12 Questions
What is the main feature of an organized text?
One main idea
How many sentences should a paragraph generally have?
4 sentences
What is the purpose of using a cohesive noun in a text?
To summarize many words
Which of the following is not a characteristic of effective language use?
Unfamiliar
Which type of language is used in writing for oneself or to family, friends, and colleagues?
Informal
What is the purpose of using unbiased language?
To avoid racial, religious, and gender bias
What is the main issue when a writer uses a word incorrectly?
The word loses its intended meaning
Which type of words are technical or highfalutin words characterized as?
Difficult and requiring reader effort
What is the benefit of using concrete words in writing?
They provide a clear and sharp meaning
In what way does using familiar words contribute to effective writing?
It ensures broad understanding by readers
What is the purpose of spell check in writing?
To maintain consistent spelling throughout the text
When is a semicolon correctly used in writing?
To connect independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs
Study Notes
Main Features of Organized Text
- A developed main idea should have supporting ideas and a paragraph should have at least 4 sentences explaining the topic sentence.
Achieving Unity in a Paragraph
- Unity is achieved by remembering the parts of a paragraph: topic sentence, supporting details, and clinching sentence.
Creating Cohesion in a Text
- There are six main ways to create cohesion in a text:
- Reference substitution: uses a word or phrase to replace a word or phrase used earlier.
- Ellipsis: omits words because they are already understood in the context.
- Lexical chain: one word is related to another, forming a sequence of related words.
- Cohesive nouns: a kind of lexical reference that can summarize many words and signal what is to come or refer back.
- Conjunction: uses words like firstly, next, moreover, however, but, and, etc.
Language Use
- Effective language use refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary use, which should be specific, concise, familiar, correct, and appropriate.
Types of Language Use
- Informal language: used in writing for oneself or in writing to family, friends, and colleagues.
- Formal language: used in writing academic, business, and official texts.
- Unbiased language: language that is free of racial bias, religious bias, and gender bias.
Characteristics of Effective Language Use
- Use concrete words that are specific and form sharp, clear meanings, standing for what the reader easily perceives through the five senses.
- Use concise words and avoid redundancy.
- Use familiar words and avoid highfalutin words, defining technical terms or providing examples.
- Use precise and clear words, avoiding vague language.
Characteristics of Effective Language Use (continued)
- Avoid sexist language and use constructive language instead.
- Use mechanics correctly, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and other conventions.
Mechanics
- Spelling: consistently use one standard with regard to spelling.
- Punctuation: use a system of symbols to give structure and organize a text.
- Capitalization: write the first letter of a word in uppercase and the rest in lowercase.
- Comma: use to separate items in a series.
- Semicolon: use to join two independent clauses together with conjunctive adverbs.
Test your knowledge on the important features of an organized text, focusing on one main idea, development with main and supporting ideas, and achieving unity. Also explore six main ways cohesion is created in a text, including reference substitution and ellipsis.
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