What is the term for the ability to arrange smaller language units into cohesive texts such as letters and articles?

What is the term for the ability to arrange smaller language units into cohesive texts such as letters and articles?

• A. Discourse competence
• B. Lexical competence
• C. Pragmatic competence
• D. Syntactic competence

Answer: (A)

Discourse competence is the ability to connect ideas across sentences and organize them into a coherent, well-structured text. When someone can arrange smaller language units into a letter or article that flows logically, uses appropriate transitions, and follows the conventions of the genre, they’re showing discourse competence. This involves planning the overall structure (introducing the purpose, developing ideas in a logical order, and concluding effectively) as well as linking sentences and ideas so the text sticks together. Lexical competence is about knowing and using a wide range of vocabulary. Syntactic competence covers building correct and varied sentence structures. Pragmatic competence deals with using language appropriately in social contexts. These aspects matter, but the term that specifically describes creating cohesive, extended texts is discourse competence.

Discourse competence is the ability to connect ideas across sentences and organize them into a coherent, well-structured text. When someone can arrange smaller language units into a letter or article that flows logically, uses appropriate transitions, and follows the conventions of the genre, they’re showing discourse competence. This involves planning the overall structure (introducing the purpose, developing ideas in a logical order, and concluding effectively) as well as linking sentences and ideas so the text sticks together.

Lexical competence is about knowing and using a wide range of vocabulary. Syntactic competence covers building correct and varied sentence structures. Pragmatic competence deals with using language appropriately in social contexts. These aspects matter, but the term that specifically describes creating cohesive, extended texts is discourse competence.