Date of Publication

5-2008

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in English Language Education Major in Second Language Teaching

Subject Categories

Language and Literacy Education

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

English Language Education

Thesis Adviser

Sterling M. Plata

Defense Panel Chair

Leonisa A. Mojica

Defense Panel Member

Rochelle Irene G. Lucas
Sydney Gonzales-Villegas

Abstract/Summary

This study aims to analyze macro structures and topical progressions in English argumentative texts written by Chinese, as well as the aspects of Chinese writing culture evident in these samples. A total of 60 argumentative texts were chosen from the online version of China Daily, including 30 columns and 30 commentaries. The analysis of macro structure followed the Argumentation Model, while Lautamatti’s model (1987) was adopted in examining topical progressions. Results show that a variety of patterns of macro structure appears in both column and commentary groups. The Introduction, Position Statement, Support and Conclusion parts seem to be the obligatory elements in these articles, since almost every text comprises these parts. The part of Summary of Agreeing Views and Rebuttal excluded in the Classical Model (Ramage, Bean, & Johnson, 2001) and Rogerian Model (1950, cited in White & Billings, 2002) are found in the samples. Regarding macro structures, the pattern of IPSC (Introduction – Position Statement – Support – Conclusion) is most frequently used in the 30 columns, while the pattern of IRfPSC (Introduction – Refutation of Opposing Views – Position Statement – Support – Conclusion) predominates in commentary samples. Although the prevailing patterns of macro structure in two sample groups are different, a distinguished position-delayed feature is present in both groups. Additionally, in some texts, it is discovered that positions are split into two sub-positions and supported by the responding pieces of evidence. Moreover, topical progressions adopted in the data include sequential progression, direct parallel progression and extended parallel progression. Out of these three, sequential progression displays predominance, with a higher frequency than parallel progression. Finally, some aspects of Chinese writing culture are manifested in the patterns of macro structures and topical progressions. The indirectness trait in Chinese writing culture is revealed by the delay of the positions. The split of the main positions in some articles reflects the implicitness tradition. Moreover, high frequency of sequential progression is a manifestation of the reader responsibility nature of Chinese writing.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG004780

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

vii, 120 leaves ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Linguistic analysis (Linguistics); Chinese language

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5-26-2022

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