Written Discourse

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Questions and Answers

What does Discourse Analysis primarily focus on?

  • Single sentences in isolation
  • Grammar rules in detail
  • Stretches of authentic language produced in context (correct)
  • Vocabulary lists

Cohesive devices are used to improve the flow and connection between sentences and ideas.

True (A)

In what decades did Discourse Analysis evolve as a separate field of study?

1960s and 1970s

The study of _______ considers how language use varies between cultures.

<p>Discourse Analysis</p>
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Match the following cohesive devices with their categories:

<p>Reference = Grammatical Cohesion Substitution = Grammatical Cohesion Repetition = Lexical Cohesion Consistency of Register = Lexical Cohesion</p>
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What is one characteristic that Discourse Analysis examines?

<p>How context affects language interpretation (D)</p>
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The primary focus of written genres is on the grammatical structures used.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Name one type of cohesive device discussed in the content.

<p>Conjunctions</p>
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Which type of reference occurs when a word refers back to something mentioned earlier in the text?

<p>Anaphoric Reference (C)</p>
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Cohesive devices only refer to grammatical connections.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Name one example of a cohesive device.

<p>Pronouns, conjunctions, demonstrative adjectives, etc.</p>
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One common device for avoiding repetition in discourse is ___.

<p>substitution</p>
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Match the following types of references with their descriptions:

<p>Anaphoric = Refers forward to something mentioned later Cataphoric = Refers back to something previously mentioned Exophoric = Refers to something outside the discourse</p>
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Which of the following is NOT a type of cohesive device?

<p>Adverbial Phrasing (B)</p>
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Parallelism is a device used to create clarity through repetitive structures.

<p>True (A)</p>
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What is ellipsis in discourse?

<p>Omission of words or phrases that are understood from context.</p>
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Words like 'however' and 'therefore' are examples of ___.

<p>conjunctions</p>
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Match the following examples with the type of cohesion they represent:

<p>I live in a large flat. It has two bedrooms. = Grammatical Cohesion I like football and swimming. = Conjunction The film was incredibly boring. = Lexical Cohesion Are you ready? You had better be. = Parallelism</p>
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What type of reference does the term 'she' represent when it refers to someone mentioned later?

<p>Cataphoric Reference (C)</p>
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All cohesive devices serve the same function in discourse.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is a lexical chain?

<p>A series of related words or phrases that contribute to the text's coherence.</p>
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___ is a grammatical device that can shorten phrases by omitting words.

<p>Ellipsis</p>
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What is typically placed at the end of a sentence for impact?

<p>New information (A)</p>
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The overall topic of a text contributes to its coherence.

<p>True (A)</p>
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The text about flooding suggests two threads of lexis: one about ______ and another about ______.

<p>flooding; response</p>
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Match the following types of writing with their descriptions:

<p>Formal letter = Written with a specific format and official language Novel = Creative writing often featuring narrative and dialogue Report = Informative text presenting data and analysis Essay = Structured writing presenting an argument or analysis</p>
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Schemata are the shared understanding between a writer and a reader.

<p>True (A)</p>
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Define 'script' in the context of text comprehension.

<p>A script is the expected order of events or actions in a text.</p>
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The overall coherence of a text relies on a unified ______.

<p>topic</p>
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What is an example of a lexical chain found in the flooding article?

<p>Water levels, river, rise (C)</p>
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A deviation from the expected script can improve text clarity.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What genre does a formal letter typically belong to?

<p>Written discourse or professional communication.</p>
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The sequencing of information in texts often follows a ______ order.

<p>priority</p>
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Match the following writing genres with their features:

<p>Short story = Contains narrative and character development Academic paper = Uses formal language and structured argumentation Blog post = Often informal and can include personal opinions News article = Reports facts and current events succinctly</p>
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What is the purpose of using substitutes like 'the crowd' for 'the audience'?

<p>To avoid repetition (A)</p>
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Repetition of key words is primarily used to create confusion in a text.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is meant by 'consistency of register'?

<p>Maintaining a uniform style or tone appropriate to the subject matter.</p>
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In the example 'They are rich. They are famous. They are young.', the structure used is _____ to reinforce the message.

<p>parallelism</p>
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Match the category of cohesive device to its description:

<p>Nominal Reference/Substitution = Referring back to something previously mentioned Pronominal Reference = Using pronouns to refer to nouns Conjunctions = Words that link phrases or sentences Ellipsis = Omitting parts of a sentence that are unnecessary</p>
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Which of the following is an example of grammatical cohesion?

<p>'She' in reference to 'the teacher' (A)</p>
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Lexical cohesion involves the use of grammatical structures alone.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is coherence in a text?

<p>The capacity of a text to make sense.</p>
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The repeated use of a grammatical structure, like 'We will _____ taxes' several times can create _____ in a political context.

<p>reduce, parallelism</p>
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Match the type of cohesive device with its example:

<p>Conjunction of addition = 'And' Ellipsis = 'Notice board' Anaphoric reference = 'This' referring back Cataphoric reference = 'One of the strengths'</p>
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Which of the following pairs is an example of lexical sets?

<p>Internet and web (D)</p>
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Coherence depends solely on grammatical cohesion.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What is the role of theme and rheme in a text?

<p>Theme is the topic and rheme is what is said about the topic.</p>
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An example of a structural repetition is 'We will _____' which reinforces _____ in an election context.

<p>increase, promises</p>
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Define lexical collocation.

<p>A common pairing of words that are often used together.</p>
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Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of a book or film review?

<p>Detailed analysis of soundtrack (B)</p>
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The style of a letter of application is typically informal.

<p>False (B)</p>
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What type of information does a discursive essay typically include?

<p>Arguments for and against an issue, and a conclusion.</p>
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In a narrative, the 'middle' often includes a problem and a _____ to the problem.

<p>solution</p>
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What type of lexis is commonly used in advertisements?

<p>Descriptive adjectives (C)</p>
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It is essential for a report to have a conclusion and recommendations.

<p>True (A)</p>
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What is the primary purpose of a job application letter?

<p>To apply for a job and provide personal background.</p>
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In an essay, the _____ sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph.

<p>topic</p>
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Match the genre with its key feature:

<p>Narrative = Beginning, middle, and end Letter of application = Formal style and specific structure Discursive essay = Arguments for and against Report = Introduction, facts by topic, conclusion</p>
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What is a key characteristic of the style in a film review?

<p>Neutral and impersonal (D)</p>
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Context plays a minor role in language use.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Name one cohesive device that might be used in a report.

<p>Connecting words like 'however' or 'moreover'.</p>
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A _____ essay often requires factual presentation followed by the author’s opinion.

<p>discursive</p>
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Which feature is crucial in the layout of a letter of application?

<p>Address of sender and date (A)</p>
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Which of the following is NOT a function of a text?

<p>Presenting opinion (C)</p>
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Flowery language is commonly used in English for regulatory functions.

<p>True (A)</p>
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What aspect of discourse refers to leaving out unnecessary elements in a sentence?

<p>Ellipsis</p>
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In discourse analysis, '_____' refers to something not previously mentioned but is assumed knowledge by the speaker.

<p>Exophoric reference</p>
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Which term describes the variation of language use based on social context?

<p>Register (A)</p>
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Cataphoric reference refers backwards to a part of the text already mentioned.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Define discourse markers.

<p>Language items used to indicate a change in direction or to organize ideas in spoken language.</p>
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The language chosen for specific functions in a text can lead to _____ utterances from learners.

<p>non-standard</p>
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Match these terms with their correct definitions:

<p>Ellipsis = Omitting unnecessary elements in a sentence Genre = Conforming to expectations of content and style Register = Variation of language use based on context Anaphoric reference = Referring back to something already mentioned</p>
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Which example illustrates a regulatory function?

<p>Could you please pass me the salt? (A)</p>
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A speaker making a joke is performing the 'interacting' function of a text.

<p>False (B)</p>
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In the sentence 'This is it!', the phrase 'it' is an example of _____ reference.

<p>cataphoric</p>
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What is the purpose of using discourse markers in spoken language?

<p>To indicate a change of direction or organize ideas.</p>
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Which of the following is an example of exophoric reference?

<p>The Tube is down. (B)</p>
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Flashcards

Discourse Analysis

A field of study that analyzes stretches of authentic language used in real communication, focusing on context and cultural variations in language use.

Discourse

The study of how language is used to create meaning in larger units of text, going beyond individual sentences.

Cohesive Devices

Features that help to connect different parts of a text, making it flow smoothly and coherently.

Reference

A type of cohesive device that refers to words or phrases that relate to something already mentioned in the text.

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Substitution

A type of cohesive device where a word or phrase is replaced with a shorter form to avoid repetition.

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Ellipsis

A type of cohesive device where parts of a sentence are left out because the meaning is clear from the context.

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Conjunction

A cohesive device that uses words to connect sentences and show relationships between ideas.

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Lexical Cohesion

A type of cohesive device that focuses on the use of vocabulary to create connections within a text.

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Conversational/Textual Function

A sequence of functions that we follow in conversations or texts, using conventions to achieve a goal.

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Information Structure (New vs. Familiar)

How we present information in sentences as new or familiar to the listener/reader.

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Anaphoric Reference

Reference that points back to a previous part of the text.

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Cataphoric Reference

Reference that points forward to a later part of the text.

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Exophoric Reference

Reference that refers to things outside of the text, assumed to be known by the audience.

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Parallelism

A cohesive device that uses similar sentence structures or phrases for emphasis and rhythm.

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Lexical Chains

A recurring group of related words in a text, creating semantic connections.

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Spoken Discourse

The study of how people interact in conversations.

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Theme (Topic)

The part of a sentence that introduces the topic or what the sentence is about. For example, in 'The cat sat on the mat', 'The cat' is the theme.

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Rheme (Comment)

The part of a sentence that provides information or comment about the theme. For example, in 'The cat sat on the mat', 'sat on the mat' is the rheme.

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Overall Topic

The overall topic of a text, which helps to make the text unified and coherent.

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Script

The way in which we expect things to happen in a particular situation or context. For example, we expect to get up, have breakfast, and go to work in the morning.

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Schema

Our prior knowledge and understanding of the world, which helps us to make sense of new information.

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Text Type

A type of text that is recognized by its specific features, such as layout, content, and language. For example, a letter, a novel, or a news article.

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Genre

A sub-category of a text type, which has its own specific characteristics. For example, a letter of complaint is a sub-genre of a letter.

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Text Organization

The process of organizing information in a text in a logical and meaningful way.

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Text Cohesion

The way in which information in a text is linked together, making it cohesive and easy to follow.

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Contextual Analysis

A type of text analysis that focuses on the way that language is used to create meaning in a particular context.

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Discourse Style

The use of language to express a particular attitude or point of view.

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Sociolinguistic Analysis

The process of analyzing the way that language is used to create meaning in a particular social setting.

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Intertextuality

The use of language to create a sense of shared understanding and common ground between the writer and the reader.

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Substitution (Cohesive Device)

When a word or phrase is replaced by a shorter form to avoid repetition. For example, "The crowd was excited...they were cheering..."

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Ellipsis (Cohesive Device)

A cohesive device where parts of a sentence are left out because the meaning is clear from the context. For example, "John ate a cake, and Mary ate (a cake)."

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Conjunctions (Cohesive Device)

A cohesive device that uses words to connect sentences and show relationships between ideas. For example, "and", "but", "because", etc.

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Parallelism (Cohesive Device)

A cohesive device that involves the repetition of grammatical structures or patterns, creating a link between clauses or sentences. It can reinforce a message.

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Reference (Cohesive Device)

A cohesive device where a word or phrase refers to something already mentioned in the text. It can be anaphoric (referring back) or cataphoric (referring forward).

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Coherence

The capacity of a text to make sense. It's based on how well the reader's expectations are met and if the information is logically arranged.

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Theme

The given information or topic in a sentence or a piece of text. It's what the author wants to talk about.

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Rheme

The comment or what the author wants to say about the theme. It's the new information provided in a sentence.

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Consistency of Register

Creating a cohesive text by adhering to a consistent style of language or register. Using appropriate vocabulary and grammar for the audience and context.

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Partial Synonymy

The use of different words or phrases that have similar meaning to avoid repetition. For example, "audience" and "crowd".

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Grammatical Cohesion

The grammatical connections within a text. It includes nominal reference, pronominal reference, conjunctions, and ellipsis.

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Coherence

The overall organization of a text, its logic, and how well it conveys its message. It's influenced by the author's intentions and cultural context.

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Historical Linguistics

The study of how language changes over time, including changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

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Content

Types of information included in a text, e.g., facts, opinions, personal experiences.

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Organisation

The way ideas are arranged and ordered in a text.

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Style

The overall tone and formality of a text.

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Grammar

Grammatical features used in a text, such as tenses and structures.

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Lexis

The words and phrases used in a text.

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Layout

The visual appearance of a text, including headings, bullet points, and layout.

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Attention-grabbing Beginning

The beginning of a story that grabs the reader's attention.

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Evaluation

A section in a text that provides comments and evaluation.

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Recommendation

A final section that summarizes the main points and offers a recommendation.

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Present Tenses

Tenses used to describe events that are happening now.

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Precise Descriptive Vocabulary

Words that provide detailed descriptions, often using adjectives and adverbs.

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Paragraph

A section of a text that covers a specific topic.

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Background

Explains the situation and setting of a story.

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Events

A section that describes the events that happen in a story.

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End

The conclusion of a story that provides an outcome or evaluation.

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Function of a Text

The overall purpose of a text, like referring to something, expressing feelings, or giving instructions.

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Register

The style and formality of language used in a text, influenced by factors like the audience and purpose.

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Discourse Markers

Words or phrases in spoken language that signal a change in direction, like 'anyway', 'actually', or 'well'.

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Language Variation Across Cultures

Differences in how speakers communicate, leading to misunderstandings or inappropriate language use in a new language.

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New Information

The part of the text that is new or introduces new information.

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Familiar Information

The part of the text that is already known or familiar to the listener/reader.

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Study Notes

Discourse Analysis

  • Discourse analysis evolved in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on stretches of authentic language in context for real communication, unlike isolated sentences.
  • It now includes cultural and contextual variations in language use and how environment/situations affect language interpretation/production.
  • Discourse analysis studies whole texts (letters, conversations, reports) and the links between utterances/sentences in both spoken and written English.
  • It examines how we organize conversations/texts, order information, make texts cohesive (e.g., using pronouns), and interact via conversational cues (e.g., speaking turns).
  • It also considers how language varies according to speaker/writer, audience, and purpose.

Cohesive Devices

  • Cohesive devices link parts of texts, enabling understanding of relationships within and outside the text.
  • Four main categories are:
    • Grammatical Cohesion (reference, substitution, ellipsis)
    • Conjunctions (linking words/phrases)
    • Lexical Cohesion (lexical sets/chains, repetition, register consistency)
    • Parallelism (repetition of form/rhyme, creating links)

Grammatical Cohesion

  • Reference: Refers to something previously mentioned (anaphoric), about to be mentioned (cataphoric), or outside the dialogue (exophoric).
    • Anaphoric: "I live in a large flat in Istanbul. It has two bedrooms." ("It" refers to "flat")
    • Cataphoric: Uses "she" or "it" before naming the subject to build anticipation.
    • Exophoric: "The Queen is expected to give a speech today." (Assumes shared knowledge of which Queen)
  • Substitution: Avoiding repetition by replacing a word/phrase with another one (determiners, adverbs).
    • "I need a pen. Have you got one?" ("One" substitutes "pen")
  • Ellipsis: Shortening phrases by omitting unnecessary words.
    • "Would you like a cup of tea?" "Yes, I would." (Omits "like a cup of tea")

Conjunctions

  • Linking words/phrases that show logical relationships between sentences/paragraphs.
  • Examples: "however," "firstly," "if," "for example."

Lexical Cohesion

  • Lexical Sets/Chains: Using similar words to avoid repetition (partial synonyms).
  • Repetition: Repeating key words to emphasize points.
  • Consistency of Register: Maintaining a consistent level of formality/informality throughout a text.

Parallelism

  • Repeating a grammatical or rhythmical pattern to create emphasis/create interest.
    • "They are rich. They are famous. They are young. They are Hollywood's new stars."

Coherence

  • Coherence makes a text meaningful/makes sense.
  • It relies on shared context/expectations between writer and reader, including:
    • Relationships within/between sentences (additive, causal, contrastive, temporal).
    • Topic/comment structure (theme and rheme) (presenting new information).
    • Text organization (overall subject).
    • Schema and script (reader/writer shared background knowledge, expected sequence of events).

Written Genres

  • Different genres have different characteristics (content, organization, style, grammar, lexis, layout).
  • Examples include film reviews, letters of application, discursive essays, and reports.
  • Key features vary based on genre (e.g., film reviews typically include plot descriptions, evaluations, and recommendations, letter of applications have a formal style) and should be understood to create effective written work.

Context in Language

  • Language use is almost always contextualized.
  • Context is essential for understanding meaning and purpose in written/spoken texts.
  • Genre, style, register, function of the text affect the chosen language.
  • The five common text functions are: referring, expressing feelings, regulating, interacting, and playing.

Terminology Review (Examples)

  • Anaphoric Reference: Referring back to something previously mentioned.
  • Ellipsis: Omitting parts of a sentence.
  • Discourse Markers: Words/phrases in spoken language that signal direction changes.
  • Register: The way language varies based on context.
  • Cataphoric Reference: Referring forward to something later in the text.
  • Genre: A category of text with specific features.
  • Exophoric Reference: Referring to something outside the text (shared knowledge).

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