FIGHTING!

READING AND WRITING SKILLS

REVIEWER

WEEK 1
TECHNIQUES IN SELECTING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION

Brainstorming
-is one way of generating ideas by listing of ideas spontaneously. It can be done
individually or as a group. Through brainstorming you can come up with new ideas and
solve problems, Just think of it as a kind of free association. Listing is a brainstorming
technique. It means writing down anything that comes to your mind in relation to the
topic.

Graphic Organizers
-such as concept maps and mind maps are important and effective ways for
organizing content and ideas. Since graphic organizer is a visual display, it demonstrates
relationships between facts, concepts, or ideas. It guides your thinking as you fill in a
visual map or diagram. There are four basic graphic organizers: an outline, Venn
diagram, hierarchical topical organizer and bubble organizer.

A Venn diagram is used when you compare and contrast things; it helps to visualize
similarities and differences. Connected organizational charts and bubble graphs are
particularly helpful for visual learners as they allow writers to map out ideas spatially. To
create a concept map, write your topic in the middle of the page, then jot down different
ideas, points, or facts that are related to or support your topic.

An Outline is another way of organizing information. It organizes materials hierarchically

and sequentially by classifying the main topics, subtopics and the supporting details. Use
“Roman Numerals” for the top level, ‘capital letters’ in the alphabet for the next level,
‘Arabic Numerals’ for the next level, and then ‘lowercase letters’ for the next level. Each
numeral or letter is followed by a period and each item is capitalized.

There are two general types of outlines-the sentence outline and the topic outline.
Sentence outline is done by using sentences while topic outline uses words or phrases.

Techniques in selecting and organizing information.

1. Brainstorming list (listing)-listing possible topics and then sub listing of things you
could say about the topic.
2. Graphic organizers (Venn diagram, hierarchical topical organizer and bubble
organizer) are visual displays which demonstrate relationships between/among facts,
concepts, or ideas.
3. An outline is a tool used to organize written ideas about a topic into a logical order.
Outlines arrange major topics, subtopics, and supporting details.

WEEK 2
PATTERNS OF WRITTEN TEXT
Narration
- This paragraph follows chronological order of writing. It uses transition words such
as first, then, soon, after, suddenly, etc. To maintain coherence and show movement. In
telling a story, it employs action words like verbs and adverbs and phrases that signal
time to make the text more engaging to the readers. Transitional devices include first,
then, soon, after and suddenly.
Description
In this pattern, transitional words are used to indicate location. Details referring to
physical aspects like how the subject looks, sounds, feels, smells, or even tastes like are
the ingredients of this method development. Observations need to be specific to
encourage imaginative thinking. Transitional devices include sensory language.
Definition
A paragraph using this pattern can develop texts in varied ways. A term is defined, its
class, and its specific details. You can define by characteristics, function, what it is not,
what it is similar to, example, origins, or effect. It can be scientific or subjective.
Transitional devices include scientific/subjective.
Exemplification
This sort of text utilizes detailed illustrations for clarification. It can be in the form of a
story, an anecdote, a quotation, or a statistic. Transitional devices include words for
illustration.
Comparison and Contrast
A paragraph that shows comparison and contrast answers how the subjects are the same
or not. Comparison examines how subjects are similar while contrast gives emphasis to
how subjects are different. For comparison, it uses signal words like similarly, in the
same way, likewise, in like manner, in similar fashion, etc. Contrast uses signal words
such as yet, nevertheless, nonetheless, after all, but, however, though, otherwise, on the
other hand, notwithstanding, etc.
Cause and Effect
This technique explores why things happen and what happens a a result. Words that show
effect are for this reason, it follows, as a result, as a consequence, thus, therefore, etc.
Transitional devices include because, since, is due to, is caused by, for this reason, it
follows, as a result, and so.
Process analysis
It describes how things work, involving series of steps in chronological ordering.
Transitional expressions such as first, second, then, and finally, are used. Transitional
devices include first, second, then and finally.
Division and Classification
A single subject is targeted and broken down into components. Items are being grouped
into categories based on the features they share. In division, a category is divided into
subcategories while in classification, the writer develops criteria in the subcategories
based on their relationship. The writer who uses this pattern must have a strong sense of
purpose.

Problem-solution
A problem is being presented and a solution. Why it has become a problem is also
discussed leading to a conclusion highlighting the connection between the problem and
solution. Transitional devices include answer, challenge, need, difficulty, dilemma,
enigma, improve, indicate, issue, plan a need, problem, propose, remedied, resolve,
respond to, solve, and suggest.
Persuasion
This method involves facts that make the paragraph more convincing. In giving
illustrations, signal words are used such as first, another, next, last, etc. In answering
oppositions, words such as of course, some may say, nevertheless, and on the other hand.
When you draw generalizations, words like therefore, hence, consequently, and thus are
used.

WEEK 3
PROPERTIES OF A WELL-WRITTEN TEXT

A Paragraph is composed of sentences that are organized, coherent, and are all
associated with one topic. For a paragraph, or for any composition, to be effective, it
should consider the properties of a well-written text.

I. ORGANIZATION
II.
Also known as the arrangement, of ideas, incidents, evidence, or details in a definite
order in a paragraph, essay, or speech. It is achieved when ideas are logically and
accurately arranged.
II. COHERENCE AND COHESION

Coherence: This refers to the logical arrangement of sentences in order to be easily

understood by the reader.
Cohesion: This refers to how word units, sentences, and ideas were connected through
arrangement of details according to orders and the use of signal devices.
Chronological Order- the details are arranged in the order in which they happened.
Spatial Order- sentences in a paragraph are arranged through a geographical location,
for example left-to-right, up- to-down, etc
Emphatic Order- sentences paragraphs are arranged depending on the writer’s purpose
to emphasize certain points in which it can be established in two ways: from least to most
important, or from most to least important.
B. Signal Devices
-These are words that outline the progress of the different points of the paragraph in the
reader’s mind.
Repetitions
-Keep continuity andhighlight important ideas.
Transitions
-These are words that connect smoothly one idea from the other.
Synonyms
-Words similar in meaning used to prevent tedious repetitions.
Pronouns
-These are words that helps readers connect the original word that the pronouns replace.

III. LANGUAGE USE

- This enable writers to effectively communicate their ideas without confusing their
readers. Thus, this refers to the appropriateness of word usage and is known to be one of
the clearest indicators of a well-written text.

Levels of in Language Use

1. Informal/ Personal –refers to slang, local expressions, text messaging like hey, bes,
yow.
2. Standard/Academic – these are widely accepted words and phrases found in
dictionaries, books, and ect.
3.Business/Technical – refers to jargons of specific disciplines like scientific terms and
special expressions.

IV. MECHANICS

- focuses on the technical structure of the text. It determines errors in grammar,

abbreviations spelling, acronyms, capitalization, the use of numbers as part of the
statement, and correct usage of punctuation marks.

WEEK 4
EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT CLAIMS IN A TEXT

Explicit Information

- It refers to information found or read in the text.

- The meaning is not vague, no further explanation is needed.
- Readers can see the piece of information stated in the given passage.
- Explicit information is any idea that is clearly stated in detail, no possibility of
confusion.
- You see the text explained with explicit information.
- Since you are looking for explicit information in what is read, the explicit information
will be written in the text.
- It does not need for clues anymore. You just have to read the written information.

Implicit information
 It refers to information not directly stated in the text.
 Readers need to read between the lines to understand the details that the writer is trying
to tell.
 Implicit is implied or understood though not plainly or directly expressed.
 Implicit text gives clue.
 Implicit idea is the primary point of a sentence or passage that is not clearly stated but
hinted
by the details around the text.
 To figure out an implicit idea one must look at the supporting details in the text.
 Figuring out what people are talking about through their actions refer to implied ideas.

Critical reading is necessary for judging the reliability of the text through the study of
implicit and explicit information. These pieces of information may lead to various claims
such as one rooted in history or science (claims of fact). There are claims that demand
action because the present conditions for certain policies are no longer effective (claims
of policy). Also, claims that assert the morality of an idea based on certain standards or
preferences (claims of value).

WEEK 5
TYPES OF CLAIMS IN A WRITTEN TEXT

What is a Claim?

Claim is an arguable statement – an idea that a speaker or writer expect an audience to

accept. A claim is an opinion, idea, or assertion. Here are some examples: “I think we
should protest the Anti- Terror Bill”. “I believe that the present administration has no
concrete plans to fight COVID-19”. “We need Modernization”. These three claims might
all be valid but it should be supported with evidence to get the agreement of an audience.

The word claim comes from the Latin word clamare, which means “to cry out, shout.”
Hence, with the definition of claim, this can then be argued, verified, or disproved. A
claim deals with searching of agreement from the audience to agree with the statement or
discourse. It also involves anticipation from the audience’s agreement and anxiousness
that they might not agree with. A claim must pose two sides of a coin. It is a question
whether the audience will agree or not. Because a claim with certain
answer whether to agree or not to agree is not a claim.

Three (3) types of Claim in a Written Text

1. Claim of Fact. A claim asserts some empirical truth. It is an assertion of:

 -A condition that has existed, exists, or will exists.
- Truth of an assertion to be ascertain by an event. The speaker will give information
and offer explanation that characterized the events.
- Argument with strong evidence presented as reason for arguer’s belief in the claim.
2. Claim of Value. A claim asserts judgment. It is an assertion of:
- Look for key words that are a matter of judgment rather than fact such as: good, well,
kind, useful, desirable, etc.
 - Authors offer reasons of their judgment, with the ultimate goal to get the reader’s
agreement with the reasons rather than compare to fact that establish assent to the claim.
- A claim is based on things we like or dislike. Hence, it deals with the goal on what
value us most.
 - Authors argument is based on judgement or value and does not necessarily carried
out facts.
- Disagreements over values is important for us to determine how oneself presented his or
her point over certain belief.
- An argument usually gets approval of the other person involved because of the
underlying value of the claim proves to be acceptable as a public good.

3. Claim of Policy. A claim asserts that an action should be taken.

 - Be careful to call that some actions be taken.
 - Take note of the key words “should”, “ought” or “must. These words may not be
present all the time, but if they are, the author’s purpose is usually to call for an action to
be taken.
- The most difficult thing in an argument is to decide whether we should take an action
or not in any of the claim.
 - Argument usually turns on whether the reasons for taking the action compensates the
possible costs of taking the action.

WEEK 6
USING CONTEXT IN TEXT DEVELOPMENT

Context is a connection of written or spoken text that instantly link with word or passage
that clarify its meaning.

A. HYPERTEXT
B.
What is Hypertext?
It is simply a non-linear way of presenting information, rather than reading or learning
about things in the order that an author, or editor, or publisher sets out for us, readers of
hypertext may follow their own path, create their own order-- their own meaning out the
material.
A. The three main pedagogical benefits of hypertext in the composition class include
the following:
1. It promotes dialogue.
2. It can be constructed as a collaborative medium.
3. It can be used in nearly any computer-facilitated classroom.

II. INTERTEXT

Intertext is the shaping of a text's meaning by another text. It is the interconnection

between similar or related works of literature that reflect and influence an audience's
interpretation of the text. Intertextuality is the relation between texts that are inflicted by
means of quotations and allusion.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPERTEXT AND INTERTEXT

 HYPERTEXT INTERTEXT
It’s simply a text that directs users to link
It’s a URL the hypertext directs you to.
It refers to the keywords that are usually It is a reference in a hypertext documents
represented with blue type and displays the that
info of the subject of interest when clickeddirects you to some other part of the same
or hover upon. documents or to a different documents
altogether.
It contains only text or bunch of text that It contains all types of media such as
are attached with hyperlinks. pictures,
videos, graphics, animations, etc.
Hypertext is associated with keywords. Hyperlinks is associated with anchor text.