(iv)
It can be pictorial, as is the case with diagrams and pictures.
Where a legal text is electronic it can store information as motion pictures.
(v)
Where a text is electronic it can store information as sound.
(2)
Retrieving Specific Information. A text assists a reader to retrieve
specific pieces of information. Tables and indexes enable a reader to do this.
(3)
Interpreting Information. A writer assists a reader to interpret and
absorb information. This is done by things such as a table of abbreviations, a
glossary, and a statement of the purpose of the text.
Structure of a Text
A text needs to be structured. Specifically it needs to be structured at six
levels –
words, sentences, joinder of sentences, paragraphs, joinder of
paragraphs and overall structure.
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Of these, overall structure is the most
important.
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In fact much legal writing entails writing up processes of working
with law. Consequently much of this overall structure derives from the method
used for performing these processes.
Essentially the method for performing
the task translates into the structure for explaining the task.
Characteristics of a Text
In delivering information a text has several major dimensions or
characteristics:
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(1)
Location.
(2)
Layout.
(3)
Headings.
(4)
Length.
(5)
Style.
Tasks with Readers
When writing a text it is necessary to know, or estimate as well as can be
done, the identity of the readers.
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A writer need to know the class of people
who will read their text, because this will inform them about two important
characteristics of these readers -
their knowledge of the subject and their
purpose in reading the text. Both of these will heavily influence how the writer
goes about their task - what they write and how they write it. Overall there are
three tasks with readers – identifying the class of readers, addressing the class
and considering the possibility of extending the class.
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Chapter 3 General Structure of a Text
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Chapter 4 Legal Structure of a Text
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Chapter 5 Characteristics of a Text
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Chapter 6 Tasks with Readers
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