Reading and Writing

Reading and Writing

Quarter 1 – Module 12: Language Use
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Michelle V. Oteros
Layout Artist: Marisol Aspuria Baguisi
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
Aurelio G. Alfonso EdD
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Victor M. Javeña EdD
Chief, School Governance and Operations Division and
OIC-Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

Education Program Supervisors

Librada L. Agon EdD (EPP/TLE/TVL/TVE)

Liza A. Alvarez (Science/STEM/SSP)
Bernard R. Balitao (AP/HUMSS)
Joselito E. Calios (English/SPFL/GAS)
Norlyn D. Conde EdD (MAPEH/SPA/SPS/HOPE/A&D/Sports)
Wilma Q. Del Rosario (LRMS/ADM)
Ma. Teresita E. Herrera EdD (Filipino/GAS/Piling Larang)
Perlita M. Ignacio PhD (EsP)
Dulce O. Santos PhD (Kindergarten/MTB-MLE)
Teresita P. Tagulao EdD (Mathematics/ABM)

Printed in the Philippines by the Department of Education – Schools Division of Pasig City
Reading and Writing

Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 12
Language Use
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Reading and Writing Self-Learning Module on Language Use.

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed, and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st-century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:

Welcome to the Reading and Writing Self-Learning Module on Language Use.

The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often
used to depict skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands, we may learn, create,
and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies
and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

This is your self-instructional module in Reading and Writing Skills.

All the activities provided in this lesson you will help you learn and
understand: Language Use.
Specifically, you will learn about the following:
1. Identify the appropriate language use by observing the principles in
writing.
2. Write an essay that reflects the appropriate language use.

PRETEST

Directions: Read the following statements very carefully. Write Y if the

statement indicates a property of a well-written text; write N if it does not.

1. Inappropriate language uses can damage your credibility, undermine

your argument, or alienate your audience.

2. If the audience is slow to respond to your question, you should answer it

yourself rather than let there be silence.

3. If you feel it is appropriate to use jargon for a more general audience, make
sure you define the terms used.

4. To be an effective communicator in your workplace, it is essential to deliver

your utmost tone and language.

5. Words and phrases can go in or our common usage, leaving people sure
about what is acceptable.
 RECAP

We have learned that the properties of a well-written text are very

helpful tools to have effective written communication. The properties of a well-
written text like organization, coherence and cohesion give a great role to what
we say and write. A well-written text has different features to produce a
comprehensible text content and structure.

LESSON

The Language use refers to the communicative meaning of language.

It can be compared to usage, which refers to the rules for making language
and the structures we use to make it.
Today, let’s talk about another essential property of well-written text
that would help increase our credibility, strengthens our argument and create
well-thought texts. This is one of the strongest indicators of a well-written
text, it is the way we use the language. Effective language use is attained by
discovering the following principles in writing.

1. Clear and concise language entail using a

minimal amount of effective words to make one’s
point. It must be direct and simple.

Photo credit:
https://www.google.com/search?q=free+cre
ative+commons+showing+clear+message

We use the fewest possible words without sacrificing meaning makes

your writing more understandable. Let’s take a look at the sentences:
 Meaningful words in bold: Concise version:
When I started my own business, Starting my own business has
it has given me a whole new given me a new perspective on
perspective to see the bigger work.
picture when it comes to finding
a work.

Notice how long-winded the sentence on the left column is, it consists
of meaningful words such as started, business, new perspective, bigger
picture and work. Observe the right column how it could easily be shortened
and simplified. Remember: Many words have some meaning, but aren’t
’particularly strong. We must communicate our message with more clarity
and strength.

Another example:
The students need to obtain high marks in
science in order to study medicine.

Photo Credit :
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+com
mons+cartoon+kids+doing+science+laboratory

The phrases to obtain, in order are unnecessary parts of the sentence.

Edited sentence: The students need high marks in science to study medicine.

2. Avoid redundancies, wordiness, clichés, and

highfalutin language. ²Use the language of
everyday life, yet don't substitute common words
for striking and distinctive words just to keep it
simple. Say what you mean and sound like
Photo credit
yourself. :https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=cartoon
+showing+confusing+speech
Look at the chart below:

Don’t Do
Although offspring are taught Although children are told not
not to obtain free gifts from to take gifts from strangers,
strangers, at the present many still do.
moment many still do.

Note: The words offspring, to obtain, at the present moment sound smart by
using technical or deep meanings.

On the right column, the message is clear and effective when it is

written using words that are familiar to the intended reader and uses
sentences of a reasonable length, meaning that the intended reader is willing
and able to understand them.

Here is another item:

There is an ongoing discussion between the

opposition and the government.

Photo credit:
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+comm
ons+cartoon+politicians+at+the+plenary+hall

Notice that the above sentence uses good choice of words and
expressions.

3. Avoid sexist language. Sexist language is

language that unnecessarily identifies gender.
This issue can be addressed by using articles (a,
an, and the), using plural pronouns, using his or
her instead of his, writing through a second Photo credit:
https://unbabel.com/blog/language-
person point of view, or using gender-neutral nouns. gender-neutral/
Example#1:
A family member who misses a holiday
dinner will find he has missed more than the food.

https://www.123rf.com/photo_88314138_stock-vector-
christmas-and-thanksgiving-inspired-winter-holiday-
card-with-caucasian-family-celebrating-thanksgivi.html

The above sentence is an example of sexist language, the singular

pronoun he refers to a male member of the family. When writing, it is a
courtesy to use language that does not demean or stereotype men or women
we call it nonsexist language. We have to change singular nouns to plurals
and use a gender-neutral pronoun.

Nonsexist language: Family members who miss holiday dinners will

find they have missed more than the food.

4. Constructive language phrases a potentially negative message in a

positive way. Choose the better approach not to hurt the feelings or
lose person’s face. It must keep an appreciative tone.

Let’s take a look at the scenarios.

Scenario#1: An employee who is hardworking but he or she is

frequently late for office.

Hi Chelsea, I was going through everyone’s

performance report from the last few months and I
must say you have done a really great job. Also, I feel
that you could achieve more every day by coming
early and that way you’ll also be able to maintain a
sound work-life balance.
Photo Credit: Chandran Harish, “How to Be an Effective
Manager,” Google Search (Google, February 9, 2020),
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+commons+
+images+manager+talk+to+his+employee.
 Notice the above sentence that tones such as anger, frustration,
disappointment, and the ever-popular sarcasm tend to color the language of
the message and turn attempts at negative response.

Scenario#2: A student said this statement to his professor

"You have confused me so badly with your lectures

that I don't know what to do. I am considering
dropping out and taking the class next quarter from
Professor Marquez, who can explain the information
much more clearly. I don't want to drop out, but I have
never been so frustrated with an instructor in my
whole life."
Photo Credit: wikiHow Staff, “How to Communicate with
Your Professor,” Google Search (Google, May 4, 2019),
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+commons+
+images+a+college+student+talks+to+the+professor.

The second sentence is an example of a destructive language that

directs blame and criticism toward the reader, creating defensiveness.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1
Identify the Types of Language Use in each sentence. Write CCL for clear and
concise language, SL for sexist language, NSL nonsexist language and CL for
constructive language.

1. Every employee is required to submit his credentials.

2. There are dark clouds gathering over the mountains.

3. I love how you make these different soups. I admire your skill. But, if you
don’t mind me saying, the salt is a little on the higher side in this one.
Why don’t you try adding the salt right in the end? I used to do the same
thing, but then I found this trick really helps.

4. Selected students received their prestigious awards.

5. The priest asked, "Are you ready to love and honor each other as
husband and wife for the rest of your lives?

Activity 2
Choose an advertisement from a newspaper or magazine and identify any
instances of inappropriate language use. Use one whole sheet of paper to
rewrite the advertisement in clear, honest language.

CRITERIA PERFORMANCE INDICATORS POINTS SCORE

CONTENT
Strong organization and structure 3
(3 points)
Uses the conventions of the
COMMUNICATIVE
communicative task to hold the target
ACHIEVEMENT
reader’s attention and communicate 3
(3 points)
straightforward ideas.
Written in complete sentences 2
LANGUAGE
Correct and appropriate grammar,
(4 points) 2
punctuation, spelling, etc.

WRAP-UP

Reflect on the learning that you gained after taking up this lesson by
answering the question below.

I learned that _____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
 VALUING

Maintaining a healthy mind and a sound body are great expressions of

God’s gift of life. We must be good stewards to promote self-esteem and self-
worth.

Photo Credit: https://clipartart.com/categories/free-clipart-kids-working-out.html

POSTTEST

Directions: Edit the following wordy sentences by eliminating words that have
little or no meaning, words that are repetitive, words implied by other words,
or by changing negatives to affirmatives.

1. I hope you give this matter your full and complete attention.

2. I had a great trip to Baguio. You could see Burnham Park and BenCab
Museum.

3. Various different people in our office were not against moving the water
cooler to a location that would be less difficult for everyone to reach.

4. The cheese clearly overpowered the pasta and, of course, made the dish
rather difficult to eat.

5. The football team made future plans to completely concentrate on the

basic fundamentals of each individual position.
 KEY TO CORRECTION

Pretest Activity Posttest

1. Y 1. SL 1. I hope you give this matter your complete
2. N 2. CCL attention.
3. Y 3. CL 2. I had a great trip to Baguio. I saw the Burnham P
4. N 4. NSL Park and BenCab Museum.
5. N 5. SL 3. Various people in our office were in favor of
moving the water cooler to a location that would
be easier for everyone to reach.
4. The cheese overpowered the pasta and made the
dish difficult to eat.
5. The football team made plans to concentrate on
the fundamentals of each position.

References

Books
Barrot, Jessie S., Academic Reading & Writing for Senior High School (Quezon City:
C & E Publishing, 2016), 107-108
Dayagbil, Filomena T., Ethel L. Abao, Remedios C. Bacus, Critical Reading and
Writing for the Senior High School (Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing Inc., 2016), 72-
73
Gary Forlini, et al., Grammar and Composition 4th Ed. (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey:
Prentice Hall,1990), 404-419
Web Sources
https://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/2355/2412111/Student_Resources
/cronin2e.html
https://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/el.htm
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/using_appropriate
_language/index.html
https://www.freshhrinsights.com.au/workplace-language-appropriate/
https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-
publications/policies-and-service-
procedures/guide_to_appropriate_language__full__2013.pdf
https://www.fematestanswers.com/fema-is-242-b-effective-communication-
answers/
https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/write-clear-and-concise-sentences/.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2%2CCreative+Commons+Sear
ch+Engine+cartoon+science+laboratory.
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+commons+cartoon+politicians+at+the+
plenary+hall.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2%2CCreative+Commons+Sear
ch+Engine+cartoon+science+laboratory.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cartoons+sexist+language&tbm=isch&amp
;ved=2ahUKEwjI9u_y467qAhXEEnIKHVUpC9MQ2cCegQIABAA&oq=cartoons+
sexist+language&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoICAAQCBAHEB5QicoBWMPcAWCO4w
FoAHAAeACAAXyIAbIHkgEDMy42mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWc&sclient
=img&ei=ae_9XogexKXIA9XSrJgN&bih=602&biw=1339&safe=a
ctive#imgrc=FmgHLcRFRaiRqM&imgdii=dp1HO8ph7FIWlM.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Filipino+family+eating+dinner+together.
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+commons++images+manager+talk+to+
his+employee.
Staff, wikiHow. “How to Communicate with Your Professor.” Google Search. Google,
May 4, 2019.
https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+commons++images+a+college+student
+talks+to+the+professor