Reading and Writing Skills

Quarter 3 –Module 1: Reading

& Thinking Strategies across
Text Types

HAZEL MAE M. HERRERA, LPT

SUBJECT TEACHER
 Ridgewood School of Caloocan, Inc.
31 L27, Acacia St., Rainbow 5, Ph.2 Bagumbong
Caloocan City

Learning Competency 1: Compare and contrast patterns of written

texts across disciplines.
a) Paragraph Development - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3

b) Narration - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.1

c) Description - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.2

d) Definition - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.3

e) Classification - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.4

f) Comparison & Contrast - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.5

g) Cause & Effect - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.6

h) Problem-Solution - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.7

i) Persuasion - EN11/12RWS-IIIbf-3.8
 Lesson 1: Reading & Thinking
Strategies: Writing Paragraphs
 The word paragraph comes from two Greek words: para which means
“beyond” or “beside” and graphein which means “to write”.

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

Each sentence shows connection to other sentences in the paragraph.

 A paragraph is an independent unit or a related unit. As an independent

unit, it is complete in itself. As a related unit, it is a part of a composition
that is combined with other paragraphs to make a larger composition.

 Whether a paragraph is an independent unit or a related unit, it has its

beginning, middle and end.

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE PARAGRAPHS

One of the most important elements in writing is the form or structure. It is

worth noting that without a solid structure in place, the content you have
gathered would fall apart. After constructing an outline and writing your first
draft, it is time to get on to paragraph writing.

An effective paragraph shows the unity of the sentences used in developing the
main idea. A paragraph is made up of the topic sentence which contains the
main idea, the supporting details and the conclusion or the clinching sentence
at the end.

 Topic sentence – it reveals the main or central idea of the paragraph. It

does not necessarily have to be placed at the beginning of the
paragraph. It may be found in the middle of the first and the last sentence
or at the end. If it is found at the end of the paragraph, it may be used as
a clinching or concluding sentence.

 Supporting details – they give the paragraph life as it elaborates on the

scope given by the topic sentence.

 Clinching sentence – it closes your paragraph. According to Dagdag

(2010), this “may be a restatement of the topic sentence, a summary, or a
conclusion based on the supporting details.”
Reading & Thinking Strategies: Narration
 Narration, from the root word narrates, originated from the Latin word
narrare— which means related or told.

 It gives a written account of an event or story, or simply, storytelling. The

sequence of events is told in chronological order.

 It usually contains the following: the who, what and when.

 A narrative must have “vivid” description of details, a consistent point of

view and verb tense, and a well-defined point or significance.” (Tiongson,
2016).

 At the end of writing it, it must send a clear message to its readers through
the story.

A narrative paragraph simply tells what happened and establishes facts. It is

sharing of personal experiences that offer lessons and insights. It is more than just
a chronological sequence of events that happen to the different characters. It
also contains elements of drama and tension.

Narration is the most common type of paragraph development. It has the

following elements:

1. Setting. It is the time and location in which a story takes place.

2. Characters. The life-giving element of the story.
3. Plot. It is the logical series of events in the story.

The five essential parts of the plot are:

a. Exposition. It is the part of the story where the characters and the setting
are revealed.
b. Rising Action. It is where the events in the story become complicated and
the conflict in the story is exposed.
c. Climax. This is the highest point of interest and the turning point of the
story.
d. Falling Action. The events and complications begin to resolve themselves.
e. Denouement. The final resolution of the plot in the story.

4. Point of View. It is the perspective of the writer in narrating the story.

 a. First person point of view. The story is told by the protagonist or one of
the characters using pronouns I, me, we.
b. Second person point of view. The author tells the story in second point
of view using the pronouns you, yours, and your.
c. Third person point of view. The narrator is not part of the story but
describes the events that happen. The writer uses the pronouns he, she,
him, and her.

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Description

Description gives information of what a person, an object, a place or a

situation is like.
It appeals to the reader’s senses.
A descriptive paragraph has concrete and specific details, which are
carefully chosen by a writer to paint a picture in the mind of the reader.
Descriptive writing emphasizes a reader’s ability to paint vivid pictures using
words on a reader’s mind. This relies on the writer’s ability to appeal to his/her
five senses: the sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing.

To rouse feelings, emotions and reactions from the readers is what descriptive
paragraphs aim for. Simple adjectives will not simply cut it for readers desiring for
appropriate description of an event, thing, place or person.

According to Dagdag (2010), there are two types of description: objective

and subjective. Objective description is a factual description of the topic at
hand. This relies its information on physical aspects and appeals to those who
crave for facts. Meanwhile, subjective description allows the writer to explore
ways to describe an emotion, an event, a thing, a place or person, appealing
to emotions. Often, this is an artistic way of describing things, mostly from the
eye and perspective of the writer.
 Here is a word bank of sensory words to refer to when you want to add
descriptive details to your paragraphs:

SIGHT SOUND SMELL TOUCH TASTE

sparkling yelp musty sticky spicy

gloomy shriek rotten grainy sweet
glossy whisper fragrant smooth sour
bright hiss fresh satiny bitter
dazzling screech pungent pointy bland
cloudy chortle fruity clammy creamy
blurred sneeze stinky furry delectable

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Definition

Definition explains a concept, term or subject. Its main purpose is to tell
what something is.
It consists of three parts: (1) the term, concept or subject to be defined;
(2) the general class to which it belongs; and (3) the characteristics that
differentiate it from the other members of its class.
A definition explains what a term means. When you want your readers to
know exactly how you are using a certain term or an unfamiliar concept,
you use definition.

Definition is the main constituent of any dictionary. In developing a

paragraph by definition, you should take account of these things:
a) the term to be defined
b) the class to which the term belongs
c) the characteristics that distinguish the term from the other members of
its class.
Take a look at this example of a definition:
An owl is a bird with a large head, strong talons and has a nocturnal
habit.
Owl – is the term to defined
Bird – is the class where the owl belongs with a large head, strong talons
and has a nocturnal habit – are the characteristics that distinguish the owl
from the other birds.

The following are the different types of definitions:

1. Formal Definition. The definitions provided in dictionaries.
2. Informal Definitions. The three common informal definitions are
operational definitions, synonyms, and connotations.
 a. Operational Definitions gives the meaning of an abstract word for one
particular time and place.
b. Synonyms or words that mean the same as another word.
c. Denotation is the exact meaning of the word
d. Connotation is an idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a
word or things.
3. Definition Paragraph. It is a definition sentence which is extended into
a paragraph by adding meanings, descriptions, narrations, and other
kinds of paragraph development to make clear the term being
defined.

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Classification

Classification paragraphs group items into categories, to establish a clear

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

In a classification paragraph you tell readers how a collection of items can

be sorted into categories. It is an activity of sorting items (people, things, ideas)
into categories.

1. Terms that signal classification

Aspects kinds qualities traits

Areas levels systems types

2. Transitional Expressions

can be divided can be categorized

can be classified the first type

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Comparison & Contrast

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

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

1. Subject – by - Subject Method. You present all of the facts and supporting
details about one topic, and then you give all the facts and supporting
details about the other topic.
2. Point – by - Point Arrangement. You discuss each point for both subjects
before giving on the next point.

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Cause and Effect

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

Cause and Effect paragraphs are written for the following purposes:

 to discuss why a certain phenomenon occurs

 to discuss the results of a phenomenon, event, feeling or action
 to understand a situation
 to solve a problem
 to predict an outcome
 to entertain
 to persuade

Some of the signal words used in this type of paragraph are the following:

 For
 Because
 Since
 Due to
 So
 But
 For this reason
 As a result
  Consequently
 Otherwise
 Therefore
 Thu

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Problem – Solution

In composition writing, problem-solution is a method for analyzing and
writing about a topic by identifying a problem and proposing one or more
solutions.
Problem-solution paragraphs as the term implies, presents and identifies a
problem and proposes possible solution/s.

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

According to Soles (2010), topics for problem-solution essays “are typically

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

Structure of paragraphs in a problem-solution essay:

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

that may serve as a guide on what to include in this type of essay:

1. Introduction. At the forefront of the essay, the introduction must serve to

capture the reader’s attention. This may contain the thesis statement
wherein the problem or topic at hand is presented. This is where the
problem is defined, and the reason why it is significant to a specific group
of people (or the target audience).

2. Problem Paragraph. This paragraph/s will dwell on the elaboration of the

problem, effectively conveying the importance of a solution. You may
present reliable sources and evidence to support your stand.
3. Solution Paragraph. Present and describe a concrete solution to the
problem. Explain how this solution is better than other probable solutions.
 4. Conclusion. Conclude the essay with connection between the problem
and its proposed solution.

Reading & Thinking Strategies: Persuasion

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

Much like problem-solution essays, persuasion essays seek to urge readers to

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

Some of the transitional expressions used in persuasive paragraphs are the

following:

GIVE REASONS ANSWER THE DRAW CONCLUSION

OPPOSITION
First (second, third, etc.) Of course Therefore
Another, Next Some may say Thus
Last, finally Nevertheless Hence
Because, since, for On the other hand Consequently
Although
 A paragraph is a collection of related sentences with one central idea.
Each sentence shows connection to other sentences in the paragraph.
 A paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a clinching
sentence.
 There are many ways of developing a paragraph, such as: narration,
description, definition, classification, comparison and contrast, cause and
effect, problem-solution and persuasion.