LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR TEXTS

A linear text refers to traditional text that needs to be read from beginning to end in order to make sense of
its content. It follows a sequential reading path where the reader tries to make sense of the text through
grammatical arrangement and relationship of words. The common examples of this type include novels,
poems, short stories, letters and educational texts.
A non-linear text, on the other hand, is non-sequential. This means that the readers, not the author, decide
how the text is to be read without necessarily following a prescribed pattern. The most common examples of
non-linear texts include flowcharts, charts, graphs and other graphic organizers.
1. Line graph is a graphical display of data that continuously changes over a
specific amount or period of time. The line or lines represent movement and may
ascend or descend depending on the trend they show.
2. Bar graph is a graphical representation of data that uses bars to compare data
according to given categories. Such bars may run either vertically or horizontally.
3. Pie chart or pie graph is a circular statistical tool. It uses portions or slices to
represent numerical proportions or percentages of a given whole.
4. Venn diagram uses overlapping shapes (usually circles) to show or represent the
similarities and differences between two or more items or concepts.
Transcoding Linear to Non-Linear Texts and Vice Versa
To transcode a linear text to a non-linear text, one may follow these steps:
Step 1. Read and understand the source text to get its main or central ideas.
Step 2. Extract important details to be included in the visual presentation.
Step 3. Remember to use words or phrases only.
Step 4. To be organized, classify information into categories.
Step 5. Make sure to use the appropriate non-linear text in presenting your information.

Name:_______________________________________________
Grade /Section:_______________________________________

Learning Task 4: In your notebook, transcode the information below into an appropriate non-linear
representation.
Sharks and whales are classic examples of two different animals revealing similar traits in the same
environment. One of the similarities of these two marine animals is their habitat. They both live in the vast
range of depth of their environment. They also have the same fin structure. They only have single tail for
propulsion, and because they are both large aquatic animals, they both consume large volume of food.
Sharks hunt for their food while whales do not have this hunting tendency. Another difference of sharks to
whales is their class. Whales are mammals while sharks are fish but they both live in the ocean. Also, whales
have bones while sharks only have cartilages.