ENGLISH 8

QUARTER 2 – MODULE 3
Use a Variety of Techniques to
Introduce a Topic
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
•learn the different techniques on how to
develop topic sentences;
•employ appropriate writing skills and
strategies ; and
•compose effective paragraphs.
Discussion
The topic sentence allows you to know how the paragraph
will discuss the subject and to understand a paragraph’s
purpose. The topic sentence also serves to unify the
coherent paragraph and to direct the order of the sentence.

The writer may vary the pattern or combine some to fit the
train of ideas he wants to convey. One sentence naturally
leads on to the next sentences. The ideas may be
developed in any of the following:
By definition.
The concept is initially defined and then further
expanded with examples and restatements. It
usually explains what a term means. When you
want your readers to know exactly how you are
using a certain term or an unfamiliar concept, you
use definition.
Signal words used: is defined as; is called; means;
refers to, and ; is described as.
By details.
The topic sentence is supported by factual
materials, either sense impressions or
conceptual facts when a paragraph is
developed by detail. You can also provide
specific details about what something may
look like and organize them spatially in order
of appearance.
By examples and illustration.
Specific incidents, conditions or facts are given to support a point.
Examples and illustrations are used in almost all types or modes of
writing to help support points that the writer is making. An example is a
specific detail used to attempt to make an abstract idea concrete or a
general idea specific. The illustration paragraph is similar to the example
paragraph because it, too, is specific in time, place, and action. The main
difference is that the illustration paragraph is a story (true or untrue)
that supports or develops a main point (the topic sentence).
Signal words used: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is,
to illustrate
By cause and effect.
A cause is what makes a particular thing happen. An effect is
what results from a particular situation, activity, or behavior.
You write cause-and-effect paragraphs when your purpose is to
help readers understand why something happened or is
happening, or when you want to show readers how one thing
affects something else. You can also use cause-and-effect
writing to predict future events.
Signal words used: for this reason, hence, consequences,
because, made, on the account
By comparison and contrast.
A comparison tells how two things are similar.
A contrast tells how they are different. A
comparison and contrast paragraph can do
either or both.
Signal words used: similar, different, bigger
than, smaller, on the other hand , than, but, in
the same way, however.
ACTIVITIES TO ANSWER
English 8 Module 4
•Independent Assessment 2
•What I Have Learned
•What I Can Do
•Additional Activities
Independent Assessment 2
Complete the graphic organizer below by identifying the cause
and effects from the given paragraph. Do this on your notebook.
It is not hard to understand why he failed. He was naturally lazy
and would not exert effort to study his lessons. He was often
absent. He took more holidays than were shown on the school
calendar. He did not review for the test. Sometimes, he took a
test and when the test papers were returned; he would briefly
look at his paper. He would then crumple it and throw it away. He
was not promoted to the next year level. His parents felt
disappointed. His gadgets were confiscated by his parents.
Similary, he was not allowed to go out with friends.
Independent Assessment 2
What I Have Learned
A. How is the term ”paradigm” defined in the given paragraph. Write (5) five definitions.
Sample of a paragraph developed by definition. Write your answer on your notebook.
In nursing research, paradigms are essential to help to place the research into a broader context.
According to Polit and Hungler (1997) paradigms constitute a worldview or a general perspective
on the complexities of the real world. More specifically, paradigms for human inquiry are often
characterized in terms of the way in which they respond to basic philosophical questions .In this
sense of the term, then, paradigms are more than typical examples or models. Rather, they
demonstrate relationships between ideas and provide a basis for a methodology or a theory, and
as such, they are useful as lenses for viewing and interpreting significant, substantive issues to
the discipline. Thus, paradigms that are often used for nursing research, such as empiricist,
interpretive and critical social paradigms, provide frames that hold the vocabulary, theories,
principles, presuppositions and values related to an inquiry.
(Adapted from an essay by Mary Ratsensperger)
What I Have Learned
•Definitions of paradigm:
•1.__________________________________
•2.__________________________________
•3.__________________________________
•4.__________________________________
•5.__________________________________
What I Have Learned
B. Look for the 5 definitions of communication given in the paragraph.
Write your answers on your notebook.
Communication is one of the important tools that aid us to connect with
people. Either you are a student or a working professional, good
communication is something that will connect you far ahead.
Communication allows you to solve a number of issues and problems. This
is the reason that one must know how to communicate well. The word
communication is basically a process of interaction with the people and
their environment. Such interactions happens through the exchange of
information through words, gestures, signs, symbols, and expressions. In
organizations, communication is an endless process of giving and receiving
information and to build social relationships. Similarly, communication
helps to build a strong team environment in the office and other places
What I Have Learned
•Definitions of communication:
•1.__________________________________
•2.__________________________________
•3.__________________________________
•4.__________________________________
•5.__________________________________
What I Can Do
Identify the (5) details found in the paragraph which support the topic sentence. Write
the letter of the correct answers on your notebook.
Topic Sentence: Piranha are omnivorous, freshwater fish, which are mostly known for
their single row of sharp, triangular teeth in both jaws.
• Piranhas’ teeth come together in a scissor-like bite and are used for puncture and
tearing.
• Staying along the seaside is relaxing .
• The many species of piranha vary in color, though most are either silvery with an
orange underbelly and throat or almost entirely black.
• The label piranha, then, refers to a wide variety of species.
• Piranhas comprise more than 30-60 species of fish
• Baby piranha are small, about the size of a thumbnail, but fullgrown piranha grow up
to about 6-10 inches, and some individual fish up to 2 feet long have been found.
• You can climb a mountain and high cliffs
What I Can Do
Topic Sentence: Succulent plants are cold hardy and come in astounding variety of
sometimes bizarre shapes, colors, and unique features.
• Succulents are native to arid deserts, seaside cliffs, cold mountains, or even steamy
jungles.
• The word succulent comes from the Latin word sucus, meaning

•'juice', or sap.
• They have fleshy leaves or stems which help them store water for weeks or months.
• Gardening is an interesting hobby.
• Most grow best in bright light, but not always full hot sun.
• There are several easy ways to propagate succulents. A lot have small plants called
“pups” growing from short stems at their base, which can be twisted or cut off and
replanted.
• Having a green thumb means a natural talent for growing plants.
Additional Activities
Write ten sentences about yourself . Then, put together those that talk of similar things, like
family, hobbies, etc. Lastly, from a paragraph out of the sentences you make. Make sure that
each paragraph is focused on only one topic.
Sentences:
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Additional Activities
Paragraph:
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