Reading and Writing

Lesson 1: Properties of a Well-Written Text

Paragraph – series of sentences that are organized, coherent, and all related to a single topic.

Properties of a Well-Written Paragraph:

1. Organization
- Known as the ‘arrangement’
- Achieved when ideas are logically arranged
2. Coherence and Cohesion Coherence is concerned
- Coherence with how a writer guides
 Ideas are connected at the conceptual level the reader through the
 The overall sense of unity in a passage includes the argument using logical
main points of the sentence and the paragraph connectors. Cohesion
- Cohesion refers to the way that
 Connection of ideas at the sentence and paragraph texts use grammar and
level vocabulary to 'stick'
 Affects the tone of the writing ideas together.
3. Unity
- Achieved when a composition contains one focused idea
4. Language Use
5. Mechanics (with proofreading)

- The first line of a paragraph is indented. It indicates where the paragraph begins.

Parts of a paragraph:
1. Introduction
 First section
 Includes the topic sentence and background information at the beginning of the
paragraph
2. Body
 Discusses the controlling idea, using facts, arguments, analysis, examples, or other
information
3. Conclusion
 The final section
 Summarizes the whole topic of the paragraph

Types of paragraphs:
1. Topic sentence – states the main topic and the controlling idea.
2. Supporting sentences – develop the topic’s sentence. Comes from a variety of sources,
experiences, and writers’ analysis
3. Concluding sentence – signals the end of the paragraph and leaves important points

Lesson 2: Types of Claims

- Claim – statements that are essentially arguable. ‘Making a Claim’ if someone gives an
argument.
A Good Claim should be:
1. Argumentative and debatable
2. Specific and focused
3. Interesting and engaging
4. Logical

3 Types:
1. Claim of Fact - claims that assert the truth or existence of something and can be tested by
examining evidence for the claim
2. Claim of Policy - an argument that asserts a course of action that should be taken
3. Claim of Value - argues that something is good or bad, or that one thing is better than another

Lesson 3: Hypertext

- Nelson (1989) – describes it as a series of chunks connected by links

- It is s Non-linear document.
- Hypertext – text only
- Hypermedia – not just text but also images, sounds, and animated videos
- Multimedia – linking images, videos, sounds, and texts

Advantages:
1. Multiple paths of inquiry
2. Individualized learning opportunities
3. Reader learner control
4. Supports the connection of ideas
5. Some text suited to hypertext
6. Creating new references
7. Critical thinking
8. Ease of navigation
9. Asynchronous communication

Disadvantage:
1. Paper-based information is more comfortable to read
2. Computer required
3. Reader’s disorientation
4. Cognitive overhead
5. Causes eye strain
6. Too much control

Lesson 4: Critical Reading as Reasoning

- Reading – process in which the information from the text and the knowledge possessed by the
reader get together to produce meaning
- Critical Reading – an academic skill that has a careful and thorough reading strategy

READING CRITICAL READING

Purpose To get a basic grasp To form judgments about HOW
 to text works
Activity Absorb/ understand Analyzing/ interpreting/
evaluating
Focus What a text SAYS What a text DOES and MEANS
Questions What the text is saying How does the text work?
Directions WITH the text(taking for AGAINST the text (questioning
granted it is right) its assumptions)
Response Restatement, summary Description, interpretation,
evaluation

Strategies for Critical Reading

1. Previewing – gathering information about the text
2. Annotating – jotting down notes
3. Summarizing – shortening the text to test comprehension
4. Analyzing – breaking down its parts
5. Re-reading – reading the text several times
6. Responding – reacting to what you have read

- Reasoning – logical thinking. Thinking that has reason

Forms of Reasoning
1. Inference – drawing a conclusion that can be used to predict the future
2. Generalization – a conclusion based on several particular facts. A valid generalization holds in
many cases and is supported by evidence
3. Analogy – comparison between two things
4. Causes and Effect – sequence is one in which something is caused by one or more events

Lesson 5: Formulating Evaluative Statements About a Text Read

- Formulating – coming up with a plan or idea by carefully thinking about the different parts
- Evaluative – act of making judgments or assessments to determine the worth
- Assertion
 A statement used to make a strong belief on a topic
 Formulated after reading a text
 A declarative sentence that claims something is true about something else.
Types:
1. Statement of Fact – can be proven objectively by direct experience and results of the
research. Represents a shared reality and not influenced by personal opinions
2. Statement of Convention – the way something is done, similar to traditions and norms.
Refers to commonly accepted practices or behaviors
3. Statement of Opinion – expression of a person’s beliefs, feelings, or personal
judgments that cannot be objectively proven or disproven.
4. Statement of Preference – expression of personal liking, often related to taste,
preference, or individual inclination. Individual’s favored choices.