Chapter 4
Overall Structure of a Text
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Model for Organising Law
4.3 Model for Forming Law
4.4 Model for Using Law
4.5 Model for Litigation
4.6 Issues of Facts
4.7 Issues of Law
4.8 Issues of Discretion
4.9 Model for Transactions
What appears to be a meaningless and sloppy use of language may in fact be a perfectly correct use of
language to express meaningless and sloppy ideas.
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4.1 Introduction
To commence it is necessary to restate the basic model for the structure of a text that was
proposed in the last chapter. This structure involves working at six levels. These are:
Level
Task
1 Words
Choose the right words. Use words in their correct sense.
2 Sentences
Write proper sentences. To do this it is necessary to observe the rules of
grammar and syntax.
3 Linking Sentences
Link sentences properly. Ensure that each sentence flows from the one
before it.
4 Paragraphs
Form paragraphs. Gather sentences into paragraphs
5 Linking Paragraphs
Link paragraphs. Ensure that each paragraph flows from the one before it.
6 Overall Structure
Create an overall structure so that the text flows coherently.
Figure 4.1 Model for Writing
These six items are set out above in their natural order. This is also their ascending order
of importance (lowest to highest). While each of these levels is important, generally the
higher the level the more important an item is; thus a mistake at a higher level tends to be
a bigger problem than a mistake at a lower level. For example, a poor overall structure is
usually much more of a problem for a reader’s overall comprehension than a poor choice
of a word.
Moreover, it is likely that an inadequate overall structure corrupts the structure at other
levels. For example, a clumsy sentence or a disjunction between two sentences or two
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Gowers (1967), citing an anonymous diplomat. On this logic, all writing is
clear; what we take to be bad writing is really clear communication of muddled
thoughts.
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