Contextualization

Textual cohesion and the use of pronouns are fundamental components of the Portuguese language, not only as an academic discipline but also as a tool for expression and interaction in our society. The content of this project seeks to understand these linguistic tools and their applications to improve the quality of our texts and our communication in general.

In our daily lives, whether in an informal conversation, writing a professional email, or even a post on social media, we are always using textual cohesion. Textual cohesion is the connection, link, relationship between the words, expressions, or sentences in the text. It is responsible for giving fluidity to the text, making reading more enjoyable and understandable.

Pronouns also play a vital role in this context. They are words that replace or accompany nouns, indicating their position in relation to the discourse (who is speaking, who is being spoken to, who is being spoken about) or even giving them characteristics. In the context of textual cohesion, they contribute to reference, avoiding unnecessary repetitions and providing continuity to what is being discussed.

Delving into these skills allows us to express ourselves better, more precisely, concisely, and harmoniously. Furthermore, understanding such linguistic mechanisms allows us to be more critical and attentive readers.

As sources for further study, we suggest some supporting materials:

• Textual Cohesion: What It Is, Types, Examples, Exercises, an online article on the Toda Matéria website that provides an overview of textual cohesion, its types, examples, and even exercises for practice.
• Pronouns: What Are They? Types and Examples, another article on Toda Matéria that addresses the different types of pronouns, with examples and exercises.
• Cohesion and Coherence, an article on the Sofala website that discusses textual cohesion and coherence.
• Textual Cohesion and Coherence, a video on YouTube from the Descomplica channel that explains in a didactic way the concept of textual cohesion and coherence.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Narrating Adventures: Textual Cohesion and Pronoun Usage in an Original Story"

Project Objective:

This project aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply the concepts of textual cohesion and pronoun usage in practice by creating an original story as a team. For this, the groups will apply the acquired knowledge to write a short story, using various pronouns and mechanisms of textual cohesion.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will work together to develop an original plot, define characters and scenarios, and finally write the story. Each group member will be responsible for narrating a segment of the story, using pronouns and exploring various ways to create textual cohesion. The story must be written following the standard language norm, using complex syntactic structures and different types of pronouns.

Necessary Materials:

• Computer or laptop with internet access
• Word processing software (Word or Google Docs)
• Reference material on the topic (books, articles, videos)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution:

1. Form the groups and discuss the project rules and the requirements of the final text.
2. Each group should start researching and studying in-depth about textual cohesion and pronoun usage, using the suggested materials and others they find.
3. In a brainstorming session, the groups must define the plot of their story. It can be of any genre (adventure, science fiction, romance, horror, etc).
4. After defining the plot, the members must divide the parts of the story among themselves. Each one will be responsible for narrating a segment of the story.
5. Then, they start writing the tale. During the writing, pay attention to the appropriate and varied use of pronouns and the establishment of textual cohesion.
6. Upon completing the story, students must prepare a report on the activity, as described in the project scope.
7. After finishing, the group should review both the story and the report, correcting errors and improving the parts they consider necessary.

Project Deliverables:

The project deliverables will be the written story and a report that addresses:

• Introduction: The group must contextualize the theme of textual cohesion and pronoun usage, discussing their relevance and application in the real world. They should explain the reason for choosing the plot and what their expectations are for the activity.
• Development: Here, the group must detail the application of the concepts of textual cohesion and pronoun usage in their story. They should discuss how these elements helped build the plot, characters, and scenarios.
• Conclusions: The group must summarize the main points of the work, indicating the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project and the use of textual cohesion and pronouns in their tale.
• Bibliography: The group must indicate the sources they relied on for research and for the construction of the story.

The final product of the project, therefore, will be the produced story and this report, which together will demonstrate not only the theoretical understanding of textual cohesion and pronoun usage but mainly the ability to apply these concepts in practice, in an original work.