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English
Quarter 1 - Module 2:
Properties of a Well-Written Text
Lesson 1
Reading & Thinking Strategies: Properties of a
Well-Written Text
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Hello, dear students. Welcome to another fun yet meaningful journey in
Reading and Writing Skills. You will now embark on the exciting experiences on
the First Quarter of your module.
This module is about evaluating a written text based on its properties like
organization, coherence and cohesion, language use and mechanics. This will
teach you to identify the properties of a well-written text, evaluate a sample written
text based on its properties, and apply through writing the properties of a well-
written text in achieving its purpose.
With this, I hope that you are going to enjoy your lessons as well as learn from
these, especially those that you can apply in real life.
What I Need to Know
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to achieve the following:
Most Essential Learning Competency:
Evaluate a written text based on its properties (organization, coherence and
cohesion, language use and mechanics) EN11/12RWS-IIIgh4
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the properties of a well-written text.
2. Evaluate a sample written text based on its properties.
3. Apply through writing the properties of a well-written text in achieving
its purpose.
What I Know
Pre-test - Let’s Recall
A. MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE Read the following statements. Write TRUE if the
statement is correct; and if it is false, CHANGE the underlined word in each
item to make the statement correct.
________ 1. A physical format is an aspect of the organization that is immediately
apparent to the reader.
________ 2. Signal words are textual cues that can be a way to follow a certain text.
________ 3. Structure provides steps to organize or sequence a certain text.
________ 4. Text organization is a way in which a text is organized to guide a
reader logically through it
________ 5. Organization can be achieved through various text properties.
B. Read the statements carefully and determine what is being referred to. Then
write your answers on the blanks provided before each number.
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____________________1. This is achieved when ideas are logically and accurately
arranged.
____________________2. This refers to when the details of a paragraph are arranged
according to the order in which they happened.
____________________3. It is a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate,
punctuate and capitalize.
____________________4. This means that the sentences are arranged in a logical
manner, making them easily understood by the reader.
____________________5. To attain this property, one must be consistent with the
use of pronouns.
Activity 1: COMPLETE ME!
Directions: Complete this figure by writing what you think makes up an effective or a
wellwritten text.
What is a
well -written text?
What is it?
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Lesson 1: Text Organization
When you have already gathered enough materials in developing your
paragraphs or texts, the next step is to organize properly. Then, you need to determine
which ideas should be used in the beginning, middle and end of your texts—coherence
and cohesion should be considered in arranging your ideas. The mechanics of writing
should be observed, too, like capitalization, contractions and punctuation marks. Lastly,
you need to determine the type of language you are going to use for you to be able to
communicate with your target audience.
Text organization is the way a text is organized that helps to guide the reader
logically through it. This property makes a text readable and its message clear.
Organization can be achieved through the following techniques:
• Physical format
• Signal words
• Structure
Physical Format
The format is an aspect of the organization that is immediately apparent to the
reader. It is seen in how the text physically appears like headings and subheadings,
bullet points or font emphasis. However, use this technique with discretion as improper
or excessive formatting can be confusing.
Example:
Marxist ideology has three main theories. Historical materialism purports that all the
features of society can historically be traced back to economic activity. Social class in
capitalist societies is what produces unjust structures of power that exist today.
Socialism would be the next rational step for the development of human society.
Explanation:
The words in bold are the three most important Marxist theories that the first
sentence is referring to. By emphasizing these words, the reader can identify the
correct term for the concepts along with their definitions. This would also aid in
remembering the theories since they stick or stand out from the rest of the text.
Signal Words
Signal words are textual cues that readers can use to follow a text. They can “signal”
the transition from one point to another, the ordering of events and concepts, or
the writer’s chosen text type (e.g., linear narration, question and answer).
Example:
Chuck Palahniuk’s novel Fight Club greatly influenced me as a fictional writer. First, his
use of the unreliable narrator fascinated me, and I have written similar characters in my
works. Second, the theme of patriarchal oppression can also be found in the stories I
write. Third, the novel’s stunning twist is something that I have been trying to recreate.
Thus, I am extremely grateful to have encountered Palahniuk’s genius early in my
writing career.
Explanation:
By using sequential signal words (first, second and third) before the beginning of every
sentence, the reader can follow what seems to be the writer’s list of three reasons why
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the novel influenced him. The word thus also signals the conclusion and the end of the
list.
Structure
The structure provides the framework upon which the text is organized. It
consists of the following:
• Beginning: introduction, thesis statement, hook
• Middle: supporting details
• End: conclusion, summary, final message
Example: Ancient philosophies believe that a person has an “aura,” this appears as a
rainbow of light around the body that can be seen by individuals with clairvoyant
abilities. The colors change depending on one’s mood, health, and thoughts. Some
scientists believe that the existence of the aura has something to do with the
electromagnetic fields produced by cells and tissues in the human body. Whether auras
are real or not, the fact remains that there are forces everywhere that are real even
though we cannot see them.
Explanation:
Organization in this paragraph is not readily noticeable as it does not use cues like
formatting or signal words. However, the text is organized in this way:
• Beginning: Introduce topic of aura
• Middle: Definition and evidence of existence of auras
• End: Ending message about forces in the world
✓ By adhering to the structure, the writer can produce a text that is still easy to
follow. The topic, supporting details and concluding message is still clear to the
reader.
✓ Text organization makes a text easy to read. It prevents the reader from
becoming confused by a jumble of words, sentences, and paragraphs that are in
no particular order.
✓ Organization can be achieved through the physical format, signal words, and
structure.
What’s More?
Activity 3: The Signals
Directions: Underline the signal words and phrases that the author has
used for arranging the details in the paragraphs.
Northern Mindanao is a region rich in culture, which can be seen in their
numerous festivals. One of the most popular festivals in the region is the Higalaay
Festival in Cagayan de Oro City. They celebrate the feast day of St. Augustine
every 28th day of August. Another festival is Kaamulan festival in Bukidnon. It is
an ethnic cultural festival wherein people allocate a relative amount of their time to
remember the culture and traditions of the seven ethnic tribes in their area. It is
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also considered as a thanksgiving festival to celebrate their bountiful harvest.
Moreover, another famous festival in the region is the Lanzones festival in
Camiguin, which is a 4-day celebration of this fruit. It is held every 3rd week of
October. It is essential to note that the sweetest Lanzones can be found in the
islands of Camiguin. Regularly celebrating different causes as one whole
community shows that the citizens of Region 10 value camaraderie and
friendship.
Some parts of this region are known to have preserved their tribal beliefs
and customs. An example is the Higaunon, a mountain tribe in Bukidnon.
Apparently, they still believe in the existence of spirits and gods. Furthermore,
they have a god for each element. Another superstition is they need to please the
spirits so they will experience something good in return. People in this tribe still
live according to their traditions with farming as their primary source of income.
Additionally, the ancestors of its current inhabitants mentioned that the region was
occupied by four tribes but when northern-central Mindanao was divided into
provinces, migrants from Visayas and Luzon began to dominate the region. Since
that happened, the tribal communities went to the mountains and forests to
continue living out their cultural heritage.
The region’s culture can also be seen in their establishments and churches.
These include: the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Misamis Oriental,
Macapagal-Macaraeg Heritage House in Lanao Del Norte, General MacArthur
Maker and Saint Augustine Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro. These places represent
a glimpse of Northern Mindanao’s history because the events that occurred in
these locations moulded Region 10 to be what it is today. The province of
Camiguin is home to century old churches such as the Santo Rosario Church and
Old Catarman Church Ruins. Baylao Church is considered as a miraculous place
because a lot of individuals connect it to how its existence saved numerous lives
during the eruption of Mount HibokHibok. Besides that, there are also a lot of
ancestral homes that can be found in this region that date back all the way to the
Spanish era.
[Link]
region-10profile/[Link]
if there is a clear
statement of purpose,
position, facts, examples, IDEAS are formed
specific details,
definitions, explanation, and well-developed ORGANIZATION
justifications or opposing
viewpoints
And if there is ORGANIZATION, there is…
✓ Coherence and Cohesion – by coherence we mean that every part of a
composition must contribute to one main unifying thought, which means that the
various parts of a text must follow one another in an order which makes their
relationship clear. On the other hand, cohesion means that the overall text has
meaning.
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A text with coherence has ideas that are logically sequenced in a way that is
easy to follow for the reader. Although without cohesion, no central concept links all
these ideas together. The main point of the text remains unclear for readers.
Example:
My favorite painting is “The Weeping Woman” by Pablo Picasso, which is an
intriguing painting that symbolizes suffering. As a result, I love bright primary colors, so
I wear a lot of shocking yellows, blues, and reds. Also, as an outgoing person, I enjoy
performing for large crowds. In the end, people should not judge an artist’s talent based
on one standard.
Explanation:
Connecting words in the text suggest a sequence of ideas that the writer wants to
convey. “As a result” implies an effect of the previous statement while “in the end”
indicates the conclusion. However, the writer jumps from one topic to another resulting
in a lack of cohesion. For instance, the writer talks about his or her favorite colors “as a
result” of Picasso’s painting even though they are not connected in any way. It can be
inferred that the choice of favourite colors was inspired by the colors of the painting, but
the writer does not make this clear.
Cohesion and Coherence
A text with both cohesion and coherence has a central concept linking all
the ideas in the text, and these ideas are presented in a logical manner. The main
point is clear, and the text is easy to follow and understand.
Example: International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March of every year.
It began as a Socialist political event in several Western countries. Then, other
countries also started celebrating the holiday just as a way to express their love for
women. Currently, the United
Nations observes the holiday as a way to bring to light women’s issues around the
world.
Explanation:
The main topic of the text is International Women’s Day, which was stated in the
first sentence. The paragraph proceeds to outline the history of the holiday starting from
some Western countries and its spread to other nations. It ends with the current way
that the whole world celebrates the day. The writer can present different ideas about
the holiday in a logical manner and without veering away from the topic.
Remember the following when trying to evaluate if your text has cohesion and
coherence:
• A text with cohesion but no coherence is difficult to follow.
• A text with coherence but no cohesion has no definite point.
• A text with both cohesion and coherence is logically sequenced and stays
on topic.
Informal language is usually used in writing for oneself or in writing to family,
friends, and colleagues. On the other hand, formal language is used in writing
academic, business, and official texts.
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Examples:
• We asked the secretary to call the professor and get her permission for us to
continue our research.
• We requested that the secretary contact the professor and obtain her permission
for us to continue our research.
Explanation:
In the first sentence, the writer used casual words such as asked, call, and get
permission, which made the sentence informal. The second sentence used more
serious words such as requested instead of asked, contact instead of call, and obtain
permission instead of get permission. This sentence is formal and is appropriate to use
when talking or writing to a person of authority.
When you write, you should also make sure that the language you use is
**direct and simple rather than complicated so that readers would easily understand
the text.
** If your readers are the youth, then, you should use words that are familiar to young
people.
Example:
Why Sunglasses Are a Must-Have for Kids (An Excerpt)
(News USA) Most parents know how damaging the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
can be to our skin, which is why they dutifully slather sunscreen on their kids during the
summer. But one thing that often gets overlooked is protecting their children’s eyes.
According to vision-care experts, kids receive three times more UV exposure than
adults annually, yet less than 30 percent of parents currently protect their children’s
eyes with sunglasses. The reason for concern is that children and adolescents are
particularly vulnerable to the sun’s rays because their ocular lenses are not mature
enough to filter UV light as effectively as adults, causing damage to the retina.
“Everyone buys into what happens to your skin when it comes to sun damage, but
many parents are really surprised to learn about the cumulative UV damage to the
eyes,” Dawn Hartman, an optometrist at Columbus Ophthalmology Associates in
Columbus, Ohio, told the Wall Street Journal in an interview. But the right sunglasses
can help, as parents become more aware that protection from the sun is not just skin
deep. Source: (USA, NEWS USA, 2016)
[Link]
Explanation:
The entire text uses simple words. This lets readers easily understand the
significance of letting kids wear sunglasses. There were a few technical scientific terms
that were necessary to mention in the text, such as ultraviolet radiation, ocular lenses,
and retina. However, the message of the text is still easy to grasp.
You should also be sensitive enough to use unbiased language so that you
will not offend any individual or any particular group of people. Unbiased
language is language that is free of racial bias, free of religious bias, and free of gender
bias.
Examples:
• A teacher should make it a point to motivate her students.
• Teachers should make it a point to motivate their students
Explanation:
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In the first sentence, the pronoun used is she, but teachers may also be male, so
the statement shows gender bias. The second sentence, on the other hand, makes use
of the gender-neutral pronoun, their, making it unbiased.
Lesson 2: Proper Language Use
Effective language is the vehicle of a good idea. A text cannot be considered well-written
if the ideas are not articulated well. This requires the use of appropriate language.
Proper language use allows you to capture the message that you want to convey
to your readers. It is all about choosing the right words that accurately capture your
ideas.
However, writers sometimes encounter problems with the following:
• Misused Words
• Words with Unwanted Connotations
• Technical or Highfalutin Words
•
Misused Words
A writer might sometimes use a word incorrectly, and this occurs when the word
does not mean what he or she thinks it does. So, it is important to be certain of the
definition of a word before using it; this often happens with words that sound or look
alike.
Example:
There are many behaviors that past societies considered legal but are now deemed
amoral including slavery, sexism, and racism.
Explanation: The writer confused the word “amoral” with “immoral.” The former means
neither moral nor immoral (without moral quality) while the latter means not moral.
Sometimes, it is easy to guess the correct meaning of a word just by looking at how it is
spelled. The prefix a- signals that something is without such as in “anarachy” (without a
government) or “atypical”
(without typical features). On the other hand, the prefix im- simply means not such as in
“imperfect” (not perfect) or “impossible” (not possible).
Words with Unwanted Connotations
There are words that take on a meaning specific to a context. Some writers
might not be aware of these connotations, so they end up using language that is
unintentionally confusing, comical or even offensive to readers. Example:
The coast guard salvaged Priscilla and her sister after their fishing boat was damaged
in the storm.
Explanation:
The word “salvage” means to save usually from the wreckage of a marine vessel.
However, the Philippine media and police often use the term to mean a violent killing,
which is opposite from its traditional English meaning. It comes from the Spanish word
“salvaje” that has a meaning similar to “savage.” Thus, if the writer produced this text
for a Filipino audience, the meaning that he or she intended would be lost. Using the
word “saved” or
“rescued” would remedy the issue.
Technical or Highfalutin Words
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Writers want to sound smart by using words that are very technical or have deep
meanings. Though some writing genres require the use of such words, writers should
still be careful about using them since they make readers work harder to understand
texts.
• Example:
There is an ongoing discourse about the antidisestablishment assemblage and the
administrative political body.
• Explanation:
The text is complicated because it is filled with words that are difficult to understand. If
the terms are important to use, then the writer could define what they mean. Otherwise,
the sentence could be rewritten simply this way: There is an ongoing discussion
between the opposition and the government. This sentence still “sounds smart” but it is
easier for most people to understand and it does not change the meaning of the
original sentence in any way.
Mechanics - refers to a set of conventions on how to spell, abbreviate, punctuate and
capitalize. Mechanics are conventions that have to be considered in writing. Some of
these conventions are spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. It is important to
know and observe these conventions in writing to avoid confusion.
Spelling
When you write, always make sure that you are consistently using one standard
with regard to the spelling of your words. Remember that there are slight differences in
American English spelling and British English spelling.
Punctuation
Punctuation is the act of using a system of symbols such as the comma, period,
quotation marks, question marks, etc. that are used to give structure to and organize a
text. The use of punctuation guides the reader regarding how the text should be read.
Examples:
• I love to paint portraits I would paint one every day if I had the time • I love to
paint portraits. I would paint one every day if I had the time.
• This book is dedicated to my parents, Noel and Corazon.
• This book is dedicated to my parents, Noel, and Corazon.
Explanation:
The first example does not make use of proper punctuation marks, while the
second example presents two sentences that are correctly punctuated. In the third
example, the sentence denotes that the author’s parents are Noel and Corazon. In the
fourth example, the use of the serial comma denotes that the book is dedicated to four
persons: the author’s mom, the author’s dad, Noel, and Corazon. The simple act of
adding a comma completely changed the meaning of the statement.
Capitalization
Capitalization is the act of writing the first letter of a word in uppercase while the rest of
the letters are in lowercase. There are rules in capitalization that one has to remember.
Below are a few examples of words that require capitalization:
• proper nouns Alex, Manila
• proper adjectives Canadian
• days of the week Sunday
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• months of the year January
• specific course titles Theater 101
• kinship names used in place of personal names and are followed by personal
names Grandma, Dad, Aunt Paz, Uncle Alvin
• adjectives, verbs, adverbs, nouns, and pronouns in a title and the first and last
word in a title
Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (literature)
• historical periods, events, documents
Great Depression, the Renaissance, the Constitution
Source:
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READING_AND_WRITING_First_Quarter_Period_PROPERTIES_OF_ A_WELL-WRITTEN_TEXT
Activity 4: Write me Right!
Directions: Create a coherent paragraph by arranging the following jumbled
sentences. Then, write your arranged paragraph on the space provided. Don’t
forget to observe proper mechanics in writing your paragraph!
• In these areas, 70 % of the agricultural land suffers from dryness and lack of
irrigation.
• As a result, the crops are usually marginal with hardly enough production to
feed the farmer’s family.
• The first fact to consider is that over 60% of the population lives in rural
communities.
• In my country, one of the most urgent problems facing the government today
relates to agriculture.
• And without irrigation, agricultural production is wholly dependent on the
uncertain rainfall.
• To understand the nature of this problem, one has to look at some facts.
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• To solve the problem of overpopulation, he devised a great war, which would
sweep like a conflagration over Greece.
• This was the Trojan war.
• Zeus, the ruler of the gods, seemed to have realized that the earth was getting
terribly overcrowded.
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Activity 5: In not more than 10 sentences and not less than 5 sentences,
explain what you like or dislike about Senior High School. Your paragraph
will be rated based on the rubric below. You may write your paragraph on the
space provided.
Criteria Performance Indicators Points Score
Ideas are well-articulated. 2
Sentences are written in logical order. 2
CONTENT
Main idea and supporting points relate to each
2
other.
Style and format are appropriate to the writing task.
2
MECHANICS
Conventions in writing are observed or used
2
correctly.
Total 10
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