Reading and Writing

Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Mechanics in Writing
Reading and Writing – Senior High School
Quarter 3 – Module 4: Mechanics in Writing
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Region XI

Regional Director: Evelyn R. Fetalvero
Assistant Regional Director: Maria Ines C. Asuncion

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Renette C. Martinez

Editors: Melchora Dumbase and Dareen Louise Guisehan
Reviewers: Divilyn M. Rodriguez, Jeneve P. Nieves, Ana Lorma A. Dahiroc
Illustrator: Renette C. Martinez
Template Developer: Neil Edward D. Diaz
Management Team:
Evelyn R. Fetalvero Reynante A. Solitario
Mary Jeanne B. Aldeguer Janwario E. Yamota
Analiza C. Almazan Djhoane C. Aguilar
Manuel P. Vallejo Ma. Perpetua Angelita G. Suelto

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Department of Education – Panabo City Division

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Panabo City, Davao del Norte

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Reading and Writing
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Mechanics in Writing
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
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 own learning at home.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own
learning. Take time to read, understand, and perform the different
activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be
reminded of the following:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on
any part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other
activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking
your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are
done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this
module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone. We hope that through this
material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep
understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn
A well-organized piece of writing is not only clear but also logical and
aesthetic. In writing, you need tools (mechanics) to enhance the
communication process to properly deliver the message.
MELCS: Evaluate a written text based on its properties (mechanics)
In this module, you are expected to:
1. find out the rules in mechanics;
2. identify the errors in a text; and
3. apply the mechanics in writing.

Let Us Try
Pre-test: This is a test to find out what you already know on the
mechanics of writing. It will not be graded. If you cannot answer one
of the questions below, skip it and move on to the next one.

1. Which of the following does NOT belong under mechanics as an

aspect of a well-written text?
a. grammar c. punctuation
b. spelling d. organization
2. Which of the following sentences is an example of formal language?
a. I have recently bought a new bag.
b. I feel sorry for the loss.
c. This is to inform you about your new class schedule.
d. The movie is kinda boring.
3. Which of the following sentences is NOT properly punctuated?
a. Class was canceled today; your Reading and Writing teacher
was unwell.
b. Class was canceled today: your Reading and Writing teacher
was unwell.
c. Class was canceled today, your Reading and Writing teacher
was unwell.
d. Class was canceled today. your Reading and Writing teacher
was unwell
4. Which of the following words has the correct abbreviations?
a. Miscellaneous- mis.
b. Established- est.
c. Approximately- appro.
d. Department- dep.

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 5. Which properties of a written-text refers to the correct spelling of a
word?
a. language use
b. mechanics
c. organization
d. coherence and cohesion

Let Us Study
Warm-up:
Activity 1: Perfect Lens
Try to read the text below and answer the guide questions that follow.

1. What is the text all about?

2. Is the text easy to read? Why?
3. What are your suggestions to make the text easier to understand?
Based on the example above, you may say that you can partly
understand the text but it is not quite easy as it lacks proper punctuation,
capitalization, and other italics needed in writing. These tools in writing are
what we call mechanics in writing.
The technical aspect of writing which is mechanics is one of the
properties of a written text. In the previous lesson, you studied how
language is formally or informally used.

The goal of mechanics of writing is to make the writing precise. If the

writing is precise, it means that it follows correct spelling, punctuation,
italics, and so on.

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 Mechanics in Writing

A. Punctuation
1. Comma
a. Use a comma to separate items in a series. A series is made up of
three or more nouns, verbs, modifiers, or phrases.
Examples:
 Oral Communication, EAPP, and 21st Century Literature are core
subjects in the Senior High School

b. Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives. Coordinate

adjectives are two or more adjectives that equally modify the same
noun.
Example:
 The asymptomatic, COVID-19 positive patient, was rushed to the
hospital.

c. Use a comma to separate long clauses joined by conjunctions such

as by, and, but, or, for, yet, and so; although it is omitted if the
clauses are short.
Example:
 Last week was my sister’s wedding, so I prepared to go to the
salon for my haircut.

d. Use commas after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that

come before the main clause.
Example:
 While I was waiting for the rain to subside, suddenly there was a
bolt of lightning split the sky.

e. Set off introductory elements (words that introduce a sentence with

a comma). Common introductory phrases are participial and
infinitive phrases, absolute phrases, nonessential appositive
phrases, and long prepositional phrases of four or more words.
Examples:
 Being on time, I have received an incentive from my boss.
(participial phrase)

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  To travel outside the region, you need to secure necessary
documents. (infinitive phrase)
 Ms. Rodriguez, who wrote many English books, was one of my
favorite teachers. (appositive phrase)

f. Use commas to set off dates (except the month and day),
geographical names, items in dates (except the month and day),
addresses (except the street number and name), and titles in
names.

Examples:
 Kadayawan festival is celebrated in August.
 On March 31, 2011, Panabo became a city.
 Joseph Cruz, Ed.D, is our newly-elected P.T.A President

2. Semicolon
a. Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no
connecting words.
Example:
 I am excited to go home; I wanted to stay there for good.

b. Use a semicolon when joining two independent clauses together

with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join
independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently,
otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
Example:
 I am excited to go home; moreover, I wanted to stay there for
good.
3. Colon
a. Use a colon for separating chapter from verse in Bible reference,
separating volume from page in bibliography reference, writing a
salutatory greeting in professional writing and giving the time.
Example:
 My favorite verse is Psalm 23:1.
 Majority of the references that I cited were taken from the
Academic Journal 11:23 (volume 11, page 23)

b. Use a colon to introduce a formal list.

Example:
 Three things I have accomplished today: answered modules, e-
mailed documents, and researched enrichment activities.
B. Capitalization
1. Always capitalize the first word in a sentence.
Example:
 Davao region is located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao.

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 2. Capitalize proper nouns and adjectives.
Example:
 The Davao Crocodile Park is a must-see destination in Davao
City.

3. Capitalize the pronoun I and the interjection O.

Example:
 O God, I thank you.

4. Capitalize professional titles when used before a personal name.

Example:
 General Cedron was arrested for alleged graft.

5. Capitalize academic titles and their abbreviations when they follow a

personal name.
Example:
 Noemi Pales, M.D

6. Capitalize brand names

Example:
 My dream car is a Toyota Fortuner.

7. Capitalize the first word in a letter’s greeting or close.

Example:
 Sincerely yours,

8. Capitalize the days of the week, months of the year, and holidays.
Example:
 The opening of classes is in October.
 I always prepare gifts for Christmas.

C. Spelling

Many learners believe that spelling needs a lot of memorization.

American English has a spelling variation compared to British English.
For example: American English British English
Learned learnt
Organize organise

Notice that in the Philippine educational system, we follow

American English.

Here are some spelling strategies to remember:

a. Some spellings can be remembered by learning a rule (e.g. “I”
before “e”).
b. You need to learn the phonetic properties so you can spell
correctly.
c. Breaking the word into syllables or smaller sections is one way
to learn how to spell

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 d. Other words do not generally follow the spelling patterns but
learning continuously will get you to familiarize uncommon
words.

D. Abbreviation
Abbreviations allow writers to shorten long words and phrases and be
more concise in writing. If abbreviations are not used correctly,
readers will not recognize them

Here are some rules:

a. Only abbreviate well-known terms. e.g. TV for television
b. Abbreviations that use capital letters are called initialisms. It is
required to put a period after each letter.
e.g. M.D
c. In formal writing, it is recommended not to abbreviate the dates
only if needed, especially when used in tables or charts
e.g. Mon., Oct. 5
b. Latin abbreviations should not be capitalized.
e.g. – means “for example”
i.e. - means “that is”, “in other words”

Let Us Practice
Activity 2: I Am-Choosy
Identify if the sentences below are correct or incorrect based on the
mechanics of writing. If the sentence is correct, write C, if incorrect write IC
on your answer sheet. The first one is done for you.

A. Punctuation
C
____1. Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, is found in Davao
Region.
____2. These are my top favorite places in Davao: Samal Island, Eden’s
Park and Davao Crocodile Park
____3. Finally, I can receive my first bonus in December 25, 2020.
____4. I did not finish reading the whole text instead I play my games
on my phone.
____5. I like to use the semicolon: it is my favorite punctuation mark

B. Capitalization
_____6. I thank you, Lord for Your mercy.
_____7. My classmate, joy, is truly a joy to me.
_____8. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe officially resigned due to
health reasons.
_____9. When the pandemic crisis ends, I will go to Aguakan in
Summer.

C. Spelling
_____10. Millenials spend most of their time texting.

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 _____11. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, some
hospitals cannot accommodate new patients.
_____12. I cannot believe what I have achieved working in the concierge
area.

D. Abbreviation
_____13. (IATA) has warned governments they must start planning for
the "mission of the century".
_____14. Pres. Duterte said, “We did not have any obligation at all to
lie”.
_____15. Davao Region experienced terrible earthquake last
Oct,2019.

Let Us Practice More

Activity 3: Judgmental-be-like

Read the texts below. Rewrite it on your answer sheet. Add the necessary
punctuation and capitalization.

Text

a period punctuation mark in American english is called full stop in

british english. as language evolves, one report says a period is
“intimidating” especially to millennials. many of them don’t use
punctuation marks. they feel quite annoyed to use a period. A
journalist wrte that a period is not necesary in text messages unless
Let Us Remember
it needs emphasis

Activity 4: Think of Me

Analyze the following sentences below. What difference do commas make in

each of the following pairs? Write your answers on your answer sheet. The
first one is done for you.

Example:
a. I hear somebody calling, Evelyn.
b. I hear somebody calling Evelyn

Answer:
a. The subject “I” is talking to Evelyn that somebody’s calling.
b. The subject “I” is talking that somebody is talking to Evelyn.

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1. a. Smiling, Johnster left school.
b. Smiling Johnster left school.

2. a. During the evening, prayer meetings were held.

b. During the evening prayer, meetings were held.

Let Us Remember
Activity 5: Fill My Heart Completely
The following sentences have no proper punctuation, capitalization,
and italics. Rewrite them on the blanks provided. The first one is done for
you.
1. I looked for Loida my best friend.
I looked for Loida, my best friend.

2. Mr Mendoza the new principal announced the awards.

_____________________________________________________

3. Talking about the present economy, financial analyst Jeremy Sopko said
You have to take into account two huge factors massive student loan
debt and a lack of available work.
______________________________________________________________________

4. Living with parents I have a hard time adjusting as they have different
way of disciplining my children.
______________________________________________________________________

5. April 2 2019 was unforgettable for me because it was my graduation day.

_______________________________________________________________________

6. The Pusan Point, which offers breathtaking view is seen as one of the
most visited destinations in Davao Oriental.
_______________________________________________________________________

7. Davao Region comprises 5 provinces Davao de Oro, Davao OrientaL,

Davao Del Sur, Davao del norte and Davao Occidental.
_______________________________________________________________________

8. Every time I pass by Davao Del Norte the banana capital of the
Philipines, I could help myself but to reminisce my elementary days.
_______________________________________________________________________

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9. Laak, a town which is eighty three point forty eight kilometers from the
capital of Nabunturan, has a yearly festival called Kahimonan Festival
_______________________________________________________________________

10. Mr Tony Rodriguez Sr is named after him; He is Tony Rodriguez Jr.

__________________________________________________________________

Activity 6: Deal to write

Look at the words inside the box. Create a paragraph of any topic you like
using at least 5 words. Follow the rubrics below as your guide

Criteria 5 4 3
Main/topic Main/topic idea Main/topic idea Main/topic idea
idea sentence is sentence is either sentence is
sentence correctly placed. unclear or unclear or
incorrectly placed. incorrectly
placed.
Supporting Paragraph has Paragraph has two Paragraph has
detail three or more supporting detail one supporting
sentence (s) supporting detail sentences that detail sentences
sentences that relate back to the that relate back
relate back to the main idea. to the main idea.
main idea.
Elaborating Each supporting Each supporting Each supporting
detail detail sentence has detail sentence has detail sentence
sentence three or more at least two has one
elaborating detail elaborating detail elaborating detail
sentence. sentences. sentence.
Grammar Paragraph has no Paragraph has one Paragraph has
and errors in or two errors three to five
mechanics punctuation, punctuation, errors
capitalization, and capitalization, and punctuation,
spelling. spelling. capitalization,
and spelling.

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 Let Us Assess

Activity 7: Be A Great Picker

Every item has four choices. Choose the correct sentence. Write the letter on
your answer sheet.

1.
a. My classmate told me he loved Harry Potter book so, I gave it to him.
b. My classmate told me he loved Harry Potter books; so I gave it to him.
c. My classmate told me he loved Harry Potter books: so I gave it to him.
d. My classmate told me he loved Harry Potter books so I gave it to him.

2.
a. The DepEd has announced that classes will be moved.
b. The Department of Education (DepEd), has announced that classes will
be moved.
c. Deped has announced, that classes will be moved.
d. The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that classes will
be moved.

3.
a. I ask; therefore, that you keep this matter a secret.
b. I ask:,therefore that you, keep this matter a secret.
c. I ask: therefore, that you keep this matter a secret.
d. I ask, therefore, that you keep this matter a secret.

4.
a. Last week, you apologized; she accepted it.
b. Last week, you apologized, she accepted it
c. Last week, you apologized. she accepted it
d. Last week, you apologized: she accepted it

5.
a. There are three cities in Davao Del Norte: Tagum, Panabo, and Island
Garden City of Samal.
b. There are 3 cities in Davao Del Norte: Tagum, Panabo and Island Garden
City of Samal.
c. There are 3 cities in Davao Del Norte: Tagum, Panabo, and Island Garden
City of Samal.
d. There are three cities in Davao Del Norte; Tagum, Panabo and Island
Garden City of Samal.

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Activity 8: Ready to Make Over
Proofread the text below. Every sentence has a mistake based on the
mechanics of writing. Write your answer on the answer sheet.

Many of us aware by now that online gamers are 1._______

constantly try to offer rewards such as giving coins 2._______
just to captivate the audience interest. They clad 3._______
in their sexy attire with full makeover, no wonder 4._______
they has become celebrity stars with thousands 5._______
of followers 6._______
But is the beauty the key element in getting more 7._______
followers? Recently a group of young researchers 8._______
wanted to find out the main reason why. Is this 9._______
part of Generation x? 10. ______

Let Us Enhance
Activity 9: Text Spotify
The text below is badly punctuated. Following the mechanics in writing,
change the incorrect punctuations and errors. Rewrite it on your answer
sheet.
I’m an old fisherman now not as young as, I was in my young days I
fished for days and days and brought, home a catch to feed. My family I
had a family then a wife and three, wonderful daughters many days. I had
enough fish left over to sell and make some, money to pay for my daughter’s
education but. One by one my daughters, left to go to the city. and marry.
they made great lives. For themselves in, the city, my wife and I lived on.
Until she died, last year now I am alone. And its’ very hard for me. To live
day by day. I, always try. To remember the old days the happy, days the
days, when we were. Together. Im’ alone now and. I cant fish any’more, I
don’t have the, strength. No one, in the village, is left. who is able to fish like
we used to do it’s a sad, time for us and when we are gone. No one will, take
our place:

Let Us Reflect
Correctness in writing is prejudged on grammar structures. However,
it is more than as what many have thought of. To make the author’s writing
clear and precise, ideas and evidence of thoughts are more important than
the mechanics of writing. If the basic tools of a writer are words and
imagination, then learning the mechanics in writing does matter.

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Activity 9
I’m an old fisherman now, not as young as I
was. In my young days, I fished for days
and days and brought home a catch to feed
my family. I had a family then, a wife and Activity 7
three wonderful daughters. Many days I had 1.a
enough fish left over to sell and make some 2.d
money to pay for my daughters’ education. 3.d
But, one by one, my daughters left, to go to 4.a
the city and marry. They made great lives 5.a
for themselves in the city. My wife and I
lived on until she died last year. Now I am
alone and it’s very hard for me to live day by
day. I always try to remember the old days, Activity 3
the happy days, the days when we were A period punctuation mark in
together. I’m alone now and I can’t fish American English is called a
anymore - I don’t have the strength. No one full stop in British English.
in the village is left who is able to fish like As language evolves, one
we used to do. It’s a sad time for us, and report says a period is Activity
when we are gone no one will take our “intimidating” especially to 2
place. millennials. Many of them do 1. C
not use punctuation marks. 2. IC
They feel annoyed to use a 3.IC
period. A journalist writes 4.IC
Activity 4: Possible answers 5.IC
that a period is not necessary
1. a. The mood of Johnster seeing smiling 6. C
in text messages unless it
when he left school. 7. IC
needs emphasis.
b. Johnster is being described as a smiling 8. C
person. 9. C
2. a. Meetings were held everytime there’s a 10. IC
prayer in the evening. 11.C
b. Meetings were held/done in the evening. 12.C
13.IC
14. C
15. IC
Activity 1
Answers may vary
1. The text is about the year 2020
Pretest
which was predicted as a perfect year.
1. a
2. The text is not easy to read. It does not follow proper
2. c
mechanics.
3.a
3. Rewrite the text following the properties of a written text.
4. b
5. b
Answer Key
 13
Activity 9: Answers may vary
I’m an old fisherman now, not as young as I was. In my young days, I fished for days and
days and brought home a catch to feed my family. I had a family then, a wife and three
wonderful daughters. Many days I had enough fish left over to sell and make some money to
pay for my daughters’ education. But, one by one, my daughters left, to go to the city and
marry. They made great lives for themselves in the city. My wife and I lived on until she died
last year. Now I am alone and it’s very hard for me to live day by day. I always try to
remember the old days, the happy days, the days when we were together. I’m alone now and
I can’t fish anymore - I don’t have the strength. No one in the village is left who is able to
fish like we used to do. It’s a sad time for us, and when we are gone no one will take our
place.
Activity 6 Activity 8
Paragraph writing.Refer 1. are aware ( add ‘are’)
to rubrics
2. present progressive – are trying
Activity 8 3.add apostrophe- audience’
1. are aware ( add ‘are) 4.add article “a” with a full makeover
2. present progressive – 5. present perfect “have become”
are trying
6. add period after the word “followers”
3.add apostrophe-
audience’ 7. delete “the” before beauty
4.add article “a” with a 8. add a comma after the word “recently”
full makeover 9. present perfect - have wanted
5. present perfect “have 10. “x” is capitalized
become”
6. add period after the
word “followers”
7. delete “the” before
beauty
8. add a comma after the
word “recently”
9. present perfect have Activity 5
wanted 2. Mr. Mendoza, the new principal, announced the awards.
10. “x” is capitalized 3. Talking about the present economy, financial analyst Jeremy
Sopko said: "You have to take into account two huge factors:
massive student loan debt and a lack of available work."
4. Living with parents, I have a hard time adjusting as they have
different way of disciplining my children.
5. April 2, 2019 was unforgettable for me because it was my
graduation day.
6. The Pusan Point, which offers breathtaking view, is seen as one
of the most visited destinations in Davao Oriental.
7. Davao region comprises 5 provinces: Davao de Oro, Davao
Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao Occidental.
8. Every time I pass by Davao del Norte, the banana capital of the
Philipines, I could help myself but to reminisce my elementary
days.
9. Laak, a town which is 83.48 from the capital of Nabunturan, has
a yearly festival called Kahimonan Festival.
10. Mr. Tony Rodriguez Sr. is named after him; He is Tony
Rodriguez Jr.
 References

Jessi S. Barrot, Academic Reading & Writing for Senior High School: C & E
Publishing, 2016, 110-113

Nerissa C. Gabelo et. Al., Reading-Writing: THE EFFECTIVE CONNECTION for

Senior High School Malabon:Mutya Publishing House, Inc.2016,84-93

Rija Hussain. Learn how to spell in two weeks Jan 19, 2014
https://www.scribd.com/document/200691390/Spelling-Rule

The writing Process https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/index.html

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region XI

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665, (082) 221-6147

Email Address: lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph