opinion essay on extended families

Defining Extended Family as a Phenomenon Essay (Critical Writing)

An extended family can be defined as a group of more than two generations of relatives who live together or very lose to one another. Extended families can include grandparents, spouses of children, cousins, aunts, and uncles. It also includes step children and their kin in cases when there has been second or more marriages.

American families are associated with this diversity. The traditional family has undergone various changes with factors such as divorce, remarriage, early pregnancy and changes in social values that have led to these changes. The American families of an extended nature comprises of the traditional nuclear family with husband, wife and children; joint-custody families of divorced parents sharing child custody; cohabiting families where unmarried men and women may or may not be sharing responsibility of raising children. Others include: single-parent families, homo-sexual families headed by gays or lesbians, and grandparents parenting grandchildren, due to the illness, death or non-involvement of the parent.

The American family can be looked into different perspectives as: black or white, large or small, wealthy or poor, or somewhere in between, a mother-headed, father-headed, or childless family, first or second time around, happy or miserable. The first thing to remember about the American family is that it doesn’t exist but families do exist in all kinds of economic and marital situations, as all of us can see and witness. Often, families, may be formed in various ways but, it remains essential to recall that most families achieve same tasks like child up bring, provision, socializing members, and assigning duties amongst the members.

The extended family gives many adults with a strong family base providing an intimacy and love. Extended family offers maximum chances for the growth of a person through its relations amid various groups.

Membership in a family can be decided only by each member of that family. It is the role of early teachers to be aware of who constitutes a child’s family and not to define the child’s family for them. Hence teachers should not try to alter a family’s view about its member in that family. Some factors that make families different from one another include: Ethnicity, race, culture, economy and geographical origin. It is important that these differences are considered in order to increase understanding on the part of teachers.

Ethnicity refers to a concept of a group of people based on a combination of religion, race, and cultural history. It describes a similarity transmitted by the family over generations. It is more than race, religion or national geographic origin. Ethnicity entails unconscious and conscious processes that accomplish a psychological need for historical continuity and identity. Ethnicity is sustained through unique family customs, proverbs and stories, norms and taboos, celebrations, foods and religious ceremonies. Differences have been noted between the notions of self-concept and ethnic identity. Families frequently find it hard to instill ethnic pride in their children mostly amongst the pluralistic society.

Culture refers to the unique aspects of life and history of various ethnic groups. Cultural differences often indicate differences in views on the family and the community, differences in expectations of children, differences in child up brings and differences in the values placed on education. Teachers should note that culture is learned not biological as they cannot identify a family’s culture by how the family members look but each individual learns his culture’s rules through daily living. For instance, table manners, interpersonal interactions and ways of demonstrating respect. An individual’s characteristics are both cultural and individual while the unique personality traits are not culturally based. Cultural behaviors are based in groups thus culture is characteristic of groups. Individuals are entitled to different degrees within a culture. Some families and individuals place more emphasis on cultural traditions than do others. Therefore, some cultures may place greater emphasis on individuality or conformity than others.

Members of a family may be associated in certain cultural behavior but not capable of describing the rules. This is because young children begin to learn their culture in their own home environments thus, behaviors seem natural to them. Not only can they not tell you why they engage in these behaviors, but also likely they are not conscious of all of the behaviors they have learned from their culture. Teachers would find it convenient to consider not only race, but also ethnicity and culture. There are higher chances that knowledge of Socio-cultural factors can give greater comprehension to teachers than gen concerning physical differences. Thus, including understanding of racial differences is most useful in the context of cultural and ethnic differences as well. Sometimes teachers unintentionally emphasize differences among groups of people and the effect is an insult rather than respectful toward diversity.

In the contemporary United States, families have vastly different experiences related to income and other resources. The Children’s Defense Fund has reported that in 1998, 22.7 percent of children under age six in the United States lived in poverty. For various ethnic groups, this proportion is even higher. There is no mystery about how to help families off welfare and out of poverty. States must provide the education, training, and work experience that parents need to compete for jobs with decent wages. In most cases teacher understanding of diversity does not include differences by family income or the traditional term, social class. Yet, financial resources have a tremendous impact on families, their practices, and their values. Families with low income have to learn the meaning of meeting their children’s’ basic requirements. States also need to remove the obstacles that often prevent parents from leaving welfare for work, lack of health care, transportation and child care.

Teachers or schools to positively respond to the family’s diversity, their main goal for understanding is to provide an inclusive environment. In that each child and family can feel a sense of belonging, no matter what similarities or differences they have with others in the group. This is a goal difficult to achieve because of many societal factors. As teachers plan for their groups of children and as they set their classroom rules and policies, checking for inclusiveness must be part of the process. The important act is what teachers will do when they realize that their classrooms are not inclusive.

In conclusion, families are different in many ways. It is important that teachers and schools work to increase their understanding of differences in families and interact with these differences sensitively. Teachers should accept the differences in families in which each child comes from and create a feeling of belonging for the celebration of diversity in families. Family members who view themselves as very different from teachers and other school personnel are less likely to be involved in their children’s education. Teachers should create an environment that encourages various types of family involvement so that children benefits from home and school participation.

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Family Values And The Benefits Of Being A Part Of An Extended Family

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Defining Extended Family as a Phenomenon

This essay about the extended family explores its definition and the integral role it plays across different cultures and societies. Unlike the nuclear family, which typically includes parents and their children, the extended family encompasses a wider array of relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The essay highlights how extended families provide crucial social, economic, and emotional support, sharing resources and responsibilities that benefit all members. It discusses the evolution of these family structures in modern industrialized societies, where physical proximity may be less common but digital communication helps maintain strong familial bonds. The essay also examines the extended family’s role in childcare and eldercare, underscoring its importance in both traditional and contemporary settings. Overall, the extended family is portrayed as a dynamic institution that significantly influences individual development and community cohesion, adapting to cultural and socio-economic changes while continuing to provide support and continuity.

How it works

The notion of the extended family stands as a cornerstone in the examination of familial dynamics and societal frameworks across diverse cultural landscapes. Unlike the more narrowly defined nuclear family structure, which typically revolves around parental figures and their offspring, the extended family encompasses a broader array of kinship ties. This expansive familial constellation incorporates not only parents and children but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sometimes even more remote relatives, bound together by ties of blood, marriage, or adoption.

Historically, extended families have served as linchpins in providing a multifaceted tapestry of social, economic, and emotional sustenance among its members. Particularly in non-Western societies, extended families often cohabit in communal dwellings or maintain intimate bonds, facilitating the pooling of resources, responsibilities, and living arrangements. Such a communal ethos fosters resilience and prosperity, particularly in cultures with agrarian or collective orientations.

The extended family structure transcends mere cohabitation, engendering profound interactions and relationships that shape individual conduct and cultural norms. Grandparents, for instance, assume pivotal roles in the upbringing of grandchildren, transmitting cultural mores and ancestral wisdom. This intergenerational exchange bequeaths a sense of continuity and heritage, enriching the familial tapestry.

In contemporary industrialized societies, the extended family’s function has metamorphosed amidst the currents of geographic mobility, economic exigencies, and the pursuit of personal aspirations. While physical proximity may wane, the bonds of extended kinship endure. Technological advancements, such as digital communication platforms, facilitate the maintenance of these connections across vast distances. Occasions like family reunions and milestone events serve as conduits for reaffirming familial ties and fostering communal solidarity.

Furthermore, the extended family serves as an indispensable bulwark, furnishing both emotional succor and material assistance. During crises or life transitions, such as unemployment or illness, extended kin often proffer aid and solace, mitigating the burdens of adversity. This safety net is instrumental in bolstering psychological resilience and financial stability, underscoring the extended family’s role as a bastion against life’s vicissitudes.

Moreover, the extended family assumes pivotal functions in caregiving, spanning both childcare and eldercare domains. In many cultural milieus, grandparents wield influence in child-rearing practices, providing invaluable guidance and enabling parental pursuit of vocations or education. Similarly, as populations age, extended kin often shoulder the mantle of primary caretakers for elderly relatives, embodying an ethos of filial duty and solidarity.

In summation, the extended family emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted institution, transcending conventional notions of kinship. It serves as a nexus of emotional, economic, and social sustenance, permeating the communal fabric and shaping individual trajectories. Despite variances in cultural and socio-economic contexts, the extended family remains a linchpin of societal cohesion, offering a broader support nexus than its nuclear counterpart. As societies evolve, so too will the contours and functions of extended kinship, attuning to emergent realities while upholding its timeless legacy of support and continuity.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of an Extended Family System

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: June 24, 2022
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Extended Family System: A Family is basically made of Nuclear and extended Family, the nuclear family also known as elementary family consists of only the Father, Mother, and Children, while the extended family is a family which extends beyond the nuclear family and consists of both the nuclear family and relatives such as Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Grandparents and other people connected by blood or non-blood relatives such as In-laws, Half siblings and adopted children.

An extended family system is a system of extended family, and in this article we shall be looking at the features, advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system.

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Table of Contents

What Is An Extended Family System?

An extended family system is a complex family structure which consists of two or more adults either connected by marriage or by blood living together in the same house and working towards a common goal such as raising the children and keeping up with household duties. An extended family includes Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews and other relatives living together and contributing towards the livelihood of each other.

A modified extended family system now includes family members and relatives living apart from each other but still contributing regularly to the livelihood of each other through their Financial contributions, material gifts or otherwise, but traditionally an extended family system just includes family members and relatives living together and performing the same function towards ensuring the functionality of the family.

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An extended family system is common in Asia, Southern Europe, Asia, Africa and Middle belt and it is usually practiced because it is more economical, mutually beneficial, and offers greater family security. An extended family system possesses the following features:

a. In an extended family system, there are numerous adults in the family who are not the parents of the children

b. In an extended family system, these adults often play a parent like role and contribute to providing for the family financially or otherwise.

c. In an extended family system, there is an increased sharing of cultural and cross generational family values.

d. An extended family system provides stability for the children, especially when their parents are separated

e. In an extended family system there is usually better assistance in the upbringing and training of children.

Also see: Roles played by Children in the family

Advantages (Merits) of An Extended Family System

The following are the advantages of an extended family system:

1. It is Economical: An extended family system is economical as it helps saves resources and promotes pooling of resources thereby reducing the financial burden on one person as all adults in the family contributes in one way or the other to the livelihood of the family.

2. It promotes Unity: When people are living together and sharing a good relationship with one another, there is usually peace and unity and this is fundamentally the case in an extended family system, unlike a system where Families live apart from each other, misunderstanding usually sets in and this results to normal fights amongst relatives common in many countries of the world today.

3. Building Family Bonds: An extended Family system does not only promote peace and unity in the family, but it also builds a strong family bond amongst each and every member of the family.

By living together, cooperating with one another, effectively communicating with one another, helping one another, working towards a common goal and maintaining a good relationship the bond between the members of the family naturally tightens.

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4. Inculcates Values: This extended family system inculcates family values, culture and traditions on the children and each member of the family and it results in the proper upbringing of children with values, morals and a sense of responsibility.

5. Promotes Child care support: One major advantage of an extended family system is that a child is not trained by only one person, each and every adult in the family contributes one way or the other in the training of the child and this produces a more redefined Child.

Asides from the training of a Child, an extended family system provides child care support by taking some workload of the parents a child, helping the children with their assignments, teaching them valuable things and collectively providing some of their needs. Thus, providing a much needed support to parents in training their children.

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6. Promotes Cooperation: Importantly, an extended family system breeds cooperation as each member of the family shares responsibilities both in performing house chores to providing the financial needs, to working together towards a common goal. All these breed a much needed cooperation amongst members of the family.

7. Promotes Socialization: Socialization is the ability to interact with other people and maintain a good social relations, and being raised in an extended family will help you to know how to interact well with people who you come across as in an extended family system you will be raised in a larger family system with many people, characters and visitors, and won’t be strictly restricted by your parents to the confines of your home.

Thus, you will meet more people and know how to socially relate with people.

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8. It curbs loneliness: With the presence of numerous people and characters around you, you may never feel lonely in an extended family system unlike a nuclear family wherein they can be only 3 – 5 persons in the house and most times just 1 or 2 or even only you if you are the only child. In this situation most often than not you will feel really lonely, but this cannot be the case in an extended family system.

9. It builds understanding: From living together, doing things together and consistently interacting with each other, an extended family system builds a great understanding between each member of the family; it also breeds cooperation, feeling of oneness, sharing, and caring for each other.

Just as these advantages are bountiful, the extended family system equally has some disadvantages. Let me consider these disadvantages.

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Disadvantages (Demerits) of an Extended Family System

1. No Independence: An extended family system often curbs the desired level of independence which an adult should exhibit as each member of the family depends on the efforts of each other to survive, as a matter of fact in an extended family nobody is in the voyage of his own, you will have to equally walk with other members of the family, equally share resources and cooperate with each other.

2. Breeds Laziness: This lack of independence often breeds laziness amongst members of the family especially the younger ones who believe that they have well to do aunts and uncles who could cater for their needs and send money when they needed.

Also see: Advantages and Disadvantages of Sole Proprietorship

3. Often leads to misunderstanding : While an extended family system builds understanding, it equally results to misunderstanding particularly due to the age gap between the members of the family.

The way a grandparent or an uncle will view and understand things could be totally different from how a teen will view and understand things, this therefore often results into misunderstanding between the members of the family.

4. Often breed Conflicts : An extended family system does not only breed does not only breed misunderstanding but it also breeds conflicts as there is usually power struggle amongst members of the family and struggle over the inheritance of the properties of the family.

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5. No personal space: Most times, in an extended family system members of the family may not have their desired personal space as there are many people in the house who could act as a distraction or may constitute disturbance to you when you really want your personal time, also members of your family often knows about your business and activities, and they may also interfere in your activities especially when they feel what you are doing is not right. Additionally, there are usually many visitors or bodily presence in the house, so therefore you may never get your desired personal space and privacy.

6. Leads to Interference: An extended family system massively leads to the interference of members of the family with your personal matters and choices such as your work, personal activities, relationship with others and marriage. Members of the family often interfere with quarrels and misunderstanding between a husband and wife in the compound and most often gives unsolicited advices.

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These are the basic advantages and disadvantages of an extended family system. I trust this article was insightful? For more informative articles, kindly stay glued to this blog.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Family Relationships — Extended Definition of Family

Extended Definition of Family

• Categories: Family History Family Relationships

About this sample

Words: 494 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 494 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Traditional definition of family, expanding the definition of family, emotional bonds and connections, importance of family in personal development, family challenges and solutions.

• Cherlin, A. J. (2018). The deinstitutionalization of American marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family , 80(4), 796-812.
• Marsiglio, W., Day, R. D., & Lamb, M. E. (2000). Exploring fatherhood diversity. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(Suppl), S54-S66.

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Essay about Family: What It Is and How to Nail It

Humans naturally seek belonging within families, finding comfort in knowing someone always cares. Yet, families can also stir up insecurities and mental health struggles.

Family dynamics continue to intrigue researchers across different fields. Every year, new studies explore how these relationships shape our minds and emotions.

In this article, our dissertation service will guide you through writing a family essay. You can also dive into our list of topics for inspiration and explore some standout examples to spark your creativity.

What is Family Essay

A family essay takes a close look at the bonds and experiences within families. It's a common academic assignment, especially in subjects like sociology, psychology, and literature.

So, what's involved exactly? Simply put, it's an exploration of what family signifies to you. You might reflect on cherished family memories or contemplate the portrayal of families in various media.

What sets a family essay apart is its personal touch. It allows you to express your own thoughts and experiences. Moreover, it's versatile – you can analyze family dynamics, reminisce about family customs, or explore other facets of familial life.

If you're feeling uncertain about how to write an essay about family, don't worry; you can explore different perspectives and select topics that resonate with various aspects of family life.

Tips For Writing An Essay On Family Topics

A family essay typically follows a free-form style, unless specified otherwise, and adheres to the classic 5-paragraph structure. As you jot down your thoughts, aim to infuse your essay with inspiration and the essence of creative writing, unless your family essay topics lean towards complexity or science.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips from our essay service experts:

• Focus on a Specific Aspect: Instead of a broad overview, delve into a specific angle that piques your interest, such as exploring how birth order influences sibling dynamics or examining the evolving role of grandparents in modern families.
• Share Personal Anecdotes: Start your family essay introduction with a personal touch by sharing stories from your own experiences. Whether it's about a favorite tradition, a special trip, or a tough time, these stories make your writing more interesting.
• Use Real-life Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples or anecdotes. Draw from sources like movies, books, historical events, or personal interviews to bring your ideas to life.
• Explore Cultural Diversity: Consider the diverse array of family structures across different cultures. Compare traditional values, extended family systems, or the unique hurdles faced by multicultural families.
• Take a Stance: Engage with contentious topics such as homeschooling, reproductive technologies, or governmental policies impacting families. Ensure your arguments are supported by solid evidence.
• Delve into Psychology: Explore the psychological underpinnings of family dynamics, touching on concepts like attachment theory, childhood trauma, or patterns of dysfunction within families.
• Emphasize Positivity: Share uplifting stories of families overcoming adversity or discuss strategies for nurturing strong, supportive family bonds.
• Offer Practical Solutions: Wrap up your essay by proposing actionable solutions to common family challenges, such as fostering better communication, achieving work-life balance, or advocating for family-friendly policies.

Family Essay Topics

When it comes to writing, essay topics about family are often considered easier because we're intimately familiar with our own families. The more you understand about your family dynamics, traditions, and experiences, the clearer your ideas become.

If you're feeling uninspired or unsure of where to start, don't worry! Below, we have compiled a list of good family essay topics to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're assigned this type of essay or simply want to explore the topic, these suggestions from our history essay writer are tailored to spark your imagination and prompt meaningful reflection on different aspects of family life.

So, take a moment to peruse the list. Choose the essay topics about family that resonate most with you. Then, dive in and start exploring your family's stories, traditions, and connections through your writing.

• Supporting Family Through Tough Times
• Staying Connected with Relatives
• Empathy and Compassion in Family Life
• Strengthening Bonds Through Family Gatherings
• Quality Time with Family: How Vital Is It?
• Navigating Family Relationships Across Generations
• Learning Kindness and Generosity in a Large Family
• Communication in Healthy Family Dynamics
• Forgiveness in Family Conflict Resolution
• Building Trust Among Extended Family
• Defining Family in Today's World
• Understanding Nuclear Family: Various Views and Cultural Differences
• Understanding Family Dynamics: Relationships Within the Family Unit
• What Defines a Family Member?
• Modernizing the Nuclear Family Concept
• Exploring Shared Beliefs Among Family Members
• Evolution of the Concept of Family Love Over Time
• Examining Family Expectations
• Modern Standards and the Idea of an Ideal Family
• Life Experiences and Perceptions of Family Life
• Genetics and Extended Family Connections
• Utilizing Family Trees for Ancestral Links
• The Role of Younger Siblings in Family Dynamics
• Tracing Family History Through Oral Tradition and Genealogy
• Tracing Family Values Through Your Family Tree
• Exploring Your Elder Sister's Legacy in the Family Tree
• Connecting Daily Habits to Family History
• Documenting and Preserving Your Family's Legacy
• Navigating Online Records and DNA Testing for Family History
• Tradition as a Tool for Family Resilience
• Involving Family in Daily Life to Maintain Traditions
• Creating New Traditions for a Small Family
• The Role of Traditions in Family Happiness
• Family Recipes and Bonding at House Parties
• Quality Time: The Secret Tradition for Family Happiness
• The Joy of Cousins Visiting for Christmas
• Including Family in Birthday Celebrations
• Balancing Traditions and Unconditional Love
• Building Family Bonds Through Traditions

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Family Essay Example

For a better grasp of the essay on family, our team of skilled writers has crafted a great example. It looks into the subject matter, allowing you to explore and understand the intricacies involved in creating compelling family essays. So, check out our meticulously crafted sample to discover how to craft essays that are not only well-written but also thought-provoking and impactful.

Final Outlook

In wrapping up, let's remember: a family essay gives students a chance to showcase their academic skills and creativity by sharing personal stories. However, it's important to stick to academic standards when writing about these topics. We hope our list of topics sparked your creativity and got you on your way to a reflective journey. And if you hit a rough patch, you can just ask us to ' do my essay for me ' for top-notch results!

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FAQs on Writing an Essay about Family

Family essays seem like something school children could be assigned at elementary schools, but family is no less important than climate change for our society today, and therefore it is one of the most central research themes.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions on family-related topics. Before you conduct research, scroll through them and find out how to write an essay about your family.

How to Write an Essay About Your Family History?

How to write an essay about a family member, how to write an essay about family and roots, how to write an essay about the importance of family.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Some people think that it is best for extended families to live together Other people think that it is best for the nuclear family to live away from the extended family Which one do you prefer

Some people think that it is best for extended families to live together. Other people think that it is best for the nuclear family to live away from the extended family. Which one do you prefer?

Families are the most important parts of our society. If the families in a community are strong, it means this community is much more powerful. While some people think that the nuclear family living away from the extended family is the best, in my opinion, having extended families to live together is the best for some reasons such as helping each other and having a great time together as well as sharing the expenses.

First of all, if you live in an extended family, it means there are always some people who are willing to help you whenever you need. It is very beneficial, if you are in a bad situation. For instance, one of my friends lives with his grandfather. He had a terrible accident last week and his grandfather who has been retired looked after him all week. This experience thought me that, extendedP families to live together are good for everyone when they need help.

Moreover, living in an extended family provides an amazing opportunity to spend time together. To explain, everyone lives far away from each other in Turkey. Therefore, they can see each other only on holidays. For instance, I have not seen my grandmother who lives in Antalya since I was twenty years old. SinceI work too much, I do not have any opportunity to go to an other Pcity. If I lived with my extended family I would have a chance to spend more time with themP.

Furthermore, it is good extended families to live together for all of the house expensesP. If you live in a city, you must pay rent, gas and electricity bills as well as for credit cards… etc. It is really hard to pay them alone, but if you live with your extended family it means, you can share all the expenses. For instance, one of my friends lives with his uncle. Since they divide all the expenses he has an opportunity to live in a big house and to save his remain money.

In conclusion, living in an extended family brings a lot of advantages. Extended families can help each other and have an opportunity to see each other. If you live in a huge house and pay for only the part of all the expenses, it means you are the luckiest person in the world. Because of all these reasons, it is better to live in an extended families than in a nuclear family.

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• Education is as important to the human mind as food is to the human body What do you think 70
• Some people think that it is best for extended families to live together Other people think that it is best for the nuclear family to live away from the extended family Which one do you prefer 83

Sentence: This experience

Sentence: This experience thought me that, extendedP families to live together are good for everyone when they need help. Error: extendedP Suggestion: extended

Sentence: If I lived with my extended family I would have a chance to spend more time with themP. Error: themP Suggestion: them

Sentence: Furthermore, it is good extended families to live together for all of the house expensesP. Error: expensesP Suggestion: expenses

flaws: No. of Different Words: 179 200

Attribute Value Ideal Score: 25 in 30 Category: Very Good Excellent No. of Grammatical Errors: 0 2 No. of Spelling Errors: 3 2 No. of Sentences: 22 15 No. of Words: 408 350 No. of Characters: 1763 1500 No. of Different Words: 179 200 Fourth Root of Number of Words: 4.494 4.7 Average Word Length: 4.321 4.6 Word Length SD: 2.325 2.4 No. of Words greater than 5 chars: 105 100 No. of Words greater than 6 chars: 76 80 No. of Words greater than 7 chars: 59 40 No. of Words greater than 8 chars: 20 20 Use of Passive Voice (%): 0 0 Avg. Sentence Length: 18.545 21.0 Sentence Length SD: 10.268 7.5 Use of Discourse Markers (%): 0.636 0.12 Sentence-Text Coherence: 0.329 0.35 Sentence-Para Coherence: 0.515 0.50 Sentence-Sentence Coherence: 0.133 0.07 Number of Paragraphs: 5 5