Rationale

Hi there again! I see that you have finished the midterm module for Reading &
Writing. Give yourself a tap on the back, because you did a great job, and you deserve
a treat. This time, it’s time to embark on a new adventure: your final module.
You have learned a lot about the patterns of development in writing, properties of
a well-written text, types of claims, hypertext and intertextuality and critical reading. To
disembark to a new journey in this module can be exciting and frightening, but as long
as you are properly guided, you are in a voyage filled with essential skills that will be
effectively used once you are off this trip. Have fun and take your moment in this
wonderful journey.
This module is all about formulating evaluative statements about a text read
which will be broken down into lessons. And this module will be focusing on what is a
LITERATURE REVIEW and how to write it, and JOB APPLICATION by properly writing
a RESUME. This module will discuss the features and requirements in making well-
written academic papers, and the necessary competencies in writing employment
communication.

Most Essential Learning Competencies

There are four competencies of this module,
1. Formulate evaluative statements about a text read: (EN11/12RWS-IVac-9;)
a. assertions about the content and properties of a text read; and
(EN11/12RWS-IVac-9.1;)
b. counterclaims in response to claims in a text read. (EN11/12RWS-IVac-9.2)
2. Determine textual evidence to validate assertions and counterclaims made about
a text read. (EN11/12RWS-IVac-10)
3. Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing texts that are
useful across disciplines: (EN11/12RWS-IVdg-12;)
a. Literature Review (EN11/12RWS-IVdg-12.2;)
4. Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing professional
correspondence: (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13;)
a. Resume (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.1;)
b. Application for Employment (EN11/12RWS-IVhj-13.3;)

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, you will be able to:
 Identify the features of Literature Review through the sample text provided;
 Choose a type of resume and evaluate its contents;
 Incorporate the principles of AIDA in your job application letter; and
 Apply the concepts of correct format and content in composing a resume.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 1

 Lesson Text and Context Connections:
Assertion and Counterclaims
6
Formulating Assertions

What is an Assertion?

Becoming a good critical reader means that you are able to logically evaluate the
claims of the writer. Assertions become the primary channel for a reader to assent to a
claim.

Assertion is a stylistic approach or technique involving a confident or strong

declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement regarding an opinion, a belief,
fact or even feelings. Your assertion is meant to convince your reader or hearer to
accept what you are saying. This is partly similar to making a claim, although according
to hhtp://literarydevices.net/assertion/, an assertion is often without proof or support
whereas claims have to be explained, reasoned or evidenced.

Assertion is an honest and appropriate expression of one’s feelings, opinions,

and needs. Its purpose is to express ideas or feelings directly, for instance, “I have put
my every effort to complete this task today.” Standing up for your rights and not being
taken advantage of is one definition of being assertive. It also means communicating
what you really want in a clear fashion, respecting your own rights and feelings and the
rights and feelings of others.

How do you make assertions and how do you back them up? You can make
assertions by taking the view of the writer, the people involved in the text, or as a third
person reader/commenter. Further, you have to state your assertion in a statement
form, in a declarative tone. You can make assertions about the content and the text
properties- the structure and the language used. In doing this, you are also evaluating
or making judgments about the text you are reading.

It is important though that you can back up or give reason for making such
assertion based on the text and not from your imagination. In doing so, you have to go
back to the text content, structure, and language used. The following reminders will help
you in defending your assertion:

 Understand the content of the text. If there is a main point, is it clear? If there
is not or if is implied, can you make a statement that asserts its main point?
 Examine the supporting ideas or evidences. Are all the supporting details
relevant to the main point the text is trying to convey? Are these supporting ideas
adequate or enough?

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 2

  Look at the structure and the language of the text- the organization and the
words used. In Lesson 1, you are introduced to the different text organization
(from narrative to argumentative or persuasive texts) and the use of cohesive
devices in Lesson 2. You can use these elements in making further assertions
about the structure of text.

Tiongson’s Types of Assertion

1. STATEMENT OF FACT

This is a statement that can be proven objectively by direct experiences,

testimonies of witnesses, verified observations, or the results of research.

Example: The sampaguita’s roots are used for medicinal purposes, such as
an anesthetic and a sedative.

This statement is a fact because it can be directly verified by experience or

reliable research reports.

2. STATEMENT OF OPINION

Opinions are based on facts, but are difficult to objectively verify because of the
uncertainty of producing satisfactory proofs of soundness.

Example: The popularity of sampaguita flowers is most evident in places of

worship.

The above statement is an opinion because it is based on an observation that

needs to be proven by studies and repeated observation; there are too many
factors involved that makes explicit judgment difficult.

3. STATEMENT OF CONVENTION

A convention is a way in which something is done, similar to traditions and

norms. Conventions depend on historical precedent, laws, rules, usage, and
customs.

Example: The sampaguita belongs to the genus Jasminum of the family

Oleaceae.

This statement is a convention because it is based on a classification system

made up by scientists and is acceptable to the scientific community.

4. STATEMENT OF PREFERENCE

Preferences are based on personal choice; therefore, they are subjective and

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 3

 cannot be objectively proven or logically attacked.

Example: Sampaguitas are the most beautiful and most fragrant of all flowers.

This statement is a preference because it says a lot about the type of flowers that
the writer likes, instead of objectively comparing the qualities of sampaguitas to
that of other flowers.

Formulating Counterclaims

To be an effective critical thinker, it is not enough just to be able to identify claims

and assertions. It is also important to have the ability to analyze an argument and
counterclaims.

Counterclaims are claims made to rebut a previous claim. They provide a

contrasting perspective to the main argument.

Counterclaims – answer the question “What are other credible possibilities?

The following questions will help you formulate a counterclaim:

 What are the major points on which you and the author can disagree?
 What is the strongest argument? What did they say to defend their position?
 What are the merits of their view?
 What are the weaknesses or shortcomings in their argument?
 Are there any hidden assumptions?
 Which lines from the text best support the counterclaim you have formulated?

Steps in Writing a Counterclaim

Step One – Ways to begin counterclaim paragraphs

 Many people believe that . . .
 It is often thought that . . .
 It might seem as if . . .
 While it is common . . .
Step Two – Ways to transition from the opposite side back to your opinion
 What this argument fails to consider is . . .
 This view sounds convincing at first but . . .
 Although the core claim is valid, it suffers from the flaw in its . . .

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 4

Step Three – Write a counterclaim. Use one of the sentence starters in step one.
Remember to transition back to your opinion. Use one of the sentences
starters in step two.

Counterclaim example:
It is often thought that social studies are the favorite academic class for junior high
school students. However, what this argument fails to consider is that science allows
for more hands-on activities. For example, when studying amphibians, you get to
dissect a frog rather than just read about an event from the past.

Lesson Text and Context Connections:

Textual Evidence
7
Determining Textual Evidence

In formulating assertions and counterclaims about a text, it is important that you

support your statements with textual evidence.

What is textual evidence?

Textual evidence is information gathered from the text that supports your
assertion or counterclaim about the text. It refers to any proof of an argument, a claim, a
counterclaim, an assertion cited in the text leading to a conclusion.
In expressing your judgment about the text,

1. First, state your idea about the text.

2. To determine evidence from the text, look for clues and keywords that support
your idea about the text.
3. Quote or paraphrase the part of the text that helped you come up with your idea.
4. Use quotation marks to quote a part of the text. If it is from a book, indicate the
page number at the end of your sentence.
5. Lastly, express how the quote supports your idea.

In citing textual evidence, you need to quote, paraphrase or refer to the very specific
part of the text where you can use to support your own thoughts and ideas.

Below are types of textual evidences:

1. Referencing
This is the act of mentioning a specific section of the text like an event or action.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 5

 Example:
 According to Fussell, ‘The Oxford Book of English Verse presides over the
Great War in a way that has never been fully appreciated’ (159).
 Strickland tells the story of Minty Nelson, a 27-year-old Seattle University
employee and student, whose encounter with a census worker epitomizes the
identity battle faced constantly by multiracial people.

2. Paraphrasing
This is restating an author’s or someone else’s work using your own words
without losing the original idea of the text.

Example:
The original passage: The paraphrase:

Students frequently overuse direct In research papers students often quote

quotation in taking notes; as a result they excessively, failing to keep quoted material
overuse quotations in the final (research) paper. down to a desirable level. Since the problem
Probably only about 10% of your final usually originates during note taking. It is
manuscript should appear as directly quoted essential to minimize the material recorded
matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the verbatim (Lester, 1976 p. 46 – 47)
amount of exact transcribing of source materials
while taking notes (Lester, 1976 p. 46 – 47) Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbb4Ch7nDJc
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbb4Ch7nDJc

3. Summarizing

This is stating the essential ideas together of the text in a shorter way.

Example:
The original passage: The summary:

Students frequently overuse direct Students should take just a few notes in
quotation in taking notes; as a result they direct quotation from sources to help minimize
overuse quotations in the final (research) paper. the amount of quoted material in a research
Probably only about 10% of your final paper (Lester, 1976 p. 46 – 47)
manuscript should appear as directly quoted
matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the
amount of exact transcribing of source materials
while taking notes (Lester, 1976 p. 46 – 47)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbb4Ch7nDJc
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbb4Ch7nDJc

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 6

4. Quoting

This is stating a part of a text in the exact way it was written.

Example:
 Samantha King, a forensic specialist, stated that “DNA evidence is usually
indisputable.
 According to Confucius, “You can’t open a book without learning something.”

Support your statements with textual evidence to come up with strong or solid
arguments, and make your ideas more credible. You can come up with good textual
evidence by selecting the most relevant section of the text that strongly supports your
statement about the text.

Why do you need to determine textual evidence?

The need to answer questions after reading a text and or to share our ideas
enables us to go back to what we have read and give evidence from it to prove that you
are not just manufacturing your thoughts. Oftentimes, when you are asked about how
nice a movie was, you need to cite part or parts of the movie which could support your
thoughts that it was indeed a very nice movie worthy to be watched. What you are doing
is using textual evidence.

Example:
Eric often gets wet on Saturdays. He wakes up at 6 o’clock in the morning and
goes straight to the faucet. He prepares a basin, soap, shampoo and a stool. One by
one, he calls out his fur friends for the Saturday mornings “ritual”.

Question: Based on the text, what is Eric’s work on Saturday mornings?

a. Washes clothes c. Bathes his pets
b. Cooks for breakfast d. Preparing for work
Textual Evidence: One by one, he calls out his fur friends for the Saturday mornings
“ritual”

Lesson
Literature Review
8
Literature Review
Literature means body of written works such as journals, articles, research papers,
newspapers, magazines and books. On the other hand, review (as an action), refers to
reading and re-reading, verifying, examining, an assessing something. As a thing,

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 7

review means an appraisal, an examination, an assessment on what has already been
said about the topic or the research. Hence, a literature review is a comprehensive
synthesis of the existing studies, theories and published works that are related to and
would provide support to the present research. Reviewing literature then is a research-
oriented activity. As such, you have to be guided by the following questions:
 What is the topic about? What is your topic statement or thesis statement? What
is your statement of the problem?
 What studies have been done on the topic?
 What do/did the experts say on the topic? What ideas or theories have you read
about the topic?
 What bearing do the ideas or theories have on the present study or topic? Are
there gaps between ideas? Which ones are related to each other and to the
present topic? Which ones contradict?
 What do these related ideas, theories or studies contribute to your present study,
topic or project?

Reviewing literature entails you to read and weave together all the related ideas you
have read from different sources.

Organization of a Literature Review

To properly organize your literature review, it is suggested that you use the
thematic style wherein you base the discussion on the topic and thesis statement, if it is
a stand-alone literature review on a particular topic. However, if it is a literature review
of a research paper, the organization of the ideas is based on the problem statement
and its sub-problems. For example, the topic statement is on effective procrastination;
the thesis statement is whether procrastination is an effective way for students to get
their work done. First, you will talk about procrastination in general, as a phenomenon.
Next, you will develop the review by discussing ideas and studies highlighting the pros
and cons of procrastination. Then, analytically comment on how and what the ideas
contribute to your present research, what gap, if any, does the previous study or
article’s ideas have in your present study.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 8

Example of a paragraph in a literature review

Body image issues have been widely associated with social media usage,
Topic
particularly in young women. The relation between media depictions and body Sentence/
image concerns is well-established; a meta-analysis by Grabe, Ward and Hyde Statement
(2008) concluded that exposure to mass media is linked to body image
dissatisfaction among women. However, in an era of rapidly changing digital
technologies, the mass media paradigm is no longer adequate for understanding Critical
how people engage with images, and the findings of older studies like this one may Evaluation
not be generalizable to younger generations.
In light of this changing landscape, researchers have become increasingly
Theory
interested in the specific effects of social media. Perloff (2014) theorizes that the
interactive aspects of social media may influence its impact on body image, and
mentions that young women are among the most active social media users. Several
empirical studies have focused on Facebook usage in adolescent girls (Tiggermann
& Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014) and in young adult women (Smith, Hames, &
Joiner, 2013; Fardouly et al., 2015; Cohen, Newton-John & Slater, 2017), while a
systematic review by Holland and Timmerman (2016) confirmed a relationship
between social networking and body image for both women and men. Across these
studies, there is consistent evidence that body image issues are influenced not by
social media usage in general, but by engagement with the visual and interactive
aspects of these platforms. Nonetheless, there is a lack of robust research on more
highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram and Snapchat that have Research Gap
gained more recent popularity among younger generations.

See link: https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/

Lesson Job Application – Resume

9
Business Letter
Writing an effective business letter is one of the best ways to
communicate with your prospective employer, customer or business associates; thus,
the appearance of your letter should be as important as its content or message.
Regardless of the formality of the correspondence, a business letter has the following
standard parts:

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 9

Standard parts of a letter

1. Letterhead
Many institutions have their own stationery where the
company/organization’s name, address and contact information with logo,
provides readers the necessary information required to reply to the sender.

2. Dateline
Consisting of the complete date when the letter is written, the dateline
is presented first with the complete spelling of the month, followed by the date
then the year.

January 1, 2021

3. Inside Address
Inside address consists of the following parts, which will also appear
on the envelope: name of the addressee position, company name/affiliation,
company address and zip code. The title of the addressee must be written
accordingly such as: Mr., Ms./Miss, Mrs., Dr., Engr., or Fr.

Mr. Javier Garcia

Managing Editor
Banat Newsletter
Jakosalem Street, Cebu City 6000

4. Salutation or Opening
With the preliminary word ‘Dear’ followed by the title and family name of
the receiver, this part of the letter opens the channel of communication between
the reader and sender. A colon is placed after the family name.

Dear Mr./Ms./Madam/Bernales:

5. Body of the Message

Content or messages are discussed and presented in the body section.

I am expressing my interest in the position of ESL Instructor which you

have advertised in Philippine Daily Inquirer. I believe my academic
background combined with competencies will enable me to become an
asset in your company.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 10

 6. Complimentary Closing/Ending
This part signals that the letter is officially closed. The complimentary
closing, followed by a comma, indicates words that depend on the formality (in
contrast with personal) of the letter.

Yours truly/Respectfully yours,

Sincerely/Sincerely yours/Cordially,
Regards/Lovingly yours/Kindest regards,

7. Signature Line/Block
For the signature block, the writer indicates his/her complete name with
signature.

Gissell S. Baring

Letter Styles or Formats

1. Block Format – All letter parts are typed at the left margin and no indentation is
needed. This is the most commonly used style because of its simplicity.
2. Modified Block Format – Similar to the block format, there are no indentations
except for the dateline and complimentary closing which are typed to the right
portion of the page.
3. Semi-Block Format – Also called indented letter, the semi-block style is similar
to modified block where the dateline and complimentary closing are placed on
the right portion. The only difference is the five-space indention in the first
sentence of each paragraph in the body.

Application Letter
Careful planning of the message in your cover letter is advisable since this will
serve as your gateway in achieving that opportunity for an interview and finally landing a
job. An application letter explains briefly why you should be considered as the best
candidate for the job and why employers should hire or choose you among other

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 11

equally-competent applicants. The principle of AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action) is
helpful in drafting this type of letter.
There are two kinds of job application letters: the solicited and the unsolicited
application letter. Solicited letter is a response to a job posted where the hiring company
specifies the vacant position and the qualifications required of the said position. On the
other hand, unsolicited is a letter sent in an assumption that you might be chosen once
there is vacancy in the job position.

Resume
Once you have impressed your employers with your application letter, they would
further want to know you better through a one-two-page summary of your qualifications,
which is your resume. Your resume must reflect accurate and correct information.
Organized in an outline form through short phrases rather than whole sentences, your
resume must cover the essentials that are appropriate for the job you are applying for
and that will interest your prospective employer.

Contents of a Resume
1. Heading – includes the applicant’s complete name, address and contact
information
2. Objective - creates a favorable impression that the applicant is interested in the
position
3. Skills – highlights the valuable competencies that an applicant possesses that
will be beneficial for the company.
4. Work Experience/Employment History – lists in reverse chronological order (i.e.
most recent first) the companies previously worked with which include the
position or job title, address, and inclusive dates.
5. Education – specifies the degree earned inclusive of the name of the
school/university, address and the date of graduation
6. Seminars, workshops and trainings attended – indicates as the name suggests
reflecting how active the applicant is in his/her professional growth and
development.
7. Achievements, honors and organizational affiliations – indicates as the name
suggests showing the applicant’s co-curricular and extra-curricular involvement.
8. References – covers the list of professionals, either former employer or teacher,
who can vouch objectively for the applicant’s abilities, attitudes, and
accomplishments. Usually, three references are recommended.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 12

EXAMPLE JOB APPLICATION LETTER USING THE BLOCK FORMAT

March 10, 2023

Jane Doe
School Principal
Minglanilla, Cebu 6046
[email protected]

Dear Ms. Jane Doe:

I was pleased to learn of your opening for an English Teacher through indeed.com. I am
currently a teacher at Pathways Primary School, where I have 6 years of experience
teaching English, Geography, and Social Studies to 150+ students in 2nd through 5th
grade. I am drawn to your institution’s teaching philosophy of fostering individual growth
and curiosity through an exploratory curriculum.

I have robust experience in applying a wide variety of teaching and assessment

methodologies and contributing to the design and development of curriculum and
teaching material. During my employment at Pathways, I have:

 Led a staff collaboration to update old curriculum and teaching materials for the
4th and 5th grade
 Increased average writing and reading comprehension test scores by 16% over
four years

My strong initiative, exceptional organizational skills, and ability to cater to a diverse

range of learners allow me to play a crucial role in a fast-paced teaching environment.
Furthermore, with my history of staff collaboration, I am prepared to become an
immediate team player at your school.

I welcome the opportunity to personally discuss with you how my skills and strengths
can best serve your students. Please contact me at (+63 912 3456 789) or
[email protected].

Sincerely,

Gissell S. Baring

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 13

Example Resume

Wrap Up

Counterclaims are claims made to rebut a previous claim. They provide a

contrasting perspective to the main argument.
Counterclaims- answer the question; “What are other credible possibilities?”
Textual evidence is information gathered from the text that supports your assertion
or counterclaim about the text. It refers to any proof of an argument, a claim, a
counterclaim, an assertion cited in the text leading to a conclusion.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 14

 In locating textual evidence, decide which type of textual evidence will best support
your statement before locating textual evidence. Always look for clues and keywords
that support your evaluative statement/s about the text.

In locating textual evidence, decide which type of textual evidence will best support
your statement before locating textual evidence. Always look for clues and keywords
that support your evaluative statement/s about the text.

Literature review is a comprehensive synthesis of the existing studies, theories and

published works that are related to and would provide support to the present
research. To organize a literature review of a research paper, the organization of
ideas is based on the problem statement and its sub-problems.

An application letter explains briefly why you should be considered as the best
candidate for the job and why employers should hire you or choose you among other
equally – competent applicants.

A resume is organized in an outline form through short phrases rather than whole
sentences. This must cover the essentials including your qualifications that are
appropriate for the job you are applying for and that will interest your prospective
employer.

References:

https://prezi.com/nm4ou_jglck5/the-logic-of-assertions/
https://prezi.com/ewf9w9v0fefu/kinds-of-statement-comm2g/
https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/547ffba0d2b76d000200267d/curriculum#curric
ulum
https://www.slideshare.net/VanessaRamones/formulating-assertions
ttps://www.academia.edu/6361626/ASSERT_YOURSELF_ASSERT_YOURSELF_Mod
ule_Four_How_to_Behave_More_Assertively_Assertiveness_Techniques_Basic_Assert
ion
https://www.businessbusinessbusiness.com.au/harness-five-types-assertion-get-voice-
heard/
http://rhe306.drw.utexas.edu/sites/rhe306.drw.utexas.edu/files/Worksheet_Claim-
counterclaim.pdf
Retrieved:
https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/undergrad_resumes_and_cover_letters.pdf?m
=1438110947
https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/
Ibona, L. et. al. (2016). Headway: Read , Think, and Write: A Comprehensive Worktext
in Reading and Writing for Senior High School. University of San Carlos Press.

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 15

Performance Task 4 : Writing a Job Application Letter
Directions: Craft a letter for your JOB APPLICATION. Use the standard parts of a
letter, AIDA, and letter style as your guide. Use a clean short bond paper. It
should be computerized. (50 pts.)
Rubrics
Criteria 50-45 44-38 37 and below

Performance Task 4: Writing a Resume

Directions: Make a RESUME following the contents discussed. Use a clean short bond
paper and it should be computerized. (50 pts.)

Reading and Writing: Final Module | 16