Reading and Writing Skills - Second Semester

Reading and Writing Skills - Second Semester

• The course focuses on reading and writing skills.
• Activities include word-up exercises, creating phrases, and constructing sentences.
• A key concept is the idea of "text as connected discourse."

Word-Up! Activities

• Students identify words that can be formed using a grid of letters.
• Students create phrases using provided words.
• Students combine phrases to form sentences.

Learning Objectives

• Define text and discourse.
• Recognize the importance of understanding a text as connected discourse in reading and writing.
• Differentiate text from discourse through a graphic organizer.

What is a Text?

• "Texere" means to weave.
• A text is a large unit of written language.
• It contains coherent words, phrases, and sentences to express one main point or central idea.
• A text follows a structure which connects the different ideas together.

Is This a Text?

• Examples of text are provided, such as a personal narrative about a coat.
• Another example shows a passage with nonsensical words.
•  Another example includes a descriptive story about a stormy night.

What is a Discourse?

• "Discursus" means argument in Medieval Latin, and conversation or speech in Late Latin.
• It's a formal discussion about a topic.
• A discourse is organized logically.
• Discourse involves considering how language is used to convey meaning.

Examples of Discourse

• A critique stating the good and bad aspects of a work of art.
• A daily diary entry detailing personal experiences and thoughts.

Purposes of a Discourse

• Inform: providing in-depth and descriptive discussion on a topic.
• Persuade: convincing readers that a proposed idea is better.
• Entertain: providing enjoyment or amusement to readers.

Analyzing Discourse

• Analyzing discourse requires context.
• The reader should consider factors influencing the author's claims (e.g., biases, philosophy, background).
• Factors to consider include culture, social environment, and experiences.

Text vs. Discourse

• Text is a written record of interaction (e.g., reports, essays, articles).
• Discourse is language in action (e.g., dialogues, arguments, conversations).
• Text is typically non-interactive.
• Discourse is often interactive.
• Text is defined as a product, while discourse is a process.
• Meaning from a text is within the text itself.
• Discourse meaning is derived through reader interaction.

Text as Connected Discourse

• A text is connected discourse because the various parts (sentences, paragraphs) are interconnected meaningfully.
• All ideas in a text must unify to highlight a central idea.
• Texts like books and instructional writings contain elaborate discussions that remain coherent despite their length and complexity.

This quiz focuses on enhancing reading and writing skills through various activities, such as word-up exercises and sentence construction. Key concepts include understanding text as connected discourse and differentiating between text and discourse. Prepare to define terms and recognize the importance of coherent language in written expression.