Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

In the Portuguese language, the construction of a text requires the correct use of mechanisms that ensure its cohesion and coherence, so that the expressed ideas are related and organized in a clear and logical manner. One of these mechanisms is the use of pronouns, which are essential to give the text fluency and avoid unnecessary word repetitions.

Pronouns can be used in various ways within a text to establish cohesion relationships. They can refer back to a previously mentioned term (anaphora), anticipate a term that will be mentioned later (cataphora), or refer to something that is implicit in the context. In addition, they can also indicate the person of the discourse (I, you, he, we, you, they) and express possession, quantity, identity, or questioning.

For textual cohesion, in addition to the proper use of pronouns, it is important to correctly use other elements such as connectors (and, but, because, therefore, that, if, etc.), conjunctions (however, nevertheless, however, yet, or, for, etc.), adverbs and adverbial phrases (then, so, therefore, now, already, next, etc.), among others.

Contextualization

Textual cohesion is essential in all forms of written communication, whether formal or informal. From a simple email to a technical report or an academic dissertation, cohesion is what keeps the ideas connected and ensures that the text is understood as expected. In the real world, a cohesive text can make a difference in a college entrance exam, a work presentation, or even in a cover letter for a job application.

The use of pronouns is also relevant in various everyday situations. In an argumentative text, for example, word repetition can make the argument repetitive and monotonous. The correct use of pronouns avoids this repetition and gives more dynamism to the argumentation. Furthermore, in a narrative text, pronouns can help create suspense by anticipating information that will be revealed later.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Operation Cohesion - The Mission of Pronouns"

Project Objective

The project aims to provide students with a practical and in-depth understanding of how textual cohesion and the proper use of pronouns are fundamental in constructing a clear, organized, and effective text. Through the proposed activity, students will not only learn and apply these concepts but also develop teamwork skills, time management, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Detailed Project Description

Each group will receive a "cohesion kit," consisting of various selected texts (short stories, chronicles, news, etc.) that have textual cohesion problems and inappropriate use of pronouns. The group's mission will be to correct these texts by applying the learned concepts of cohesion and proper use of pronouns.

For each corrected text, the group must prepare a report that explains in detail the changes made, the problems encountered, and how the concepts of cohesion and pronouns were applied to solve these problems. The groups should also relate these practices of textual cohesion to other disciplines, such as History or Science, for example, demonstrating how textual cohesion is relevant and applied in these areas.

Additionally, each student individually will have to develop a short text on a free topic, but one that requires the application of textual cohesion techniques and the proper use of pronouns. These texts will be shared and reviewed in the group, providing an opportunity for feedback and collaborative learning.

Required Materials

• Cohesion kit - a set of texts with textual cohesion problems and inappropriate use of pronouns.
• Computer with word processor (Word, Google Docs, etc.) for typing and correcting texts.
• Internet access for research and consultation of support materials.
• Writing materials (pens, pencils, paper) for drafts and notes.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Completion

1. Formation of groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Distribution of the "cohesion kit" to each group.
3. Reading and initial discussion about the texts in the kit.
4. Research and use of support materials to understand the problems and solutions for textual cohesion and proper use of pronouns.
5. Correction of texts, applying the concepts of cohesion and pronouns.
6. Preparation of the report for each corrected text.
7. Individual writing of a brief text with the proper use of these concepts.
8. Group review of the texts developed individually.
9. Preparation of the final project report, including introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver:

1. The corrected texts from the "cohesion kit".
2. The reports for each corrected text, explaining the changes made and how the concepts of cohesion and pronouns were applied.
3. The individual texts created by the students and reviewed in the group.
4. The final project report, in the form of a written document, containing:
   • Introduction: Contextualizing the theme, its relevance and application in the real world, and the project's objective.
   • Development: Detailing the theory of the concepts worked on, the activity in detail, the methodology used, and presenting and discussing the results obtained.
   • Conclusions: Summarizing the main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.
   • Bibliography: Indicating the sources they relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The report writing must respect the concepts of textual cohesion and the proper use of pronouns learned in class and worked on throughout the project.