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3 Textual Theme
The third clause constituent that can occur in thematic position is category of textual elements. These are elements which do not express
any interpersonal meaning, but which are doing important cohesive work in relating the clause to its context. The two main types of textual
elements which can get to be theme are continuity adjuncts and conjunctive adjuncts.
2.2.3.2. Thematic development at clause level
Theme and rheme structure of the clause is an essential component in the construction of cohesive and coherent text. Theme makes to the cohesion and
coherence of a text has to do with how thematic elements succeed each other. The selection of theme in a clause will generally relate to the way information is being
develop ed in the whole text. This, in the Halliday‟s system is called “Thematic
Organization” or we called it “Thematic Development”. This term means that cooperative speakers writers should select something which will make it easier
for their listeners readers to „hook‟ the clause on to the earlier clause.
The thematic development of a message can be perceived through the way thematic development of a message can be perceived through the way thematic
elements succeed each other. According to Eggins 1994: 304 there are three main patterns of thematic development can be observed:
The first pattern is Theme re-iteration, where the same elements occur regularly as theme. In other words, the theme in the previous clause becomes the
theme in the following clause. The second pattern is the multiple-theme pattern,
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the Theme of one clause introduces a number of different pieces of information, each of which is then picked up and made Theme in subsequent clause. And the
last the zigzag pattern, in this element which is introduced in the Rheme in clause 1 gets promoted to become the theme of clause 2.
Zig zag pattern is commonly used in writing such as narrative, report and news item text. The role of this pattern is the new information in the previous
clause becomes the old information in the following clause. It can be seen in figure 2.1
Figure 2.1 zig zag pattern of thematic development
Clause 1 OI 1Theme
NI 1Rheme
Clause 2 OI 2Theme
NI 2Rheme
Clause 3 OI 3Theme
NI 3Rheme
Clause 4 OI 4Theme
NI 4Rheme
Clause 5 OI 5Theme
NI 5Rheme
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Here is an example of zigzag pattern in a text.
A magnitude 8.9 earthquake jolted the north-east coastal area of Japan. Old Info 1
New Info 1
This earthquake is the biggest one which happened in this country. Old Info 2
New Info 2
This earthquake also followed by a 10-metre tsunami. Old Info 3
New Info 3
This tsunami swept everything in its path. Old Info 4
New Info 4
Buildings, cars, ship were moved inland. Old Info 5
New Info 5 By using this pattern hopefully the students‟ writing will easily to
understand, because it makes their text will be coherent and cohesive.
2.2.4. News Item Text as a Genre
