Wong, Eric T.K. (2007) Developing theme and rheme in expository writing: A case study. In: The Second Biennial International Conference on Teaching and Learning of English in Asia : Exploring New Frontiers (TELiA2), 14-16 June 2007, Holiday Villa Beach & Spa Resort, Langkawi. Faculty of Communication and Modern Languages, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, pp. 1-8. ISBN 978-983-42061-2-3

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Abstract

Teaching writing to non-native speakers of English demands much more than appropriate sentence construction and grammar. Writing at the tertiary level involves thinking in the English way. The aim of this paper is to examine and identify the weaknesses of theme and rheme in the clause as message following the tradition of Hallidayan linguistics. The research has identified the non-existence of theme, disguised theme and the lack of bond between the theme and rheme in a longitudinal case study. This action research proposes strategies in overcoming such weaknesses in language and thought. Among the strategies are the basic matching activity, the examination and analyses of academic texts and teaching the learner to monitor the theme and rheme from sentence to sentence and more importantly to focus on the theme. The results can be seen after six months when the learner is able to express himself/herself cohesively and meaningfully in discourse.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Organized by Department of Modern Languages, Faculty of Communication and Modern Language, Universiti Utara Malaysia
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education P Language and Literature > PE English
Divisions:	College of Arts and Sciences
Depositing User:	Mrs. Norazmilah Yaakub
Date Deposited:	30 May 2011 01:34
Last Modified:	30 May 2011 01:34
URI:	https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/3255

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