Text and Discourse Analysis Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is generally considered a text?

A text is generally considered as written material, especially longer pieces of writing such as a book, a letter, or a news paper.

A text is merely a collection of random ideas without any connection.

False (B)

What is a discourse?

Originally, the word 'discourse' comes from the Latin word 'discursus', which denoted conversation, argument, or speech. A discourse is essentially an extended expression of thoughts or ideas.

What is NOT a quality of text, put forth by Jorgensen and Phillips?

Relevance (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

It is the main idea of the paragraph. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of discourse?

Description (A), Argumentative (B), Persuasive (C), Narrative (D), Expository (E) Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of narrative writing?

Point of view, characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. Signup and view all the answers

Descriptive writing relies heavily on vivid imagery and sensory details.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of persuasive writing?

To convince the audience to change their mode of thinking or to persuade them to take a specific action. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between persuasive and argumentative writing?

Both involve convincing the reader, but in argumentative writing, the argument is presented in a logical manner and often supported by facts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of expository writing?

Expository writing aims to deliver information about an issue, subject, method, or idea. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of discourse most likely would focus on the causes and effects of a historical event?

Expository (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between cohesion and coherence?

Coherence is the overall meaning of a text, while cohesion is the connection between the parts of the text. Signup and view all the answers

Text is always a connected discourse, meaning it only has one main idea.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The difference between written text and spoken text isn't significant.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A text can include a combination of discourse types.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some factors to consider when identifying a specific discourse type?

The writer's purpose, the main idea, the type of language used, and the organization of the information. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Text and Connected Discourse

Text is generally considered written material, especially longer pieces like books, letters, or newspapers.
It's a collection of ideas put together to convey a point or central idea.
Text consists of sentences.
Cohesion is a key aspect of text.
Examples of text include letters, emails, articles, stories, poems, speeches, and visual/multimedia elements (posters, videos).

What is Discourse?

Discourse originates from the Latin word discursus, meaning conversation.
Discourse encompasses argumentation, speech, and text.
Discourse features unique qualities and purpose.
Discourse is a formal, often lengthy discussion of a subject.
Insights and concepts are presented in an organized and logical format.
Discourse acts as an extended expression of thoughts and ideas.
Discourse refers to how language is used to convey meanings, propel actions, and evoke specific reactions.
Examples of discourse include journals, diaries, news articles, anecdotes, procedures, critiques, opinion pieces, and research articles.

Qualities of a Text

Cohesion: Parts of the text are connected.
Coherence: The overall text has a clear meaning.
Intentionality: The writer's attitude and purpose are discernible.
Acceptability: The text is recognized as valid.
Informativity: The text presents new or anticipated information.
Intertextuality: The text can be linked to prior discourse.

Constructing Logical Paragraphs

Ideas within a text must be logically linked.
Paragraphs should be logically divided.
Start with a topic sentence.
Supporting sentences discuss points sequentially.
Use signal words/phrases to introduce new points.
Supporting details like examples, numbers, and statistics enhance points.
Conclude paragraphs with a concluding sentence.

Connectives for Listing Arguments

Firstly: Used to present the first supporting argument.
Secondly, furthermore, moreover, in addition: Used to present subsequent supportive arguments.
Finally: Used for presenting the last supporting argument.
Concluding connectives (e.g., in conclusion, in summary, thus) are used at the end of arguments.

Purpose of Discourse

Inform: Provides facts, instructions, or directions.
Persuade: Aims to change a reader's/listener's perspective or incite action.
Entertain: Provides amusement or enjoyment.

Purpose Examples

Purposes can relate to culture, social environment, or personal experiences.

Text vs. Discourse

Text is made up of sentences with grammatical cohesion.
Discourse comprises utterances with coherence.

Text as Connected Discourse

A text is a connected discourse.
All ideas within the text must connect to one main idea.
The text should demonstrate unity through combining ideas to highlight the central theme.

Connected Discourse in Speech

Spoken language is a continuous sequence.
This is also called connected discourse.
There are often differences in pronunciation between isolated words vs. those in connected speech.

Connected Discourse in Written Text

Text exhibits distinct features and a defined purpose.
Ideas are coherently arranged.

Types of Discourse

Narrative (telling a story)
Descriptive (creating sensory images)
Persuasive (convincing readers to adopt a view)
Argumentative (persuading using logical arguments and facts)
Expository (providing information)

Narrative Writing

Involves telling a story.
Includes features like point of view, characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution.

Descriptive Writing

Focuses on creating sensory images using descriptive wording.
Effective writing helps the reader experience what's described

Persuasive Writing

Aimed at convincing readers/listeners of a point.
Techniques used often involve advertisements, argumentative writing, and political campaigns.

Argumentative Writing

Similar to persuasive writing.
However, the argument is structured logically and supported by facts.

Expository Writing

Aims to deliver information about a topic, issue, method, or idea.
Various methods can be employed, such as analogy, analysis, cause and effect, classification, comparison/contrast, definition, examples, and process analysis.

Identifying Discourse Types

To identify the type, consider: The writer's purpose, the main idea, the language type, and organizational format.

Combinations of Discourse Types

Often, a piece of writing combines multiple discourse types.
One type usually dominates.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your understanding of text and discourse with this quiz. Discover the key concepts of cohesion in text and the unique qualities of discourse that influence communication. Explore various forms and examples that exemplify these ideas.