Using Lexical Chains for Cohesive Writing

Mini-Lesson

Read the following article and pay attention to the words in red.

Facebook editing function raises concern over misuse

30 September 2013

A new feature allowing Facebook users to edit their status updates may result in "stitch-ups", an expert has warned. But the new capability, introduced to help users correct spelling and grammatical errors, means posts can be modified, and their content changed.
A spokesman for Facebook explained that the update was intended to help people address typos or auto-correct errors, but wouldn't comment on the potential vulnerabilities. The capability to edit posts is already available on rival social networks, and Facebook has allowed its users to edit photo updates and their comments on other people's updates for some months.

'Real concerns'
"The latest update from Facebook to allow editing of posts after they have been published raises some real concerns amongst individuals I know and business clients of mine," Kieran Hannon, director of social media consultancy e Social Media, told the BBC. "A like or a comment made on a previously static piece of content is now open to misinterpretation - a fact that many less informed users are currently unaware of. "The opportunity to 'stitch up' friends or foes on Facebook has increased dramatically."

Reducing errors
Updates that are modified are marked as edited. A history of the edits made is available for users to view. The editing facility comes after Facebook revealed more than half its users accessed the site on mobile phones, which are more prone to typing errors. "It's unlikely this will have any impact beyond making it easier to correct spelling mistakes," said Matt Owen, of digital business specialists Econsultancy. "If this update allows people to stay in control of their social profile, ultimately they will be happier with it and use the product more. " It's a win-win for both Facebook and its users."

The new edit feature does not yet apply to company pages. But Mr Hannon says he will be advising his business clients to be cautious.

(Used with permission from the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24330771 )

While you were reading the article, you probably noticed that all of the words in red have the same or a similar meaning. These words and phrases all mean (or refer to) ‘the new Facebook editing function’ and are used not only to avoid repetition, but to help create links, or ‘chains’ connecting ideas between paragraphs in the article. The words in red are called ‘lexical chains’, which are used in all good writing. (Notice that synonyms do not have to be one word only, but may be short or long noun phrases. Notice also that good writers often use adjectives such as ‘this’ and pronouns such as ‘it’ to refer back the main topic.)

The tasks in this activity will help you to recognize lexical chains and provide you practise in using them to make your writing more interesting and cohesive.