Mastering Text Composition: Cohesion, Rhetoric, and Argumentation

Key Elements of Textual Composition

Textual Structure

Deductive/Inductive Synthesizing

This involves organizing information by moving from general principles to specific conclusions (deductive synthesizing) or from specific observations to broader generalizations (inductive synthesizing).

Thesis Formulation

Explicit/Implicit Thesis

A thesis is the main argument or central point of a text. It can be explicit (clearly stated) or implicit (suggested or understood without being directly stated).

Cohesion in Writing

Cohesion is the property a text must possess, ensuring all statements are interconnected and flow logically, creating a unified whole.

Lexical Cohesion Techniques

• Synonymy: Replacement of a word with another of similar meaning.
• Hyponymy: Replacement of a general term with a more specific or restricted one (e.g., 'flower' replaced by 'rose').
• Hypernymy: Replacement of a specific term with a broader, more encompassing one (e.g., 'rose' replaced by 'flower').
• Antonyms: Use of words with opposite meanings.
• Paraphrase/Circumlocution: Using different words, possibly derived from the first or more descriptive, to express the same idea or refer to the same entity.

Utilizing Connectors Effectively

Connectors (also known as transition words or phrases) link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, improving the flow and clarity of the text.

• Explanatory Connectors:
  • Repetition or Reformulation: e.g., that is, in other words, to put it another way.
  • Summary or Conclusion: e.g., in short, in brief, in conclusion, to sum up.
  • Correction: e.g., rather, on the contrary, I mean.
• Additive Connectors: e.g., also, too, furthermore, moreover, in addition, in this sense.
• Exemplification/Specification Connectors: e.g., for example, for instance, in particular, especially, specifically.
• Organizational/Sequential Connectors: e.g., first, second, then, next, finally, subsequently.
• Contrastive/Oppositional Connectors: e.g., however, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, otherwise.
• Causal Connectors (Cause/Effect): e.g., because, since, so, therefore, consequently, as a result, for this reason.
• Connectors for Opinion or Valuation: e.g., in my opinion, I believe, arguably, specifically, of course.

Sentence Modes and Communication Functions

The mode of a sentence reflects the speaker's/writer's intention and attitude towards the content and the receiver.

• Declarative or Assertive Mode: The issuer presents a statement, affirming or denying its content. (Utilizes indicative mood; performs a referential function).
• Interrogative Mode: The issuer asks a question, calling the attention of the receiver and prompting them to seek an answer. (Performs an appellative function).
• Exclamatory Mode: The sender expresses strong feelings or emotions, making them explicit to the receiver. (Performs an emotional function).
• Dubitative (Doubtful) Mode: The issuer presents the statement as possible or uncertain, often requiring the receiver to validate it through reflection. (Performs an emotional or referential function).
• Optative (Desire) Mode: The sender expresses a wish or desire to be fulfilled, often involving the receiver. (Performs an emotional function).
• Imperative Mode: The sender issues a command, request, or instruction, aiming to influence or direct the receiver. (Performs an appellative function).

Understanding Figures of Speech

Figures of speech are literary devices that use words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation, often to make a description more emphatic or vivid.

• Metaphor: An identification or implied comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things based on a shared characteristic (e.g., "Her eyes were stars").
• Simile: A direct comparison between two different items using words such as 'like' or 'as' (e.g., "He fights like a lion").
• Irony: Stating the opposite of what is meant, known, or evident, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
• Hyperbole: Evident and intentional exaggeration for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").
• Asyndeton: The deliberate omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., "I came, I saw, I conquered").
• Polysyndeton: The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions, often more than necessary, for emphasis (e.g., "We have ships and men and money and stores").
• Personification: Attributing human qualities, characteristics, or actions to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas (e.g., "The wind whispered secrets").

Common Types of Arguments

Arguments are reasons or sets of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

• Argument from Authority: Citing a recognized expert, institution, or authoritative source to support an opinion or claim.
• Argument from Quality: Emphasizing the superior nature, craftsmanship, or inherent value of something over its mere quantity or abundance.
• Argument from Quantity (Ad Populum): Appealing to the notion that something is true, good, or desirable because many people believe it or do it.
• Scientific Argument: Using empirical data, scientific principles, research findings, or statements from scientific authorities to support a thought or claim.
• Aesthetic Argument: Valuing something based on its beauty, artistic merit, or sensory appeal, often preferring the beautiful over the ugly or plain.
• Argument from Existence/Reality: Preferring what is real, tangible, or existent over the unreal, hypothetical, abstract, or false.
• Argument from Personal Experience (Anecdotal): Based on what one has personally seen, experienced, or observed; often used to illustrate a point.
• Argument from Fact: Based on objective, verifiable evidence, data, or established truths.
• Argument from Justice: Asserting that what is fair, equitable, or morally right should prevail over injustice or unfairness.
• Moral Argument: Using ethical principles, values, or moral beliefs (shared or individual) to justify an opinion, action, or policy.
• Argument from Health: Valuing what is beneficial for physical or mental health and well-being over what is harmful or detrimental.
• Argument from Utility: Appreciating and preferring what is useful, practical, necessary, and effective, as opposed to what is useless, ineffective, or dangerous.