers and/or bullet points to arrange information
and convey points.

 Kinds of Outline According to Structure

1. Topic Outline – Provides a quick overview of topics to be included in an essay. It is a form of
outline that uses parallel phrases for the heading all throughout. Generally, a topic outline is used if
the ideas being discussed can be arranged in a number of ways.

2. Sentence Outline – It is a form of outline that uses sentences for the heading all throughout. In a
sentence outline, the thesis and topic sentence of each supporting paragraph are fully written out.

LESSON 5: PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT (Narration, Description, Exemplification, Cause and

Effect, Comparison and Contrast)

⮚ Pattern of development – is the logical arrangement of ideas. The pattern helps you follow ideas easily
and understand a text better. Having the ability to recognize it will help you distinguish major details from
minor ones and predict ideas. There are different patterns by which ideas are developed.

1. Narration – Narration is a very important rhetorical pattern in writing. It means telling a story or account,
which may be factual or fictional. A narrative paragraph or essay tells a story. It explains how something
happened. By knowing how to narrate properly and keeping track of details, you will be able to develop your
narrative.

2. Description - is a representation of something or someone in words; It is one of the main rhetorical patterns
that create a mental image of a thing, a person or character, or an event. This is used when a writer aims to
convey the readers the physical characteristics of a person, place, or thing.

3. Exemplification – An exemplification pattern presents the general statement and then provides specific and
concrete examples to expound on the main idea. Simply put, this pattern is used to provide an example of
something.

4. Cause and Effect – A cause and effect pattern organizes details based on the cause, (the reason), and the
effect (the result or consequences) of a certain phenomenon. This pattern may discuss both the causes and
effects, the causes only, or the effects only.

5. Comparison - is used when the writer wants to point out the similarities between or among ideas, while
Contrast is used when the writer wants to point out the differences between or among ideas. Through the use
of comparison and contrast, a writer can determine the points that unite or divide two topics.

LESSON 6: PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT (Problem-Solution, Definition, Persuasion,

Classification, Process)

6. Problem-Solution – A problem-solution pattern organizes ideas into problems and proposed

solutions. It prompts the writer to subject a problem to careful analysis and later offer sound solution
to solve it. This rhetorical move makes sure that all parts pf the problem have been taken into account
so readers can understand the problem fully.

7. Definition – A definition pattern explains what something is like or its meaning, it gives the
meaning of a word concept.

8. Persuasion – A persuasion pattern organizes ideas to show how a set of evidence leads to a
logical conclusion or argument. Specifically, this pattern presents the issue, the position, and the
supporting evidence that supports the position.

9. Classification – A classification pattern explains a subject dividing into types or categories. By

classifying things, we better understand the distinct qualities of two subjects in the same general
group.

10. Process – A process paragraph explains how to do something in a series of steps. It explains
how something works.

LESSON 7: PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT (organization, coherence and cohesion)

Properties of a Well-written Text

 1. Organization in writing means that the writer must consciously arrange and classify ideas in
order to achieve logical order and clarity in writing. Organization entails that the ideas in writing
must be interconnected with one another.

2. Coherence & Cohesion are achieved when ideas are logically, clearly, and smoothly linked to
one another; without it, the reader may not be able to comprehend your composition. Although these
two concepts are interrelated, they are distinct. Coherence occurs when ideas are connected at the
conceptual or idea level. It can be seen through well-defended arguments and organized points.
Unlike coherence, cohesion is the connection of ideas at the sentence
level. It can be readily seen in a text through the smooth flow of the sentences and the connection of
the ideas.

 How to achieve coherence:

1. If you are writing the positive and negative points of a topic, discuss the positives before the
negatives, or vice versa, Do not discuss, however, with interchanging positive and negative
because this will confuse readers.
2. Within a paragraph, be sure to discuss only one main point to avoid clustering of ideas.
3. Stick to one topic and finish it first, instead of reverting back to it again and again.
4. Use what you learned about outlining to place the related ideas under their respective
categories. If one idea is misplaced, that will make the text incoherent.

 Cohesive devices are words or phrases that show the relationship between paragraphs or
sections of a text or speech. They are sometimes called linking words, linkers, connectors, or
conjunctions, discourse markers, or transitional words.

 1. a- Substitution- One way of promoting cohesion is via substitution. The use of pronouns as
substitutes for key nouns in your paragraph aids you in presenting clear flow of ideas. Substituting
nouns with pronouns will avoid repetition and confusion in your paragraph.

 1. b- Connectives- Through the correct use of connectives or conjunctions, writers are able to
connect ideas logically.

Examples:
1. The medical front liners are risking their own lives for the people. They
are indeed heroes in this pandemic.
2. Janine worked on the project herself.
3. I am sure that he is a nice man, for he helped my mother in time of need.
4. Girlie suffers much pain yet she manages to survive.

LESSON 8: PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT (Language Use)

Language Use – is the appropriateness of words/vocabulary usage. The right choice of words in
writing can help us become effective communicators. Language use is another factor in determining if
the text is well-written or not. It pertains primarily to diction, which refers to choosing the right word for
the specific context. It also deals with the ability of the writer to show his or her command of the
language.

LESSON 9: PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT (Mechanics)

Mechanics – Another property of a well-written text is the observation of writing mechanics. Writing
mechanics refers to spelling, grammar, punctuation, indention, and capitalization.

 Grammar – refers to the set of rules on how we organize words into sentences, and it also
refers to choosing the right form of words.
Examples:
1. Several deer (not deers) roam around the area.
2. The data (not datum) you gave were all beneficial to the investigation.
3. Jason has driven (not drove) that car for a couple of times.
4. How long does (not do) it take you to get home?
5. Did you finish (not finished) the assigned project?

 Punctuations – are marks used to clarify meaning by indicating separation of words into
sentences, clauses, and phrases. Writers must be conscious in observing the use of
punctuations in writing to avoid confusion on the part of the readers.

Examples:
1. The activity was tiring, but I managed to finished to the end.
2. “Follow the health protocols,” ordered the Secretary of Health.
3. And with this goes the wearing of face mask, face shield, and maintaining physical distancing.