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Lesson 1: Presenting Information through Formal Note-Taking
Use formal note-taking whenever you need to go back to where you found your information, like writing a research paper. In formal note-taking, you write each quotation or piece of information on a separate index card, along with the source where you found it. This way, you can more easily organize your paper as you write it.
Techniques in Presenting Information
Information can be presented in different ways. You can use various techniques, and it depends on what you think will help you remember and organize your information. You can choose from among several options for presenting information that you have taken from other writers’ work: quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and outlining.
Quoting
Quoted words are those borrowed exactly from someone else. Copy the quotation word for word, put quotation marks around it, and be sure to mention who said it. Use direct quotation in the following situations:
● when the exact wording is particularly striking, such as in a literary quotation (e.g., “To be or not to be, that is the question...”)
● when the author is considered to be authoritative
● when you take issue with the author’s statement
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is telling someone else’s ideas in your own words. Paraphrasing is still a form of borrowing, so be sure to credit the source of those words. Keep in mind that you need to be careful in paraphrasing so that you do not commit plagiarism by using language/sentence structures that are too close to the original.
Summarizing
To summarize is to simplify a piece of writing into a short statement of the main ideas. You may use a note card to summarize the main points of a newspaper article, for example. While similar to paraphrasing, summaries condense information into a substantially smaller number of words, whereas a paraphrase might be identical in length to the original text. Once again, however, a summary must be entirely in one’s own words to avoid plagiarism.
Précis writing falls under this category. A précis is a shorter but concise summary of a text and summarizes a passage or text in as few words as possible. Therefore, it should not contain more than the number of words in the original text.
Outlining
Outlining is an excellent tool that will help you organize your ideas. An outline is good for emphasizing the main ideas and supporting points. When you are having a hard time thinking of a structure for your composition, an outline will always be helpful.
An outline presents the main ideas and supporting details in a list divided into main topics, headings, and subheadings.
Preparing Note Cards
Note cards are often used for easy reference. Making note cards allows you to change the order of your ideas or notes and group them. Below are the steps on how to prepare your note cards:
1. Identify the source at the top right corner of the card.
2. Identify the subject or topic of the note on the top line of the card.
3. Use a separate card for each fact or quotation.
4. Write the page number or numbers after the note if it is from a printed source.
5. Copy the URL of the online source after the note if it is from a website.
Lesson 2: Compound, Affixed, Blended, and Clipped Words
Context Clues
Context clues are information about the word that helps the reader understand an unfamiliar word. These clues could be
● synonyms (words that mean the same as other words),
● antonyms (words that mean the opposite of other words),
● definition (a statement of the meaning of a word), and
● exemplification (using examples to explain an idea).
Compound Words
A compound word is two or more words put together to create a new word with a new meaning.
Types of Compound Words:
Closed: candlestick, bookstore, barefoot, barefoot, earthquake
Open: school bus, living room, half brother, water tank, ice cream
Hyphenated: part-time, over-the-counter, father-in-law, one-half, high -speed
Affixed Words
Affixes are syllables added to the beginning or end of words to change their meanings.
Prefixes - Attached to the beginning of words
Suffixes - Attached to the end of words
Blended Words
Blending is the process of combining parts of two words or phrases. The new word formed from this process is called a blend or a blended word.
Clipped Words
Clipping is the process of shortening words by removing some of their parts. The parts removed may be the beginning, middle, or ending letters or syllables. Clipped words still retain the meaning of the original word.
Content Area Vocabulary
Content Area Vocabulary is a set of words specific to a subject like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Health, and Physical Education. Some of these words may be difficult to understand at first glance, but there are strategies or ways to identify the meaning of these words. Some of these strategies are using context clues, studying word parts, and using the dictionary and the thesaurus.
Lesson 3: What is a Persuasive Text?
When you advise other people, you intend to persuade them or influence them. A persuasive text is a nonfiction composition that aims to convince readers to believe in or do something. The various reasons an author may have for writing a persuasive text include the following:
to change readers’ thinking or belief system
to get support
to convince readers to decide in favor of the author’s view
to persuade the readers to take action
to influence change
Types of Persuasive Text
Various types of text may be persuasive. Below are some of them:
Editorial - This is a newspaper or magazine article that presents the opinions and interpretations of editors or publishers regarding a particular issue.
Advertisement - This is a presentation or text that is created to entice people to buy a product or to avail of a service. Often, this makes use of mass media.
Speech - This is a form of public communication; it involves making a script or an impromptu message meant to be delivered in front of an audience. Persuasive speeches include those that are used for political campaigns.
Essay - This is a short literary composition that usually focuses on a single subject.
Ways and Techniques to Develop Ideas in a Persuasive Text
There are different ways and techniques to develop ideas in a persuasive text. Among these are the following:
1. Use of evidence and reasons. Opinions become more persuasive and reliable when facts and statistics support them.
2. Use of pronouns. The use of pronouns such as we, us, and our creates a sense of solidarity among readers.
3. Use of questions. This would encourage the reader to reflect on the given issue and to think critically about it.
4. Analogy. This involves stating the similarities between two different things to better illustrate a particular point.
Inferring Meaning of Words Using Context Clues and Word Parts
When a word is unfamiliar to you, you may figure out its meaning by noting context clues.
Definition - found in sentences that directly state the meaning of the word
Antonym (or contrast) – This context clue is often signaled by words such as whereas, unlike, or as opposed to.
Synonym (or restatement) – This context clue is found in sentences in which a word with a similar meaning is used to give hints about the meaning of a more complex term.
Inference clues – These are general context clues found in sentences in which word meanings are not directly described but may be derived from the context based on one’s experience and background knowledge.
Word parts – These include the affixes (prefixes or suffixes) of the words. Looking at these word parts and taking note of their meaning will help you determine the meaning of the words.
Lesson 4: Filling Out Forms
Before every school year begins, you or your guardians have to fill out an enrollment form. Your personal information, such as complete name, full address, and contact number, is asked through this. Once you are done filling it out, you have to submit it to the school to complete the enrollment process. However, aside from enrolling in schools, there are also other instances where you have to accomplish different forms to carry out a transaction.
A form is a document asking for personal information about you. It has spaces for you to write your answers. It may be printed or electronic. Schools and other institutions like banks and hospitals require anyone who wants to transact with them to fill out forms. It is used to enroll in schools, apply for jobs and positions, or request something.
Kinds of Forms
Different establishments use different kinds of forms. Listed below are some of its kinds:
School enrollment form - It is a form that asks for student’s personal information and contact details. Educational background, emergency contact, and parents’ information are also needed. It is done to enroll a student for the new school year. It is also used when transferring from one school to another.
Deposit slip - It is a small piece of paper used in banks. It is filled out by a bank customer when depositing money into a bank account. It asks for information such as the name of the account holder, account number, date of transaction, and the amount of money to be deposited.
Withdrawal slip - It is a small piece of paper used in banks when a bank customer wants to withdraw money from their account. It asks for the depositor’s name, account number, date, and the amount of money to be withdrawn.
Application form - It is a form that a person fills out to apply for a job, a scholarship, a license, a passport, and the like. Aside from basic personal information such as complete name, address, and birthday, it asks for more private information like ID numbers.
Importance of Filling Out Forms
Filling out forms is an important life skill because it serves several purposes. It has been and will always be part of your lives as you grow older. Forms are necessary documents to get something done or to go places.
One of the primary functions of filling out forms is that it is a way for data gathering. For example, the Philippine Statistics Authority is a government agency that collects data about the country’s population as one of its functions. Thus, the parents of a newborn baby have to fill out a form. Some of the information asked are the baby’s complete name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and age when she gave birth. Another importance of filling out forms is complete transactions. For example, in online shopping, a customer fills out the billing information to complete their order.
Reminders in Filling Out Forms
There are different kinds of forms; therefore, it is necessary to keep the following reminders when filling out one:
Read instructions carefully. - Before filling out any forms, make it a habit to read through them first. Since forms are for different purposes, the format may also differ.
Follow directions correctly. - You must follow the directions correctly to avoid erasures or to fill out a new form again. For example, the birthdate may be written differently from one institution to another. Others may prefer the format mm/dd/yyyy or dd/mm/yyyy.
Provide true and accurate information. - Forms are vital documents because they are the basis for crucial statistical data. Thus, when filling out a form, ensure that you provide true and accurate information about yourself and the other needed details.
Avoid making erasures. Aside from providing the correct information, remember that forms must not have any erasures or errors.
Handle the form with care. Forms contain sensitive information such as dates and numbers; thus, keeping the document as neat as possible is necessary.
Observing Politeness in Asking about Filling Out Forms
Filling out forms can sometimes get confusing, especially if it asks for information you are not familiar with. When you encounter this kind of situation, the best thing to do is ask fo help or clarification from your teacher if you are in school, to the bank teller if you are in a bank, or to any personnel who can help you accomplish it. However, always remember to ask with politeness. It is a value that is well-appreciated by everyone.
Lesson 5: Compound Sentences Showing Problem-Solution and Cause-Effect Relationship
Sentences come in various lengths and structures. Regardless of these characteristics, sentences are used primarily to convey meaning. In this lesson, you will learn more about a type of sentence that can be used to show problem-solution and cause-effect relationships of ideas.
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses. An independent clause presents a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. A coordinating conjunction usually connects the clauses.
A coordinating conjunction is a connecting word such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so, also known by its acronym FANBOYS. A comma is usually placed before the connecting word in a compound sentence.
Example:
Sonya called Martin, but he wasn’t home.
David is the funniest boy in the class, and he is also the smartest.
My sister wanted to go to Bohol, for she wanted to see the Chocolate Hills.
Showing Problem-Solution Relationship
Every problem has a solution; hence, a complete compound sentence can be put together to state them. The critical consideration is to create a sentence that will make sense when coordinated by a conjunction.
The coordinating conjunctions for and so are used to connect independent clauses that show the problem and solution. Take a look at these examples.
Problem: Richard wants to go to a concert.
Solution: He keeps 20% of his daily allowance as savings.
Richard wants to go to a concert, so he keeps 20% of his daily allowance as savings.
Showing Cause-Effect Relationship
The cause-effect relationship shows a possible cause or effect to certain actions. Let us try to show it through compound sentences.
The conjunctions so and and are often used to connect ideas that showcase cause-effect relationships. Take a look at the following examples:
Cause: Kristine ate a lot of candies.
Effect: She had a toothache.
Kristine ate a lot of candies, so she had a toothache.
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Recall that a dependent clause, also called subordinating clause, does not express a complete thought and therefore cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions, such as because, although, since, unless, which, and while. Can you name other subordinating conjunctions?
In the following examples, the independent clause is underlined.
Sonya sat on the chair, which Martin made.
Eat while the food is hot.
Although Ashley was not feeling well, she still managed to finish the test.
Showing Problem-Solution Relationship
The following examples show complex sentences that express problem-solution relationships:
Problem: My tooth kept aching.
Solution: I decided to see a dentist.
Because my tooth kept aching, I decided to see a dentist.
Lesson 6: Communicating with Others
As social beings, humans have different ways to communicate. Communication is the way we interact with the world around us. Therefore, it is important that we know how to communicate properly with others. We can further develop our communication skills and understand how to make them effective.
Communication is the transmission of ideas and emotions between or among persons with the use of verbal and nonverbal cues. The word communication comes from the Latin word communis, which means “common.” To be common means to come together or to share something in common together. Communication helps people adapt to or survive in the place they live in.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication refers to the use of words or speech in sending messages and transmitting ideas or feelings. The communicators make use of language in order to convey what they would like others to know. Verbal communication can be said or written.
For example, the words in a conversation are considered verbal communication or verbal cues.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, refers to the act of expressing ideas in ways that do not involve or go beyond using words.
Body language, appearance, voice, and environment are some of the nonverbal cues that
greatly affect the meaning of one’s message.
The various types of nonverbal communication are as follows:
Facial expressions
Facial expressions help you convey your message. Sometimes, you have certain expressions when you talk or listen, or when you are happy or sad. You should be aware of how your expressions look in particular situations to avoid hurting others.
frowning over a news you did not find pleasing
This facial expression might show how one is not pleased or comfortable with a particular situation.
Gestures
Gestures are visible bodily actions you use to convey a message. When you speak, a gesture can make your message stronger. Gestures help in emphasizing a message, or in pointing out a particular object or idea. Gestures are intentional and can be big or small.
pointing out something you like
This may be done to show specifically what one intends to have or which particular one is being pertained to.
Proximity
Proximity is your physical distance from the person you are talking to. It is one’s position and the space between the sender and the receiver of the message. The space you observe may show how comfortable or familiar you are with a person. It can also suggest your relationship to another person.
standing close to someone you are very familiar with
This may be done when someone has a close relationship with the person or when one personally knows or is related to the other person.
Touch
Touch is a form of nonverbal communication. It can suggest affection, but it can also communicate power. It can also be a sign of concern, empathy, or other forms of emotions.
tightly hugging someone
This may show empathy or concern to another person. It may be a form of affection for another person. It can also be a form of consolation.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a nonverbal cue to show active listening and attentiveness to the listener. Good eye contact often conveys the trait of honesty to the other party.
staring at a particular situation on stage
This may suggest one’s focus on something.
Appearance
Appearance includes your clothing, hair, jewelry, and even one’s choice color or style on anything attached to your body. The quality and condition of your clothing, how it fits, and its appropriateness for the occasion speak things nonverbally about you as a communicator.
wearing a sleeveless shirt in a formal office job interview
The clothing one wears or how one wears such to an event may or may not affect another’s impression of a person.
Body language
Body language is the use of physical behavior, expressions, and mannerisms to communicate nonverbally.
leaning forward while listening to someone
This may be a sign of intent and attentiveness.
Lesson 7: Formal and Informal Language
When you speak or write something, you most likely vary your words according to the situation, your purpose, and your intended audience. For example, you probably speak differently with your teacher than with your close friend. In writing, you should think about whether it would be appropriate to use certain words.
Both formal and informal language may be used in writing a persuasive text. Knowing when to use formal language and when to use informal language helps the writer convey the message in an effective way.
Generally, formal language is used for serious topics or when speaking with people that one does not know well. In writing, formal language is used when the text is academic in nature. When using formal language, an objective tone is used, so the text is usually written using the third-person point of view.
Informal language, on the other hand, is usually used when speaking with people that one knows quite well. This is used in conversations and may feature colloquialisms or slang words. Idiomatic expressions and contractions are also considered informal language. When writing using informal language, the first-person point of view may be used, as this may help establish the author’s connection with the audience. The writer may also present anecdotes that may help persuade readers.
Take a look at the table below containing some formal words and their informal counterparts.
Lesson 8: Dictionary and Thesaurus
When reading a text, we may encounter unfamiliar words which prevent us from fully understanding what we read. In this case, we must learn techniques to “unlock” them. What are the ways to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words? Could you recall some strategies? The use of words sometimes differs in context. When context clues are unclear or not present and word parts are difficult to identify, you should know where to look for the meaning of unfamiliar words. This lesson will discuss how to use a dictionary and thesaurus.
Dictionary
Dictionaries come in large books or pocketbooks. Nowadays, dictionaries also appear as mobile applications. A dictionary defines words and describes how to pronounce and use them in a sentence.
A dictionary is a reference book containing words listed in alphabetical order. Words entered and defined in a dictionary are called entry words. Some dictionary entries contain the etymology or the words’ origin, usage, and related words.
Using the dictionary gives you an accurate definition of words. It helps you unlock the meaning of unfamiliar words in less time and with more certainty.
Thesaurus
Thesaurus, appearing in print and online, is a reference book of words. It comes with a simple word definition, synonyms, antonyms, and related words in alphabetical order.
Be careful not to overuse a thesaurus by picking out any word to replace a simple word. The main purpose of a thesaurus is to distinguish related words and choose the most appropriate word according to your intention.
Lesson 9: Verbs - Tense and Aspect
As you know, a sentence has a subject and a predicate. The subject is the doer of the action or the topic of the sentence. The predicate, on the other hand, is made up of the verb that says what the subject does in the sentence. The subject can be singular, which means one, and it can also be plural, which means more than one.
Note how the following underlined verbs below agree with the subject in each sentence.
She runs really fast.
S V
Badong and Nonoy ask for directions.
S V
We support the policy against public smoking.
S V
When studying verbs, it is important to be familiar with the tenses because they tell you when an action happened, happens , or will happen.
There are three tenses:
● Past Tense
● Present Tense
● Future Tense
For this lesson, the simple aspect will be used as an example to show the different types of tenses. In the next lesson, you will discover more about the different aspects.
A. Past Tense
This talks about a completed action in the recent or distant past.
1. Regular Verb
To form the past tense of a regular verb, you simply add “-ed” or “-d” at the end of the verb. If the verb ends in a consonant and y, change y to i and add “-ed”.
The following time markers are often used with the simple past tense: yesterday, last week/month/year.
Two days ago, I listened to my favorite songs. (listen + ed = listened)
Yesterday, Annie cleaned her room. (clean + ed = cleaned)
We practiced in preparation for the competition. (practice + d = practiced)
2. Irregular Verb
To form the simple past tense of irregular verbs, you have to change the spelling of the verb.
I wrote something last night.
Write (base form) - wrote (paste tense)
Geron went to the province last month for his vacation.
go (base form) - went (past tense)
We spoke about saving the environment.
speak (base form) - spoke (past tense)
B. Present Tense
This shows habits, unchanging or permanent situations, and general truths. You use the base form of the verb or add “-es” or “-s” to form the simple present tense. If the verb ends in a consonant and y, change y to i and add “-es”. Do not add “-es” or “-s” to the verb when the subject is plural.
The following time markers are often used with the simple present tense: always,often, sometimes,rarely and every day/week/month/year.
I often listen to my favorite songs. (base form)
Annie cleans her room every day. (clean + s = cleans)
C. Future Tense
This shows an action that will happen or will not happen in the future. You form the simple future tense by placing will or shall before the base form of the verb. The following time markers are often used with the simple future tense: tomorrow, later, and next week/month/year.
I will listen to my favorite songs later.
Will + listen (base form) = will listen
Annie will clean her room tomorrow.
will + clean (base form) = will clean
Next week, we will practice in preparation for the competition.
will + practice (base form) = will practice
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