Reading and Writing Skills

Objectives:
1. Compare and contrast patterns of written text across disciplines;
2. Evaluate a written text based on its properties
Communication plays a vital role in our day-to-day
activities, so it is necessary to be adept to it.

In order to understand and to be understood

genuinely, it is very significant to be virtuoso to
the four macro-skills of communication: speaking,
listening, reading, and writing.
What is writing?
Writing is the process of choosing the appropriate
letters, characters, and symbols to be written on a
paper or encoded in a computer. It is a skill that you
should hone in order to express ideas, concepts, or
feelings in a nonverbal way.
Reading, on the other hand, is an act of decoding the
letters, characters, or symbols that were written,
posted, or published.

Reading involves Critical thinking in order to fully

understand the texts or symbols read. It directs you to
the path of infinite potentials to gain information.
Eight Patterns of Development

1. Narration
2. Description
3. Definition
4. Exemplification/Classification
5. Comparison and Contrast
6. Cause and Effect
7. Problem-Solution Essay
8. Persuasion
Read the set of events and rewrite the following details to
create a coherent story.

1. Finally, the old lady crossed the street safely and Juan
was able to reach school on time.
2. One morning, Juan is in a hurry going to school.
3. Then, he thought of helping the old lady even though
he will be late in school.
4. Suddenly, he saw an old lady, carrying a full of basket,
crossing the street.
Then, answer the follow-up questions:
1. What words are used to signal the correct sequence of
the events?
2. How do you think the ideas were able to relate to one
another?
3. What do we call these words?
4. How do these words help to create a story?
5. What kind of paragraph were you able to create using
the given details?
1. Narration
It is important to use strategies developing ideas using
a particular pattern. One of these is through narration.
A narrative text contains the plot which gives
direction in making a story. When you write a
narrative, you are expected to tell a story, whether it is
real or imaginary.
The chronological ordering of events helps to show
the reader how the story moves. Most of the common
transitional words are first, next, then, after and
suddenly. Moreover, it is also important to give
specific details in pointing out the direction of the
story.
Elements of Narrative Writing

1. Character 5. Theme
2. Setting 6. Tone
3. Plot 7. Style
4. Point of view 8. Conflict
ACTIVITY #1.0
Read the paragraph and answer the following questions on your notebook.
Being a transferee is never easy. At first, I was hesitant to come but my
mother told me that I would find new friends in Masayahin Senior High School. I
would never forget the day I first entered this school, I felt so shy and nervous. I
did not know anyone for I was a new Grade 11 student. When I entered my first
class looking for a chair to sit in, a boy sitting beside the window sill asked me,
“Are you new in this school?” and I answered shyly, “Yes.” Then, he offered me
the vacant seat beside him. He was Jasper, an old student in that school. We got
along with each other well in our class. We worked on our assignments and
school projects. , he slept in our house doing our research work. After a year, we
both realized that in many ways we had a lot of similarities in terms of interests
in life. In the end, we became best of friends.
1. Where and when did the story happen?
2. What transitional devices are used to indicate the
chronological order of time?
3. What event happened first?
4. What does the paragraph tell?
5. What sequence is presented in the story?
ACTIVITY #1.1
Choose the best word/group of words that will complete the statements.
Chronological Ordering Narration
Transitional Devices Sequence Plot

1. _________ is a writing pattern that is used to tell story.

2. A narrative text contains the _________ which gives direction in the
story.
3. _________are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one
sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to
another.
4. Most of the common transitional words to show _________ of events
are first, next, then, after and suddenly.
5. The _________of events helps to show the reader how the story moves.
2. Description
People love to read and listen to story and the use
of appropriate transitional devices in telling stories
are noteworthy. Likewise, you have previously
learned that in writing a narrative, the plot gives
direction in making the story.
 Description as a pattern of written texts refers to
identifying concrete details about appearances,
characteristics, and actions.
According to Dayagbil & et al, 2016, the use of
description plays an important role to elucidate the
nature of people, places and things. A series of
detailed observation about the subject can help you
create a good descriptive paragraph. This involves the
use of adjectives and adverbs in the paragraph.
The kind of words we used to describe how your
subject looks, sounds, feels, smells or even tastes like
are called sensory languages.
Two Types of Description
 Objective description is where the writer presents impartial and
actual picture of the subject without biases and excluding personal
impression of the subject just like when you give your description of
an experiment in class.
 Subjective description is where the writer gives personal
impression of what is observed. This is often used in making fiction
stories. For instance, when you are asked to write about a place you
visit during summer vacation, you tend to give your personal
judgment of how you experience the place.
Read the paragraphs below. Tell whether the description is
subjective description or objective.
1. Sampaloc Lake is an inactive volcanic maar on
the island of Luzon, the Philippines. It is the
largest of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna.
Nearly half of the lake's depth has a shallow
depression at the bottom, indicating its volcanic
origin. It is approximately 104 hectares and 3.5
kilometer boardwalk. The lake is behind San
Pablo City Capitol and at the foot of the Doña
Leonila Park.
2. Sampaloc Lake is one of the best tourist spots in
San Pablo. It is where you can bring your friends
and loved ones for picnic and bonding. Most of San
Pableños jog around the lake and do ride bicycles
not only to have morning good exercise but also
have fresh air. You can witness the beauty of nature
for it is surrounded with mountains.
 Activity 2.1
On your notebook, complete the table by supplying words or phrases that best
describe the given subjects. Use any of your senses to provide appropriate
descriptions. Then answer the questions that follow.
Subject Sight Hearing Smell Taste Touch
Example: Long-legged Soft voice Heavenly scent Silky skin
Beauty Queen beautiful
Concert
Beachside
Adobo

Answer the following questions.

1. What do you call the words that are used to provide a striking effect on the senses of
the reader?
2. How do these words help create a vivid description of the given words?
3. What kind of paragraph can you develop using the given details?
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
1. ____________ is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
observation about the subject.
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
3. ____________ can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
5. ____________ description gives the personal impression of the writer.
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
Description is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
1. ____________
observation about the subject.
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
3. _________________ can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
5. ____________ description gives the personal impression of the writer.
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
Description is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
1. ____________
observation about the subject.
Modifiers
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
3. _________________ can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
5. ____________ description gives the personal impression of the writer.
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
Description is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
1. ____________
observation about the subject.
Modifiers
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
Sensory languages can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
3. _________________
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
5. ____________ description gives the personal impression of the writer.
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
Description is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
1. ____________
observation about the subject.
Modifiers
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
Sensory languages can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
3. _________________
Objective
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
5. ____________ description gives the personal impression of the writer.
 Activity 2.2
Choose the best word or group of words that will complete the statements.
Write your answer in a separate sheet.
Objective Subjective Description Sensory languages
Modifiers
Description is a writing pattern of developing paragraph using detailed
1. ____________
observation about the subject.
Modifiers
2. ____________ are used in writing descriptive paragraph.
Sensory languages can be in a form of word, phrase or clause.
3. _________________
Objective
4. ____________description presents impartial and actual picture of the
subjects without biases.
Subjective description gives the personal impression of the writer.
5. ____________
Assignment:

Develop a composition using description as pattern of

paragraph development. Make a vivid picture of your dream
house which you would like to own in the future. Use at
least ten descriptive words.
Let’s look ate sensory details in action.

Here’s a passage without sensory details:

 I went to the store and bought some flowers. Then
I headed to the meat department. Later I realized I
forgot to buy bread.
Read the revised version with the addition of sensory
details:

‘Upon entering the grocery store, I headed directly for

the flower department, where I spotted yellow tulips. As I
tenderly rested the tulips in my rusty shopping cart, I
caught a whiff of minty dried eucalyptus, so I added the
fragrant forest green bouquet of eucalyptus to my cart.
While heading for the meat department, I smelled the
stench of seafood, which made my appetite disappear.’
3. Definition
The descriptive text portrays events and brings a
scene or object to life in the imagination of the reader.
Meanwhile, a narrative text tells story or events in
chronological order.
Definition text explains what something is in
comparison to other members of its class, along with
any limitations. It explains the nature of something
and moves beyond a dictionary definition to deeply
examine the word, idea, or concept as we use and
understand it.
Definitions provide concise but exact meanings of
unfamiliar words and explain special meanings for
familiar words. They are often used to explain
technical words and concepts. What to define always
depends on the needs of the reader and the purpose of
communication. It can be done in either of the two
distinct methods of definition.
Two Methods of Definition
In dealing with definition as a pattern of written text, you will always
encounter denotation and connotation.

 Denotation is the literal meaning of a word which means that

consulting the dictionary is the best way for it.

For example:
Rose is a family of prickly shrub with pinnate leaves and showy
flowers.
Two Methods of Definition
 Connotation is the feeling or idea that the word suggests to its literal
meaning. It is an expression of how one perceives a word based on
his/her background or experiences. It is the secondary meaning of a
word and not necessarily included in the dictionary.

For example:
A dozen of pink roses is usually given to their beloved ones. Instead of
literally referring to flowers, love and romance are connoted.
Some expressions that signal a definition texts are:
contain, make-up, involves, is/are, means, is defined
as, refers to, appears to be, as pertains to, “means,” “is
defined as,” and “refers to”.
Read the definition paragraph below then answer the given questions.

An estimated 50 years old, giant Crocodylus porosus is a saltwater

crocodile. It was the largest crocodile caught alive in Buhawan of Agusan del
Sur. According to residents, it is known to attack people and had eaten animals.
The biggest crocodile was given the name of “Lolong” after the name of
Ernesto “Lolong” Goloran, who is one of the veteran hunters from the Palawan
Crocodile and Wildlife Reservation Center, who led the hunt. Dr. Adam
Britton, an Australian zoologist and crocodile expert, measured Lolong at 6.17
m (20 ft. 3 in). And in June 2012 Lolong was officially certified by the
Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s largest crocodile in
captivity”. According to the experts of the National Geographic Channel,
Lolong breaks the record of the previous record-holder with a measurement of
5.48 m (18 FT 0 in).
1. What is being defined in this paragraph?
2. Do the supporting points help you understand the
definition better? Are there facts, reasons,
examples, and details that make it even clearer?
3. What transition words are used between
supporting points?
For the expanded or extended definition, the following are common
methods used in paragraph development would be of great help
(Filomena T. Dayagabil, Ethel L. Abao, and Remedios C. Bacus,
Critical reading and writing for Senior High School. Quezon City:
Lorimar Publishing, 2016, 43:
Methods Example
By stating its San Pablo City is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines
characteristics and today, it is known as one of the first-class cities in the
province of Laguna. It is also called the City of Seven
Lakes namely: Bunot Lake, Calibato Lake, Mohicap Lake,
Palakpakin Lake, Pandin Lake, Sampaloc Lake, and
Yambo lake. These seven freshwater lakes are crater form
of a steam-blast eruption from Mt. Cristobal.
 Methods Examples
By function In this time of global crisis, everyone is responsible for
their actions, such as following the precautionary
measures given by the health experts to avoid the spread
of the virus.
By what it is not Far from the normal situations that we had before, the
pandemic makes each one of us skip buying unnecessary
items.
By what it is Jollibee and McDonalds both offer savory chicken and
similar to delicious pasta that children love.
By origin of Writers around the world define literature in different
word or ways. The origin of the word literature is derived from
etymology the Latin word Litera which means letter.
 Methods Examples
By Examples The opening of the classes for School Year 2020 -2021
amidst the pandemic is a great challenge to the Department
of Education. They continue researching different
alternative ways of teaching and learning to be
implemented in schools such as online learning, modular
learning, and lastly learning from TV shows and radio
programs.
By its effect Due to the global pandemic, specifically COVID-19, the
world embraces the new normal. People have become
more conscious about sanitation and hygiene. They now
learn physical distancing in public places. And, most of the
people stay at home either working or developing new
hobbies and exploring new things.
Activity 3.1
Analyze how the writer creates a shared concept and what different expanded
definition methods are used in the paragraph. Write your answer on your
notebook. You may follow the template below:
Method used Sentence/s
Activity 3.2
Define “COVID-19” using the rules you have learned. You may also choose to
use the outline below to help you in writing a good definition paragraph. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Topic sentence: COVID-19 is_________________________________________

• First (supporting Point#1) + (Fact, reason, or detail)
• In addition (supporting point #2) + (Fact, reason, example or detail)
• Finally, (supporting Point #3 + (Fact, reason, example or detail)
• Conclusion: In the end, COVID 19 is_____________________________
The following score guide may be used to rate your output.

Description Highest point Your score

Clear topic sentence 5 points

Evidences and examples are 3 points

specific and accurate
Mechanics of writing are observed 2 points

Total: 10
4. Exemplification
and Classification
Basic Parts of Exemplification and Classification
Patterns
- topic sentence
- classifications (types, categories)
- examples (illustrations) and
- transitional expressions.
Read the passage carefully. Once finished, copy the
table on a separate sheet and fill out the table with the
appropriate words that match the headings below:
Humans are often harmed by pollution. The presence of the hazardous
substances brought about by these three major types of pollution: land, air and
water gravely affects our health. For instance, a person may acquire skin
problems and other deformities from the toxic wastes present in the land that we
live in such as garbage, pesticides, heavy metals and other chemicals. Air
pollution caused by toxic gases, solid and liquid particles or aerosols, and other
hazardous air pollutants adversely contaminate the air that we breathe. Long-
term exposure to air pollutants has been linked with diseases of the heart and
lungs, cancers and other health problems. Lastly, water pollution observed in
our primary water sources like oceans, rivers, and lakes is caused by the
presence of industrial wastes, sewage and waste waters, chemical fertilizers and
pesticides to be specific. Infectious diseases can be acquired through
contaminated water and can cause cholera, jaundice, liver damage and stomach
illness in people.
ACTIVITY 4.1
Study the accomplished table.
How can you say that the words and phrases that you
have just written all exemplify that of the
(a) topic sentence,
(b) classification,
(c) examples and
(d) transition words?
Exemplification (or illustration) is the most common and
effective pattern to explain an idea or point. In developing
this kind of paragraph, the writer develops a general
statement –the topic sentence, with one or more examples to
support it.

Here are some transitional expressions in writing effective

exemplification paragraphs: for instance, namely, to be
specify, to clarify, to illustrate, for example, in short, as an
example.
Classification is used when a writer needs to sort out
or arrange subjects to groups or categories based on
their common and shared characteristics.
A classification pattern of written text groups or
classifies items or things into their parts, types, kinds,
or categories.
Here are some transitional expressions in writing
effective classification paragraphs: classified as, one
kind, the last group, another kind, another, final type,
the first category, are categorized as, the next part. a
part of, a kind of, a type of, a group of, a way of, a
class of, an example of, divided into, and comprised
of.
 An excerpt from Appassionato
“Passion is visceral. It stands outside traditional
thinking. It ignores conventions like distance, time,
and social acceptance. It dares into uncharted waters.
It is used to be primarily associated with romantic
love. Today, thanks to authors like Tom Peters and
Nancy Austin (A Passion for Excellence), passion’s
boundaries have been extended to embrace work,
entrepreneurial endeavours, corporate success.”
ACTIVITY 4.2
Choose at least one from the situations below.

Writing Task 1: You are the editor-in-chief of your school’s

publication. The school paper adviser requires you to write a 2-3
paragraph opinion article about the COVID-19 pandemic for a special
edition paper.

You need to take side and be specific in explaining your point of view
by proving clear examples and illustrations to support your
arguments.
ACTIVITY 4.2

Writing Task 2: You are one of the business proprietors at your

school’s on-going Business Expo. An interested customer sent you an
e-mail asking about the different types of products you sell.

You need to respond to the e-mail in 2-3 paragraphs indicating the

classification of your products. To encourage your customer to avail,
your message must contain the product’s category, specific features
and prices.
 Here is the rubric for your writing task:
Criteria Descriptions Total score Your score
Paragraph Clearly states the main idea to capture the
Structure ( Topic reader’s attention, adds concrete and
Sentence,
Supporting details
interesting details and brings closure to the 5 pts.
and Conclusion) paragraph written.
Transitional Effectively uses a high degree of appropriate
Expressions transitions to show development from one 5 pts.
sentence to another
Grammar and Has no spelling, punctuation and grammatical
Punctuation errors 2 pts.
Total 12 pts.
ACTIVITY 4.3

Write an exemplification or a classification paragraph on

any suitable subject or topic in our respective
context/locality. Make sure to include a topic sentence,
supporting details, conclusion and transitional expressions in
your written text. The same rubrics will be used in assessing
your output.
5. Comparison
and Contrast
Classification as pattern of development of writing makes you associate
similar things or process by grouping them into classes or categories.
Let’s try this! Choose the word/s that do/does not belong on each line
then write a category name for each group
(i.e. rose, banana, sun flower, daisy = banana/flowers).

1. German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Persian Siamese, Siberian

Husky
2. on land, by water, by air, by bus
3. carrot, cabbage, radish, onion
4. jazz, rock, pop, ballet
5. Coins, Dollar, Yen, Franc
The comparison involves the identification of
similarities of at least two things, ideas, concepts, or
persons being compared while contrast encompasses
the identification of differences between or among two
subjects or topics.
Group effort!
Using the Venn diagram, jot down words and phrases
showing similarities and differences between Junior
High School and Senior High School.
A compare-and-contrast essay, then analyzes two
subjects comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
However, its purpose is not to simply state the
obvious but rather to illustrate subtle differences or
unexpected similarities between two subjects.
My sisters are as different as yin and yang in terms of
personality, appearance and intelligence. Tina, the middle
child in the family, prefers staying at home than going
out with her friends. She is slim, petite and has dark skin.
As she is not sociable, she finds friends with the
characters from the books she reads most of the time. In
addition, she is very clever in subjects like Math and
Science which made her graduate with Highest Honors
from Senior High School.
In contrast, my youngest sister, Joni, is the opposite.
She has an outgoing and friendly personality. There is
never a dull moment as she is always ready with
stories to tell. She is tall with a round plump face and
fair skin. Being the youngest in the family, she is
often asked to perform during family gatherings since
she sings and dances well. My sisters may be different
from each other but they adore one another.
There are two common ways to organize
comparison/contrast paragraph or essay.
The Block Method is used to compare and contrast two
subjects one at a time. You may begin by saying everything
you have to say about the first subject you are discussing
then move on and write everything about your second
subject. If you are writing a short paragraph or essay, you
might be able to fit all of your points about each item.
However, if you would want to address one subject at a
time, you may use Point-by-point comparison.
Some cohesive devices you can use in showing
similarities are:
likewise, similar to, similarly, same with, like, in the
same manner, in the same way.
To show contrast, cue words such as:
on the other hand, on the contrary, however, while, the
opposite, compared to, although, different with, in
contrast and the like.
Example:
Apples and oranges are both fruits, which means that they
have seeds inside of them. Each has a skin, but orange skins
are thick and easy to peel. Apple skins are thinner and do not
peel easily. Oranges also contain more acid than apples, but
both fruits are delicious.
 Compare and Contrast
Apples and Oranges

Alike Difference
1. Both fruit 1. Orange
2. Have skin have more
3. Healthy Acid
2. Apples has
thinner skin
Activity 5.1
Brainstorm an essay topic leaning towards
comparison or contrast. Choose one among the three
items then come up with at least one similarity and
three differences.
 Cell phone units and brands
 Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
 Enrolling in college or getting employed after
Senior High School
Activity 5.2
Complete the following statements to summarize
what you have learned in this lesson.
1. A compare-and-contrast writing analyzes two subjects
by __________.
2. The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay
is not to state what seems so obvious about the things
being compared but __________.
3. - 4. The two main organizing strategies for comparison-
and-contrast writing are: __________ and __________.
6. Cause and
Effect
Activity 6.1
Read the passage carefully. Then, complete the diagram below.
Discoveries and invention of devices are always welcome until we,
humans, find a way to abuse its benefits and be adversely affected
by it. This was the case when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-ray
and within five years, the British Army was using a mobile x-ray
unit to locate bullets and shrapnel in wounded soldiers in the Sudan.
TV was also invented with positive thoughts in mind – there would
be no national borders, education and communication would be
worldwide, etc. However, we are now trying to overcome its
physiological and psychological adverse effects on human beings.
Activity 6.1
Cause Effect

Answer the following questions on a separate

sheet.
1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. What states the cause of the idea?
3. What states the results of the idea?
Cause and Effect is a text development pattern which
explains why something happens. It also states what
results a particular event produces. It usually gives a
statement emphasizing the cause and another
emphasizing the effect.
The following guide questions can be used for cause-
effect development:
 Why did it happen?
 What caused it?
 What does it cause?
 What are the effects?
 How is it related to something else?
Cue words to signify a cause are:
cause of, because, because of, for, due to, as a
consequence of, as a result of, now that, as and since.

Expressions that signify effect are:

thereof, Consequently, so, so that, thus, the
explanation for, accordingly, hence, therefore, and
this resulted in.
Activity 6.2
Put a check (✓) if the item is suited for a cause-and-
effect text or a cross (x) if not.
____ 1. How to play drums
____ 2. Impact to technology in education
____ 3. Importance of daily reading habit
____ 4. Increased drop-out rate in a school.
____ 5. The act of kindness
Activity 6.3
Complete the given statements to sum up your learning for this
lesson.
1. Cause and effect is a text development pattern explains
___________ something happens and states ___________ results a
particular event produces.
2. ___________ focuses on: why did the topic happen; what caused
it; what does it cause; what are its effects; and, how is it related to
something else.
3. Signal words used in introducing cause include:
_______________________
4. Signal words used in introducing effect include:
_______________________
Activity 6.4
Typhoon Yolanda took the lives of over 6,300 Filipinos and
displaced thousand others. Write a five-sentence paragraph that
explains why there were so many casualties even when they were
warned of a storm surge. Use cause and effect pattern of
development. The rubric below may be used in this output.
10 7 3
The paragraph states The paragraph states The paragraph states
cause and effect and cause and effect but no cause and effect
all transitional few transitional and it uses
devices are properly devices are used. inappropriate
used. transitional devices.
7. Problem-
Solution
After answering the “why” and the “what happened”,
we now move on to the “how” – how will we do
things and how can we resolve issues or concerns
around us. This time, you will apply the problem-
solution pattern of development.
Read the essay below. Identify the problem/s and solution/s
cited in the passage.
Healing a Child’s Stitches and Burns
By Emerson T. Armero
There can be no doubt that a large number of CIFL or children
in conflict with the law may commit more juvenile crimes
despite the intense effort of teachers, the barangays, the police
and the guidance offices. This poses a huge challenge to
government authorities and the whole society as well since
these minors are protected by law and should not be harmed
by all means.
Basically, while being interrogated upon, these child offenders
do not take their case seriously. They sometimes treat their
offense as a practical joke similar to an amusing snapchat or a
tiktok moment. Others consider their waywardness as part of
their growing up years – their being young, wild and free. And
they blend with the other CIFL regulars, thereby establishing
an organization of future gangsters. Unfortunately, they are not
given the chance to reform their character because they cannot
go to jail and should be with their parents’ custody within 24
hours. Additionally, some of them turn to substance abuse.
There might be two doable solutions to overcome the problem
mentioned in the previous paragraphs. The first step would be to
give them the opportunity to intensely rehabilitate and provide
educational programs suited to their needs and abilities which will
prepare them in the harsh realities of life. It is also equally
important that they get the full support and encouragement of their
parents and fellow learners.
It is reasonable to conclude that education still paves the way for
CIFL learners to mend their ways. Furthermore, it is still
everybody’s responsibility to help them change, to motivate them
to change and stay away from temptations that may inevitably
arise.
A problem-solution text starts with a negative
situation (a problem) and ends with a positive
situation (a solution).

Problem-Solution consists of four key components:

 A situation
 A problem
 A solution
 An evaluation
A problem-solution essay presents a problem, usually
discussing several aspects of the problem, then
concludes by discussing solutions to the problem.
The problem may be addressed in the following
ways:
Effects only • Describe the problem only in terms of its effects.
• Use examples.
Causes and • Outline the causes of the problem.
effects • Discuss solutions in terms of preventive measures.
Extended • After a topic sentence, illustrate the problem by using an extended
example example (through a story or an anecdote from your introduction).
The solutions may be presented in various ways and you have to think about
which way would be the most appropriate for the particular problem you are
discussing.
Here are some ways to present solutions:
Preventive • Ways to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place
measures • For example: How to prevent Covid-19
A series of • Suggest the easiest and most obvious solution first, but if that doesn’t
step work, try something else, etc.
• For example: if you have a neighbor who does not wear mask nor
practice social distancing, you might first talk to him/her; if that doesn’t
work, arrange for a mediator; etc. (a last resort might be to call the
police).
Advice • Give some advice and helpful hints.
A choice of • Include solutions that have already been tried, have been unsuccessful,
solutions and new solutions which you are proposing.
The following transitional devices can also help you
develop your text.
Introduction Middle Section/ Body Conclusion
• Nowadays… • For instance… • In conclusion…
• It is a common trend • Such as/like… • To conclude…
that… • Namely… • To sum up…
• Society is becoming
increasingly
concerned about…
Problem-Solution Structure
Who

Problem What Headache

Why Stress

Attempted Solution Result

1. Ice pack 1. didn’t help
2. Aspirin 2. helped

End result
Headache is gone
The problem and solution text structure may seem like it would be easy to
recognize, but it can be moderately difficult to identify because it is
frequently confused with the cause and effect pattern of organization,
as they both have relational structures; however, if you read the passage
and look specifically for both a problem and a solution to the problem, you
should find it pretty easy to distinguish from cause and effect, as cause and
effect passages do not propose solutions to any negative occurrences
within the passage but rather just explain why or how they happen.
Example: 
It seems like there has been a surge in teen pregnancies these days.
Teen pregnancies make it very difficult for young mothers to pursue
their dreams and meet the demands of an infant. Fortunately, most teen
pregnancies can be easily prevented by using birth control; however,
even birth control is not 100% effective. The most effective way to
prevent teen pregnancies is abstinence, which is 100% effective.
Problem Solution
Teenage Birth Control
Pregnancies Abstinence
Activity 7.1
Arrange the following steps in developing a problem-
and-solution text. Write 1 as the 1st step 7 as the last step.
a) _____ Brainstorm to identify several solutions.
b) _____ Gather supporting information.
c) _____ Define the problem to be solved.
d) _____ Decide how to organize your writing.
e) _____ Write a thesis statement.
f) _____ Support your thesis with examples and details.
g) _____ Write a strong conclusion
Activity 7.2
Choose a specific problem in your place and try to propose
solutions for it. Write your insights in a short paragraph
following the problem-and-solution pattern of development.
Make use of correct transitional devices in your text. Be guided
by the rubric below.
10 7 3
The paragraph states The paragraph states The paragraph states
cause and effect and cause and effect but no cause and effect
all transitional few transitional and it uses
devices are properly devices are used. inappropriate
used. transitional devices.
8. Persuasive
Activity 8.1
Complete the table below after reading the paragraph.
Immigration contributes to the overall health of the American economy.
Despite recent concerns expressed about illegal and some legal immigration to
the United States, this country has largely benefited from the skills, talents, and
ambition that immigrants bring with them. American businesses gain from a
good source of affordable labor, while towns and cities are revitalized by
immigrant families who strengthen communities through civic participation
and the generation of new economic activity. The United States must continue
to welcome new arrivals and help those who are already here; otherwise, the
country will lose the advantages it has over other industrialized countries that
compete against us in the global marketplace and seek to recruit from a vast
pool of unskilled and skilled global workers.
 ISSUE ARGUMENT EVIDENCES

Now, answer the following questions:

1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. What issue has been presented in the text?
3. What does the text want us to do?
Persuasive focuses on either a problem or solution in a particular
area or situation. It is a type of text expressed as a dilemma or
concerning issue (problem) and something that was, can be, or
should be done to remedy this issue (solution or attempted solution)
It is used to present the writers ideas through reason and logic, to
influence the audience and move them to action.
Persuasive text can be in the form of an argument, discussion,
exposition, review or even an advertisement.
A persuasive paragraph tries to convince the reader that a particular
point of view is worthy of consideration.
In developing your own persuasive text, a writer must
first state the issue. This will serve as a background
information about the topic. Then, it should be
followed by a clear, strong and specific argument.
An argument is one’s claim or position that can
either support or reject the issue previously stated.
Arguments shall be supported with a well-researched
evidences, which will give details on how and why it
supports the argument. Evidences can be factual,
logical, statistical or anecdotal in nature. It can also
explain counter-arguments not because the writer
wants to prove which claims are wrong or right but to
enlighten the readers about other positions.
Lastly, a conclusion restating the main argument of the text
will be the end of the text. This will be your final statement to
persuade your readers.
Some guide questions in constructing a persuasive text
include:
 What is the issue?
 What is your position or opinion?
 What is the opposing position/opinion?
 What are some reasons for your position/opinion?
 What are some cases or examples that support this?
Read the text below and identify the issue, the argument/s and
conclusion.
When we consider the ubiquity of cellphones, iPods, personal
computers and the internet, it’s easy to see how science (and the
technology to which it leads) is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day
activities. When we benefit from CT scanners, M.R.I. devices,
pacemakers and arterial stents, we can immediately appreciate how
science affects the quality of our lives. When we assess the state of the
world, and identify looming challenges like climate change, global
pandemics, security threats and diminishing resources, we don’t
hesitate in turning to science to gauge the problems and find solutions.
And when we look at the wealth of opportunities hovering on
the horizon— stem cells, genomic sequencing, personalized
medicine, longevity research, nanoscience, brain-machine
interface, quantum computers, space technology—we realize
how crucial it is to cultivate a general public that can engage
with scientific issues; there’s simply no other way that as a
society we will be prepared to make informed decisions on a
range of issues that will shape the future. (from
"Argumentative Essay," Literary Devices, last modified May
22, 2020, https://literarydevices.net/argumentative-essay/.)
Activity 8.2
Complete the statements to sum up your key learning for this
lesson.
1. __________ is a type of paragraph development that focuses on
presenting points of view
2. An __________ serves as a background information about the
topic.
3. An __________ is one’s claim or position that can either support
or reject the issue previously stated.
4. Arguments shall be supported with a well-researched
__________.
5. A __________ restating the main argument of the text will be the
Activity 8.3
Choose an item or a product that you frequently use.
Develop a persuasive text by making a transcript for
product advertisement. The rubric below may be used for
your output.
10 Points 7 Points 4 Points
The paragraph states The paragraph states The paragraph states no
persuasive text and it persuasive text and it persuasive text and it
uses appropriate little uses appropriate does not use appropriate
arguments and arguments and arguments and evidences
evidences. evidences.
.
.
.
.