MODULE 8: Organization, Coherence and Cohesion, Language Use

MODULE 8

DIFFERENT TYPES

OF CLAIM

Reading and Writing

Mrs. Faye Alby S. Jarloc

After going through this module, you are expected to: 

•  identify the properties of a well-written text, specifically, the organization, coherence, language use and mechanics;

• identify the different types of claim; and 

• write a paragraphs using different types of claim. 

Let's test your knowledge!

Identify whether the following statements are FACT or OPINION.

Poll

Rodrigo Duterte is the sixteenth president of the Philippines.

• FACT

• OPINION

Poll

Dogs and cats are preferred by most pet lovers.

• FACT

• OPINION

Poll

The public officials should also give outmost respect to normal citizens.

• FACT

• OPINION

Poll

Sec. Denque is the most competent candidate for the position.

• FACT

• OPINION

Poll

The constitution must be revised to have a better government.

• FACT

• OPINION

Poll

The public officials should also give outmost respect to normal citizens.

• FACT

• OPINION

Fact

is a statement that is believed to be true by most people. It could be proven by scientific or physical evidence and is still existing up to now. For instance, it is proven by scientists many years ago that the sun is the center of the solar system. 

Opinion

is a statement that is based on someone’s belief. It could be true for some but not for others. It could also be based on someone’s emotions or feelings. For instance, many people might like the food served at Jollibee, but there could be one person who would say that the fried chicken at Mc Donald’s tastes better than Jollibee’s.

Identifying the properties of a well- written text:

A well- written text should have various features such as proper organization, coherence and cohesion, appropriate language use, and proper mechanics to deliver the message to the audience effectively and efficiently. Therefore, one should get himself familiar to these features to compose flawless informative texts. 

Properties of a Well- Written Text

A. Organization

Organization pertains to how the ideas in the text are organized. Academic text usually follows the 3-part pattern that is made up of the introduction, body, and conclusion. The text sticks to this organization and structure to clearly deliver the message and to avoid confusion.

3-Part Pattern 

a. The introduction has the hook statement and the thesis statement. It acts as the head of the text.

a.1. Hook statement- catches the interest of the readers. It can be a question, fact, research result, quotation and others.

a.2. Thesis statement- holds the main idea of the text.

b. The body elaborates further the points that support the thesis statement. There are usually three body paragraphs that are made up of topic sentence, supporting details and clinching sentence.

b.1. Topic sentence- main point that supports the thesis statement.

b.2. Supporting Details- range from reasons, examples, facts, and others.

b.3. Clinching sentence- this part reiterates the point in the paragraph. This part is optional.

c. The conclusion summarizes the whole text and reiterates the thesis statement and the topic sentences. 

B. Coherence and Cohesion

• Coherence pertains to the logical arrangement of ideas in the text. This is achieved when ideas flow smoothly within and between paragraphs.

• Cohesion is the grammatical and lexical linking within a sentence. It holds the ideas in the sentence together in order for it to be meaningful. There can be cohesion without coherence but there can’t be coherence without cohesion. 

The paragraph below is an example of a paragraph with cohesion but no coherence.

Many children are playing inside the school bus. Public utility vehicles are meant for all passengers. Passenger seat is Stephen Speaks' song. Speaking can be improved through practice. 

C. Language Use 

Language use pertains to the type of language used in the text. Academic text uses formal language which uses stricter grammar rules and vocabulary. The paragraphs below are examples to illustrate the difference between the standard formal language used in academic text and the informal language used in everyday life. 

Formal Language

Some people want to spend their weekends with their best friends at malls. They enjoy different activities such as buying milk tea while taking 7 selfies, playing basketball at Timezone, and singing in the karaoke booth. They believe that spending weekends with their best friends is the best.

Informal Language

People want to go to SM with their beshies every weekend. They really enjoy it when they buy milk tea and have selfie while buying. They like to go to Timezone to play basketball with their beshies and sing in the karaoke booth. Thus, weekends spent with beshies are the best.

D. Mechanics

Mechanics pertains to writing with the proper use of grammar and punctuation. Writers ensure that their works are seamless to deliver their message accurately and efficiently. Some of the common errors in writing are dangling modifiers, subject-verb agreement, tenses of verb, conditionals, and wrong punctuations.

Claim 

One of the important skills needed in writing is formulating claims. Claim is the argument, belief, or stand of the author in a text. It should be debatable, specific, engaging, and logical to express one’s thought better. A writer should familiarize himself to the different types of claim to express his ideas clearly and accurately. The three types of claim are: (a) claim of fact, (b) claim of value, and (c) claim of policy. 

Claim of Fact

Asserts that something existed, exists, or will exist in the future. It is a measurable statement through written evidence and reputable resources.

For example, Corruption is the reason behind the poverty of most Filipinos. The next president will give a better solution to the problems we are facing today.

Claim of Value

Asserts judgement on whether something is desirable or not. Writers use it to express what they like, what they do not like or which is better than the other. Here, writers assert on what they believe is desirable or not.

Examples: We had a better government during the presidency of Marcos.

It is the most delicious food that I have ever tasted.

Claim of Policy

Asserts that there is something that should be done or changed. This calls for an action on a certain issue. Examples: We should respect everyone. You must work hard to achieve your goals.