cal text analysis 4 texts (1)

7/28/2019 CAL Text Analysis 4 Texts (1)

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Descriptions of text grammar

TEXT 3: Should cats be allowed to roam?

EXPERIENTIAL (+ LOGICAL) MEANING

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: cats + society (rules, structures) and humans (vets,

neighbours etc) + society

Structure: Noun groups are most often pre-mod +H and pre-modmay be noun, e.g. leash laws; traffic accidents, cat society;

but also frequently post-modified w PP: attack by other animals, cat

society with its rules and structures; or Ven cat raised with dogs,trap set by . Most complex is: friendship both human and feline

ellipsed clause. A long Complement is not compatible with modern

life in suburban North Americathere are others.

Technicality: Many noun groups are non-abstract, here-and-now,

observable in the environment, but there are also abstract NPs:welfare, human notion of territory, life expectancy etc

Distribution: Slightly more NP than VP ~ semi-academic text. Only

3 instances of nominalization ..VP roam > this roaming; Adj/Venmauled [cats] > the mauling; Ven set> trap setting

VERBS Process types (see analysis below): Allprocess types are found.Material processes seem slightly more frequent than others

(construing doings of cats and humans), against a background of

describing (cats and humans) in relational processes. There are a few

mental processes construing the thoughts of cats and humans, and

one verbal verb (assert) in the intro construing others views inopposition to the writers view.

Structure: Verb groups are sometimes simple (believe, assert,exercise) but often complex, w passive element: (see tense analysis)

should be allowed to roam; cannot be expected to understand

Logical Frequent internal clause-joining words : but (balanced view)because, as, while, although, construing cause-effect and concessive


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PATTERNS

OF.

Description

meaning inter-clause relationships, appropriate in a balanced argument.

Should cats be allowed to roam?

Many people believe that, because of cats independent nature, they should be allowed to

roam free. This roamingallows them to satisfy their hunting instincts and to function

within cat society, with its own rules and structure. Some people assert that free-roaming

cats are happier cats. This may be true, but it is not compatible with modern life in

suburban North America. Roaming cats are susceptible to attack by other animals, to

trapping by angry neighbours, and most of all, to traffic accidents.

Despite leash laws in most communities, mauled cats often turn upin veterinarians

offices and city pounds. The maulingmay have occurred when a cat raised with dogs

did not recognize a dangerous dog quickly enough. Alternatively, wild coyotes, which

are a concern in most parts of Canada, may be the culprits, as most domestic cats have

lostthe degree of wariness they needtoprotectthemselves against wild predators.

A cat is also unequipped to protect itselfagainst traps setby angry neighbours. Trap

settingplaces the welfare of the cat in the hands of the person who was angry enough to

trap it. While cats cannot be expected to understand the human notion of territory, do

pet owners have the right to make neighbours share their animals involuntarily,

especially when cats exercise their feline rights to spray, diggardens, andfight?

The serious injuries seen most frequently by veterinarians are those caused by cars.

Traffic accidents are a major contributor to the shorter life expectancy of outdoor cats.

Cars are not part of the natural world, but they are an unavoidable part of ours.

Although in an ideal world, cats should be allowed to roam and live their mysterious,

separate lives, our world is not ideal. We can do our best to accommodate cats needs

with outdoor enclosures and by providing friendship both human and feline, butfor most

city-dwellers, the dream of the free-ranging cat must be surrendered as a pastoral myth.


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TEXT 3: Should cats be allowed to roam

INTERPERSONAL MEANING

PATTERNS OF.. Description

MOOD Almost exclusively Declarative (S^ F) except for the title (F ^S: should cats.) and one other Interrogative clause in par 3:therefore, the writer is positioned as teller (of a viewpoint) to

the reader. The one question is foregrounded, so probably

addresses the main issue the writer wishes the reader toconsider.

TENSE The most noticeable pattern is that the verbs are generally in

present tense, construing generality of proprositions, current

relevance of argument, and non-remote relationships among

writer, reader & propositions.

MODALITY Much modality, varying from low value to high, so the writerwishes to provide some space for negotiability that this is justone view.

PRONOUNS Mixed: objective many people believe. + nominalizations;with elements of subjectivity/inclusivity our we clustered

near the end to draw in the reader finally.

APPRAISAL/

EVALUATION

Because there is much explicitly evaluative wording, the text isexpressing a point of view: not compatible, angry,

involuntarily, not ideal, surrendered, pastoral myth.

TEXT 3: Should cats be allowed to roamTEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNS

OF Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Reference: Personal pronouns we (writer and reader) occur very

occasionally among the third person they referring to the

participants construing the arguments (e.g. cats, traffic accidents) and

This refers to a whole-clause notion or argument e.g. This may betrue.

Lexis: a cohesive field is built up (see nouns).

A range of Adjunctsorganize the text rough examples are given in

italics. Here, some dependent clauses can be A; there are manylocative A.

STARTING

POINTS OF

SENTENCES

Marked structure: The serious injuries seen most frequently byveterinarians are those caused by cars. We can observe the text mainly


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PATTERNS

OF

Description

develops by means of participants/ topical Theme (many people, this

roaming, this, roaming cats) or dependent clauses (multi-Themes)(Despite.although.)

TEXT 4: The proud eagle

EXPERIENTIAL (& LOGICAL) MEANING

The proud eagle

One day an eagle met a seagull at the beach. The eagle was proud. He thought he was bigger and

more powerful than the seagull. He wanted to show off.

I can fly higher than you. Im the strongest bird in the sky. Let me show you around my

country, he said.

Thank you. Thats very kind of you, said the seagull politely.

The eagle and the seagull flew for an hour over thick, magnificent jungle. They could see manydifferent animals and plants.

Look! This is the biggest and wildest jungle in my country. Isn't it big? asked the eagle.

Yes, its enormous and impressive, said the seagull. Half an hour later they flew over a high,

snow-capped mountain. This is the most beautiful and inaccessible place in my country, saidthe eagle. Its the highest mountain, and some dangerous animals live here.

Its fantastic! said the seagull as they soared over the rugged peaks.

The eagle thought it was time to make his point time to see the seagulls country. If yourenot too tired, can you show me your home? he enquired smugly.

Yes, sure. Im not tired, said the seagull. They flew offover a wide, sparkling, emerald sea.

After five hours, the eagle was very very tired.Are we near your home yet? he gasped.

Oh, no. Its still a long way away! said the seagull. This is only the beginning of my home - the

never-ending ocean!

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: A[n imaginary] field is built up the environment and habitsof 2 birds (personified, as they talk to each other)

Structure: Noun groups are often simple: the eagle, the seagull, therugged peaks. Co-ordinated and muli-modified: the most beautiful andinaccessible place in my country & wide, sparkling, emerald sea; a high,

snow-capped mountain The most complex is the most beautiful andinaccessible place in my country.

Technicality: Most noun groups are non-abstract, everyday. Butsome more academic words are jungle, snow-capped, rugged,

ocean.


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PATTERNS

OF.

Description

Distribution: about equal distribution, but the noun groups are

longer.

VERBS Process types (see analysis below): Most processes arebehavioural orverbal, ormental, but the Behavers, Sayers andSensers are personified birds. This gives us a clue that probably the

text is for young readers, and that there is a lot of direct reported

speech. There are also a few phrasal verbs which are more often afeature of everyday, informal language.

Structure: Verb groups are simple (see tense analysis).

Logical

meaning

Most clauses in the narration of events are independent. In the

dialogue, there are projected dependent clauses in the direct

reported speech.

The Most complex clauses: The eagle thought [ ] it was time to make his

point time to see the seagulls country.

Ifyoure not too tired, can you show me your home?

(See textual meaning for the external links between clauses).




MOOD Exclusively declarative (S^ F) in the narration, with part of thedirect speech in interrogative mood (F ^ S): therefore, the

writer is generally positioned as teller (of information) to the

reader, while the participants (birds) are often positioned as

demander and giver of information.Let meone imperative

TENSE & Voice The narration and projecting verbal verbs are in the pasttense remote background events of the story. The dialogue

is generally in present tense the now of the participants.

MODALITY Some modality of inclination (can you show me ?) and

ability (I can flyand they could see - the only past tense

form is in this kind of modality). This is also the only modality

type found commonly in primary school texts .

PRONOUNS He (not it) and they in the background narration

construing the participants; and I, my, you (>theparticipants) and this & it (referring to the natural geog.


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features ) in the interactive dialogue.

APPRAISAL/

EVALUATION

There are many explicitly evaluative words to construe the

positive description of the environment and intensify the

elements of the story (gasp) each participant competes topositively (subjectively) evaluate his home (impressive,

enormous, fantastic, never-ending.) .


TEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNS

OF Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Lexis: is the main form of cohesion.

Adjuncts organize the textin terms of time: One day, for an hour,

half an hour later, after five hours..

STARTING

POINTS OF

SENTENCES

Most sentences construing the narration start with a participant, but

some dialogue sentences start with interpersonal elements ( yes, oh

no thanks are isnt/.. Look .)

TEXT 5a : Yeast


Yeast grows by the addition of flour and warm water, which give it favourable conditionsfor growth. The conditions are food, warmth and moisture. The yeast growth process

starts with rapid cell division and production of a gas, carbon dioxide. Tiny bubbles of

carbon dioxide then form in the bread dough. When the dough is baked in an oven, the

gas bubbles become hot and expand. They then stretch the dough and cause it to rise.As the bread dough rises, it sets and cooks, and the bread texture becomes soft and

spongy.

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: A technical field is built up by yeast, growth, rapid celldivision, gas, carbon dioxide, texture

Structure: Noun groups are mostly simple: yeast, flour, warm water.


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PATTERNS

OF.

Description

However, there is some complexity: yeast growth process

(nominalization); favourable conditions for growth. The mostcomplex is the co-ordinated group in a PP [with] rapid cell division

and production of a gas, carbon dioxide

Technicality: Most noun groups are non-abstract, though some are

technical: (see above). Abstract nouns are: addition, conditions for

growth, yeast growth process, rapid cell division, production, carbondioxide

Distribution: many more nouns than verbs, typical of academicwriting.

VERBS Process types: mainly material construing the action of the yeast andother ppts; with relational processes construing the attributes of yeast(soft etc) or identifying ppts (conditions are)

Structure: Verb groups are mostly simple: (see tense analysis)

Logical

meaning

Most sentences are simple/basic on the surface, e.g sentence 1=S FA (with embedded clause); sentence 2= S F C ; sentences 4 & 6

contain dependent cl with independent cl structure; sentence 6 is the

most complex, having additive interclausal relationship in addition

to dep/indep relationship; sentences 5 & 6 are co-ordinated clauses(see textual meaning for the external links between clauses).

TEXT 5: YeastINTERPERSONAL MEANING


MOOD Exclusively Declarative (S^ F); therefore, the writer is

positioned as teller (of information) to the reader.

TENSE & Voice Exclusively present tense in active and passive voiceconstruing the generalisable and timeless factuality of the

propositions (claims, ideas, notions). There are several

ergative verbs form, expand, rise, set, cook.MODALITY No modal verbs, no modality in advP, so the writer positions

the events as factual.

PRONOUNS 2 third person it referring to antecedents yeast dough,

and 1 they (=bubbles). Therefore, the text is impersonal.

APPRAISAL/

EVALUATION

1 explicitly evaluative word: favourable. The generally

neutral wording construes scientific objectivity.


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TEXT 5a: Yeast

TEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNS

OF

Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Lexis: is the main form of cohesion, e.g. in sequential materialprocesses. Grow> start > form> rise > expand> stretch > set> cook

The text is also organized in a range of other terms of sequence:by,then, when, as, and. .

Reference: see pronouns aboveSTARTINGPOINTS OF

SENTENCES

Most sentences start with a participant, but some start with

circumstances (when the dough, as the bread). Yeast > The

conditions > The yeast growth process >Tiny bubbles of carbon

dioxide >When the dough > They > As the bread dough .The arrangement provides a logical backbone to the text.

TEXT 5b: Fizzy drinks


Carbonated water or fizzy drink is produced by dissolving carbon dioxide in water

under pressure. After the can has been opened, the dissolved carbon dioxide will escapeto the surrounding air where the pressure is lower. The escaping gases causebubbling

and fizzing sounds, and this is the reason the drink is called fizzy. The continuous

escape of gases decreases the concentration of the carbonated water over time, and theamount of escaping carbon dioxide gas also decreases. Thus, the drinkbecomes less

fizzy.

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: A technical field is built up by: carbonated water, carbondioxide, water under pressure, the dissolved carbon dioxide, pressure

escaping gases, the concentration of the carbonated water

Structure: while some NPs are simple (the drink), most aresomewhat complex (pre and post-modification - the surrounding air

where the pressure is lower; the continuous escape of gases

Technicality: Many noun groups are technical and abstract

(carbonated water, carbon dioxide, pressure, escaping gases,

concentration ) Nominalization = the continuous escape of gases.

Distribution: more nouns than verbs, typical of academic writing.


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PATTERNS

OF.

Description

VERBS Process types (see analysis above): mainly material processesconstruing the activity of the ppts; with relational processes

construing their attributes (lower) or identity (fizzy drinks).

Structure: Verb groups are mostly simple: has been opened is

probably the most complex (see tense analysis)

Logical

meaning

2 sentences with co-ordinated clauses. 1 sentences with dependent

clause ^ independent clause S F A. First (co-ordinated S F ^ P A) and last sentences ( A ^ S ^ F/P ^ C ) contain no internal linking

words




MOOD Exclusively Declarative (S^ F); therefore, the writer ispositioned as teller (of information) to the reader.

TENSE & Voice Exclusively present tense in active and passive voice

construing the generalisable and timeless factuality of the

propositions (claims, ideas, notions).

MODALITY No modal verbs, no modality in advP, so the writer positions

the events as factual.

PRONOUNS This refers to notion of escaping gases. Therefore, the text is

impersonal.

APPRAISAL/

EVALUATION

There are no explicitly evaluative words. The neutral wording

construes scientific objectivity.


TEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNSOF

Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Lexis: is the main form of cohesion.


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PATTERNS

OF

Description

STARTINGPOINTS OF

SENTENCES

Most sentences start with a participant, but one starts with textual

markers (thus ) and anothers with circumstances (After the can).Carbonated water >. After the can >The escaping gases >The

continuous escape of gases >Thus, the drink.. These provide a logicalbackbone to the text.

TEXT 6a: Corruption


Corruption is criminal activity involving abuse of power. It occurs when individuals

abuse their authority for personal gain at the expense of others. For example, agovernment official may abuse his knowledge of imminent tax law change to buy a

luxury article before the articles tax and price rises. Similarly, a government officialmay accept a businessmans bribe to approve an illegal business.

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: technical field/topic (corruption) is built up by: Corruption,criminal activity, abuse of power, authority, personal gain,

government official, knowledge, bribe, illegal business.

Structure: Noun groups are mostly simple, but also frequently post-modified w PP or non-finite clause (criminal activity involving abuse

of power).

Technicality: Many noun groups are abstract, nominalised and

technical (Corruption, abuse of power, personal gain, knowledge of

imminent tax law change)

Distribution: more nouns than verbs, typical of academic writing.

VERBS Process types (see analysis above): mainly material processesconstruing the activity of the ppts; with relational processes,

clustered only at the beginning, defining the concept.

Structure: Verb groups are mostly simple, with at most 2 elements:(see tense and modality analysis)

Logical

meaning

Sentences 1, 3, 4 ~ indep/dependent inter-clausal relationship.

Sentence 2 includes 2 PPs which are often seen as reduced clauses

(lecture 8?). (see textual meaning for the external links betweenclauses).


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TEXT 6a: Corruption




TENSE & Voice Exclusively present tense in active voice construing the

generalisable and timeless factuality of the propositions

(claims, ideas, notions). Ergative verb: rise.

MODALITY may abuse, may accept position the events as open to

negotiation, not factual or generally true of government

officials. The modality type is probability, and thevalue/commitment level is low construing a rather

undogmatic stance/attitude.PRONOUNS Only 2 third person it and his referring to corruption &

gov official. Therefore, the text is impersonal.

APPRAISAL/

EVALUATION

Evaluative words: abuse, bribe construe writers attitude.

TEXT 6a: Corruption

TEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNS

OF Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Lexis: is the main form of cohesion (see above) .

Conjunction when, and (A) discourse markers for example &similarly organize the text logically.

STARTING

POINTS OF

SENTENCES

Corruption> It> For example, a gov official> Similarly, a gov official

show the text development and provide a logical backbone to it

most sentences start with a participant, but some start with textual

markers.


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TEXT 6b: Nuclear Power


There are (E) both advantages and disadvantages of the use of nuclear power for

electricity generation. One advantage is that nuclear energy is a powerful energy source

which normally does not cause air pollution. However, the main disadvantage is thatmuch dangerous and irreversible pollution is causedwhen nuclear energy processing and

nuclear waste are not handled properly. That is, processing breakdowns and/or leakage,

such as Chernobyl in the 1980s and Three Mile Island in the 1970s, cause disastrousground-water, soil, air and food pollution.

PATTERNS

OF.

Description

NOUNS Field: pros and cons of nuclear power built up by: advantages anddisadvantages, the use of nuclear power for electricity generation.

powerful energy source, the main disadvantage, much dangerous

and irreversible pollution, nuclear energy processing, nuclear waste,processing breakdowns and/or leakage, Chernobyl, Three Mile

Island, disastrous ground-water, soil, air and food pollution.

Structure: The most complex (differently co-ordinated ) NPs:processing breakdowns and/or leakage; disastrous ground-water,

soil, air and food pollution; much dangerous and irreversible

pollution. Two proper nouns.

Technicality: Many noun groups are abstract, nominalized and

technical:the use of nuclear power for electricity generation.

powerful energy source, much dangerous and irreversible pollution,nuclear energy processing, nuclear waste, processing breakdowns

and/or leakage, disastrous ground-water, soil, air and foodpollution.

Distribution: Many more nouns than verbs, typical of academicwriting

VERBS Process types (see analysis above): only 3 lexical verbs used: 1existential be construing opening argument; 1 relational be

construing/identifying advantages and disadvantages; and 2

(here) material/causative construing causal relations between ppts.

Structure: Verb groups are simple: (see tense analysis)

Logical

meaning

One embedded clause (which..) ; 2 that (dependent) clauses; 1 adv,(dependent) clause (when..) enhancing the independent clause.


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TENSE & Voice Exclusively present tense in active and (negative) passive voice

construing the generalisable and timeless factuality of the

propositions (claims, ideas, notions).

MODALITY AdvP normally is modality of usuality, so the writer mainly,

but not exclusively, positions the events as factual.

PRONOUNS [Only that cataphoric reference to the notion in the following

clause].

APPRAISAL/EVALUATION

Explicitly evaluative words: dangerous, irreversible, properly,disastrous construe the writers attitude.


TEXTUAL MEANING

PATTERNS

OF Description

COHESION

by

REFERENCE,

LEXIS &

ADJUNCTS

Lexis: is the main form of cohesion (see above) .

Discourse markers (one advantage is However, one

disadvantage is ) organize the text construing the adversativerelations between clauses/ arguments.

Adjuncts: such as Chernobyl in the 1980s and Three Mile Island inthe 1970s construe exemplification.

STARTING

POINTS OF

SENTENCES

There are [both advantages and disadvantages] > One advantage >

However, the main disadvantage > That is, .provide a logical

backbone to text development.

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