Understanding Text Properties and Types of Speech

Vocabulary and Text Properties

Statements

Clusters of words uttered in a tone different from prayer because they have a subject-predicate structure. For example, "Help!" is a statement.

Text

A linguistic unit that is maximum, is formed by the same content, has the same purpose, and its parts are linked. Texts can have only one word.

Cohesion

A property of texts that adjusts to the circumstances of the communication (the receiver, the location, channel, etc.). It is also the piece of text that consists of all statements that are related by linguistic mechanisms that favor the union.

Consistency

The property of the text that creates a union between the statements they contain and is assumed by thematic unity: they all speak the same logical arrangement of the theme.

Specialized Explanatory Texts

These texts are addressed to readers who are experts. They often contain technical terms.

Expository Texts

Expository texts that are aimed at all readers usually appear with much clarification.

Thesis

The idea or position on an issue that the author of an argumentative text defends. It must be brief and apparently a complete, objective sentence.

Theme

The main idea of a text.

Argument

Arguments serve to support a thesis. The linguistic features of the arguments in texts are antithesis and antonym.

Test

A text where the author gives his opinion of what is written.

Cohesion Procedures

• Repetition: but, no, I, living room, white.
• Semantic fields: epidemic, meningitis.
• Pronouns: it, I, she, me, it.
• Connectors: and, further, however.

Types of Speech

Narrative

It tells a story, real or fictitious, which happens to characters in a specific language and time.

Description

We present an object, a person, place, environment, etc., with details of how it is.

Dialogue

There are more than one receiver and emitter, and they change their roles.

Exposition

It aims to convey information. Its fundamental characteristics are order and clarity.

Argumentation

It seeks to convince and to provide options and arguments.

Presentations

Structure: Title, Introduction (main idea), Development (different possibilities), Conclusion.

Exposition is characterized by the use of a scientific or technical glossary, and it helps to achieve clarity.

Linguistic Characteristics

These include order, clarity, and objectivity.

Thesis and Topic

The thesis is the opinion that is given on a topic. For example, for the theme "tobacco": "It is harmful to health" or "It is not harmful to health."

Fitness

Texts have to adjust to the circumstances of communication, for example, the recipient, location, etc.

Exposition

The clear and orderly transmission of information, with the intention that the recipient understands best.

Academic Presentations

Texts that convey knowledge of a science or discipline.

Curriculum Vitae

The exposure to academic merit and professional experience of a person applying for a particular job.

Contract

A document that reflects an agreement related to employment, commercial, or private matters.

Report

The orderly exposition of the findings of an investigation on the operation of an institution, the performance of a company, etc.

Address

Oral argumentation meant to be pronounced in public.

Editorial

An article in which the newspaper expresses its own views on any subject.

Op-Ed

This is signed and contains some reflections on current events or a collaborator on many different topics of general interest.

Letters to the Editor

Short texts that collect complaints and suggestions from readers, as well as corrections to reports in previous editions of the newspaper.