For this course, we will focus on the two
macro -skills of communication: reading
and writing.
Describe a written text as a
connected discourse
Distinguish between and among
techniques in selecting and
organizing information
Identify the properties of a
wellwritten text.
Identify each pattern of development
learned.
Discuss the importance of a
wellorganized text.
Text is derived from the Latin word
texere , which means to weave, while
discourse comes from the Latin word
discursus , which denotes
conversation speech.
Text is a piece of writing or speech or
the main body of a printed or written
matter on a page, while a discourse is
defined as the use of words to
exchange thoughts and ideas.
Merriam-Webster
Text is a piece of naturally occurring
spoken, written or signed discourse
identified for purposes of analysis,
while a discourse is defined as a
continuous stretch of language larger
than a sentence.
Crystal (1992:72)
Text is a stretch of language
interpreted formally without a
context, while a discourse is defined as
a stretch of language perceived to be
meaningful, unified and purposive
Cook (1989:158)
It is a continuous
sequence of sounds
forming utterances or
conversations in spoken
language.
It is the unifying element in
a text and discourse. It is
about how ideas in a
sentence are arranged and
are connected so that the
information are properly
understood.
For example:
Please speak softly so that
John may hear you.
Study the sentences below.
▪ Please speak softly or John
may hear you.
▪ Please speak softly so that
John may not hear you.
▪ Please speak softly for John
may hear you.
It signal the relationship
between words in the
sentences. Simple connectives
such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet,
so make the flow of the ideas in
a sentence or paragraph
smooth.
1. To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, indeed,
to illustrate
2. To compare: also, likewise, similarly, in the same way, at the
same time
3. To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite,
even
though,
despite
of, in spite of, nevertheless, in contrary, on the other hand,
even so, though, however, notwithstanding
4. To show addition: and, also, again, in addition, furthermore,
moreover
5. To show place or duration: above, below, beneath, beyond,
farther, here
6. To summarize: in other words, in short, in summary, to sum
up, all in all
7. To show time: after, before, during, finally, afterward, next, since, then, until, while,
immediately, later, as soon as, finally
8. To indicate logical relationship: because, therefore, thus, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, as a
result, accordingly
Shows equal grammatical structure
or pattern to clearly express ideas
which are given in a series.
1. Balanced use of words
a. Faulty Parallelism: My friend is honest, sincere, and
possesses humility.
b. Parallel/Revised: My friend honest,
is sincere and
humble.
2. Balanced use of phrases
a. Faulty Parallelism: Seeing a ghost is to believe in
ghosts.
b. Parallel/Revised:Seeing a ghostis believing in ghosts.
3. Balanced use of clauses
a. Faulty Parallelism: The applicant was told that he got
the job and to start the next day.
b. Parallel/Revised: The applicant was toldthat he got
the joband that he could start the next day
.
Sentence 1: I have been to many places in the Philippines.
Sentence 2: I have already gone to Puerto Princesa, Davao, South Cotabato, and
Baguio City, among others.
Combined Sentences: I have been to many places in the Philippines. For example, I
have already gone to Puerto Princesa, Davao, South Cotabato, and
Baguio City, among others.
Sentence 1: I know you don’t like to study. Sentence 2:
You must pass your exam.
Combined Sentences: I know you don’t like to study. Even so, you must pass your
exam.
Sentence 1: Surfing takes much practice and skill.
Sentence 2: Learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.
Combined Sentences: Surfing takes much practice and skill. In the same way,
learning to write well requires a great deal of practice.
Sentence 1: The bookstore sells affordable gift items. Sentence 2:
They have the best gift items around.
Combined Sentences: The bookstore sells affordable gift items. In fact, they have the
best gift items around.
Why do you think it is
essential to have an
understanding of text
as connected
discourse in learning
how to read and write
effectively?
▪ Hardison , Karen P.L. “Text And
Discourse.” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, 6
Aug. 2011
▪ Antonio, Maria Teresa M., Reading and
Writing Skills for Senior High School,
Mutya Publishing House Inc., 2017
HAZEL QUE ALANZALON, LPT
Instructor 1
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation
Senior High School
