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What is Structure?
A structure is a construct, or combination of components, formed according to
consistent and observable principles. Structure - the property possessed by
structures - is principled, or systematic, organisation.
The idea of a combination of components is fundamental to language. We combine
words into phrases, phrases into clauses, clauses into sentences, sentences into
paragraphs, paragraphs into chapters, chapters into books. Structure, then, implies
that we start with smaller bits and end up with bigger bits (see Figure 1).
Effects of Structure
We have now identified at least the fundamental characteristics of the three aspects
of structure: semantics, rhetoric, and textual cohesion. Before moving on, let’s
consider the effects of good and bad structure in each of those aspects.
Semantic Effects
A strong semantic structure ensures that each new item of information fits readily
into a coherent framework; that each new item becomes part of the framework, so
that the whole information structure grows in a rational and orderly way.
A weak semantic structure can leave a new item of information floating, unless and
until a passing hook happens to catch it; new items do not always or immediately
form part of the framework, so the information structure grows by an untidy process
of accretion. Poor semantic structure leaves the reader asking "Where does this fit?"
Rhetorical Effects
A strong rhetorical structure ensures that each new item of information is justified;
that it is there for a reason, so that the reader is led by the hand through an inevitable
series of steps.
A weak rhetorical structure can leave a new item of information to sink out of sight,
unless by chance it falls into a net meant for some other purpose; new items of
information are not always given a role to play in the development of the story, so the
reader is distracted into irrelevancies. Poor rhetorical structure leaves the reader
asking "Why are you telling me this?"
Cohesive Effects
A strong cohesive structure ensures that each item of information is identifiable; that
it has a past and a future, so that its place in the unfolding text is always clear.
A weak cohesive structure can leave an item of information to be swamped, with little
chance of being separated from other items; textual references are often confused, so
the reader must work at untangling knots. Poor cohesive structure leaves the reader
asking "What is going on?"
Structural Integration
There we have our three kinds of structure. But I said earlier that they are not totally
independent, so the question arises: how are the three kinds related? Are there
conflicts between them, so that we must lose strength in one respect in order to gain
strength in another? Or are there consistencies between them, so that we can achieve
heightened structure in all respects at once?
Fortunately, the answer is "yes" to consistencies, "not really" to conflicts. There are
cases when what looks like a compromise is called for, but closer examination reveals
that it’s not a compromise at all. To take a simple example, we often have to choose
between putting a connective adverb in sentence-initial (thematic) position, or
putting it somewhere else so that the subject is thematic. This looks like a minor
conflict between semantic and rhetorical structure. In fact, though, it’s simply an
overlap: if we have foreshadowed the logical relationship, we can make either the
adverb or the subject thematic; if we haven’t foreshadowed the logical relationship,
we should make the subject thematic.
But this absence of real conflict does not, itself, mean that the three kinds of
structure are consistent: perhaps they are just different — not really related at all. It
is certainly true that there are fundamental differences in the nature of the three
kinds of structure, as shown in Figure 7: semantic structure is vertically hierarchical
(based on larger units containing smaller units), rhetorical structure is horizontally
hierarchical (based on earlier units controlling later units), and cohesive structure is
linear (based on the identification of later units with earlier units). Does this mean
that the three are independent?
Conclusion
The three kinds of structure are all "born" as the text is written. But they are
"conceived" at three different stages. Semantic structure is the outcome and
expression of the overall design — the organisation of information. Rhetorical
structure is the outcome and expression of the approach to argument and
explanation. Cohesive structure is the outcome and expression of clear writing. We
both write and edit in a multi-layered fashion, so we do not have to keep an eye on
three aspects of development simultaneously: concurrently is a more exact term. As
we write and as we edit, we should look for thematic links, logical relationships, and
cohesive ties — but, because they have different manifestations, we can work on them
separately. It is the reading process that cannot separate them: if we can create and
integrate the three kinds of structure, the reader will reap the benefits — ease of
retrieval, ease of comprehension, and ease of use.
FURTHER READING
Halliday, M.A.K. (1994), An Introduction to Functional Grammar (2nd edn). London:
Edward Arnold
Halliday, M.A.K. & R. Hasan (1976), Cohesion in English. Harlow: Longmans
Halliday, M.A.K. & R. Hasan (1985), Language, Context and Text. Geelong, Vic:
Deakin University
Peters, P.H. (1985), Strategies for Student Writers. Milton, Qld: John Wiley
Strunk, W. & E.B. White, The Elements of Style (3rd ed, 1979). New York:
Macmillan.
Williams, J.M. with G.G. Colomb (1990), Style. Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Tujuan Pembelajaran
Setelah mempelajari materi dalam website ini diharapkan pembaca dapat:
1. Mengidentifikasi berbagai jenis teks fungsional pendek.
2. Menentukan gambaran umum isi berbagai teks fungsional pendek.
3. Menemukan informasi faktual dari berbagai teks fungsional pendek
4. Menemukan informasi tersirat dari berbagai teks fungsional pendek.
5. Menentukan makna kata berdasarkan konteks.
1. Reading Skill
5.2. Merespon makna dalam teks tulis fungsional pendek sederhana secara akurat, lancar,
dan berterima yang berkaitan dengan lingkungan sekitar
Informational
Prohibition in a Public Place Announcement Informational Notice
Notice
Image Gallery
Guidance / Guidance / Instructional
Announcement
Instruction Procedure
Short Functional
Text
Invitation
1. Function / Purpose : To invite someone to attend an occation.
2. The Structure/Parts : The Addressee (The person invited)
Salutation
The message (the content of the messag)
The Sender
3. The requirements :a. It should have an accurate addressee
b. It gives clear time, place, and activity
c. It provides sufficient information about the inviter.
d. Express that the writer is looking forward to seeing person
e. If there is a dress code, state it in the lower left-hand corner
Reading Activity
1. What kind of text is this?
2. What is the text about?
3. What does the word honour mean?
Greeting Cards functions as an expression of sympathy and care to others.
1. The purpose : a. To congratulate someone' achievement
b. To express sympathy on someone's
c. To motivate someone on gaining achivement
2 . The Important points
a. Clarify a clear purpose
b. Use a appraisal diction
c. Accurate addressee
Reading Activity
1. Why does Tya send the text?
2. What does the word wishing in the text mean?
3. What is the text about?
The Functions
1. Prohibition notifies people not to do something. People may find this kind of notice in a
public places.
2. Caution or warning warns people to be careful in handling something. Ignoring the notice
may cause injury or breaking the facilities.
3. Guidance gives information to people to do something appropriately.
4. The informational notice provides information that could be useful for people.
Reading Activity
1. What is the purpose of the notice?
2. Who should follow the instruction?
3. Where do you probably find this notice?
Reading Activity
Reading Activity
1. How many hours the shop open during clearance time?
2. What is the purpose of the text?
3. How much discount do the customer who buys 29" colour TV/
SMS (Short Message Services) Memo While you were out
A. The Functions
1. To send an important message to other people
B. Some Tips to write a short message
1. Clear addressee (someone who receives the message)
2. Straight forward
3. If it is an instruction state it clearly.
a. In a street
b. In a hotel
c. In an aeroplane
d. in a bus
5.What should Rejeki do after reading the memo?
a. In a supermarket
b. At school
c. in a Bank
d. in a street
9. Why does each class prepare its team?
a. two
b. three
c. four
d.five
Choose the best answer.
a. When the traffic light is red we must stop and wait until it turns green
b. When the traffic light is red, we must stop before turning left
c. We may not turn left when the traffic light is red.
d.We may not stop when the traffic light is red.
2. What should Rejeki do after reading the memo?