Department of Education

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CITY OF MEYCAUAYAN

Pag-asa St., Malhacan, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan

Activity Sheet 10
in
ENGLISH
Fourth Quarter – Week 6-7
Observe Correct Grammar in
Making Definitions
(ENG10G-IIa-29)

Sub-LC: Differentiate Formal and

Informal Definition of Words
 OBSERVE CORRECT GRAMMAR IN MAKING
DEFINITIONS
SUB-LC: DIFFERENTIATE FORMAL AND INFORMAL
DEFINITION OF WORDS

LET US KNOW
There was an American who visited in England. One day he
went in a hotel. While waiting for the elevator he met an
English man.
“Are you going to take the lift?”, the English man asked.
The American answered, “No I am going to take the elevator.”
“Yes, the lift,” the Englishman said.
“No, it’s an elevator,” the American insisted.
“You’re in England so it’s called a lift”, said the Englishman.
The American got a bit annoyed so he said,” The elevator was
invented in America that’s why I’ll call it elevator.”
“English language originated in England that’s why I will call
it a lift,” answered by the English man.

The two gentlemen were referring to the same object and both are correct.
Two words might mean the same thing and one word might have multiple
definition. Words are defined based on its place of origin, its history, and its use.
People define words base on their understanding of it and feelings and emotions
they associate with that word. You might have already learned about
connotations and denotations in your previous lessons.
In this lesson, you will have a short review about connotations and
denotations. You will learn the difference of formal and informal definitions of
words and you will be asked to define a word while observing correct grammar.

LET US REVIEW
Directions: Read each sentence below. Choose the definition of the
underlined word base on how it is used in the sentence. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. We were on the same club way back in grade school.
a. a group identified by some common characteristics.
b. a collection of people that voluntarily come together for a shared
passion or purpose.

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 c. noun: A heavy usually tapering staff especially wielded as a
weapon.
2. I bought a cheap skinny jean from the market, with the same brand
like that in the mall.
a. Adjective: meaning, charging or obtainable at a low price.
b. Of inferior quality
c. Bargain
3. He is very proud; nobody wants to befriend him.
a. Refers to someone showing excessive self-esteem
b. Adjective: meaning, vigorous, spirited
c. Confident
4. The neighborhood is always busy prying on someone else’s business.
a. Verb: meaning, to look closely or inquisitively
b. Verb: meaning, to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry
c. Adjective: meaning, inquisitive
5. He is a very chatty fellow.
a. adjective: meaning, talkative
b. verb: meaning, to talk rapidly, indistinctively, or unintelligently
c. conversational
Reference:
“Connotative Words: Examples and exercises” Yourdictionary.com
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-connotative-words.html

LET US STUDY
Words can be defined using the following:
1. Informal definition
2. Formal definition

Informal Definitions

In an informal definition, the writer uses known words or examples to explain

an unknown term. These definitions may be a synonym or antonym introduced
by or, in other words, or like.

Informal definition example:

Freedom, also referred to as liberty or independence, is a state people reach
when they are free to think and do whatever they please.

Formal Definitions

A formal definition consists of three parts: the term, the part of speech to which
it belongs, such as a noun or a verb, and all the traits or characteristics that
are specific to that term.

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Formal definition example:
Term: freedom
Part of speech: noun
Definition: The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without
hindrance or restraint.
When do we use Definitions?
• When your writing contains a term that may be key to audience
understanding and that term could likely be unfamiliar to them.

"Stellar Wobble is a measurable variation of speed wherein a star's

velocity is shifted by the gravitational pull of a foreign body."

• When a commonly used word or phrase has layers of subjectivity or

evaluation in the way you choose to define it.

"Throughout this essay, the term classic gaming will refer specifically to
playing video games produced for the Atari, the original Nintendo
Entertainment System, and any systems in-between."

Note: not everyone may define "classic gaming" within this same time
span; therefore, it is important to define your terms

• When the etymology (origin and history) of a common word might prove
interesting or will help expand upon a point.

"Pagan can be traced back to Roman military slang for an incompetent

soldier. In this sense, Christians who consider themselves soldiers of
Christ are using the term not only to suggest a person's secular status but
also their lack of bravery.'

Whether you are writing formal or informal definition of words it is important

that you observe correct grammar in making definitions.
Study the table below.
Term Verb Classification Distinguishing characteristics
Modems Are Devices that make possible the transmission of
data to or from a computer via telephone.
Hypertext Is a code used to make documents readable across
Mark-Up a variety of platforms and software.
Language
(HTML)
Internet Is a global that allows user-to-user communication
system of and transfer of data files.
networked
computers

1. What do you notice about the grammar in the definitions?

2. Which verb tense is used?
3. What type of clause is used in "distinguishing characteristics?"

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A formal definition is usually a one sentence explanation of the meaning of the
word. Notice that the examples on the table uses a simple sentence. The sentence
contains a subject, a verb, and a predicate, in this case the predicate is made up
of adjective clause. The adjective clause describes the characteristics of the word
to be defined. To avoid grammatical error in defining words, follow the sentence
pattern in the table above.
References:
Reyes, Sarah Jean.” Formal and Informal Definition” Slideshare.net
https://www.slideshare.net/SarahJeanReyes1/formal-and-infomal-definitons
“Writing Definitions” Purdue University
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/definitions.html

Guidelines in writing a definition

1. Just the (dictionary) facts
• A definition should contain the information about the word and what
the word refers to. Do not include usage notes in a definition. Get to
the point. Clarity, brevity, and conciseness are better when writing
definitions.
2. Avoid complicated terms
• Avoid terms that are more complicated or more technical than the
term being defined. The purpose of a definition is to clarify the
meaning.
3. Avoid specific terms
• Use conventional English words and expressions whenever possible.
The more widespread the term is, the more users will benefit
4. Avoid circularity
• Do not define a word with the same word. Use a different term.
• Avoid defining a term solely using etymology or morphologically
related terms. Adverbs are especially prone to being defined by the
adjective from which they are derive.
5. Make it simple
• Write simple grammatical structures rather than complex ones.
• Place key terms and short explanations near the start of the
definition.
Reference:
Alonte, L. R., Flandez, L.L., et al. “A Celebrating Diversity through World Literature – Grade 10” English – Learner’s
Material, First Edition 2014. (130-131)

LET US PRACTICE
Directions: Read the poem below and define the words inside the box
according to how it is used in the poem. Arrange the words in
alphabetical order before writing their definition. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

Liberty native tongue overthrown

Castilian furious flung

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 To My Fellow Youth (Sa Aking Mga Kababata)
By Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Whenever people of a country truly love
The language which by heav'n they were taught to use
That country also surely liberty pursue
As does the bird which soars to freer space above.
For language is the final judge and referee
Upon the people in the land where it holds sway;
In truth our human race resembles in this way
The other living beings born in liberty.
Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue
Is worse than any best or evil smelling fish.
To make our language richer ought to be our wish
The same as any mother loves to feed her young.

Tagalog and the Latin language are the same

And English and Castilian and the angels' tongue;
And God, whose watchful care o'er all is flung,
Has given us His blessing in the speech we claim,
Our mother tongue, like all the highest that we know
Had alphabet and letters of its very own;
But these were lost -- by furious waves were overthrown
Like bancas in the stormy sea, long years ago.
Reference: https://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines/poems-written-by-dr-jose-rizal-to-my-fellow-children-by-dr-
jose-rizal-english-version-of-sa-aking-mga-kababata_617.html

LET US REMEMBER
Words can be defined formally or informally. Informal definition
makes use of known words or synonyms to define an unfamiliar
word. A formal definition consists of three parts: the term, the part
of speech to which it belongs, such as a noun or a verb, and all the traits or
characteristics that are specific to that term. In writing definitions remember to;
(1) define words in simple sentence; (2) use facts from the dictionary;(3) avoid
complicated terms;(4) get straight to the point;(5) make it simple.

LET US APPRECIATE

Directions: List down 5 words you want to be familiar with. Write a

one-day journal entry of your usual day from waking up to sleeping. Check
whether you were able to see or use the words you list down on your daily
conversation with family or friends, your post on social media, or from the book
you’ve read. Define the words on how you understand and use it. Write your
journal entry and your chosen words on a one whole sheet of paper.

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 LET US PRACTICE MORE
Directions: Define the following terms using a one sentence definition
following the guidelines in writing definitions. You can use either formal or
informal definition. Observe correct grammar in defining the terms. Write your answers
in a separate sheet of paper.
1. Cybercrime_______________________________________________________________
2. Fake news________________________________________________________________
3. Social media_____________________________________________________________
4. Anti-Terror Bill___________________________________________________________
5. Gender___________________________________________________________________

EVALUATION
Directions: Indicate whether the following sentences contain FORMAL or
INFORMAL definitions. Write your answers on a separate paper.
___________1. A pandemic is defined as “an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a
very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number
of people”.
___________2. Bullying is a verb that describes the act of forcing someone to do
something he or she does not want to do. Typically, the bully uses physical power or
influence to intimidate the person being bullied.
___________3. Bullying occurs when someone uses his or her power or prestige to
intimidate and terrorize another person. At times, the bully pushes someone around to
get something specific from that person, but at other times, the bully simply is mean
just to watch the other person squirm. Tormenting anyone for any reason is
inappropriate and should not be tolerated.
___________4. The Cornell University Law School website defines cruel and unusual
punishment (noun) as "punishment that is extremely excessive in relation to the crime,
shocking to ordinary sensibilities, or equivalent to torture."
___________5. Many prisoners of war have been victims of cruel and unusual
punishment; people were shocked and horrified when they learned of the water torture,
temperature extremes, and sensory overloads that the prisoners were subjected to.
____________6. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a
newly discovered coronavirus.
____________7. Terrorism is intended to cause mass casualties, panic or loss of critical
resources to disrupt vital services or the economy. It may include violence or
cyberattacks. Acts of terrorism are mor likely to occur at or near high-profile sites or
places where large numbers of people gather-like government buildings, military
facilities, utilities, bus or train stations, and major public events.
____________8. Terrorism is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “the unlawful use of
violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”
_____________9. An anecdote is a noun referring to “a short amusing or interesting story
about a real person or incident.
_____________10. An anecdote is almost similar to a joke because it is a short funny
story that intends to make people laugh and also to make a point.
Reference:
“Acts of Terorrism”leegov.com https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/plan/ahg/terrorism

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 All Rights Reserved
2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CAROLINA S. VIOLETA, EdD

Schools Division Superintendent

JERRY D. CRUZ, PhD, CESE

Asst. Schools Division Superintendent

DOMINADOR M. CABRERA, PhD

Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

EDWARD C. JIMENEZ, PhD

Education Program Supervisor- LR Manager

MARILOU J. DEL ROSARIO, PhD

Education Program Supervisor- ENGLISH

MARRY ANNE G. BANEZ /JOHN MICHAEL

O. TERMULO/ /ALEXANDRA
HALASAN/MARVIN HACUTINA
Content/ Language/Layout Evaluators

TEODORA P. ILASCO
Developer/Writer