Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

ENGLISH – Grade 8
Quarter 4, Week 1
Module 1

Grammatical Signal in Idea

Development

Learning Competency

Use appropriate grammatical signals or expressions

suitable to each pattern of idea development:

• general to particular
• claim and counterclaim
• problem-solution
• cause-effect

Address: D. Macapagal Highway, Poblacion, Toledo City

Tel. No.: (032) 322-7770; Fax. No.: (032) 467-8629;
Email Address: toledo.city@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

Introduction

In this lesson, you will be introduced to the different grammatical signals or

expressions in developing paragraphs. This module will help enhance your skill in
paragraph development, thus making it easier for you to compose sensible and
effective paragraphs.

What I Need to Know

After you are through with this module, you are expected to be able to:

• identify grammatical signals or expressions used among the different

patterns of idea development
• use grammatical signals or expressions in the different patterns of idea
development
• display confidence in performing the activities and in facing challenges; and
• practice critical thinking in performing the activities

What I Know

Let us test your knowledge about the lesson. Inside the box are the different
types of idea development. Identify which statement below describes it. Write the letter
that corresponds to your answer on your answer sheet.

A. Cause and Effect C. Problem Solution

B. Claim and Counter Claim D. General to Particular

1. It refers to the structure of an argument where there is more than one side to a
debate. It is very common in academic writing

2. It divides information into two main sections, one that describes a problem and
one that describes a solution. This pattern is typically used in persuasive
writing, where the writer's general purpose is to convince the reader to support
a certain course of action.

3. It is a method of developing a paragraph, essay, or speech by moving from a

broad observation about a topic to specific details in support of that topic.

4. It is an analytical mode of paragraph development that attempts to show how

events are influenced by or caused by others--the linkage of causation.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

Score Interpretation:
4 Excellent!
3 Very good!
2 Good
1 Nice try!
0 Poor

What’s In

Below are some of the signal words that are most often used by writers. Place
each word under its proper heading below.

because problem on the other hand

therefore the question is regardless
so that a solution although
cause one answer is though
reason after all nevertheless
effect for instance despite
thus for example
consequently to be specific
since like
as a result first
if . . . then second
result in

CAUSE and EFFECT CLAIM and COUNTER- CLAIM

________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________

PROBLEM- SOLUTION SPECIFIC to GENERAL

________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________
________________ ________________

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

What’s New

Let us now familiarize the signal words that you have identified for each pattern of idea
development. Read carefully the given paragraphs below, then list down the signal
words you can find from it. After, identify what pattern of idea development is used.

1. An increase in the population causes more competition for the same needs. As
a result, some organisms may not get enough of these needs. The lack of
needed materials causes population growth to slow down. For example, plant
roots growing close to each other compete for nutrients, water, and space. Tall
trees soak up plenty of sunlight. Smaller trees that also need sunlight may not
survive in the shade of these big trees. A decrease in the amount of nutrients,
space, and sunlight causes the growth of these plants.

Answer: Signal words used: _____________________

Pattern of idea development: ____________________

2. The color of a metal changes when its temperature changes. When metals
become very hot, it begins to glow. First, a metal will glow a dull red color. When
the metals become hotter, it changes to a bright red hot. At higher
temperatures, it becomes yellow and finally white. The wire inside a light bulb
is a common example of a yellow hot metal. Specific fact/example When the
wire inside becomes yellow-hot, the light bulb glows, or gives light.

Answer: Signal words used: _____________________

Pattern of idea development: ____________________

3. “Rapid technological advancements and an influx of media today have

connected us in more ways than ever thought possible. Television, movies,
newspapers, magazines, the internet, and other forms of the media all
contribute to the highly connected global society. This intricate network of
communication has vastly expanded our sphere of knowledge and
understanding in the cultural context. Through television and the internet, we
can access news and events in other countries minutes after they happen.
Through pictures and stories, we can learn about the various cultures and
practices all the way across the world. However, with this expanded access
also come certain limitations. Often overlooked is the fact that the information
has been filtered through numerous entities, only allowing us to see through the
eyes of the creator, greatly limiting our perceptions of the world. Sometimes
subtle and unintentional, other times blatantly obvious and highly structured,
the influences of the media present society with a constructed reality, as each
article, be it a news story, photograph, or even voice, is strategically selected
and presented to convey a certain message. This process becomes destructive

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

when it begins to shape our opinions, perceptions, and ideologies, especially

concerning other cultures.”

Answer: Signal words used: _____________________

Pattern of idea development: ____________________

4. Consumption of processed and convenience foods and our dependence on the

car have led to an increase in obesity and reduction in the fitness level of the
adult population. In some countries, especially industrialized ones, the number
of obese people can amount to one third of the population. This is significant as
obesity and poor fitness lead to a decrease in life expectancy, and it is therefore
important for individuals and governments to work together to tackle this issue
and improve their citizens' diet and fitness.

Answer: Signal words used: _____________________

Pattern of idea development: ____________________

What Is It

1. What grammatical signals are used in the paragraph to show the different
idea of paragraph development?
2. Why is it important to use grammatical signal in developing ideas?

Mini-Lesson

Grammatical Signals are writing devices that serve to maintain text coherence. They
signal the relationship between new sentences and the one before it and they are also
the important writing devices in text construction.

What’s More

Let us now use the grammatical signals that you have learned from the previous
activity. Supply the correct grammatical signals needed to complete the paragraphs
below.

CAUSE and EFFECT

Air pollution is perhaps the most devastating form of pollution ______it destroys
a resource that every life form as we know it needs to sustain itself. The effects of this
menace, both immediate and far ranging, are easy to summarize: unbreathable air.
The ______, however, need some more inspection. Every citizen who drives a car that
is not properly serviced and that does not have emission control devices is contributing

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

noxious gases into the atmosphere. Large industries that do not have filtration
mechanisms on their smoke stacks are also contributors. Sacrifice an invaluable
commodity later.

General to Specific

Writing is a complex socio cognitive process _____the construction of recorded

messages on paper or on some other material, and, more recently, on a computer
screen. The skills needed to write range from making the appropriate graphic marks,
through utilizing the resources of the chosen language, to anticipating the reactions of
the intended readers. The first skill area involves acquiring a writing system, which
may be alphabetic (as in European languages) or non-alphabetic (as in many Asian
languages). The _____ skill area requires selecting the appropriate grammar and
vocabulary to form acceptable sentences and then arranging them in paragraphs.
Third, writing involves thinking about the purpose of the text to be composed and about
its possible effects on the intended readership. One important aspect of this last
feature is the choice of a suitable style. Because of these characteristics, writing is not
an innate natural ability like speaking but has to be acquired through years of training
or schooling (Swales & Feak, 1994, p. 34).

What I Have Learned

1. I realized that among the grammatical signal discussed, the most difficult to
use is _______________________ because ___________________
______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

2. How does the lesson help you in using grammatical signals to the different
pattern of idea development?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________

What I Have Valued

Did you encounter any difficulty in performing the activities? If so, how did you deal
with it? What attitude and values did you exemplify? How do you relate this in the real-
life situations? Discuss briefly but comprehensively.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

What I Can Do
Directions: List down the grammatical signals that can be used for each pattern
of idea development.

Cause and Effect Claim-Counter Claim

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
Specific to General Problem-Solution
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.

Post-Assessment

The table below contains grammatical signals for each pattern of idea development.
Use and connect the given grammatical signals to form a brief logical paragraph.

Example: Claim-Counter Claim

Topic: Lack of proper education can lead to poverty
(Given grammatical signals)
On the other hand
Regardless
(Answer)
Education is an essential part of learning. The lack of proper education can lead
to poverty. On the other hand, a person who is determined in life but does not have
the privilege of going to school can still be successful in life. Regardless, we must
always make Education a priority.

1. Cause and Effect 3. General to Specific

Topic: A student got a low mark in Topic: A day in the farm

English

As a result First
Because Like
since For example

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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

2. Claim-Counter Claim 4. Problem-Solution

Topic: Modular learning is attainable Topic: Garbage pollution

than online classes.

Nevertheless The question is

Despite One answer is
Although

Rubric for self-evaluation:

Additional Activity
Directions: Write a short paragraph on the topic “Challenges of the New
Normal”. Choose one pattern of idea development and underline the at least 3
grammatical signal used.
Name: ___________________________ Date: ________________

Pattern of Idea Development:_______________________

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I. What I know
1. Claim asd Counter-Claim
2. Problem-Solution
3. General to Specific
4. Cause and Effect
II. What’s In
Cause and Effect Claim and Counter-Claim
because On the other hand
therefore Regardless
so that Although
cause Though
reason Nevertheless
effect despite
Problem-Solution General o Specific
Problem For instance
The question is For example
A solution To be specific
One answer is like
After all First
Second
III. What’s New
1. Cause, as a result
Cause and effect
2. First, finally
General to specific
3. However
Claim and Counter-Claim
4. Therefore
Problem-Solution VI. What I Can Do
Cause and Effect Claim and Counter-Claim
IV. What’s it Because on the other hand
1. Since, causes Therefore regardless
2. like, second so that although
V. What I have Learned cause though
reason nevertheless
Answers vary
effect despite
VII. Post assessment
Answers may vary Problem-Solution General to Specific
VII. Additional Activity Problem for instance
Answers may vary The question is for example
A solution to be specific
One answer is like
After all first
second
Answer Key
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY
Department of Education
Republic of the Philippines
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF TOLEDO CITY

References

Links:
http://repository.ut.ac.id/3806/1/PBIS4208-M1.pdf

https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Claims%20Claims%20Claims.pdf

https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/problemsolution/

https://www.cpp.edu/ramp/program-materials/recognizing-
transitions.shtml#:~:text=Transitions%20(or%20signal%20words)%20are,show%20t
he%20connection%20between%20ideas.

https://cairn.edu/documents/2016/10/writing-lab-signal-words.pdf/

http://eprints.umm.ac.id/227/1/A_STUDY_ON_THE_USING_OF_GRAMMATICAL_S
IGNALS_WITHINL.pdf

https://www.google.com/search?q=rubric+for+paragraph+self+assessment&tbm=isc
h&chips=q:rubric+for+paragraph+self+assessment,online_chips:self+reflection&hl=e
n&ved=2ahUKEwjese6Iw4HqAhUKD6YKHdaDDDYQ4lYoCHoECAEQHQ&biw=134
9&bih=667

http://utminers.utep.edu/ajkline/cause.htm
https://kmslmc.weebly.com/counterclaim---argumentative-essay.html

https://www.thoughtco.com/general-to-specific-order-composition-
1690812#:~:text=Definition,in%20support%20of%20that%20topic
https://coursedev.umuc.edu/WRTG999A/chapter3/ch3-10.html

APPLE GRACE A. ALTOMIA

Teacher III
Cantabaco National High School
Cantabaco, Toledo City

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