Writing is one of the best ways to share your thoughts and ideas with others, but what makes
some pieces of writing better than others? In this paper, we’ll talk about the four important
properties of well-written texts: organization, coherence, cohesion, and language use. These are
the things that make writing clear, easy to follow, and interesting to read. With simple examples
and tips, this will help you understand how to improve your own writing and make it the best it
can be!
Text Organization in Writing
Organization is a crucial property of well-written texts that ensures ideas flow logically and
coherently. This essential skill helps readers comprehend texts effectively and enjoyably. A well-
organized text enables clarity and allows readers to follow ideas effortlessly, while poor
organization often results in confusion and frustration. By mastering organization, writers can
present thoughts in a structured and impactful manner.
The organization of a text can be broken down into two main aspects:
1. Physical Representation
•Includes headings and subheadings that guide readers through the content and
outline the structure of the text.
•Topic sentences and thesis statements act as markers for the main ideas of
paragraphs or the entire text.
•Signal words such as "however," "therefore," and "meanwhile" show
relationships between ideas.
•Chunking text, or dividing complex information into smaller, manageable parts,
further aids comprehension.
2. Text Structure
Refers to the arrangement of ideas within the text.
•Expository texts focus on factual information and follow structured patterns
such as cause-effect, problem-solution, and chronological order. Examples
include scientific articles, biographies, directions, and debates.
•Narrative texts tell stories to entertain or reflect experiences. This style is
versatile and often imaginative but can also include non-fiction elements like
autobiographies.
Comparing Expository and Narrative Texts
•Expository Texts: Present factual information in a clear, organized manner. Avoid
descriptive elements and rely on research.
Examples: scientific articles, recipes, debates.
•Narrative Texts: Tell stories to entertain or reflect personal experiences. Flexible and
imaginative but not limited to fiction.
Examples: autobiographies, creative essays.
Qualities of a Well-Organized Text
1. Focus: A paragraph should center on a single idea without introducing unrelated details.
For instance, a paragraph about the end of COVID-19 restrictions should avoid
digressions into unrelated topics like fashion trends.
2. Development: Each paragraph should elaborate on the main idea with sufficient detail.
Ideally, paragraphs contain at least 4-10 sentences, depending on the context.
3. Unity: All sentences in a paragraph should support the central idea. Unity is achieved
through:
•Topic sentences (main idea of the paragraph).
•Controlling ideas (keywords defining the scope of the topic).
•Supporting details (elaboration on the main idea).
•Clinching sentences (summarizing or restating the main point).
For example, when writing about the importance of self-love, organization in writing helps make
the message clearer and more impactful. A student can demonstrate good organization by:
● Starting with a clear thesis statement, such as:
“Practicing self-love helps us build confidence, improve our mental health, and live
happier lives.”
● Dividing the essay into sections with subheadings like:
"Accepting Yourself," "Setting Healthy Boundaries," and "Celebrating Your
Achievements."
● Using signal words like "To begin with," "Additionally," and "In conclusion" to guide the
reader.
● Concluding with a summary such as:
“When we choose to love and value ourselves, we create a life filled with positivity and
self-respect.”
This approach makes the text easy to follow while clearly emphasizing key points about self-
love.
Clarity in Writing
Clarity is a crucial property of well-written texts that ensures the writing is easy to understand. It
helps readers grasp the writer's ideas without confusion, making communication more effective.
A clear text avoids ambiguity and uses straightforward language that gets the message across
directly. When writing lacks clarity, readers often struggle to understand the writer’s point,
which can cause frustration or misinterpretation. Mastering clarity is essential for writers to
convey their thoughts in a simple yet impactful way.
Key Aspects of Clarity:
● Precise Language: Use clear and specific words to avoid confusion.
● Simple Sentence Structures: Keep sentences straightforward and to the point.
● Avoid Jargon: Unless necessary, avoid complex terms or explain them if used.
Example:
When students write about a complex topic like climate change, clarity ensures they don’t lose
their readers with difficult terminology. For instance, instead of using complex phrases like
"atmospheric disruptions," a clearer approach would be to say "changes in the Earth's weather
patterns." This allows readers to understand the core idea more easily.
Coherence in Writing
Coherence is the property that ensures ideas are logically connected and flow in a way that
makes sense to the reader. A coherent text not only presents information but also makes it easy
for the reader to follow the writer's thought process. Without coherence, even well-structured and
clear writing can feel disjointed and hard to understand. Writers need to ensure that each part of
the text connects logically, and ideas are sequenced properly to maintain overall unity.
Key Aspects of Coherence:
● Logical Flow: Ensure each sentence and paragraph follows logically from the one before.
● Clear Transitions: Use transition words like "however," "moreover," or "for example" to
show relationships between ideas.
● Consistent Focus: Keep the writing focused on the central theme or argument.
Example:
When writing an argumentative essay, students must maintain coherence by ensuring that each
paragraph directly supports their thesis. For instance, if the thesis is "Renewable energy is crucial
for the future," the paragraphs should logically lead the reader through different arguments
supporting renewable energy, such as environmental benefits, cost savings, and sustainability.
Cohesion in Writing
Cohesion is the property that connects ideas grammatically and lexically, ensuring the text flows
smoothly from one sentence to the next. Cohesion involves using tools like reference,
conjunctions, and transition words to tie sentences and paragraphs together. A cohesive text feels
seamless and unified, where ideas are not just logically ordered but also grammatically linked.
Key Aspects of Cohesion:
● Reference: Use of pronouns, demonstratives, and definite articles to link ideas ( "this,"
"that," "they").
● Substitution: Replacing a word or phrase to avoid repetition ("the teacher" replaced with
"she").
● Conjunctions: Using words like "and," "but," "however," to connect sentences or ideas.
Example:
In an essay about the effects of social media on mental health, cohesive devices like "for
example," "in contrast," and "as a result" can be used to smoothly guide the reader through the
various points being made, ensuring that each idea connects clearly with the next.
Engagement in Writing
Engagement is the property that ensures the writing captures and holds the reader's attention.
Engaging writing is not only informative but also interesting and enjoyable to read. Writers
achieve this by using a tone and style appropriate for their audience, incorporating relatable
examples, and creating a compelling narrative. Engaging writing keeps the reader interested and
invested in the text.
Key Aspects of Engagement:
● Tone and Style: Match the tone to the audience and purpose of the text.
● Relatable Examples: Use examples that resonate with the reader’s experiences.
● Creative Narratives: Engage the reader’s imagination through storytelling or persuasive
techniques.
Example:
A student writing a personal narrative about their high school experience might engage readers
by sharing personal anecdotes, using humor, or expressing relatable emotions, such as the
nervousness of taking a big test or the excitement of winning a sports competition.
Effective Language Use in Writing
Language is the bridge that connects us all. Whether we are conveying our thoughts to friends,
writing essays, or addressing a formal audience, the way we use language matters. In both
personal and professional settings, understanding the dynamics of effective language use
including coherence, cohesion, and style is essential.
Coherence and Cohesion are the Foundations of Clear Writing
Coherence in writing refers to the logical flow of ideas. A coherent piece of writing makes it
easy for the reader to follow the argument or narrative without getting lost. It’s about presenting
ideas in a way that is organized and makes sense from beginning to end.
Cohesion, on the other hand, deals with how well sentences and paragraphs are connected. It
ensures that the text flows smoothly and that readers can easily see the relationships between
ideas. This is achieved through the careful use of linking words, phrases, and grammatical
structures that tie everything together.
Formal and Informal Language
Language is also shaped by context. The difference between formal and informal language is
crucial for effective communication. Formal language is used in professional, academic, or
official contexts. It requires precision and structure, avoiding slang or overly casual expressions.
Informal language is used in casual conversations or personal communication, where the tone
can be relaxed and more conversational.
Mechanics of Writing
The mechanics of writing refer to the rules that ensure writing is precise, clear, and professional.
This includes punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and abbreviation. By mastering these
mechanics, students can avoid common errors and enhance the clarity of their work.
Key Components of Mechanics:
● Punctuation: Proper punctuation is essential in academic writing. A misplaced comma
can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
● Capitalization: Always capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, and titles.
● Spelling: Accurate spelling is crucial, especially when following different language
conventions like American or British English.
● Abbreviations: Abbreviations help shorten long words, but they must be used correctly.
Writing well is about expressing your ideas in a way that makes sense and connects with
others. Whether it’s a story, essay, or report, organizing your thoughts and making them easy to
follow can make a big difference. Keep practicing these tips, and over time, your writing will get
even better!
References
● Demo, A. (2005). Understanding Expository Texts: A Guide for Students. Educational
Journal.
● Smith, J. (2018). Narrative and Expository Writing: Key Differences. Writing Today
Press.
● Johnson, R. (2020). Effective Writing Techniques. Academic Writing Insights.
● Bailey, S. (2015). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. Routledge.
● Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Paragraphing. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu
● Halliday, M. A. K., & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. Longman.
● Richards, J. C., & Schmidt, R. (2010). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and
Applied Linguistics. Pearson Education.
● Hyland, K. (2004). Disciplinary Discourse: Social Interactions in Academic Writing.
Pearson Education.
● Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style. Pearson Education.
● University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center. (n.d.). Punctuation: The
comma. Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved from
writingcenter.unc.edu
● University of Toronto Writing Services. (n.d.). Writing mechanics and style. University
of Toronto. Retrieved from writing.utoronto.ca
