Properties of a Well-Written Text

In academic terms, a text is defined as written material or piece of writing such as an

article, essay, book, magazine, or newspaper.
For a paragraph or any composition to be effective, it must always consider the
properties of a well- written text which includes organization, cohesion and coherence,
language use, and mechanics.

Organization. This is also known as an arrangement that refers to the structural framework
for writing. A text is considered organized when ideas are accurately and logically arranged
with a focus on the arrangements of ideas, incidents, evidence, or details in a definite order
in a paragraph, essay, or speech.
The logical progression and completeness of ideas in a text is an organization.
This property makes a text readable and its message clear. Organization can be achieved
through the following techniques: text structure, signal words, and physical format.

Text structure refers to the framework of a text’s beginning, middle, and end. Different
narrative and expository genres have different purposes and different audiences, so they
require different text structures. Beginnings and endings help link the text into a coherent
whole.

Three major parts of a text

Beginning. Also called as the lead or the hook. It introduces the readers to the
purpose of the writing by introducing characters or setting(for narrative) or the topic, 2. Repetitions include a word, a phrase, or a full sentence repeated to highlight its
thesis, or argument (for expository writing) importance in the entire text. The repetition of the main ideas keeps continuity and helps
Middle. The organization of the middle of a piece of writing depends on the the readers remain focused and headed in the right direction.
genre. Researchers have identified five basic organizational structures: sequence, Examples:
description, cause and effect, compare and contrast, and problem and solution. 1. The president said, “Work, work, and work,” are the keys to success.
End/Conclusion. It is the restatement of the thesis and major points, showing how 2. If you think you can make it, you can make it.
the writer has proven his/her position. Possible implications of what has been discussed and 3. Most students are intimated by the works of William Shakespeare. They believe
writer's conclusion may also be included . Shakepeare’s sonnets and plays are far too complicated to read and understand.

Coherence and Cohesion. When ideas are organized well, a text can achieve coherence 3. Synonyms are words similar in meaning to important words or phrases. This technique
and cohesion. Coherence refers to the overall sense of unity in a text. On the other hand, is used if direct repetition is too obvious.
cohesion is the connection of ideas both at the sentence level and at the paragraph level. Example:
Both should be present to make your text easier for your readers to follow and understand. Teenagers face an enormous amount of peer pressure from friends. Hence, many
To achieve coherence and cohesion, one technique is to use signal devices which young adults are showing signs of great stress or depression at an early age.
that hint readers on how the points in your paragraph are a progression. This can be shown
in the paragraphs using transitions, repetitions, synonyms, pronouns, and parallel 4. Pronouns are used to connect sentences by referring to preceding nouns and pronouns.
structures. They can also help create paragraphs readable by removing wordiness and unnecessary
repetition.
1. Transitions refer to words that connect one idea to another, making the writer’s ideas Examples:
flow smoothly. 1. Rodrigo R. Duterte is the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Moreover, he also served as Davao City’s Mayor for a long period of time. He is
also known by many as a strong leader.
2. Mrs. Gomez approved to have a meeting with the workers’ union before she signed the
contract. She was willing to hear their concerns about the newly proposed amendments in
the company.

5. Parallel Structures include the use of matching words, phrases, clauses, or sentence
structures to express similar ideas. It allows the reader to understand the connections
between ideas and to flow smoothly from one idea, senten3ce, or paragraph to the next.
Example:
In the conference hall, the students attended a lecture where the speaker demonstrated how
to properly wear a PPE. They also attended a lecture where their school nurse explained Familiar Language. It refers to words/ terms that the reader easily recognizes and
how to keep one’s health protected from COVID-19. understands because they use them regularly. The message has a greater effect when using
vocabulary that is familiar to the reader.
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: The use of unfamiliar language or highfalutin words can eliminate the essence of
1. concrete and specific, not vague and abstract the message like in both examples below:
2. concise, not verbose A letter sent to senior high school students warning them of the risks of an unhealthy
3. familiar, not obscure diet:
4. precise, not ambiguous ―Individuals who maintain a diet of high-fat consent are exposed to an increased
5. constructive, not destructive risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fat deposits on the inner walls of the
6. appropriately formal 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.ǁ
Concrete and Specific Language involves tangible qualities/characteristics and things we An assignment given to a class of ABM students by their philosophy teacher:
know through our senses. Specific language designates particular items or individuals ―The presently assigned paper necessitates an eloquently articulated analysis of
cases. Consider the examples below. the Existentialist perspective as it pertains to contemporary living. You should adumbrate
the points which represent the sine qua non of your analysis.”

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:
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.

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.
Constructive Language. The use of constructive language expresses a potentially negative Mechanics. These are conventions that have to be considered in writing. Spelling,
in a positive way, while destructive language leads the reader to blame and criticism, causing punctuation, and capitalization are some of the examples. To prevent confusion, it is
defensiveness. 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.

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.

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.

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.
3. Capitalization. Like punctuation, it 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: