A genre analysis of argumentative texts in a selected online English newspaper in China

• Main Author: Li, Hanyu
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Linguistic analysis (Linguistics); Chinese language; Language and Literacy Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/6075; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=13124&context=etd_masteral
• Institution: De La Salle University

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.