SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Reading and Writing Skills

Quarter 3 – Module 3:
Properties of Well-written Texts
• Language use
• Mechanics

PREPARED BY:

MYRA CAÑA
639696331250
[email protected]
 Let Us Learn

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to guide you in writing a well-
written text. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The
language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to
follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

Learning competency:

• Evaluate a written text based on its properties (organization, coherence and cohesion,
language use and mechanics)

The module is intended to discuss the topic: Properties of a well-written text

 Whatever the intent or whoever the intended audience is, composing texts involves a sequenced
process from the production of initial ideas to the realization of a finished product. Thus, effective
writing is not a ready-made skill; it entails preparation on our part as writers being knowledgeable with
the rudiments of writing as well as with the components that contribute to good writing.

Bear in mind that writing skills are an essential element of communication. Consequently,
producing a well-written text makes you capable of effectively expressing your views, opinions, and
ideas to your readers.

Language Use

It refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary usage. Proper language use enables you, the
writer, to capture the message that you want to give to your readers. Language use is one of the
strongest indicators of a well-written text because it leads writers to effectively communicate ideas
without confusing the reader.

Six characteristics of effective language:

1. concrete and specific, not vague and abstract
2. concise, not verbose
3. familiar, not obscure
4. precise, not ambiguous
5. constructive, not destructive
6. appropriately formal

1. Concrete and Specific Language

Concrete language involves tangible qualities/characteristics and things we know through our
senses. Specific language designates particular items or individuals cases.

Consider the examples below.

Abstract Concrete
To excel in college, you’ll have to To excel in college, you’ll need to attend every class; do all
work hard. your reading before you go; write several drafts of each
paper; and review your notes for each class weekly.
General Specific
The student enjoyed the class. Rhea enjoyed Mr. Gallardo’s 8:00 a.m. EAPP class.

Observe how statements become more effective as the language becomes more concrete and specific.
In contrast, abstract and general statements can generate multiple interpretations, and leave many
questions unanswered.
2. Concise Language
It involves using the most appropriate terms to get one’s point across. Concise language means
using a minimal amount of effective terms to convey one’s argument. To make the sentence more
succinct, writers must avoid unnecessary words in their sentences.

Verbose/Wordy Concise
Leah believed but could not verify that Leah assumed that James adored her.
James had feelings of affection for her.
My professor demonstrated some of My professor demonstrated methods for cutting words from
the ways and methods for cutting my essay.
words from my essay that I had written
for the class.
Ludwig’s castles are an astounding Ludwig’s three castles are an astounding marriage of beauty
marriage of beauty and madness. By and madness.
his death, he had commissioned three
castles.

3. Familiar Language
It refers to words/ terms that the reader easily recognizes and understands because they use
them regularly. The message has a greater effect when using vocabulary that is familiar to the reader.

Unfamiliar familiar
After our perusal of pertinent data, the The data we studied show that your property is profitable and
conclusion is that a lucrative market in high demand.
exists for the subject property.

The use of unfamiliar language or highfalutin words can eliminate the essence of the message like in
both examples below:

A letter sent to senior high school students warning them of the risks of an unhealthy diet:

“Individuals who maintain a diet of high-fat consent are exposed to an increased risk of
developing atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fat deposits on the inner walls of the arteries.
This condition can reduce or cut off the flow of blood in the arteries serving the major organs of
the body. This can lead to poor health.”

An assignment given to a class of ABM students by their philosophy teacher:

“The presently assigned paper necessitates an eloquently articulated analysis of the Existentialist
perspective as it pertains to contemporary living. You should adumbrate the points which
represent the sine qua non of your analysis.”

4. Precise Language
Through the use of precise language, vocabulary of specific nouns, and vivid verbs, you can
construct clear mental images and avoid wordiness. Moreover, the use of concise language, using
the fewest possible words without sacrificing meaning, makes your writing more understandable.
 Precise writing replaces vague terms for accurate nouns and active verbs.

Examples:
Imprecise Precise
Entrepreneurs use professional Entrepreneurs use professional writing skills to communicate
writing skills to communicate with effectively with clients and business partners.
others.
Research is taught early in the Research is taught to first-year university students.
academic world.

5. Constructive Language
The use of constructive language expresses a potentially negative in a positive way, while
destructive language leads the reader to blame and criticism, causing defensiveness.
Destructive Constructive
The problem is.. The challenge is..
What you do not understand is .. Let me explain in a different way.
It is not my problem. How can I help?

6. Formality of Language
The formality of the language used should conform to the formality of the situation and the
relationship between the writer and the reader. Consider the following examples.

Very Formal Formal Informal

Exceedingly large segments A large number of consumers A lot of people are unhappy with
of the population are are complaining about medical their doctors who only seem to
expressing their discontent doctors who are apparently more care about how much money
with medical practitioners interested in making money than they make, and not giving their
who appear to more in providing effective health care. patients good care.
engrossed in amassing
financial assets than in
providing efficacious care to
people with health disorders.

Depending on the reader, the writer’s relationship with the reader, and the circumstance, the three
examples may be suitable.

In one case, it might be appropriate to note that the language will be entirely permissible in another.
Therefore, it is necessary to consider the objectives of your writing, and use language that is consistent
with your objectives.
 Take note.

Colloquial Informal Semi-Formal Formal

Language Language Language Language
Audience Close friends, General General Specialized
family
Purpose Immediate Expression of Expression of Expression and
communication ideas of a ideas of general development of
personal nature interest ideas within the
course
Contractions and Common Contractions, Generally Avoided
slang yes; slang, no avoided
First/ Second Common Used for Used only to clarify Avoided
Person rhetorical effect meaning
Sentence Whatever Complete correct Sentences are Sentences are
Structure conveys sentences are complete and complete and
meaning used, but not correct. correct.
always

Let Us Learn

In this lesson, you will utilize your writing prowess through practice skills in grammar.
You are also expected to learn the MECHANICS in writing such as spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, and paragraphs in explaining a position in an essay.

Read the letter below. Identify all errors by placing the correct capitalization and punctuations,
correcting misspelled words, and writing the sentences in paragraph form.

233 sitio ibaba,

brgy. santisimososario
san Pablo city laguna
24 august 2020

ms.kasumiwatanabe
gems and jewels inc
sta. cruzlaguna

dear miss Salazar

i attended your career planning workshop at the trace collage libraery on 15 december 2018 your
presentation was just what I needed too organized myself Would it be possible for you to send me copies
of your resume-writing guidelynes the worksheet and the sample Unfortunately you ran out of this
handouts before you gotto me

sincerely
menard b banca jr
 MECHANICS

These are conventions that have to be considered in writing. Spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are some of the examples. To prevent confusion, it is necessary to know and follow
these conventions in writing.

1. Spelling
When you write, always make sure that you are consistently using one standard regarding
the spelling of your words. Remember that there are slight differences in American English
spelling and British English spelling

American Spelling British Spelling

airplane aeroplane
analyze analyse
anesthesia anaesthesia
aging ageing
color colour
defense defence
learned learnt
organize organise
theater theatre
traveled travelled

2. Punctuation
It is the act of using a system of symbols used to provide structure to and organize a text,
such as a comma, period, quotation marks, question marks, etc. The use of punctuation directs the
reader to interpret the text.

Punctuation Formal
Marks
1. Commas , a. Use a comma to separate items in a series. If all items in the series are
followed by and or, use a comma
Example:
• Squirrel, rabbit, and venison are the three kinds of meat originally in a
burgoo.

b. Use a comma to separate two complete sentences joined by a

conjunction (and, but, or, nor, or for, and sometimes yet and so).
Example:
• We ran out of gas, so I went to the nearest gas refilling station.

c. Use commas to set off dates and addresses

Examples:
• January 08, 2021/ Davao City, Philippines
2. Semicolons ; a. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences when there is no
coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, or for.
Example: Class was canceled today; Mr. Diaz was homesick.
 b. If the two sentences are joined by a conjunctive adverb, such as
however, consequently, therefore, or moreover, use a semicolon
before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
Example: Leaves fell from the trees in multiple colors; consequently, we have
a big job ahead for us raking them into compost piles.

c. Use a semicolon to separate two sentences joined with coordinating

conjunction when commas are contained within either of the
sentences.
Example:
• Leaves fell from the trees in red, gold, yellow, and brown; and it
looked like snow with a rainbow.

d. Use a semicolon to separate items in a series if there are commas

within the items
Example:
• Ms. Dapar, my friend; Mr. Diaz, my neighbor; and Ms. Lastimosa, my
MAPEH teacher all pledged to support the program.
3. Colon : a. Use colon for conventional items: giving the time, separating chapter
from a verse in Bible references, separating volume from a page in
bibliography references, and writing a salutation in a business letter.
Examples: 5:30 a.m./ Luke 4:17-28/ Dear Madam:

b. Use a colon to introduce a formal list. Words such as the following or

as follows frequently signal a formal list.
Example:
• The attendant made the following checks on my car: oil level,
transmission fluid level, battery, tire pressure, and windshield washer
fluid.
Apostrophe ‘ An apostrophe is used as a substitute for a missing letter or letters in a word
(as in the contraction cannot = can't), to show the possessive case (Jane's
room), and in the plural of letters, some numbers and abbreviations. Note:
groups of years no longer require an apostrophe (for example, the 1950s or
the 90s).
Dash — A dash is used to separate parts of a sentence.
3 types of Dash
1. Em-dash: can be used to replace parentheses, colons, and commas.
Generally, using the em-dash makes the writing style more
informal—as if you were writing to an old friend.
▪ To Summarize or Illustrate a Thought
A regular selection of three kinds of croissants—plain, almond, and
chocolate—was heartening, both Mabel and Harry agreed.

▪ To Signal an Abrupt Shift

I don’t really want to stay at Aunt Susan’s house—you know how
messy her house is—because she always wants me to help clean the
house.
"Mary, How could—Why would you do such a thing?"
 ▪ To Emphasize a Thought or Sentence
Some small businesses will make it through this hard time—but most
will not.
2. En-Dash: a mid-sized dash (longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em
dash) that is mostly used to show ranges in numbers and dates. It can also be
used for clarity in forming complex compound adjectives.
World War II (1939-1945) resulted in the weakness of Germany.
I have to work 2:30-7:00 p.m. on Friday.
If you follow column D to row 7, it would be called D-7.

3. 3-Em Dash: are generally used to omit a name that should not be
disclosed or to signal that word(s) have been left out. This particular dash is
normally used in legal documents to protect the innocent. You can either use
six hyphens or use an underscore.
The case between ------ and ------ will start tomorrow around 2 p.m.
Ellipsis ... An ellipsis (three dots) indicates that part of the text has been intentionally
been left out.
Example: 0, 2, 4, ... , 100
Exclamation An exclamation point is used to show excitement or emphasis.
point ! Example: It is cold!
Hyphen - A hyphen is used between parts of a compound word or name. It is also used
to split a word by syllables to fit on a line of text.
Example: The sixteen-year-old girl is a full-time student.
Parentheses () Parentheses are curved lines used to separate explanations or qualifying
statements within a sentence (each one of the curved lines is called a
parenthesis). The part in the parentheses is called a parenthetical remark.
Example:
• This sentence (like others on this page) contains a parenthetical
remark.
Period . A period is used to note the end of a declarative sentence.
Example: I am busy.
Question mark ? A question mark is used at the end of a question.
Example: Where are you?
Quotation mark “ Quotation marks are used at the beginning and end of a phrase to show that
it is being written exactly as it was originally said or written.
Example: She said, "Let's eat."

3. Capitalization
Capitalization, like punctuation, helps express details. Any sentence’s first word is
capitalized, signaling that a new sentence has started. To signify uniqueness, proper nouns are
capitalized. However, using capitalization merely to make a word appear or sound significant is
not right.

Below are few examples of words that require capitalization:

Proper nouns Examples : Arthur, Davao City

Proper adjectives Examples : Chinese, Filipino
Days of the week Examples : Sunday, Monday
 Months of the year Examples: January, February
Specific Course Titles Example : Theater 101
Kinship names used in place of Examples: Grandpa, Mom, Aunt Selly, Uncle Ben
personal name and are followed
by personal names
Historical periods, events, Examples: Great Depression, the Renaissance, the
documents Constitution

Let Us Remember

Here are the lesson’s key takeaways.

A well-written text requires organization, coherence and cohesion, appropriate language

use, and mechanics.
Organization is about the arrangement of ideas, incidents, details, evidence, and order.
Coherence is the connection of ideas in the concept level.
Cohesion is the connection of ideas in the sentence level.
Language use refers to the appropriateness of word/vocabulary usage.
Mechanics includes correct grammar, spelling, capitalization, abbreviations, and
acronyms, the use of numbers as part of the statement, and the punctuation marks.