REVIEWER IN READING AND WRITING SKILLS

“Don’t get tired of studying; God will give you strength.”

- Isaiah 40:28-29 NIV

WRITTEN TEXT AS CONNECTED DISCOURSE

Text
• It refers to any written material that can be read.
• It is a coherent set of signs that transmits some kind of informative message.
• It is a written form/printed form of communication, which is non-interactive nature.

Discourse
 Came from the Latin word 'discursus' which denoted 'conversation, speech'.
 It is a verbal interchange of ideas that is written or spoken. It has unity, meaning, and
purpose.
 It is social event of multi-layered communication in a variety of media: verbal, textual, visual
and audial, that has an interactive social purpose.
 It is generally considered to be the use of written or spoken language in a social context.

Types of Discourse (EDNA)

 Exposition - The main focus of this type of discourse is to make the audience aware about
the topic of the discussion.
 Description - It enables the audience to develop a mental picture of what is being
discussed.
 Narration - is a type of discourse that relies on stories, folklore or a drama as a medium of
communication. Stage play, story and folklore are some examples of narrative discourse.
 Argumentation - This type of discourse aaims to convince others of the truth or falsity of a
disputed matter. Three (3) goals –identify, analyze, and evaluate arguments.

Literary Discourses (PET)

 Poetic Discourse - It is a type of literary conversation which focuses on the expression of
feelings, ideas, imaginations, events and places through specific rhymes and rhythms.
Examples are songs and poems.
 Expressive Discourse - It does not involve the presentation of facts or the motivating of
others but is rather a reflection of our emotions which form the foundation of our
expressions. Examples are academic essays and diaries.
 Transactional Discourse - The basic aim in this kind of discourse is to convey the
message in such a way that it is clearly understood without any confusion. Whatever is said
has no ambiguity. Everything is clear for the reader. Examples include: Instructions,
Guidelines, Manuals, Privacy Policies, Patient’s Instructions as written by doctors etc.

PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT
1. Narration - tells a story. It relates an incident or a series of events. Its components are:
Introduction, Rising Action, Climax, Denouement, and Resolution.
2. Description - to represent the appearance of something with the use of words.
3. Definition - gives meanings to terms or ideas. Its components are: Term, Genus/class, and
differentia.
4. Classification - explains a subject by dividing into types or categories.
5. Comparison and Contrast - explains how two subjects are similar or different.
6. Cause and Effect - deals with reasons and results.
7. Problem and Solution - They analyze the problem associated with a particular issue or
situation and put forward possible solutions, together with any expected
results/consequences. The writer’s opinion may be mentioned, directly or indirectly, in the
introduction and/or the conclusion.
 8. Persuasion - intends to convince readers to do or believe in something.
9. Points and Elaboration - When you are writing your points, don’t forget your add
elaboration to each one. Add more details to explain what you mean. Use facts (evidence)
and opinions to give your reasons. Give examples. (Use For examples or For instance).

TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

I. Brainstorming - It is a process of generating creative ideas and solutions through

intensive and freewheeling group discussion.

Principles of Brainstorming (Ralph Keeney)

1. Lay out the problem you want to solve.
2. Identify the objectives of a possible solution.
3. Try to generate solutions individually.
4. When your problems, objectives and personal solutions are clear, work as a group.

II. Graphic Organizer - It is a communication tool that uses visual symbols to express
knowledge, concepts, thoughts, or ideas, and the relationships between them. Its main
purpose is to provide a visual aid to facilitate learning and instruction.

Types of Graphic Organizer

1. Diagram - It is a symbolic representation of information according to some visualization

technique.
a. Clock Diagram - is a variation of a pie chart that can be used for diagramming the use of
hours in a day.
b. Venn Diagram - uses overlapping circles or other shapes to illustrate the logical
relationships between two or more sets of items.
c. Decision-making Diagram - is a graphical representation of the decision-making
process. It shows the different decision paths that can be taken and the possible
outcomes of each decision.
d. Cycle Diagram - Each of its pieces represents a different phase of a cyclic process. You
can use it to represent any process whose output returns repeatedly
modifying/influencing the new cycle.
Ex. Work process, life cycle, stages of life, flow of carbon in nature, and water cycle.
e. Fishbone Diagram - It is a visualization tool for categorizing the potential causes of a
problem.
f. Star Diagram - It is used to organize attributes, facts, questions or characteristics based
on a single topic.
g. Chain Diagram - It is also called sequence of events diagrams. It describes how one
step leads to the next in the process, and eventually, to the outcome.

2. Charts - are timelines and comparison charts which can be very useful tools for organizing
information; tools that help us display detailed information.
a. Y Chart - This is a three-part graphic organizer that is used for describing three aspects
of a topic.
 b. PMI Chart - It is a brainstorming, decision making and critical thinking tool which can be
a useful method of analyzing and reaching agreed understandings on complex issues
and make a more balanced decision.

3. Tables – It is a collection of related data held in a structured format within a database. It

consists of columns, and rows.

III. Outline – It presents a picture of the main ideas and the subsidiary ideas of a subject. It
shows a basic overview and important details.

Types of Outline

1. Topic outline - arranges your ideas hierarchically (showing which are main and which are
sub-points), in the sequence you want, and show what you will talk about.
2. Sentence outline - expresses the specific and complete idea that section of the paper will
cover as part of proving the overall thesis.

PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT (APPLICATION)

Text structure
 It refers to how a piece of text is built or constructed.
 Writers use different structures to build their ideas.
 Each text structure communicates ideas in a different way.

Coherence and Cohesion

Coherence - A piece of writing is coherent if it is clearly organized and has logical sequence of
ideas. It means that the sentences should be organized in a logical manner and should follow a
definite plan of development.

Cohesion - A paragraph or section of text is cohesive if the sentences are well-structured., well-
linked together, and there is no unnecessary repetition.

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

1. Words and Phrases that signal time order

After Earlier Next

Before then at first
Later finally afterward
Soon now dates (in June)

2. Words and Phrases that signal sequential order

Although not only..but also consequently
Equally important on the one hand on the other hand
Similarly furthermore the least important
Therefore last the most important
One..another first..second.. In addition
next

Examples:

1. We have seen the movie twice, and now we want to see it again.
2. Not only did my brother break his leg, but he also bruised his rib.
3. We wanted to leave at 8:00. However, Mike arrived too late.
 4. If you want to get good grades, then you must do your homework.
5. Bill earned an A on his essay, but Susan got a B.

1. She hates housecleaning. On the other hand, she doesn't mind cooking.
2. Although the book is difficult to read, it is very interesting.
3. Houseplants require much care and attention. Similarly, outdoor plants must be cared for
properly.
4. First, I think that she is studying hard.
Second, I believe that she is a bright student.
Third, I know that she has great potential.

Language Use

• It observes the time-tested principles in writing.

• Use clear and concise sentences. Use precise vocabulary.
• Avoid redundancies, wordiness, clichés, and high faulting language.
• Avoid excessive use of there and it structures.
• Be consistent with pronouns.
• Avoid sexist language.

Characteristics of Effective Language

1. Concrete and specific, not vague and abstract
2. Concise, not verbose
3. Familiar, not obscure
4. Precise and clear, not in accurate or ambiguous
5. Constructive, not destructive; and
6. Appropriately format

Formality of Language - The formality of the language one uses should match the formality of the
situation and the relationship between the writer and the reader.

• Formal: A large number of consumers are complaining about medical doctors who are
apparently more interested in making money than in provide effective health care.
• Informal: 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

 It is the technical aspects of writing, such as spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc.

 Good mechanics makes a story easy to read, and attracts more readers.

COMMA (,)

Separate items in a series.

Will there be drinks, snacks, and games at the party?
My sister Amy, my friend Kyle, and I went to the park.

Set off interrupting information.

Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is home to almost three million people.

Separate two complete sentences joined by a conjunction.

The internet sites included good links, and Carolyn followed each one.

Use commas to set off dates.

It was September 18, 2015 when my first child born.

Interrupting Information – These are non-essential phrases may come at the beginning, middle,
or end of a sentence.

Examples
On a beautiful spring day, they had a picnic. (beginning)
Picnics, an old tradition, can be a lot of fun. (middle)
My Aunt Sally, who is my favorite aunt, talked to my mom. (middle)
When we left the park, the one at the end of the block, we went home.
Dad grilled ribs, the big ones from Costco. (end of sentence)
The guy, who sold them to him, smiled. (middle)

SEMICOLON (;)

Semicolons join independent clauses when there are no coordinating conjunctions.

 Autumn leaves showered from the trees in multiple colors and it looked like snow with a
rainbow.
 Autumn leaves showered from the trees in multiple colors; it looked like snow with a
rainbow.
It’s also like using the word furthermore, moreover, and in addition.
1. Bananas are a healthy snack furthermore they contain potassium which may help your
vision.
Bananas are a healthy snack; they contain potassium which may help your vision.
2. Most fruits are low in fat moreover they are also high in vitamins.
Most fruits are low in fat; they are also high in vitamins.

COLON (:)
Colons introduce lists and explanations. It’s also like using the words “and here it is” or “and here
they are.”

Examples:
 There are many reasons to exercise: it’s good for your health, it’s fun, and it’s free.
 I brought a lot of stuff: food, drinks, and blankets.

Use colon for conventional items:

 giving the time
The alarm is set for 5:30 a.m.
 separating chapter from verse in Bible references
He read Luke 4:17 – 28 yesterday.
 writing a salutation in a business letter.
Dear Madam:

CAPITALIZATION

Capitalize proper nouns. Proper nouns are specific name of person, animals, things, places,
and events.

Mitsubishi (car)
Sarah Geronimo (singer)
Boracay (place)
Panda (ballpen)
Ariel (detergent)

Capitalize the pronoun I (be it placed at the beginning, middle, or at the end of the
sentence).
I bring you glad tidings.
You and I will join the singing contest.

Days of the week, months of the year, and holiday.

-Monday
-July
- Independence Day

Capitalize the first letter of the sentence.

“Trust in God, you will excel in your exams.”

- Matthew 6:33-34 NIV