READING AND
WRITING
Prepared by: Mrs. Clare T. Siplon LPT
What is a text?
It is a large unit of written language. A text is
actually a connected discourse. Thus, text is a
group of ideas put together to make a point or one
central idea.
What is a discourse?
■ Studying hard became Alex’s routine, and despite his being poor, he made sure to
maximize the university’s resources.
■ Alex is no stranger to poverty.
■ Alex will graduate with the university’s highest academic achievement.
■ Inspired by his friends, Alex worked on joining the National Chemical Engineering
Quiz Bowl as representative of his university.
■ Alex passed the highly competitive college admission test of a respected university.
■ Alex says that while it sounds cliché, he really wants to give back to the Philippines.
■ Almost five years later, Alex become one of the country’s premier chemists.
Alex is no stranger to poverty. Studying hard became his
routine, despite his being poor, he made sure to maximize the
university’s resources. Months after, Alex passed the highly
competitive college admission test of a respected university. Though
exhausted, he was inspired by his friends. He worked on joining the
National Chemical Engineering Quiz Bowl as representative of his
university. For many years of hard work Alex will graduate with the
university’s highest academic achievement. Almost five years later,
he became one of the country’s premier chemists. While it sounds
cliché, he really wants to give back to the Philippines for all the
experiences and lessons that serves as his strength to pursue all his
dreams.
Properties of a well written text:
Organization – Refers to the arrangement of ideas in a
text. It can be useful because it provides a format in
which ideas can be arranged in a hierarchy that
distinguishes the general ideas from the specific or
subordinating ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion – Refers to the
connection of ideas and connection between
sentences and between paragraphs. It is important
to use transitional devices (adding information,
refer to previous statement, or contrasting the
previous statement).
Appropriate language used – refers to the
acceptable style of language for a particular
form of text.
Proper Mechanics – refers to the
conventions of writing which includes
capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
numerals, etc.
20 June 2019
Mr. Recto Amoranto
University of the Far East
Sampaloc, Manila
Dear Mr, Amoranto:
As you know, scholarship ApPPlications require recomendations. I will request you that you
should write a letter for me ASAP! I am still grateful for what you have already contributed
to my education. If you do not like to do the favor that I am requesting then it’s up to you but
you better watch out. I am now about to complete the academic requirements in senior high
school. I am also seeking scholarship grants that would give me privilege to aquire a college
degree.
Yours,
John dela vega
Graphic Organizers
1. Time Pattern Organizer – Is used when ideas in a text need to be
arranged in a chronological order.
Event 1/Step 1
Description / Details of Instruction
Event 2 / Step 2
Description / Details of Instruction
Event 3 / Step 3
Description / Details of Instruction
2. Listing Pattern Organizer – used when the
author provides a series of details that does not
require any order
Topic
Detail 1:
Detail 2:
Detail 3:
Detail 4:
3. Classification Pattern Organizer – used
when the author divides a group into subgroups or
smaller groups.
Topic
Classification 1 Classification 2 Classification 3
Characteristics Characteristics Characteristics
Example Example Example
4. Comparison and Contrast Pattern
Organizer – used to show similarities and differences
of two or more subjects.
Comparable Comparable
Topic 1 Topic 2
5. Cause-and-Effect Pattern Organizer – Used
to express why something happened or what resulted
from a particular event.
Cause 2
Cause 1 Cause 3
EFFE
CT
6. Generalization and Example Pattern Organizer
– Used when the author explains a general idea and
discusses it in specific terms.
7. Definition Pattern Organizer - used when
the author provides a meaning of a new or difficult
word.
Term
Definition Antonym
Synonyms Examples Non-examples
What is a Thesis Statement?
- It is the central idea of an essay, which all other ideas revolve.
It is not just the most important idea; it also controls the essay
by determining what you should or should not include in your
work.
- It should be clear that the thesis statement is not the topic or
the subject itself, but an interpretation of the topic.
Characteristics of an effective thesis
statement:
■ Expresses the main idea in one to two sentences
■ Focuses on a specific issue
■ States a stand on the topic
■ Says something meaningful by answering the questions: “So what?,
How?, Why”.
■ Previews the rest of the essay by being placed in the introduction
■ Reflects a tone and point-of –view appropriate to the identified purpose
and audiences.
Fill in the blanks by deriving either a general subject, specific topic, or a
thesis statement depending on the given details.
General Subject Specific Topic Thesis Statement
1. Sports Being part of a high school basketball team is a good
training ground for an athlete who wants to play for a
college basketball team.
2. Facebook Interactions Face-to-face conversations are more meaningful than
facebook interactions because they are more personal.
3. Music Original Pilipino Music
(OPM)
4. Education The K to 12 Program
5. Transportation The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) fare hike is a reasonable
measure because the additional revenue generated can go
to the much-needed improvement of the train’s coaches.
6. Necklace Wearing a necklace can enhance the confidence and beauty
of a lady.
General Subject Specific Topic Thesis Statement
7. Movie The Avengers End Game
8. Leaders Being a president is not an easy task for it
requires deeper understanding of the problem
that the country is facing.
9. Technology The abuse of using
cellphones
10. Foods Desserts
Patterns of Development
1. Narration/Narrative
-is basically storytelling. It is a sequence of events
told by a narrator,(or the writer) happening in a particular
place at a particular time. Narration is creating a world
based on the writer’s imagination.
Clipped Narration
“He came and talked to us. Then he left the house and then he
drove the car back home. Paced Narration “He came and talked to
us for a few moments. He seemed upset, but he managed to get
through all the bad news. Shaking our hands before he left the
house come twilight, he seemed to feel better now that he had
delivered the news. He waved from the car as he pulled out of the
driveway, narrowly missing the mailbox again, and drove off to
return home.”
Concrete Terms
words that identify things, places, and events that can be
measured and observed. These are terms that have physical
manifestation in our world. Examples: spoon, dog, house
Concrete: “He was shivering violently from the cold.”
Abstract Terms
refer to ideas or concepts that are intangible. Examples:
love, freedom, feminism
Abstract: “The joy in the air was palpable.”
General Terms
commonly used to denote groups - refer to an individual
component of the group.
Examples: cabinets, desks, chairs
General: “He gave her a piece of jewelry.”
Concrete: “He was shivering violently from the cold.”
Abstract: “The joy in the air was palpable.”
General: “He gave her a piece of jewelry.”
Specific: “Each green stone had fire in its facets.”
BEST SUMMER MEMORY OF MY CHILHOOD
By Nicholas Klacsanzky
When I was 11 years old, I attended a Unitarian church camp for a
summer vacation with my family. It was a pleasant area, with the Puget
Sound not far away, grass fields, many old-style wooden buildings, an
expansive forest, and an elongated pond between the road and the camp.
Deer and other wildlife regularly visited the grounds. It was an ideal place to
forget your worries and the routine of common life. As an 11-year-old boy, it
was a place for me to meet my friends, and maybe fall in love with a girl.
However, this summer camp was more spiritual than others—not because of
a religious message, but because I had an awakening at the camp that year.
I had been going to this summer retreat almost every year since I was
very young. But somehow, this year was different. It seemed my mind and
soul was ripe for a transformation. I recorded my first poem in my 11th year,
and I seemed more introspective than usual. I was less interested in playing
and joking around with my friends. I was searching for answers to deep
questions about life and God.
While walking down a path next to a grass field leading to the camp’s
cafeteria, suddenly my vision changed. The grass was shining, the texture of the
bark of trees was lucid, and each detail around me seemed like it was the first
time I was seeing. In a sense, it was a feeling of rebirth. In church, there is talk
of baptism, which is more of a ritual than anything else, in my opinion. The real
baptism is an inner transformation. But back to the experience, this natural
baptism came spontaneously. No effort was put into it. It was like a light was
switched on in my consciousness, and I saw everything as new again. This sight
was accompanied by a fresh sense of peace—a mental silence that I had not
experienced before. Also, joy was coursing through my being at the exhilaration
of such a happening.
From that moment, the world around me and within me was never the same. The
only problem was that I was too young to fully grasp what had happened. In fact, I thought
I was some sort of prophet. Seeing a tarot card reader only made the issue worse. Through
the reading, I thought I was “the victory of the people,” and someone no one else was like.
However, there were many other people who had the same experience—I just did not know
this at that tender age. Later in life, I learned there are many people just like me, and that I
was not all that special.
What I learned from this experience is that baptism, or spiritual rebirth, is a
spontaneous happening, and not done only from the hand of a priest. Also, I learned about
getting a spiritual ego, where you think you are important based on spiritual
experiences. My natural baptism and my knowledge of spiritual ego has allowed me to gain
much in life: more creativity, inner peace, and how to be humble in the face of
achievements.
BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE
“It was the 4th of July, and the summer heat was as blistering as ever
in New Mexico. Lilly-Ann, Daniela, and I – the three best friends – set out to
go on a girly picnic as we would every year since we were nine years old. I
had done all my chores and packed the picnic basket the night before, so as
soon as I brushed my teeth and had a coffee, I was ready to dress up and go
have a good time with my besties. I took my beat-up Cherokee and sped down
the street to meet up with Daniela; we would pick Lilly-Ann later.
Daniela and I shared the same birthday – February 27th, 1986. Our
moms were also best friends from high school. They went to the same college
and got married the same year. Everyone always laughed at how it all
resembled a generic best-friends-for-life movie or novel. It seemed like
Daniela and I were destined to be best friends. Neither of us had siblings, so
we became much like sisters to each other. We shared all interests and hobbies
without exception. We both joined the school’s female soccer team, and both
played in the defense. But, most important of all, we were always there for
each other in the toughest of situations, regardless of how preoccupied either
of us might have been.
The meadow on our spot always inspired us to go play a little soccer, as
we did this time as well. Then, we felt like we need to fresh up a little, so we
went into the river. We even managed to catch a small catfish, but we let it go.
The ride, the soccer, and the swim made us hungry, and we sat down to have
some lunch. We all always pack a little more food than we need for a picnic, so
we always have something of a menu to choose from. We all picked Lilly-Ann’s
roasted chicken with pineapple and mashed potatoes. During and after the
meal, we chattered and giggled non-stop as besties like us always would. Then
suddenly, Daniela seized laughing and stared blankly into the water for a
moment or two.
Then she turned her eyes at me and uttered: “Promise me we will
always be best friends, just like our moms.” We were light-hearted teenage
girls, somewhat airheads even. So, it was a pure shock to hear Daniela speak
so earnestly for the first time since I had known her.
Stunned, without the slightest idea of what was going on, all I could
mumble was a faint “I promise.”
By this time, it began to get dark, and my dad had already texted me
asking about my whereabouts. So, we rushed home. Lilly-Ann’s place was
the nearest to the river, then was Daniela’s, and mine was the farthest. As
Daniela and I said goodbye and I sat on the bike to be on my way, she was
still on the porch waving goodbye and shouted “Remember your promise,”
reminding me of something I couldn’t wish to forget anyway.
These words ring through my head to this day. A pitch black mustang
rolled from around the corner and headed our way.
“Dani…” I cried out as I leaped off the bike and to the side.
Stunned by the loud skiddle of tires and screams, I passed out. After I
came to my sense, the first thing I saw was Daniela’s limp body in her
mother’s hands as I heard hysterical weeping. My head suddenly felt heavy,
and my legs felt cotton-like. Dazed, I landed on my behind in slow motion.
The air felt thick and heavy, and I fainted once more. The next thing I
remember is waking up in my bed and seeing my mother sitting next to me,
sobbing.
I urged to tell her about my promise, but all I could utter was “Why
her?” – and then I burst into tears myself.
Nobody can take their best friend’s death well. I became antisocial. I
barely left my room, and whenever someone tried to talk to me about anything,
I responded with brief and bitter remarks. I wallowed in myself. Whirlwinds of
thoughts circled in my head – Why Daniela? Of all people, why did she have to
die? Couldn’t God pick someone more deserving of death? I could not imagine
how I was supposed to live on without her. Nobody could replace her in my life,
not even all the people in the world.
After one month of grieving, I finally found the strength to talk to my
mother. “Does God love us?” I asked, “Why does he hurt us?” “My girl,” she
said, “He picks the best of us and takes them before the cruel world can deform
them. He turns them into His angels, and Daniela must be your angel now.”
I can’t say that it made me feel any better at the time. But later on, I
understood the meaning of my promise. Daniela is always with me, following
me in all the choices I make in life. She is my angel.”
2. Description/Descriptive Pattern
the pattern of development which goes into
details about a specific object, person, or
location, in order to firmly set its appearance
What does it look like? What are its
characteristics?
Characteristics of Description
● has a clear focus and sense of purpose
● uses sensory details and precise words
● presents details in a logical order
Varieties of Description
1. Objective Description - looks into factual and scientific characteristics of
what is being described as objectively as possible * The writer stays away
from emotional impressions or responses and instead, describes the scene
as it is.
Example: Our living room is painted white. Also the door is white with glass
in it. On the left hand side there is a dark wooden dining table with four seats
around: They are made of plastic. Two of them are yellow and two of them are
blue. On the table there are two empty wine bottles which are used as
candleholders.
Beside the table there are three blue armchairs placed in a semicircle.
In the middle of this semicircle there is a black table with four candles, a
packet of cookies and two ashtrays on it. One of the ashtrays is made of wood
in form of a turtle. There are also several magazines on the table which is
placed on a blue and white carpet. Beside this table there is another small table
with the telephone on it. It is cordless and has an answering machine.
2. Subjective Description - a sort of description that the
author would normally use to “paint a picture” of how he
sees a character, or how he wants the reader to see a character
- also used in a literary discourse when there is stereotyped
image that can be attributed to a person, place, or an event.
Example: My mother had hair so dark that it looked like a
waterfall of ink. She always kept it in a braid that fell to her
slim waist, and always tied with a plain black band. The
braid of black slung over her shoulder, the plaits shining like
scales.
Objective is a busy word and that's a fact. An objective is a goal, but to
be objective is to be unbiased. If you're objective about something, you
have no personal feelings about it. In grammar land, objective relates to
the object of a sentence. Anyway, people often try to be objective.
1. "DNA testing and fingerprint analysis and all that technology stuff
is objective, they declare confidently. The machine cannot be fooled." (Salon)
Subjective , on the other hand, has feelings. Anything subjective is subject
to interpretation. In grammar land, this word relates to the subject of the
sentence. Usually, subjective means influenced by emotions or opinions.
1. "Because many of the decisions we made are subjective, there is the
possibility of human error in our data set." (Slate)
2. "Now, I realize that is totally subjective because there is no standard unit of
measurement for fun." (New York Times)
3. Definition
explains not just what something means
or is, but also what something does, what
something is used for, what something
looks like, etc.
Varieties of Definition
A. Scientific Definition - defines concepts in the most
factual way, which is often used in scientific, proper,
or real world facts
B. Subjective Definition - defines the objects in a more
personal way - usually derived from the author's own
experiences and opinion - often used by a writer to
state something from the point of view of the
characters or in relation to the setting
The term could be emphasized by the
following:
1. Characteristics or features
2. Function
3. Effect
4. Origin
5. Denotative
6. Connotative
4. Classification and Exemplification
- divides things into groups, classes, or categories
- organizes ideas into divisions based on criteria or
standards
Classification
the action or process of classifying something according
to shared qualities or characteristics. (Categorizing or
Grouping)
Signal Words for Classification
■ another classified
■ as one kind
■ the last group
■ another kind
■ final type
■ the first category
■ the next part
Exemplification
provides examples and illustrations in order to further clarify or
explain the concept or subject matter
presents the general statement and then provides specific and
concrete examples to expound on the main idea
Signal Words for Exemplification
■ other words
■ put another way
■ to be specific
■ consider the following
■ in particular
■ specifically
■ to clarify
■ for example
■ in short
■ stated differently
Example
Dogs are domesticated animals that have been living with humans
for generations. Dogs can be classified in a number of different
ways. For example, they can be classified by breed. Examples of
different breeds include beagles, basset hounds, poodles and
countless others as defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
They can also be classified by their role in the lives of their
masters and the work they do. For example, a dog might be a
family pet, a working dog, a show dog, or a hunting dog. In many
cases, dogs are defined both by their breed and their role. For
example, a dog could be a beagle that is a family pet.
Writing Activity
You are a sales manager. A customer sent you an e-mail
asking about the different types of products you sell. You
need to respond to the e-mail indicating the classification
of your products. Your message must contain the
product's category and specific features.
5. Comparison and Contrast
organizes ideas based on how events, places, people,
things, and concepts are similar to or different from one
another
a. separately -involves describing one item first followed
by the second item
b. side-by-side -involves discussing both items based on
each point of comparison
Signal Words for Comparing
1. also
2. Equally
3. in the same way
4. similarly
5. as in a similar fashion
6. like
7. to compare both
8. in comparison
9. likewise
Signal Words for Contrasting
1. despite
2. instead
3. otherwise
4. however
5. still
6. even though
7. nevertheless
8. on the contrary
9. in the meantime
10. on the other hand
Looking at the differences and similarities of apples and oranges
leads to making apples a better choice in terms of diet, versatility, and
buying power. While both fruits contain many vitamins and minerals,
apples have a slight edge because they contain more roughage than
oranges. Apples and oranges can both be used to create other products,
for example, both can be used to make juice, but apples are far more
versatile because one can make applesauce, pie, and even apple butter.
Oranges may be used to make marmalade, but it is a tedious process. In
many parts of the world, because of the climates in which these fruits
grow, while buying one apple or orange is not very expensive, apples are
usually much less expensive than oranges, making them a better bargain.
So, all in all, while both are wonderful fruits, the apple is the better
buy because it is provides more in dietary need, is able to be used in more
ways, and is often less expensive.
Basketball and soccer are sports with many similarities and differences.
Both sports are fun to play and each one has many beneficial qualities.
Here are some of the similarities and differences with basketball and
soccer. Basketball and soccer are played with a round ball. They both provide a
ton of cardiovascular exercise such as running; so if you want to get in shape
these are the sports to play. A referee judges each game. When a player breaks
the rules he or she is called for a foul. A soccer player receives a red or yellow
card and a basketball player is called for a foul. Finally a score is kept in each
game. The team with the highest score wins. Even though basketball and soccer
are similar, differences do exist. Even though an athlete dribbles the ball in both
sports, a basketball player uses his hands and a soccer player uses his feet.
Usually soccer is played outside on a large field and basketball is played indoor
on a court made out of wood. Basketball is played with 5 players and soccer has
11. Lastly, basketball has four quarters and soccer has two halves. In conclusion
both sports are fun and exciting to play.
Each one offers exercise and competitiveness. Also, they are unique in
their own way.
6. Cause and Effect
explains why something happens or what
results a particular event produces
a. Paragraph emphasizing cause
b. Paragraph emphasizing effect
Examples :
1. Causes and effects of broken family
2. Causes and effects of obesity
3. Causes and effects of being uneducated
4. Causes and effects of using too much gadgets
5. Causes and effects of drinking soda
7. Problem- Solution
Problem-Solution - focuses on either a
problem or solution in a particular area or
situation
PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESS AND TEENAGERS
Psychological illness is very common in today’s era, and especially among
teenagers. Depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and a lot more are common. More
than 50% of teenagers are a victim of mental illness. There are several solutions to this
problem among which the following three can be very easily implemented.
Firstly, individuals must be more active by doing exercise. They should get enough
sleep and have a balanced diet. Their stress must be reduced. Exercise helps in better
hormonal secretions that help in reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps in quitting
addictions which most teenagers adopt due to low morale.
Secondly, parents should be better involved in their child’s life. It is the utmost duty
of parents to help their children in facing all the problems with courage rather than leaving
them on their own in such a crucial situation.
Thirdly, parents should cut off the communication gap. They should talk to their
children about their life. If a teen is in depression, it is the duty of parents to talk to them
because talking about the problem releases stress and helps in coming back to life.
Teenage is a very crucial phase of life and its handling is similar to that of a fragile
good. The above-stated solutions will help you in handling a depressed teenager.
8. Procedural/Process Analysis
A sequential/Procedural pattern of organization is
similar to a chronological pattern, but arranges
information according to a step-by-step sequence that
describes a particular process. Using a sequential
pattern, each main section of information represents a
main step that one would follow in the actual process.
The points included within each main section
represent the sub-steps one would follow.
How to make a mango float
Ingredients:
•1 box of Graham crackers
•1 box of Graham crumbs (optional)
•2 small cans Nestle cream
•1 can of Condensed milk
•1 can of Evaporated milk
•6 ripe mangoes, sliced
Instructions:
■ Prepare a rectangular glass dish with or without lid.
■ In a bowl, whisk Nestle cream until smooth. Add the condensed and
evaporated milk. Whisk until well combined.
■ Using a ladle, place a small amount of the milk mixture into the bottom
of the dish, then place a layer of Graham crackers and top with the sliced
mangoes.
■ Ladle a mixture again, slowly pour over the crackers and the mangoes,
making sure it covers all of the Graham crackers.
■ Repeat by placing layers of crackers, mangoes and milk mixture. Top off
with Graham crumbs (or just crushed some Graham crackers).
■ Cover and freeze overnight.
■ Serve and enjoy!
How to bake a cake without an Oven
Microwave Chocolate Chipped Cake
Ingredients:
Makes 1 serving
•1/2 cup (50 g) all-purpose baking mix
•2-1/2 Tbsp (40 g) milk
•1 Tbsp (15 g) granulated sugar
•1 to 2 Tbsp (25 g) small chocolate chips
1
Combine the baking mix, sugar, and milk. Place the baking mix, sugar,
and milk directly into a standard microwave-safe mug. Mix the ingredients
with a fork until combined.[10]Not every mug is microwave-safe, so you
should check yours before using it. An 8-oz (250-ml) microwave-safe
ramekin would also work well for this recipe.
Try to break apart as many lumps as possible while stirring the ingredients
together. A few small ones may remain, but most should be broken apart and
mixed into the batter.
Ideally, there should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space in between the top
of the batter and the top of the mug. If there's too much batter, consider
pouring half of it into a separate mug.
2
■ Add the chocolate chips. Sprinkle the chocolate chips
into the batter. Stir and fold them into the batter until
evenly distributedYou can omit the chocolate chips if
you would prefer a plain yellow cake. Other additions,
like small nuts or sprinkles, could also be used in
similar proportions.
3
■ Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Cover the mug
with plastic wrap and microwave the cake on full
power for at least 60 seconds, or until the center is set.
[11]
Microwaves that run on a lower power may need up
to an additional 40 seconds of cooking time. If the
center isn't set after the initial 60 seconds, continue to
microwave the cake in 10-second intervals until done.
■ Note that a toothpick inserted into the center of the
cake should come out clean if the center has set.
4
■ Enjoy immediately. Remove the plastic wrap
and decorate the cake with whipped cream,
chocolate syrup, or powdered sugar, as desired.
Eat the cake directly out of the mug.
9. Persuasion
convinces readers to agree to an
argument or claim about a particular
topic.
Why People Should Exercise
In the past, I have never been inclined to participate in sports. Honestly, I
didn’t like it, but many persons whom I lived with kept telling me everyday how
good it was. Since the peer pressure was growing, I decided to go to the gym. It
wasn’t until then that I could really understand people when they said exercise
really helped a person get organized and keep yourself in a healthy physically and
mentally.
For starters, when you are a lazy person, it is difficult to take the first step,
but it is all a matter of committing yourself to something that will provide you a lot
of positive feedback. Once you start doing exercise and observing positive results,
you actually enjoy it. It takes a lot of effort and strong will, but it's worth it. The
principal thing to do is to participate in an activity you like. If you do you’ll start
organizing your day in a way that enables you to do everything you have to,
including exercising. You will no longer be a person stressed-out without time to
carry on with all your activities.
Second, it is obvious that once you exercise you will have a better
condition. You will be healthier in a physical way. It is probable that you will lose
weight and your muscles will get stronger and stronger. Your body will feel good,
full of energy and it will respond immediately to any action you want to do, any
activity that has to be done with high spirits.
The third reason why exercising is good is that it affects you
positively in a mental and psychological way. Doing exercise helps
you set specific goals which along with strong will can be achieved.
When you do that, you are aware of your abilities, accept your
weaknesses, and your self-esteem goes up. Any sport distracts you
because it helps you not to think about school, friends, problems,
among other things. It brings you time to think about yourself and no
one else. It helps you keep your mind busy and to avoid dangerous
habits like drugs.
Doing exercise is very important to any person of any age. The
positive effects of exercising, which I’ve already mentioned, are like
a chain. Once you do a sports activity that you like, you get
organized; therefore, you start doing things the right way