How topic-stress analysis can improve readability and cohesion in academic writing

1. Language as a
Disguise for Information
TOPIC–STRESS
Lawrie Hunter

2. In a sentence,
in a paragraph,
in a chapter,
The topic should come near the beginning,
and
the stress should come near the end.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule

3. In a sentence,
in a paragraph,
in a chapter
Topic-stress: a kind of rule
TOPIC
.
.
.
.
STRESS

4. Here are 2 writings of the same information:
1. Although pattern languages are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture, they are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work.
2. Pattern languages are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work, although they are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule

5. Here are 2 writings of the same information:
1. Although pattern languages are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture, they are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work.
2. Pattern languages are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work, although they are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule
The 'stress' position in sentence 1 ends with a
somewhat negative adjective phrase. What
overall impression does the sentence give
about the topic, pattern languages?

6. Here are 2 writings of the same information:
1. Although pattern languages are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture, they are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work.
2. Pattern languages are not sufficiently rigorous for
ontology work, although they are very useful for
developing an overview of a practical domain such as
architecture.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule
Is sentence 2 a more positive comment about pattern
languages? Note the presence of the positive
adjectives 'useful' and practical' in the second half of
the sentence, i.e. in the 'stress' position.

7. TOPIC-STRESS
Irate driver yelling at incompetent driver:
1. Stay home next time!
1. Next time stay home!
Topic-stress: a kind of rule

8. TOPIC-STRESS
1.We drove from Selma to Wilma and never spoke once.
1.We never spoke once during the drive from Selma to Wilma.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule

9. TOPIC-STRESS
1.While working on his book, he died at the age of 68.
1.He was working on his book, when he died at the age of 68.
1.At the age of 68 he was working on his book, when he died.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule

10. TOPIC-STRESS
1.While working on his book, he died at the age of 68.
1.He died at the age of 68, while working on his book.
1.He was working on his book when he died at the age of 68.
2.He died while working on his book. He was 68.
3.At the age of 68 he was working on his book when he died.
4.At the age of 68 he died while working on his book.
Topic-stress: a kind of rule