Reading and Writing Skills

Quarter 3 - Module 1 Reading & Thinking Strategies across Text Types

Learning Competency 1: Compare and contrast patterns of written texts across disciplines.
Paragraph Development - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3
Narration - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.1
Description - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.2
Definition - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.3
Classification - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.4
Comparison & Contrast - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.5
Cause & Effect - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.6
Problem-Solution - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.7
Persuasion - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.8

LESSON 1: PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT

This part of the module discusses about paragraph writing. It includes the various techniques or patterns in
developing a paragraph. It also explains the elements involved in paragraph writing. Each method or pattern is
followed by writing activities to test your ability and theoretical knowledge in writing unified, coherent and
emphatic paragraphs.
By the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. compare and contrast patterns of written texts across disciplines:
a. Narration
b. Description & Definition
c. Classification
d. Comparison & Contrast
e. Cause and Effect
f. Problem-Solution
g. Persuasion

To achieve the objectives of this module, do the following:

Take your time reading the lessons carefully.

Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Before heading on to our lesson, let us first check what you already know. Read the statements
carefully, and determine what is being referred to, then write your answers on the blanks
provided before each number.

1. It is a method of writing a paragraph by drawing pictures with words.

2. This method of paragraph development involves similarities and differences between two things.
3. This gives a written account of an event or story.
4. This is a collection of related sentences with one central idea.
5. This pattern of development classifies or divides people, places, things or ideas into categories.

LESSON 1.1: WRITING PARAGRAPH

The word paragraph is associated with two Greek words: para which means “beyond” or “beside” and
graphein which means “to write”.
A paragraph is a collection of related sentences with one central idea. Each sentence shows connection to
other sentences in the paragraph.
A paragraph is an independent unit or a related unit. As an independent unit, it is complete in itself. As a
related unit, it is a part of a composition that is combined with other paragraphs to make a larger composition.
Whether a paragraph is an independent unit or a related unit, it has its beginning, middle and end.
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS. One of the most important elements in writing is the form or
structure. It is worth noting that without a solid structure in place, the content you have gathered would fall
apart. After constructing an outline and writing your first draft, it is time to get on to paragraph writing. An
effective paragraph shows the unity of the sentences used in developing the main idea. A paragraph is made
up of the topic sentence which contains the main idea, the supporting details and the conclusion or the
clinching sentence at the end.
Topic sentence – reveals the main or central idea of the paragraph. It does not necessarily have to be placed
at the beginning of the paragraph. It may be found in the middle of the first and the last sentence or at the end.
If it is found at the end of the paragraph, it may be used as a clinching or concluding sentence.
Supporting details – give the paragraph life as it elaborates on the scope given by the topic sentence.
Clinching sentence – closes your paragraph. According to Dagdag (2010), this “may be a restatement of the
topic sentence, a summary, or a conclusion based on the supporting details.”
Activity 1: Read each of the following paragraphs. After each of paragraph are lines. On the line,
write the topic sentence.
1. Oceans and lakes have much in common, but they are also quite different. Both are bodies of water,
but oceans are very large bodies of salt water, while lakes are much smaller bodies of fresh water.
Lakes are usually surrounded by land, while oceans are what surround continents. Both have plants and
animals living in them. The ocean is home to the largest animals on the planet, whereas lakes support
much smaller forms of life. When it is time for a vacation, both will make a great place to visit and enjoy.
I want to swim in the lake.
Topic Sentence:
_
2. Sunset is the time of day when our sky meets the outer space solar winds. There are blue, pink, and
purple swirls, spinning and twisting, like clouds of balloons caught in a blender. Sunset is the opposite of
sunrise. The sun moves slowly to hide behind the line of horizon, while the moon races to take its place
in prominence atop the night sky. People slow to a crawl, entranced, fully forgetting the deeds that still
must be done. There is a coolness, a calmness, when the sun does set.
Topic Sentence:
_
3. Here is the perfect system for cleaning your room. First, move all of the items that do not have a
proper place to the center of the room. Get rid of at least five things that you have not used within the
last year. Take out all of the trash, and place all of the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. Now find a
location for each of the items you had placed in the center of the room. 5s is a Japanese cleaning
system. For any remaining items, see if you can squeeze them in under your bed or stuff them into the
back of your closet. See, that was easy!
Topic Sentence:
_
LESSON 1.2: NARRATION
Narration, from the root word narrates, originated from the Latin word narrare— which means related or told.
It gives a written account of an event or story, or simply, storytelling. The sequence of events is told in
chronological order. It usually contains the following: the who, what and when. A narrative must have “vivid
description of details, a consistent point of view and verb tense, and a well-defined point or significance.”
(Tiongson, 2016). At the end of writing it, it must send a clear message to its readers through the story.
A narrative paragraph simply tells what happened and establishes facts. It is sharing of personal
experiences that offer lessons and insights. It is more than just a chronological sequence of events
that happen to the different characters. It also contains elements of drama and tension.
Narration is the most common type of paragraph development. It has the following elements:
1. Setting. It is the time and location in which a story takes place.
2. Characters. The life-giving element of the story.
3. Plot. It is the logical series of events in the story. The five
essential parts of the plot are:
Exposition. It is the part of the story where the characters and the setting are revealed.
Rising Action. It is where the events in the story become complicated and the conflict in the story is exposed.
Climax. This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the story.
Falling Action. The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.
Denouement. The final resolution of the plot in the story.
Point of View. It is the perspective of the writer in narrating the story.
a. First person point of view. The story is told by the protagonist or one of the characters using pronouns I, me,
we.
b. Second person point of view. The author tells the story in second point of view using the pronouns you,
yours, and your.
c. Third person point of view. The narrator is not part of the story but describes the events that happen. The
writer uses the pronouns he, she, him, and her.
Activity 2: Read the story “Not Necessary News From The Beat” and answer the comprehension
questions that follow.
Palace liaison in Congress Jesus Ayala has an incident to share with friends, after meeting a
world-renowned missionary, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India last week. When Mother Teresa, dubbed a
“living saint“ in religious circles, paid a courtesy call on President Aquino at the Malacañang Premier
Guest House Thursday afternoon last week, Chito was one among the palace staff members who
eagerly lived up to have a glimpsed of the 79-year-old nun. It was a blessing that Chito even had
the chance to kiss Mother Teresa’s hands. And, on bended knees, Chito publicly confessed. “Bless
me, Mother Teresa for I have many sins, “he whispered to her. (Reprinted from: Philippine Daily Inquirer
“Not Necessary from the Beat”).
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Who is the main character of the story?
a. Jesus Ayala c. President Aquino
b. Mother Teresa d. Palace Sta
2. Where is the setting of the narrated story?
a. Malacañang Guest House c. Office
b. Garden d. Sala
3. Who is the world –renowned missionary?
a. Chito Ayala c. Sta. Rita
b. Mother Teresa d. Pres Aquino
4. Where is the setting of the narrated story?
a. Spain c. Philippines
b. Calcuta, India d. Malaysia
5. Who is the president mentioned in the story?
a. Pres. Estrada c. Pres. Aquino
b. Pres. Macapagal d. Pres. Duterte

LESSON 1.3: DESCRIPTION

 Description gives information of what a person, an object, a place or a situation is like.
 It appeals to the reader’s senses.
 A descriptive paragraph has concrete and specific details, which are carefully chosen
by a writer to paint a picture in the mind of the reader.
Descriptive writing emphasizes a reader’s ability to paint vivid pictures using words on a reader’s
mind. This relies on the writer’s ability to appeal to his/her five senses: the sight, smell, touch, taste,
and hearing.
To rouse feelings, emotions and reactions from the readers is what descriptive paragraphs aim for.
Simple adjectives will not simply cut it for readers desiring for appropriate description of an event,
thing, place or person.
According to Dagdag (2010), there are two types of description: objective and subjective.
Objective description is a factual description of the topic at hand. This relies its information on
physical aspects and appeals to those who crave for facts. Meanwhile, subjective description allows
the writer to explore ways to describe an emotion, an event, a thing, a place or person, appealing to
emotions. Often, this is an artistic way of describing things, mostly from the eye and perspective of the writer.
 Activity 3: Try these writing activities. Use your imagination!
1. Imagine yourself somewhere in the forest. You cannot find your way to get back home. Write a short
paragraph describing your sensations. You may use the word bank list to help you express your
sensations.
2. Then imagine yourself still in the forest. You continue walking and you get lost along the way and you really
don’t know where to go. You get tired, so you sit under a tree. Suddenly, a lady appears in front of you! How
would you describe the lady so that others could imagine her?
LESSON 1.4: DEFINITION
-Definition explains a concept, term or subject. Its main purpose is to tell what something is.
-It consists of three parts: (1) the term, concept or subject to be defined; (2) the general class to which it
belongs; and (3) the characteristics that differentiate it from the other members of its class.
-A definition explains what a term means. When you want your readers to know exactly how you are using a
certain term or an unfamiliar concept, you use definition.
Definition is the main constituent of any dictionary. In developing a paragraph by definition, you
should take account of these things:
a) the term to be defined
b) the class to which the term belongs
c) the characteristics that distinguish the term from the other members of its class.
Take a look at this example of a definition:
An owl is a bird with a large head, strong talons and has a nocturnal habit.
Owl – is the term to defined
Bird – is the class where the owl belongs
with a large head, strong talons and has a nocturnal habit – are the characteristics that
distinguish the owl from the other birds.
The following are the different types of definitions:
1. Formal Definition. The definitions provided in dictionaries.
2. Informal Definitions. The three common informal definitions are operational definitions,
synonyms, and connotations.
a. Operational Definitions gives the meaning of an abstract word for one particular time and
place.
b. Synonyms or words that mean the same as another word.
c. Denotation is the exact meaning of the word
d. Connotation is an idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or things.
3. Definition Paragraph. It is a definition sentence which is extended into a paragraph by
adding meanings, descriptions, narrations, and other kinds of paragraph development to
make clear the term being defined.
Activity 4: Try to develop a paragraph by using the definition method. Choose your topic
from the words listed below. Define the term and expand it by description or giving
examples.

1. Education
2. Senior High School
3. Family
4. COVID-19
5. Student

_
_
 _
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_ _
_
_
_
_
_
_

Lesson Reading & Thinking Strategies: Classification

1.5

What’s New

 Classification paragraphs group items into categories, to establish a clear

distinction.
 If the topic encompasses a large body of information, one effective way of
elaborating it is through classifying things of distinct features into
groups/classes.
 Classification groups items into categories to establish a clear distinction
between related or similar ideas. Similar items are grouped into categories
for the readers to better understand and analyze the material at hand.

In a classification paragraph you tell readers how a collection of items can be sorted into
categories. It is an activity of sorting items (people, things , ideas ) into categories.

1. Terms that signal classification

aspects kinds qualities traits
areas levels systems types

2. Transitional Expressions

can be divided can be categorized

can be classifies the first type
Activity 5: Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.

Types of Friends

Friends can be classified according to their honesty , loyalty , the type that fits you into
their schedule , or the type that finds time for you when they need something. An honest
friend tells you the truth even if it’s not always what you want to hear. In the long run , that
honest friend may have saved you from embarrassment or possibly rejection. They give you
constructive criticisms overall. The loyal friend is the type of friend that will be there for you
through the thick and thin. They don’t care how good or bad you may look one day; they are
sensitive to your feelings , they respect you and the other people in your life, and most of all
they will never let you down when times are hard. They may be what you call a best friend.
The third group, the person that fits you into their schedule , is the type of person that is
always on the go. They barely have time for themselves let alone another person. More than
likely they will not be there for you when you need them most, because they are so wrapped
up in their busy , hectic life. Then you have the self-absorbent type of friend that finds time
for you only when they need something. This type of person isn’t what you would call a friend.
This person may always be extremely nice to you because they know that if are nice to you
then they will more than likely get what they want. They will call you every once in a while
when it is almost time for them to use that person again. It may be for a ride to work, home or
they just want somebody to hangout with because they have no other friends. If the person
that is being used is smart they will eventually realize that they are getting used and will stop
being there for that person. ( Amy Neil, 2005)

Comprehension Questions

1. What are the three types of friends?

2. What is the basis used by the author to classify friends?

3. How does the author develop the classification essay?

 Lesson Reading & Thinking Strategies: Comparison & Contr
1.6

What’s New

 A comparison tells how two things are similar. A contrast tells how they
are different.
 A paragraph developed by comparison and contrast has a unifying idea or
purpose of attempting to weigh decisions between two ideas or subjects.
 A comparison and contrast paragraph must be balanced in such a way that
there is an equal amount of information for each subject to avoid bias.

There are two ways in writing a comparison and contrast paragraph.

1. Subject – by - Subject Method. You present all of the facts and supporting details about
one topic , and then you give all the facts and supporting details about the other topic.

2. Point – by - Point Arrangement. You discuss each point for both subjects before giving on
the next point.
 What is it?

Activity 6: Write sentences by comparing and contrasting the given pictures below.

1. Classroom Laboratory

(sign & symbol by www.freepik.com)

Similarities ___________________________________________
Differences ___________________________________________

2. Computer Calculator

(sign& symbol by www.freepik.com)

Similarities ___________________________________________
Differences ___________________________________________
 Lesson Reading & Thinking Strategies: Cause and Effect
1.7

What’s New

 A cause is what makes a particular thing happen.

 An effect is what results from a particular situation, activity, or behavior.
 A paragraph developed by causal analysis must not only raise the question
why, but also give answers to the satisfaction of the reader.

Cause and Effect paragraphs are written for the following purposes:
 to discuss why a certain phenomenon occurs
 to discuss the results of a phenomenon, event, feeling or action
 to understand a situation
 to solve a problem
 to predict an outcome
 to entertain
 to persuade

Some of the signal words used in this type of paragraph are the following:
 For
 Because
 Since
 Due to
 So
 But
 For this reason
 As a result
 Consequently
 Otherwise
 Therefore
 Thu
 What is it?

Activity 7: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

The Influence of Video Games to Children

Video games have been a part of children’s life for the past few decades. It all started
when Atari came up with its first gaming consul, which included a very simple game of
tennis. The controller had just 1 stick and 1 button to play with. Now, we have many
different types of consuls available in the market with very complex games that requires
controllers with two or more sticks and a variety of buttons. Video games are almost second
nature to the modern children and they are more comfortable playing them. Playing video
games can have many different effects (both positive as well as negative) on children.
Some of this effects include increasing hand eye coordination and increasing dexterity
mental skills; a decrease interest in other interest such as studies and sports ; and a very
negative effect of inducing violence.
One of the most positive effects of video games is increasing the dexterity of a child
and improving his or her hand eye coordination. As mentioned earlier, the new video games
that are coming out are extremely complex and they involve the movement of many different
kinds of sticks and buttons on the controllers. These can be very good for children as they
learn to make the fast connections between what they see and what their hands and fingers
are doing. This allows them to think quickly and improves their reflexes. The newest games
are very precision-based and it takes very minute and accurate movements for the children
to control the characters. This helps in making the children much more a depth at handling
and operating real-life machinery and objectives.
Another effect that playing video games have on children is that they tend to get
addicted to playing this games and give them foremost priority. This takes the children away
from their other responsibilities, such as doing house chores, homework, and other physical
activities. Children also end at spending more time playing video games in front of television
screens than playing real and actual sports that involve physical exercise. This in turn can
have many health related problems for children, as they can get obese if they don’t exercise
ad stay home playing video games. This is perhaps the worst negative effect that video
games can have on children. Parents and educators all over the world are concern about
this phenomenon and they are urging the children to not spend so much time playing video
games. Many new video games consuls, such as the new Nintendo WII have come out with
games that require users to actually get up and move.
 Many researchers have talked about the effects of viewing violence in the media and
how it affects children. Video games takes this to another level, where the children are
actually participating in being violent in the video games. There are many games out there
that allow children to play arm bearing characters who can kill anyone that they want, steal
cars, and commit many different kinds of crime. These games can have negative
implications on the children as they get immune to the idea of committing crime and end up
believing that it is alright. Research still on going on this negative effect and it has not
entirely been proven or disproven as of yet.
We find that plain video games can have various effects on children, both positive as
well as negative. Even though children can benefit by increasing their dexterity and
improving their reflexes, the cost of them losing out on their physical exercise and
homework, as well as their becoming prone to violent acts, are way too much. It is important
that the parents and educators take up this problem seriously and enable certain rules and
regulations that allow children to divide their time responsively between playing video
games and completing their studies and other responsibilities.

(Source: www.tailoredessays.com/samples/video-games-affect-children-essay.htm)

Comprehension Questions

1. Why are video games popular with children?

__

2. What are the positive effects of playing video games?

3. What are the negative effects of playing video games?

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 Lesson Reading & Thinking Strategies: Problem - Solution
1.8
 In composition writing, problem-solution is a method for analyzing and
writing about a topic by identifying a problem and proposing one or more
solutions.
 Problem-solution paragraphs as the term implies, presents and identifies
a problem and proposes possible solution/s.

What’s New

In composing this type of essay, you must present an argument or stand and support
it with reliable evidence in order to persuade the readers to make a particular move or
action (Kemper et.al, 2016).

According to Soles (2010), topics for problem-solution essays “are typically framed in
the form of questions.” Problem-solution essay can provide answers to 5W and 1H (who,
what, when, where, why, and how) questions. Soles (2010) added that this type of essay
has essentially two parts: “a full explanation of the nature of the problem, followed by an
analysis of solutions and their likelihood of success.”

Structure of paragraphs in a problem-solution essay:

Nordquist (1995) suggested the following structure of a problem-solution paper that

may serve as a guide on what to include in this type of essay:
1. Introduction. At the forefront of the essay, the introduction must serve to capture
the reader’s attention. This may contain the thesis statement wherein the problem or topic
at hand is presented. This is where the problem is defined, and the reason why it is
significant to a specific group of people (or the target audience).
2. Problem Paragraph. This paragraph/s will dwell on the elaboration of the
problem, effectively conveying the importance of a solution. You may present reliable
sources and evidence to support your stand.
3. Solution Paragraph. Present and describe a concrete solution to the problem.
Explain how this solution is better than other probable solutions.
4. Conclusion. Conclude the essay with connection between the problem and its
proposed solution.

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 What is it?

Activity 8: Directions: Read the passage below and complete the graphic
organizer that follows.

Deforestation is a serious problem because it destroys forests—and forests and trees

are not just pretty to look at, they do an important job making the earth´s environment
suitable for life. They clean the air, store water, preserve oil, and provide homes for animals.
They also supply food, fuel, wood products, and paper products for humans. In the past fifty
years, more than half of the world´s rainforests have been destroyed.

Today, all around the world, deforestation continues, the world´s climate may
change, floods may become more common, and animals will die. One solution to the
problem of deforestation is to use less paper. If you use less paper, fewer trees will be cut
for paper making. How can you use less paper? One answer is to reduce your paper use by
using both sides of the paper when you photocopy, write a letter, or write an essay. A
second answer is to reuse old paper when you can, rather than using a new sheet of paper.
The backs of old envelopes are perfect for shopping list or phone messages, and when you
write a rough draft of an essay, write it on the back of something else. A final answer is to
recycle used paper products instead of throwing them away. Most schools, offices, and
districts have some kind of recycling center. If you follow "the three Rs"- reduce, reuse, and
recycle-you can help save the world´s forest.

Use the figure above as your guide

26
 Lesson Reading & Thinking Strategies: Persuasion
1.9
 A persuasive paragraph tries to convince the reader that a particular
point of view is worthy of consideration. It wants you to consider both sides
of an issue, but it reveals a bias in favor of one side over another.
 A persuasive paragraph intends to convince readers to do or believe in
something.
 Knowing how to write a persuasive paragraph allows you to express your
personal conviction or opinion about an issue or topic and make the
readers agree with or adopt your conviction or opinion.

What’s New

Much like problem-solution essays, persuasion essays seek to urge readers to take
a particular action (Forlini, et.al, 1990). The main goal of persuasive essays is to convince
the reader to agree to the writer’s opinion or at the very least, take it into serious
consideration.
According to Forlini (1990), “the purpose of persuasive writing is to obtain the
reader’s agreement on a matter of opinion.”
The statements given in persuasive essays are heavy on opinion while based on
facts. The opinions of the writer must be (a) controversial enough or something that would
inspire conversation and debate, (b) significant and interesting, and (c) supported by
evidence. (Forlini, 1990).
It is also vital that in order to prove your stand, you must thoroughly research about
the issue you are about to discuss. Make a list of your strongest arguments composed of
facts and data. Introduce a new reason or fact with every paragraph.

Some of the transitional expressions used in persuasive paragraphs are the following:
ANSWER THE
GIVE REASONS DRAW CONCLUSION
OPPOSITION
First (second, third, etc.) Of course Therefore
Another, Next Some may say Thus
Last, finally Nevertheless Hence
Because, since, for On the other hand Consequently
Although

27
 What is it?

Activity 9: Write a paragraph with the topic “I Changed My _”. (e.g.

lifestyle, attitude, priorities, eating habits, mind, etc.). Devote your attention to the
cause of your change and its effects.

Your paragraph will be rated based on the rubric below. You may write your paragraph on
the space provided.

Criteria Performance Indicators Points Score

Complete and thoughtful explanation of ideas 5
CONTENT Strong organization and structure 3
Vivid supporting details included 3
Written in complete sentence 2
MECHANICS Correct and appropriate grammar,
2
punctuation, spelling, etc.
Total 15

I CHANGED MY

_
_

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 What I Have Learned

 A paragraph is a collection of related sentences with one central idea.

Each sentence shows connection to other sentences in the paragraph.
 A paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a clinching
sentence.
 There are many ways of developing a paragraph, such as: narration,
description, definition, classification, comparison and contrast,
cause and effect, problem-solution and persuasion.

Assessment

After our lesson, let us now check what you have learned. Read the
statements carefully, and determine what is being referred to, then write
your answers on the blanks provided before each number.

1. It is a method of writing a paragraph by

drawing pictures with words.
2. This method of paragraph development
involves similarities and differences between two things.
3. This gives a written account of an event or story.
4. This is a collection of related sentences with
one central idea.
5. This pattern of development classifies or
divides people, places, things or ideas into categories.

Congratulations!
You have completed your journey in this module. You did a great job! It’s now tim
Good luck!

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 Key to Answers

Pre-Test & Post-test

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 3: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 4: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 5: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 6: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 7: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 8: Answers may vary.

ACTIVITY 9: Answers may vary

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