SHS

Reading and Writing Skills

Module 2
Reading and Writing Skills
Module 2
First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Veronica F. Vargas

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Belen C. Aquino, EPS in Charge of English

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 Target

From your waking up in the morning until your bedtime; from your readings,
viewings, talking and all other sorts of activities, you meet situations that make you
think deeply. Examples of that are the selection of food for breakfast, the clothes to
wear, and the program to watch. The occurrence of the coronavirus pandemic has
created fears among many people. Social media bring us tons of information about
it that adversely affected our way of thinking. It is for this reason that you have to
consider learning the skills to think and read critically because it is too dangerous
to just believe in what you read or hear.
The previous lesson taught you how to evaluate written texts based on their
properties. Your knowledge of how texts are formed and organized will help you
identify and analyze the implicit and explicit information in the texts of our next
lesson.
Content Standard
The learner realizes that information in a written text may be selected and
organized for a particular purpose.

Performance Standard

The learner critiques a chosen sample of each pattern of development

focusing on information selection, organization, and development.

Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC)

1. Identify claims explicitly or implicitly made in a written text

a. Claim of fact
b. Claim of policy
c. Claim of value

2. Identify the context in which a text was developed

a. Hypertext
b. Intertext
Explicit and Implicit Information
Pre-Test
A. Study the picture. Afterward, read carefully the written information that
follows. Based on the picture, which of the given information are explicit
and which are implicit? Write your answer for each item on a bond paper.

The Making of the Philippine Flag by Fernando Amorsolo

1. The Philippine flag was sewn by three women.

2. The three women are skilled Filipina sewers.
3. It took several days for the flag to be made.
4. Each sewer had a part of the flag to work on.
5. There is a dominant star at the center of the triangle of the flag.
By this time, it is expected that you are done with your answers on the explicit
and implicit information based on the picture or painting. But before we proceed to
another text, check first your work using the key answer at the end page of this
material.
B. Now, let us consider another text type. Read carefully the boxed text
below.

I want our people to grow and be like the molave, strong and resilient,
rising on the hillside, unafraid of the raging flood, the lightning, or the storm,
confident of its strength. If we have the will to survive and the will to achieve
social efficiency, we cannot delay this task of spiritual regeneration. Let us
begin to mold the typical Filipino.
-
by Manuel L. Quezon
 Based on the boxed paragraph, identify which of the information below are
explicit and implicit.
1. Manuel L. Quezon wanted the Filipino to be strong and resilient.
2. Molave grows strong even after a storm.
3. The delay of Filipino spiritual regeneration is due to unwillingness.
4. Quezon urged the Filipinos to change.
5. To hasten social change, Filipinos have to be confident of their strength.
Check your work by referring to the key answers at the end of this material.
After doing the two activities, what do you understand about explicit and
implicit information? Why are they important for you to learn?

Explicit information is written and explained in the text so you, the learner, will
not be confused. On the other hand, implicit information is something that is not
written or seen in the text but is suggested.

To read critically means to be able to distinguish the information that is clearly

stated (explicit) in the text from those that are implied (implicit). This will help you
make inferences about what you read.

Jumpstart

Defining Claims
Evaluating the claims made by an author is one of the most important skills
needed in critical reading. Your ability to identify the explicit and implicit information

Whenever you
or position regarding the chosen topic. That point is also known as the claim, or the
central argument or thesis statement of the text. This claim is what the writer tries
to prove in the text by providing details, explanations, and other types of evidence.
As such, it is usually found in the introduction or the first few paragraphs of the text.
Consider the paragraph below. Read it carefully and answer in a separate
bond paper the questions that follow.
 The Filipino culture I have learned is one that is a very vibrant and alive.
It is a blend of many cultures that have come to our shores & rooted in our
own native Filipino culture. Many scholars say that culture is constantly
changing that is why it is very hard to define. While this is true, sometimes, it
is not changing for the better. In some ways, I believe this is happening to
Filipino culture. Filipinos tend to put more importance to foreign culture and
things as compared to our own. Many foreign ideas and ways of thinking is
what we, Filipinos believe will bring the country progress. However, this is a
mistake because our culture is such a rich melting pot from which we can draw
inspiration and ideas.

-The Importance of Recognizing Our Culture by Pammy Macasaet

Questions
1. What is the topic of the paragraph?

2. What is the claim of the writer about the topic?

3. What proofs are provided to support the claim?

4. Where in the paragraph is the claim written?

Discover

The claim is the most important part of the text. It defines the quality and the
complexity of the reading as it gives direction and scope to the text. The claim is a
sentence that summarizes the most important thing that the writer wants to say as
a result of his/her thinking, reading, or writing experiences.
When reading a long argument, start by skimming the first couple paragraphs
(and last paragraph if necessary) to figure out what the author is trying to persuade
you to believe or do. There may be more than one claim in a long argument so find
the most important claim.
It may help to pay attention to certain words that tell you that the statement
is a claim. Claims sometimes begin with words that indicate that it is a claim such
as "therefore", "so", and "thus". Claims often include qualifiers such as "maybe",
"probably", "perhaps", "usually", "often", "I believe", "I think", "in my opinion". But
these qualifiers are used for reasons as well. So be careful relying on them.
Characteristics of a Good Claim
The following are the characteristics of a good claim:
1. A claim should be argumentative and debatable.
When a writer makes a claim, he/she is making a case for a particular
perspective on the topic. Readers expect to be able to object to your claim, and
they can only raise objections if the claim is something that can be reasonably
challenged. Claims that are only factual or based on opinion, thus, are not
debatable.
2. A claim should be specific and focused.
If the claim is unfocused, the paper will be too broad in scope and will lack
direction and a clear connection to the support provided. It may also lead to
over generalizations and vague assertions.
3. A claim should be interesting and engaging. It should hook the reader, who
may or may not agree with you, to encourage them to consider your
perspective and learn something new from you.
4. A claim should be logical. It should result from a reasonable weighing of
support provided.

are reading a text:

There are three common types of claims. They are claims of fact, policy, and
value. Identifying claims is easier if you know a little about each claim type. Let us
study briefly each of these claims.

Distinguishing Between the Types of Claims

Now that you know the characteristics of a good claim, you will be introduced
to the different types of claims that a writer can make: fact, value, or policy. You can
usually determine this by examining the type of questions they answer about the
text.
First, a claim of fact states a quantifiable assertion or a measurable topic.
They assert that something has existed, exists, or will exist based on data. They rely
on reliable sources or systematic procedures to be validated; this is what makes them
different from inferences.

something is a claim of fact, the following questions are useful:

Is this issue related to a possible cause or effect?

Is this statement true or false? How can its truthfulness be verified?
Is this claim controversial or debatable?
 Take a look at the two examples below. What makes the claims of fact?

1. Smoking causes cancer.

2. People can reduce the severity of depression by increasing their
sunlight exposure each day.

In the first claim, what causes cancer? The answer is smoking. Is it true? Can
it be verified? How? Does it exist? Is this debatable? Is there someone saying
otherwise?

If most of your answers to these questions are yes, then it is a claim of fact.
How about the second claim? How will you prove its type? Can you use the
same process of questioning? The answer is yes.

much, but you could look for time-related terms such as "in the past," or "in the
future" and causal terms such as "leads to", "improves", "destroys", or "is caused by."
Next, the claim of value asserts something that can be qualified. They consist
of arguments about moral, philosophical, or aesthetic topics. These types of topics
try to prove that some values are more or less desirable compared to others. They
make judgments based on certain standards, on whether something is right or
wrong, good or bad, or something similar.
Claims of value attempt to explain how problems, situations, or issues ought
to be valued. To discover these explanations, you may ask the following questions:

Which claims endorse what is good or right?

What qualities should be considered good? Why?
Which of these values contend with others? Which ones are more
important, and why? Whose standards are used?
What are some concrete examples of such values?

Consider this example: Your idea is valuable to the project. What makes
this claim a value? Aside from the give-away term valuable, the question that will
guide you is
When trying to find value claims look for terms like "valuable/ beautiful/
interesting", "good/ bad/ evil", "right/ wrong", "superior/ best/ worse".
Finally, claims of policy attempt to persuade you or others to take some
action or change a behavior usually to solve a problem. You can easily identify a
claim of policy for it uses terms like "should", "ought" and "must".
The following questions will be used in evaluating a claim of policy.

Does the claim suggest a specific remedy to solve the problem?

Is the policy clearly defined?
Is the need for the policy established?
Is the policy the best one available? For whom? According to whose
standards?
How does the policy solve the problem?
 Now, study the two ideas below. What makes the claims of policy?

1. Voluntary prayer should be permitted in public schools.

2. Smoking should be prohibited in public places.

Both claims use the word should which is associated with claims of policy.

These qualify the two ideas as claims of policy.

We are now done with our discussion on the types of claims. How do you feel?
Do you know now how to identify a claim? Let us find out if you are ready.

Explore

The discussion on the different types of claims is over. Let us check your
understanding of the lesson. Different activities are provided for your practice. Read
carefully the instruction in each activity so that you will be properly guided toward
an expected output.

A. Direction: For each claim below, identify whether it is a value, policy,

or fact. Write your answer in your activity notebook.

1. Alcoholism is a genetic disorder.

2. Teachers face numerous problems today.
3. Amorsolo is my favorite Filipino painter.
4. National strength can only be built on character.
5. The US should help countries gain their independence.
6. Democracy is superior to any other form of government.
7. Social networks are the most distracting website on the internet.
8. Baguio City will experience colder weather for the next few years.
9. Mandatory jail terms should be imposed for drunk driving violations.
10. We must preserve with every ounce of our national vigor to eradicate
poverty.
LESSON 2. Text Development

Most Essential Learning Competency:

Identify the context in which a text was developed

a. Hypertext
b. Intertext

Target

How many of our famous legendary Filipino writers do you know? The chart
below has listing of 10 of them. On the first column are their names. The second
column is your familiarity to those writers. If you are familiar with the writer put a
ork column, read the
descriptions below the chart and match each with its writer. Write only the LETTER
of your answer in your activity notebook. The first item is done for your reference.

Famous Filipino Writers Familiarity Famous Work

1. Francisco Balagtas H
2. Lualhati Bautista
3. Merlinda Bobis
4. Carlos Bulosan
5. Jose Dalisay Jr
6. Luis Francia
7. Jessica Hagedorn
8. Nick Joaquin
9. Sionil Jose
10. Jose Rizal

Famous Works
A. Dogeaters is a political and historical tale of the Philippines, enacted on a world
stage, whose characters are both human and symbolic.
B. The Woman With Two Navels tells the story of a Filipino elite woman who is
hallucinating, and is preoccupied with the notion that she has two navels or belly
buttons in order to be treated as an extraordinary person.
C. Eye of the Fish: A Personal Archipelago,
travelogue and an indispensable guide to a fascinating and richly varied
archipelago
D. Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were social commentaries that sharply
revealed the injustices of Spanish colonization while praising the Filipino in his
most natural state.
E. Rosales Saga is a five-volume work that follows the Samson family and their
changing fortunes over a 100-year time frame.
F. is a play which blends poetry with naturalism about Manila's
street children who have survived militarization yet are prostituted by both the
East and the West.
G. Killing Time in a Warm Place
imprisonment during the Martial Law.
H. "Florante at Laura," is
regarding his love for a woman and the deception of another male suitor.
I. America Is In The Heart is an autobiography of the well-known Filipino poet who
describes his boyhood in the Philippines, his voyage to America, and his years of
hardship and despair as an itinerant laborer following the harvest trail in the rural
West.
J. Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Gi is a novel written in Filipino that navigates on
the challenges of going through life of a women's rights advocate with two children
from two different men.

How did you find the activity? How many of the Filipino writers and their
works are familiar to you?

What have you known about their works? How were they able to develop their
stories?

Jumpstart

CONTEXT
There is always an inspiration behind the writing of a text, and often, it leaves
clues about the situation or the reality that served as its backdrop. This backdrop,
this situation, this reality is known as the context of the text.
Consider the descripti
clues to the context? Analyze each work and complete the chart that follows. Study
the first item and use it as your guide.

Works of Famous Legendary Filipino Writers

 Context Clues

political and historical tale

1. Dogeaters

2. The Woman With Two Navels

3. Eye of the Fish: A Personal
Archipelago

4 . Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

5. Rosales Saga

7. Killing Time in a Warm Place

8. "Florante at Laura,"

9. America Is In The Heart

10.Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa?

experience, social, political, cultural and other related circumstances that surround
him? Do they affect the development of his writing? Certainly yes.

Being a critical reader also involves understanding that texts are always
developed in a certain context. A text is neither written nor read in a vacuum; its
meaning and interpretation are affected by a given set of circumstances. Thus,
context is defined as the social, cultural, political, historical, and other related
circumstances that surround the text and form the terms from which it can be

discovering a reading context, you

may ask questions like:
o When was the work written?
o What were the circumstances that produced it?
o
When you consider context as you write things, be guided by the following
reminders:

o If you are writing non-fiction academic texts, historical narratives,

argumentative essays, position papers, etc. you need to stick to the facts.
o Portray reality as it is. To do so, you must conduct extensive research using
scholarly references.

o When using context, try to represent several perspectives by citing different

sources.
 o If you are writing fiction and aim to integrate your context into it, remember
to not make the tale too far off from human and worldly reality. Works like
Harry Potter, the Lord of the Rings, and Ibong Adarna, while they are fictional,
have a lot of the human touch in them making them relevant to audiences.

Context creates meaning by providing precise and useful information.

Information that can push forward a story or facilitate its understanding.
Context is importance because it helps you connect and create a relationship
with the reader. It helps you communicate your point of view clearly making it easier
to understand. It allows you and others to be more creative.

Discover

TEXT DEVELOPMENT

There are several ways by which a text is developed. You learned in junior high
school about the forms of essays: descriptive, narrative, expository, and
argumentative. In earlier learning materials, you were taught about the other forms
that fall under expository texts.
Each form has its own way of developing the text, but here are the essentials
that you need to remember:

Purpose. It must have an aim or an objective. You need to know the reason why
you are writing the text, and what you intend to achieve from your readers to
make them laugh, to convince them to take action, to let them understand
something, and to educate them, among others.

Audience. Do not forget to know your target audience. Is it for the youth? Is it for
adults? Is it for experts? Is it for novices? Remember that you cannot always
resonate to every single person in the world; you need to focus on a target
audience. In this manner, you will be able to adjust the content, your use of
language, and your style of presentation.

Content and Meaning. Your work needs to have substance. Apart from being
considerate of your target audience, what will make them read the work is its
content and meaning.