The process of written composition has developed over the years, the structure and development difference of the written form has been tested and confirmed to have improved by time (Dickison and Tabors, 2001). Written composition aspects are presented through some factors: the macro organisation factor, which refers to the ordering of ideas and use of top sentences. Productivity factor, it relates to diversity and number of words used. Spelling and punctuation factor and the complexity of the composition (Harste, 1984).
The process of writing recently is given a different approach as opposed to the old way of writing a composition (Dickison and Tabors, 2001). The new process takes the following stages: Pre-writing, focusing on ideas then evaluation, structuring and editing. The method ensures a composition is up to date and meets the required standards. Literacy and language unit are the prerequisites for any good composition writing. Any author of an article follows the recommended procedure for putting in writing their ideas so that it can be well understood and applied in other academic disciplines (Heath and Street, 2008). Literacy level has also improved.
Development of written composition
The development of written form is evident in the literacy and language unit. The literature application in the recent writings is more polished as opposed to the past (Heath and Street, 2008). The latest developments are seen in classrooms where teachers employ new teaching styles and methods that are more reliable. The usefulness and applicability of the polished language to school students are that it prepares towards tackling their assignment and research (Royce, 1998) development is important since all other subjects like physiology, medicine, engineering and mathematics require proper applicability of good English language.
In the past, the written composition was not an important area of interest. The writing was in a straightforward language, and sometimes grammar and punctuation were not considered a key aspect in writing (Dickison and Tabors, 2001). The interest was only in knowing how to read and write, letters which were written were so informal, and no one paid attention to the fluency and flow of ideas. As long as the message was home (Royce, 1998). Authors of English literature books were few by then, and the English resources were also scarce. Inadequacy in reading and writing materials was a significant drawback to successful composition writing (Dickison and Tabors, 2001). The new generation is an advantaged group in the literacy and language unit. They enjoy the developments in the English language and literature.
Regarding the developments in English, a majority of authors have written different English learning materials. Novels, textbooks and other English materials are available in English libraries worldwide as well as in other internet sources (Dickison and Tabors, 2001). Free Literature and English lessons are also available in the YouTube hence promoting the learning of English. Many people have developed an interest in this area of study as it is currently very marketable in society today (Heath and Street, 2008). Employment opportunities associated with English and literature are many: teaching as a profession, news anchors and writing of articles is well paying hence the interest in the subject.
On whether English and literature have impacted on the literacy level in the nation, it is on record that the development has increased the literacy level. Most citizens have so far a developing interest of how to read, write and understand the English concepts (Dickison and Tabors, 2001).
The old has gone back to classrooms to know how to read newspapers and be capable of listening to TV and radio news in English (Heath and Street, 2008). The pieces of polished writing are about these topics; Business manifesto, eradicating extreme poverty and stopping corruption levels.
Aspects of the environment
Some aspects of the environment affect the literature and English unit. Some of this factors are the nature, culture and the landscape. The setting where one stays determines their English prowess and fluency. Staying in an urban area is an advantage to the learning process since people interact and speak in the national language and not inherent. Rural areas disadvantages’ learners since they mostly speak in their mother tongue rather than English. Rural residence influences the pronunciation and grammar of a student.
The pieces of polished writing
Business manifesto
The motivation to start a business and make profits motivated this writing. The issue of business failure due to mismanagements of business funds was the critical driving force towards this work.
Eradicating poverty
Poverty is a significant problem affecting people in society today attracted my interest to write about how to eliminate poverty. Abolishing poverty means improving the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. The writing suggested the measures of dealing with debt, particularly in Africa.
Stopping corruption
The rise in corruption levels in the world today attracted my interest in writing this work. Crime is the major impediment to development in many states today. The misuse of public funds and huge debts borrowed is an issue of concern affecting countries today.
Working with students to develop their writing
My Self-knowledge as a writer helps in working with students to improve their writing. Speaking English frequently rather than using vernacular frequently aids in the development of literature and language (Mary Lea and Brian Street, 1998). The students should, therefore, develop English speaking habit to help them improve on their fluency and grammar (Willis Jane,1996). Speaking a well-polished language relates to proper writing. The students who fail to talk about this language frequently both at schools and home experience a big challenge putting it into writing (Mary Lea and Brian Street, 1998). Students who have the habit of chatting in English are capable of learning from their friends when they make grammatical mistakes. Having been corrected by friends enables them to learn and change accordingly. Learning never stops whether in at home, field or marketplace. Seeking knowledge and accepting correction is the first stage of education.
I would stress the importance of reading story books, novels and relevant language and literature materials. Reading novels frequently helps students improve their grammar, punctuation and flow of ideas (Willis Jane,1996). A story is an essential tool for study when a student has a problem with syntax, novels are written and published In a proper grammar as per the English standards. The student fond of reading this books ends up being great writers with appropriate grammar (Mary Lea and Brian Street, 1998).
The punctuation factor is well taken care of in novel writing. The novels lack punctuation mistakes hence students with the novel reading habit reduces the chances of using poor grammar. The flow of ideas is the central aspect of writing each author puts into consideration, idea flow in any writing makes the reader of your work have interest in wanting to continue reading (Mary Lea and Brian Street, 1998). Novel reading habit is therefore essential.
I would ensure what is taught in class is put into practice. Practice improves on perfection in something you are doing or learning (Willis Jane,1996). Students are required to have a composition writing behaviour, they should write several composition and present for marking. It helps them know how progressive they are and also enables the instructor know which areas to put more emphasis on (Mary Lea and Brian Street, 1998). Students will, therefore, improve on their writing skills daily as they continue making necessary corrections in their work according to the writers’ response
For students to take their work seriously, I would encourage good writing and also penalise poor writing to act as a warning. By helping effort made by students in writing well gives them morale to continue working smart. Rewarding best writers in every writing contest is essential for the passionate and severe students. Penalising poor writing is also a way of making lazy students work hard. Any teacher who wants better performance must, therefore, be strict and make students understand that writing well does not benefit the teachers but themselves.
Providing useful feedback to students is vital in the writing process. The teacher has a broad knowledge of concepts and tactics used in writing than the learners hence the need to give them feedback and clarity on areas they need to adjust and improve on when doing corrections.
Multimodal text
The multimodal text is a combination of two or many semiotic systems. The semiotic systems are five in number. The following are the systems: linguistic which is about vocabulary and grammar (Thibault, 2000). Visual, which comprises aspects of images and colour, audio that represents pitch, volume, music and the effects of sound (Thibault, 2000). Gestural, contains speed and movements and lastly, spatial, which shows direction and position. The figure below represents a multimodal text. The interaction between any two semiotic systems must have a meaning in the multimodal text (Thibault, 2000). The chart below depicts a multimodal version and explanation of how the interaction of different versions elicits a sense.
The two semiotic system linguistic and visual construct meaning in this text. The image of the hand pressing the button off creates the purpose of switching off the lights to save energy. The scientific vocabulary represented by the word off and the visual image of the button and the hand pressing it are semiotic systems used together to create meaning in the multimodal text. Vocabularies, when well employed in an optical representation, make it simple in the following instruction by not switching on instead of off. The interaction is therefore significant in this text and should be put into practice in the language and literature unit.
The interaction between two of semiotic systems is also evident in the colour of the poster that is visible and the direction given. The red colour is very clear, and the instruction given in the sign that light should be put off when not needed to save energy has a meaning in the text. The red colour illustrates the danger of not turning the unneeded light off like the cost implications.
Switching off the light by pressing the button involves some movements of the hand hence gestural. On the other side, the position of the pin is visible. The interaction of the two semiotic systems has a meaning in the text. For one to put the lights, there must be some movement of body parts and putting off the fire means the energy will be conserved. The grammar is also an important aspect here since it gives the direction of what should be done and why it should be carried out.
Written composition entails the application of the five semiotic systems in a text. When two or more are in use, then the multimodal text is formed. The interaction of the systems helps students clearly show meaning in their writing. The linguistic prowess by use of useful vocabulary and grammar is essential in any novel. Description of objects concerning colour is also relevant in the process of writing. Direction, position, movement and speed of events occurring must well present in the writing work. Every language and literature work needs critical analysis of all language aspects and putting the review into consideration when writing. All the semiotic system is therefore relevant for our language and literature study and can as well be useful in other academic fields.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a written composition has developed over the years. Both Teachers and students are the primary beneficiaries of this change. Students have been able to access a variety of practice materials making it simple for them to handle their assignments. Teachers have been relieved of the heavy workload since students are capable of obtaining reading materials all over in national libraries and even on the internet. The possibility of working with students to improve their writing skills is very high recently due to the accessibility of the language and literature materials. The semiotic systems are equally important in this field of study. Language and literature unit is a broad area of; hence our scope should not be limited to specific areas. The advancement in technology will have a positive impact on the development of the language and improving literacy levels.
References
Harste, J. C. (1984). Language stories " literacy lessons. Heinemann Educational Books Inc., 70 Court St., Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Dickinson, D. K., " Tabors, P. O. (2001). Beginning literacy with language: Young children learning at home and school. Paul H Brookes Publishing.
Heath, S. B., " Street, B. V. (2008). On Ethnography: Approaches to Language and Literacy Research. Language " Literacy (NCRLL). Teachers College Press. 1234 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027.
Lea, M. R., " Street, B. V. (1998). Student writing in higher education: An academic literacies approach. Studies in higher education, 23(2), 157-172.
Willis, J. (1996). A flexible framework for task-based learning. Challenge and change in language teaching, 52-62.
Royce, T. (1998). Synergy on the page: Exploring intersemiotic complementarity in page-based multimodal text. JASFL Occasional Papers, 1(1), 25-49.
Thibault, P. J. (2000). The multimodal transcription of a television advertisement: Theory and practice. Multimodality and multimediality in the distance learning age, 31, 1-384.
