Principles of Effective

Writing
Think back to the most impressive monuments and structures
that you have heard of. The Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of
China, and the Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines—all these
are considered by many to be the manmade wonders of the world.
They are awe-inspiring, not just because of their majesty, but also
because of how much work was involved in creating them.

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Rome was not built in a
day?” Whenever we see something as massive and marvelous as
the aforementioned structures, we may not realize just how long
they took to be built, how many people were involved, how many
resources were used, and how much effort was put in. All we see
is the finished product. But as you see, these structures began
with a brick or stone that eventually became a beautiful buildings.
The structure underwent a process before it was finished.
Writing is similar to constructing a building. Paragraphs
are the building blocks of writing. This lesson is the
continuation of the writing process where you will learn
the components of good writing, particularly unity,
coherence, and cohesion.
Various factors must be considered in identifying the
effectiveness of a particular text, such as organization,
cohesion and coherence, language use, and mechanics.

A composition can either be a paragraph or an essay. A

paragraph is a group of interrelated sentences that talk
about one main idea while essay is a group of paragraphs
that talk about one central idea.
 Paragraph Essay
Organized around a topic sentence Organized around a thesis
Contains introductory sentence Contains introductory paragraph
Uses sentences to explain major points Uses paragraph to explain major points

May use a concluding sentence Always uses a concluding paragraph

A paragraph is composed of three major parts: the topic

sentence, the body which consists of the supporting details,
and the closing sentence.
The topic sentence refers to the main point of the writer. It
is also called main idea. The first sentence usually serves as
the topic sentence. However, in some instances, the main
idea may also be found in the middle or end of the
paragraph. A topic sentence should be clear and specific.
Vague or general words should be avoided when writing
topic sentences.

The topic sentence has two parts: the topic and

the controlling idea. The topic says what the paragraph is all
about while the controlling idea expresses the writer’s
idea, opinion, or attitude towards the topic.
Study the following topic sentences. In your answer sheet, write the
topic in the first column and the controlling idea in the second column.

1. Recycling paper can lessen deforestation.

2. Christmas holidays lead to overuse of electricity.
3. People spend unreasonably during the holiday season.
4. Production of organic food is environment-friendly.
5. Eco-friendly holiday gifts are cheap yet unique.
 
 
 Topic Controlling Idea

1. Recycling paper It lessens deforestation.

2. Christmas holidays They lead to overuse of electricity.

3. Holiday season spending People spend unreasonably

4. Production of organic food It is environment-friendly.

5. Eco-friendly holiday gifts They are cheap yet unique.

 Introduction

A lead or attention-getter is the first statement in the essay which aims to hook the
readers. A composition can have an effective lead through the use of proactive rhetorical
question, startling statement, anecdote, quotation, humor, or analogy. This followed by a
transitional statement or a sentence which links the lead to the thesis statement.
Generally, a transitional statement provides a background on the topic. In an
argumentative essay, it includes the statement of the caes and the arguments that will be
refuted. The last part of the introduction is the thesis statement which states the main
idea or argument of the essay.
Look at the sample introduction below and identify the parts. Underline the lead once; encircle the transitional
statement; and then underline the thesis statement twice.

While walking amidst the tall grasses in Route 169, Ash was suddenly stopped by
the sight of the wild Pokemon; he opens his Pokeball case, calls out his Charizad,
and gets ready for an exciting battle. This is just one of the many scenes a gamer
may encounter when playing adventure role-playing game (RPG), a sub-genre of
video games where play out the storyline. The hook of adventure RPGs is the
escape that they provide to the player—a double0-edged sword which can lead to
either inncocent fun or uncontrollable addiction.
 Transitional Paragraph

In some cases, a paragraph that does not directly provide support to a thesis statement is
included in an essay. It is called a transactional paragraph. Its major function is to bridge
one paragraph to another.
See the sample transitional paragraph below.

The RPG genre encompasses various games, such as interactive computer

programs, live-action events, and more. The earliest games of RPG date back to
the 16th century in the form of an improvisational theater where the dialogue has to
be carried out spontaneously out of stock characters and settings (Simkins, 2015).
By the 19th and 20th century, board games and war games have become popular
RPGs. The genre has since evolved with the rise of technology, thus giving birth to
RPGs in video games. The element of fantasy and adventure coupled with
technology have produced widely-known games such as Pokemon, Digimon,
Golden Sun, and others, and have since attracted various gamers.
 Body

The body is the meat of the essay. It discusses the thesis statement in detail through its
paragraphs. This is where the topic is developed and where the arguments are laid out
and discussed.
See the sample body below.
 Conclusion

The concluding paragraph begins with a restatement of the thesis statement using a
different structure and wording to uphold the language style. This part is followed by a
transitional statement that talks about the recommendations benefits of ideas presented,
or purpose of writing the essay. Finally, a closing statement is used to wrap up the essay.
One strategy used for ending an essay with the bank is to link it to the attention-getter in
the introduction.
See the sample conclusion below and identify the part. Underline the restatement of the
thesis statement once, encircle the transitional statement, and then underline the closing
statement twice.

These forms of escape offered by adventure RPGs effectively encourage the player
to indulge in another world, while at the same time supposing him to the danger of
addiction. It is therefore a challenge for gamers to draw the line between fun and
addiction, to stay within the boundary of the former and curb the pangs of the
latter. After all, once the credit goes in on every Pokémon is caught the player has
the journey back to the real world.
Properties of Well-
written text
Knowing the parts of the paragraphs and that essay will help you form the
framework of your composition, and knowledge of the aspects that will
make a well-written text will enable you to ensure the quality of your
work more importantly the message you want to communicate will
effectively come through.
 Unity

Unity is achieved when a composition contains one

focused idea. In a unified text all the supporting
ideas are relevant to the main thought without unity
the text will be confusing.
 Text without unity Text with unity

Viral videos circulating online exposed Viral video circulating online exposed the
the danger in sensationalist culture: danger in sensationalist culture: anyone's
anyone's life can change in one single life can change in one single post. For
post. A like in Facebook can change instance, the video overstood then who
everything for example the video of the verbally abused a guard in the LRT has
student who verbal who verbally abused a drastically altered the future of the
guard in the LRT has changed the life of student. She was bashed by netizens for
the student. Therefore, people must note her good behavior and the hashtag
of their actions wherever they may be, #AMALAYER, taken after the way she
because these might be documented and pronounced, “I'm a liar,” trended soon
posted online. In addition to that, afterwards. News reports following the
everyone must be wary of the things they incident soon revealed that the girl has
post because they never know who will received considerable flak and has even
share it, too. become a victim of bullying
 Coherence and cohesion

Coherence and cohesion are achieved when ideas are

logically, clearly, and smoothly linked to one
another; without it, the reader may not be able to
comprehend your composition. Although these two
concepts are interrelated, they are distinct.
Coherence occurs when ideas are connected at the
conceptual or ideal level. It can be seen through
well-defended arguments and organized points.
 Coherence and cohesion

Unlike coherence, cohesion is the connection of ideas at

the sentence level. It can be readily seen in text through the
smooth flow of the sentences and the connection of ideas.
Cohesion can be applied using three techniques. The first
one is through the use of pronouns to refrain from using a
specific word repeatedly. The second technique is through
the use of transitional devices to connect sentences with
the linked ideas. The last technique employs a repetition of
keywords to tie up the paragraphs subtly.
 Text without Coherence and Cohesion Text with Coherence and Cohesion

Amelia Earhart Was a legendary woman who made her Amelia Earhart was the legendary woman who made
name in aviation by setting various records. In 1928, she her name in aviation by setting various records. In
became famous as the first woman who flew across the 1928, she became famous as the first woman who flew
Atlantic Ocean. She was only a passenger, with pilot across the Atlantic Ocean . However, during this trip
Wilmer Stultz and co-pilot/mechanic Louis Gordon she was only a passenger, with pilot Wilmer Stultz and
manning the controls. In 1932, she flew on her own Uber co-pilot/mechanic Louis Gordon manning the controls .
the Atlantic. She Flew from Honolulu Hawaii to Oakland In 1932, she finally got to fly on her own over the
California. She became the first person to fly over both Atlantic. She set another record when she flew from
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Between 1930 and 1935, Honolulu Hawaii to Oakland California in 1935, thus
Earhart set 7 women's speed and distance aviation becoming the first person to fly over both the Atlantic
through different aircrafts. She disappeared in 1937 while and Pacific oceans. Between 1930 add 1935, Earhart
attempting to fly around the world. On board her plane set 7 women's speed and distance aviation through
was her only crew member, Fred Noonan. Extensive different aircrafts.
search efforts were not able to find a trace of both
aviators.
 Organization

Organization is achieved when ideas are logically

and accurately arranged. Knowledge of the parts of a
composition Is a great help in adhering to the correct
organization of ideas. The sentences within a
paragraph must also be organized logically.
 Text without Organization Text with Organization

Thomas Edison was simply the one who Although it is widely believed that
created the first commercially viable light Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, in
bulb. It is widely believed that he invented reality he was simply the one who created
the light bulb. What made Edison's light the first commercially viable light bulb.
bulb successful was his use of carbonized Along with his team, Eddison improved
bamboo as the filament. This made the bulb the previous works of inventors who also
last longer and it was cheap enough to be worked on the same project. Compared to
available for the masses. He only improved previous versions, what made his light
on previous works of inventors who also bulb successful was his use of carbonized
worked on the same project. bamboo as the filament . This made the
bulb last longer and it was cheap enough
to be available for the masses.
 Language use

The way language is used is one of the clearest

indicators of a well-written text. It enables the writer
to effectively communicate ideas without confusing
the reader. Effective language used this is achieved
by observing the following time-tested principles in
writing.
 1. Use Clear and concise sentences. On average, a sentence is 18 words long. Note that this
does not require every sentence to be composed of exactly 18 words.
DON’T DO
Image is very important factor in politics because once Image is very important factor in politics. Once the
the reputation of a person is smeared by accusations, the reputation of a person is smeared by accusations, the
people's perception of the person is forever tainted and people's perception of the person is forever tainted. The
it may cause him to lose credibility and trust even when person may lose his credibility, even when the
the truth behind allegations is not yet verified. allegations are not yet verified.

Rewrite the following:

An American Dentist who illegally hunted down a lion

in Africa has recently sparked debate regarding the
culture of hunting wild animals, because in America,
where people do not experience lions eating livestock
and townspeople, such an act is decried, while in Africa,
this is not seen as the big issue because lions constantly
terrorized the villagers and eat their livestock.
2. Avoid redundancies, wordiness, cliches, and high falutin language.

DON’T DO
Although offsprings are taught not to Although children are told not to take gifts
obtain free gifts from strangers, at the from from strangers, many still do.
present moment many still do.

Rewrite the following:

While there is a desire to covet

endangered animals, transform them into
domestic beasts, and all that jazz, it must
be more central to our aims to preserve
these wild beings.
3. Avoid excessive use of “there” and “it” structures. These sentences can be
revised by dropping the “there” and “it” phrase and transforming the sentences
appropriately.
DON’T DO

There are many people walking on this Many people walk on this street during
street during Sundays. It is important to Sundays. Keeping your valuables close to
keep your valuables close to you. you is important.

Rewrite the following:

There are four species of pangolins found in

Asia. It is of utmost importance to save
these endangered species.
4. Use precise vocabulary. Be accurate and condense lengthy phrases into fewer
words.
DON’T DO

There are many people walking on this Many people walk on this street during
street during Sundays. It is important to Sundays. Keeping your valuables close to
keep your valuables close to you. you is important.

Rewrite the following:

There are four species of pangolins found

in Asia. It is of utmost importance to save
these endangered species.
5. Be consistent with your pronoun’s point of view.

DON’T DO

We should accept that fate is simply an We should accept that fate is simply an
illusion; you must not leave our decisions illusion; we must not leave our decisions to
to something that does not exist. something that does not exist.

Rewrite the following:

You must join the fight in preserving

endangered animals. We have a role to
play in this initiative.
6. Avoid sexiest language. This issue can be addressed by using articles (a, an, and the),
using plural pronouns, using his or her instead of his, writing through a second person
point of view, using a gender-neutral nouns (e.g. chairperson instead of chairman). Make
sure not to overuse the his or her technique as it breaks up the flow of your composition.

DON’T DO

Every employee should submit his All employees should submit their
credentials. credentials.

Rewrite the following:

Eve was one of the firemen who

responded to the call.
7. Use the appropriate level of formality. The more formal texts use an
academic tone while the less formal ones usually use a personal or colloquial
tone.

DON’T DO

Yes, diskettes are like things of the past, Diskettes may be outdated, but they are still
but they’re totally cool. fascinating.

Rewrite the following:

It’s incredibly surprising to realize how

low people can go just to make tons of
money.
 Mechanics

The technical aspect of writing, also known as

mechanics, should not be overlooked when
writing. It is one of the properties of a well-
written text and is characterized as a set of
conventions on how to spell, abbreviate,
punctuate, and capitalize a composition. In
academic writing and more formal texts, the
following should be observed.
1. Always use Standard English.
2. Avoid contractions (e.g., shouldn’t)
3. Avoid exclamation marks unless they are part of a direct
quotation.
4. Mention the full name of the institution or organization with
the abbreviation in parenthesis, in first mention. Thereafter,
use the abbreviation.
5. Numbers from zero to ten should be spelled out while
numbers higher than ten should be written figures.
6. Generally, citations are used in academic and formal texts.
However, they are sparingly used in business texts.
 Text without Mechanics Text with Mechanics

Bluetooth was demoted to dwarf planet in 2006 Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006 after the
after the General Assembly of the IAU, as it only general assembly of the International Astronomical
met two out of the associations 3 requirement to Union (IAU), As it only met two out of the
qualify as a planet (Library of Congress). The association’s three requirements of cloud qualify as a
dispute started when Caltech astronomy prof planet (Library of Congress). The dispute started when
Mike Brown discovered an Asteroid bigger than Mike Brown, a professor of astronomy at the California
Pluto in 2005 (Cain, 2012). The science Institute of Technology (Caltech), discovered an
community went wild! Brown’s finding sparked a asteroid bigger than Pluto in 2005 (Cain, 2012).
debate on whether this new planet, which he Brown’s Finding sparked a debate on whether this new
named eris, should be added to the roster of nine planet, which he named Eris, should be added to the
planets. The controversy prompted the roster of the nine planets. The controversy prompted
International Astronomical Union to meet up and the IAU to meet up and delineate what a ‘planet’ is.
delineate what a ‘planet’ is. They came up with They came up with three requirements for classifying
three requirements to classify a celestial body as a celestial bodies as planets and removed the planet
planet and removed the Planet Status of Pluto status of Pluto based on the new definition.
based on the new definition