**7.3 Classification and coding of principal verb**

The principal verb was isolated for analysis as it was felt that, in light of its role of introducing the core content of the unit of meaning, it would embody features that could shed light on the nature of the follow-up content. This expectation of the verb emanates from the hierarchical arrangement as presented in various taxonomies, the most well-known being Bloom's Taxonomy.

Closer examination showed that there was a wide variety in verbs used across the 164 meaning-units. However this variety was not matched by any significant variation in the functions they performed. Essentially, all verbs were used in a reporting capacity, linking the source of the information with the actual information reported. In this regard, the agent of the verb was typically either the author, or the name of the type of the source document (article, paper, chapter). Following are examples of the verb performing the task outlined above.


Table 3. The reporting role of the principal verb.

Any reading of the essay topic would reveal that the intention was that the two technologies would be compared on the basis of their impact on people's lifestyle. However it is likely that two factors may have influenced the focus on one at the virtual exclusion of the other. One factor may have been the structure of the topic. One notes that 'mobile phone' is in a beginning dominant position and thus, is positioned to impose that dominance on the mind of the undiscerning reader. In contrast, 'the landline equivalent' does not enjoy a similar dominant status: even though there is an intention to establish a comparison and contrast between the two technologies, the two are not in close direct proximity to each other to make that intention clear. The expression 'landline equivalent' is far removed from its

Reinforcing this contrast in status as defined by the structure of the sentence is the high profile and widespread usage that the mobile phone enjoys as an emerging technology in contemporary times. It is likely that this socio-cultural factor may also have influenced students to focus more attention on the newer device. Whatever the reason, it would appear that factors influencing students' perceptions about what has emphasis and what does not,

The principal verb was isolated for analysis as it was felt that, in light of its role of introducing the core content of the unit of meaning, it would embody features that could shed light on the nature of the follow-up content. This expectation of the verb emanates from the hierarchical arrangement as presented in various taxonomies, the most well-known

Closer examination showed that there was a wide variety in verbs used across the 164 meaning-units. However this variety was not matched by any significant variation in the functions they performed. Essentially, all verbs were used in a reporting capacity, linking the source of the information with the actual information reported. In this regard, the agent of the verb was typically either the author, or the name of the type of the source document (article, paper, chapter). Following are examples of the verb performing the task outlined above.

MP32 Chitali Sinha ARGUES That mobile phones are quickly becoming an

MP38 Mark Hickey ANALYZES The impact of wireless technology … emphasizing

MP154 The report FOCUSES ON How makers of cell phones, unlike landline, have

HIGHLIGHTS The point that cell phones may have been originally intended as gadgets.

marginalized communities.

POSTULATES That the mobile phone provides the user with

affordable, useful and accessible tool to

more benefits than the landline phone.

come up with more enticements …

on the effect it has brought on developing nations.

**7.2.1 Possible factors impacting lack of attention to relationships** 

counterpart, occupying a weaker position towards the end of the sentence.

in an essay topic warrants some examination.

being Bloom's Taxonomy.

MP29 She [the

MP55 She [the

author]

author]

**7.3 Classification and coding of principal verb** 

**Data ID Agent of verb VERB Verb Extension** 

Table 3. The reporting role of the principal verb.

Even when higher order verbs were used, for example, 'analyzes' and 'argues', their use was not done in a way to reveal the higher order processes inherent in the meaning of the term. Essentially therefore, like the others, theirs was an information-transmission role.

While the above reflects the way verbs were used in the data collected, there was a minority set that did not conform to this pattern. In these cases, the agent of the verb was some entity or situation that the unit of meaning was making some statement about. Two examples are as follows:


Table 4. Exception to standard verb function.
