READING AND WRITING SKILLS

TOPIC: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

The subject of the sentence and its verb must agree with one another in number.

A singular subject requires a singular verb.

A plural subject requires a plural verb.

Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

Rule 1:
The pronoun "you" always takes a plural verb.
Examples:
✓ You are invited to come.
✓ You are asked to clean the room.
✓ You sing so well.

Rule 2:
When sentences start with "there" or here", the subject will always be placed after the verb, so care need to be taken to
identify it correctly.
Examples:
✓There is a problem with the balance sheet.
✓Here are the papers you requested.

Rule 3:
If two subjects, one singular and one plural, are connected by either/or or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the nearer
subject.
Examples:
✓ Neither the players nor the coach is joining.
✓ Either the conductor or the singers are attending the concert.

Rule 4:
If a singular subject is followed by a phrase containing a plural noun, the verb is singular.
Examples:
✓ One of the boys is yelling so loud.
✓ One of the members is against the rule.
Rule 5:
Certain nouns, through plural in form, are singular in meaning and therefore take singular verbs.
Examples:
✓ Mathematics is my favorite subject.
✓ The latest news is alarming to the public.

Rule 6:
The name of country is always regarded as singular.
Examples:
✓ The Bahamas has beautiful beaches.
✓ Philippines is a wondrous place.

Rule 7:
Title of books, plays, articles, and movies are regarded as singular even though words in the title may be plural.
Examples:
✓ "In Dream Begin Responsibilities" is a story by D. Schwartz.
✓ "Great Expectations" is a must-read novel.

Rule 8:
Pronouns (few, many, several, both, all, some) that always take the plural form.
Examples:
✓ Few were left alive after the flood.
✓ Many are called but few are chosen.

TOPIC: BASIC SENTENCE PATTERNS

 Basic Sentence Pattern:
a) S + IV
b) S + TV + DO
c) S + TV + IO + DO
d) S + TV + DO + OC
e) S + LV + SC

Adverbial- It adds information. It answers the questions where, when, why, and how.

a) S + IV
(Subject + Intransitive Verb)
Subject- a person or thing that is being discussed or described in a sentence.
Intransitive verb- a verb that doesn’t require an object.
Examples:
 They worked.
 The building collapsed.

b) S + TV + DO
(Subject + Transitive Verb + Direct Object)
Transitive Verb- a verb that requires an object.
Direct Object- the receiver of an action.
Examples:
 Justin kicked the ball.
 She likes coffee.

c) c. S + TV + IO + DO
(Subject + Transitive Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object)
Indirect Object- answers the question ‘to whom’ or ‘for whom’.
Examples:
 My mother made me a dress.
 Uncle Lyster sent me a gift.

d) S + TV + DO + OC
(Subject + Transitive Verb + Direct Object + Object Compliment)
Object Compliment- it describes, renames or gives information about the object.
Examples:
 I find the book interesting.
 I name the dog “buddy”.
 e) S + LV + SC
(Subject + Linking Verbs + Subject Complement)
Linking Verb- it links the subject and its complement.
Subject Compliment- it describes or provides information about the subject.
Examples:
 She is intelligent.
 I am a teacher.

TOPIC: FIGURES OF SPEECH

 A Figure of Speech is a departure from the ordinary form of expression, or the ordinary course of ideas in order to
produce a greater effect.
Figure of Speech is a figurative language in the form of a single word or phrase.

Types of Figures of Speech:

1) Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that is mainly used to compare two or more things that possess a similar quality. It
uses words such as ‘like’, ‘so’, or ‘as’ to make the comparison. (Indirect Comparison)
Examples:
 My brother and I fight like cats and dogs all the time.
 Alexander is always as busy as a bee.
 Autumn leaves will fade and so will I.

2) Metaphor
A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make a direct comparison. It makes the comparison as if it was
literally true. In other words, it can be said that a metaphor is an implied comparison. (Direct Comparison)
Examples:
 Ace is an early bird.
 The camel is a ship of the desert.
 Life is a rollercoaster.

3) Personification
Personification is a figure of speech that is used to attribute human characteristics to something that is not human.
It can also be used to personify an abstract quality.
Examples:
 The stars were sparkling and winking at all of us.
 The flowers danced to the wind.
 The sun kissed me while I was clicking a picture.

4) Apostrophe
Apostrophe is a figure of speech that is used to address someone who is absent or already dead. It can also be used
to address an abstract quality or idea, and even a non-living object.
Examples:
 Twinkle, twinkle little star. How I wonder what you are?
 God, why does it hurt?
 Hello darkness, my old friend, I’ve come to talk to you again.

5) Hyperbole
A hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used to make a point or emphasize a feeling
Examples:
 I am so hungry; I could eat a horse.
 I love you to the moon and back.
 This bag weighs a ton.

6) Euphemism
Euphemism consists in the description of a disagreeable ting by an agreeable name. It is the art of communicating
something in a less annoying and much lighter tone or in an indirect manner.
Examples:
  (Collateral damage- Accidental deaths)
The collateral damage that resulted from the war was saddening.
 (Pass away- To die)
His great-grandfather passed away last week.
 (On the streets- Homeless)
We got to know that the family was on the streets, and so we are trying to help them in every way
possible.

7) Antithesis
In Antithesis, a striking opposition or contrast of words or sentiments is made in the same sentence. It is employed
to secure emphasis.
Examples:
 Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
 Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
 Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.

8) Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a rhetorical device that uses two opposite or contradictory terms one after the other in order to
project an effect.
Examples:
 Bittersweet
The joy of leaving was great but the heartache of me leaving them was a bittersweet.
 Awfully good
There’s a lot of companies out there still paying awfully good dividends.
 Deafening silence
We gave them an opportunity to clarify their position but received deafening silence.

9) Epigram
An epigram is a short, interesting and insightful idea or thought about a specific subject expressed in a witty,
satirical and funny manner.
Examples:
 “Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Mother Teresa
 There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. –
Oscar Wilde
 “If we don’t end war, war will end us.” – H. G. Wells

10) Irony
Irony is a rhetorical device that is used to express an intended meaning by using language that conveys the
opposite meaning when taken literally.
Examples:
 This is my brilliant son who failed out of college.
 If it were a cold, rainy gray day, you might say, “What a beautiful day!”.
 She’s a brilliant singer who sings like a crow.

TOPIC: DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

 Direct speech or Quoted speech- the message of the speaker is conveyed or reported in his actual words without any
change.
Example: The boy said, “I ate pancake”.

Parts of direct speech:

1. Reporting clause
2. Reporting verb
3. Reported clause
4. Reported verb
Parts of direct speech: Example sentence:
The boy said, “I ate pancake”.
1. Reporting clause The boy said
2. Reporting verb Said
3. Reported clause I ate pancake
4. Reported verb ate

Indirect speech or Reported speech- a report on what someone else said or wrote without using that person’s exact
words. (No quotation marks)
Example: The boy said that he had eaten pancakes.

Things to consider in converting direct speech to indirect speech:

1. Person of pronouns.
2. Verbs.
3. Interrogative speech and imperative speech
4. Other significant word changes

1. Person of pronouns
The person of pronouns pertains to the point of views:
a. First person
b. Second person
c. Third person

a. First person- Talks about the speaker himself.

Pronouns in first person:
I, me, my

How to convert Direct speech to Indirect speech using the first person point of view:
Direct speech Indirect speech
Anna said, “I am happy”. Anna said that she was happy.

b. Second person- Speaker talking to person involved.

How to convert Direct speech to Indirect speech using the second person point of view:
Direct speech Indirect speech
Joy said to Paul, “You passed the exam”. Joy told Paul that he had passed the exam.

c. Third person- The subject is absent.

 How to convert Direct speech to Indirect speech using the third person point of view:
Direct speech Indirect speech
Joanna said, “She looks sad’. Joanna said she looked sad.

2. Verbs
 If the reporting verb is in present tense or future tense, then there is no change in the verb of reported clause.
Example:

How to convert direct speech to indirect speech using the verbs

Direct speech Indirect speech
He says, “I am going to the library”. He says that he is going to the library.

 If the reporting verb is in past tense, then change tense in reported verb.
Example:

How to convert direct speech to indirect speech using the verbs

Direct speech Indirect speech
The man said, “I join the club”. The man said that he joined the club.

Change in tense of the verb

Direct speech Indirect speech
Present simple Past simple
The man said, “I join the club”. The man said that he joined the club.
Present progressive Past progressive
She said, “The cat is sleeping”. She said that the cat was sleeping.
Present perfect Past perfect
The said, “We have prepared snacks”. They said that they had prepared snacks.
Pas simple: Past perfect
My friend announced, “The meeting started”. My friend announced that the meeting had started.
Past progressive Past perfect progressive
Shane said, “The children were laughing at my Shane said that the children had been laughing at her
cleverness”. cleverness.
Past perfect Past perfect
The boy said, “I had studied abroad”. The boy said that he had studied abroad.

Change in modal verbs

will/shall would/should
Bryan said, “I will try to finish my report”. Bryan said that he would try to finish his report.
can could
My father said to me, “I can pick you up”. My father told me he could pick me up.
may might
Troy said, “I may invite them to the party”. Troy said that he might invite them to the party.
must must/had to
Jane said, “I must stop smoking”. Jane said that she must stop smoking.
Jane said that she had to stop smoking.

3. Interrogative speech and Imperative speech

Interrogative speech is a speech that ask a question, typically to request information.
For the conversion of interrogative speech, the reporting verb “said” or said to is changed to asked, demanded, or
inquired.
John said- John asked
 They said- They inquired

Change in Interrogative speech

Direct speech Indirect speech
Yes/no questions
Joseph said to Jana, “Will you attend the party?”. Joseph asked Jana if she would attend the party.
(Instead of connecting “that”, we use the word “if” or
“whether”.)
Wh questions
My brother said to my sister, “What are you doing?”. My brother asked my sister what she was doing.

Imperative speech are used to express commands or orders or requests and also to give instructions or some
advice.
For the conversion of Imperative speech, the verb “said” or ‘said to” are changed to “ordered” or “commanded”.

Change in Imperative speech

Direct speech Indirect speech
The librarian said to me, “Keep quiet”. The librarian ordered me to keep quiet.
said/told
He told me, “Please call me”. He requested me to call him.

4. Other significant word changes

Direct speech Indirect speech

now then
here there
today that day
tomorrow the next day
yesterday the day before
tonight that night
this that
these those

Example:
Alexa stated, “I am at home now”. Alexa stated that she was at home then.
TOPIC: APPLICATION LETTER

Application letter is a letter that you write when you apply for a job.

Application letter can also be called a “cover letter” because it is a cover page to the resume.

Seven parts of an application letter:

1. Return Address
2. Dateline
3. Inside Address
4. Salutation
5. Body of the Letter
6. Complementary Close
7. Name and Signature

1. Return Address
This is the address of the person writing the letter. This is also called “Letterhead” or “Heading” in business
correspondence or if used in a particular institution.

2. Dateline
It is the complete date the letter was written. It is placed below the return address.
When writing dateline, always follow the DepEd Manual Of Style or (DMOS) format. Placing the month, the day,
and year order.

3. Inside Address
This is the complete name of the recipient of the letter including his position or designation, name of the company
or office and its address.

4. Salutation
This is a greeting addressed to the recipient of the letter.
Example: Dear Sir, Dear Ma’am, Dear Mr., Dear Ms., Dear Mrs., followed by the family name.
Colon (:) is the punctuation mark used in formal letter or business letters. This is called the “closed punctuation
style’.
Comma (,) is used for informal letters. This is called the “open punctuation style.

5. Body of the Letter

It is the message of the letter to recipient. It requires concise and direct purpose.

6. Complementary Close
This is the ending of the letter placed after the body of the letter.
Example, Sincerely yours, Truly yours, Respectfully yours, Yours truly, Cordially yours,.
Remember, that only the first letter of the first word is capitalized.
 7. Name and Signature
This is the complete name of the writer affixing his signature.
If the letter is sent electronically, you may have the E-signature. This legally allowed or valid in letters sent
online.
Take note that an unsigned application letter is merely a piece of paper. It is not acceptable and has no value.

Example of an application letter:

2490 Zone 3 Gil Estate

Antipolo City, Rizal

February 24, 2019

Mr. Jose S. Cartaño

Human Resource Manager
The Bread and Butter Restaurant
197 Diego Silang St.,
Antipolo City, Rizal

Dear Mr. Cartaño:

I would like to express my interest to apply in the Managerial Position posted at

Jobstreet.com last February 12, 2019. As mentioned in your advertisement, I consider my
skills and expertise as fit for the said position in your renowned establishment.

Aside from being a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Colegio de San
Miguel, I also have ten-year industry experience in managing a local fast-food chain. I am
applying in your establishment because I believe that your company would benefit with the
innovative approach that I could give.

My skills and experiences are included in the resume enclosed on this letter. Thank you for
your time in processing my application. I look forward to hear from you soon. If you have
questions, you can contact me at +639150987654.

Truly yours,

Beaaguilar
BEA M. AGUILAR

Parts of a given Application Letter:

1. Return Address:
2490 Zone 3 Gil Estate
Antipolo City, Rizal

2. Dateline:
February 24, 2019
3. Inside Address:
Mr. Jose S. Cartaño
Human Resource Manager
The Bread and Butter Restaurant
197 Diego Silang St.,
Antipolo City, Rizal

4. Salutation:
Dear Mr. Cartaño:

5. Body of the Letter:

I would like to express my interest to apply in the Managerial Position posted at Jobstreet.com last February 12,
2019. As mentioned in your advertisement, I consider my skills and expertise as fit for the said position in your
renowned establishment.

Aside from being a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Colegio de San Miguel, I also have ten-
year industry experience in managing a local fast-food chain. I am applying in your establishment because I
believe that your company would benefit with the innovative approach that I could give.

My skills and experiences are included in the resume enclosed on this letter. Thank you for your time in
processing my application. I look forward to hear from you soon. If you have questions, you can contact me at
+639150987654.

6. Complementary Close:
Truly yours,

7. Name and Signature

Beaaguilar
BEA M. AGUILAR