Some elements to look for when using DOCS model
Design: Features related to the way the text is laid out on the page. These are physical characteristics of the writing’s format, such as:
Headings
Highlighting particular phrases by using techniques such as bold, underline, or italics
Use of images, charts, or graphs
Spacing of the text
Use of color
Different sized fonts
Different types of font
Bullet points
Organization: Features related to how the writer chooses to organize the information in the text. Writers generally use more than one method of organization. This can be about the text as a whole or a particular section of the text. Some common organization techniques are:
Problem-solution
General – particular
Matching-contrast
Topic-restriction-illustration
Description
Narrative
Instruction
Explanation
Definition
Exemplification
Classification
Compare-contrast
Cause-effect
Discussion-argumentation
Content: Text content is not always obvious. Think about what information the author has decided to include in the text and how it relates to the topic, purpose, and audience. Examples include:
Topics and relevant details. What types of information are included in the text?
Specific Disciplinary knowledge. This is generally knowledge gained through study or work in a particular field.
Insider knowledge. This is generally knowledge that is shared by a relatively small number of people and that is not known by others.
Participants: who is quoted/paraphrased? Whose points of views are expressed in the text? If the text is about a controversial issue, are both sides addressed?
Style: Features relating to the language the author uses in the writing. These should be things that stand out.
Vocabulary
Specific grammar features, such as passive voice
Verb choice
Modals
Sentence structure
Jargon
Figurative language, such as metaphor and simile
Values: Often the most difficult to identify. Think about what is important to both the reader and writer. This needs to be specific and can fall under general categories that may overlap:
Shared understanding of language (general):
Is the author using a specifc type of vocabulary (ex. Slang, jargon) to reach his audience. Based on this, what is important to the reader and writer?
Shared life experience (general)
What experiences relating to the topic have both the reader and writer had?
Shared cultural values (general)
These are values that stem from the reader and writer coming from the same or similar cultures. These are often related to religion or societal issues
Shared disciplinary values (general)
These are values that are shared because the reader and writer have a background in the same discipline. What things are important to people from the discipline that are evident in the text?
From
Johns, A. Text, Role and Context
The post Some elements to look for when using DOCS model Design: Features related appeared first on PapersSpot.
