Lesson 3: Essay

Overview

This lesson examines the essay and how its techniques response to a particular content.

Objectives

 Value the contributions of local writers to the development of regional literary traditions.

 Identify how tone is related to literary style and how both help create a unique meaning in the essay.

 Respond critically to the essay and consequently articulate this response through a five minutes skit
reenacting the aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Adaptations

Read the essay: HOME OF THE ASHFALL by John Jack Wigley (Pampanga)

Evaluation

Students will:

 Present a five minutes skit that will reenact one of the scenes in the essay. Look into the aftermath of the
Pinatubo eruption and what happened to the people who were affected by the disaster.

 After the five minutes skit: Explain how Filipinos deal with adversity Discuss how you would react if
you were faced by a similar situation

 The author utilized Kapampangan language in some of the dialogues in the essay. List down three
possible reasons and effects that this technique made.

 In a grid, list down 5 parts of the essay that sounds humorous. Explain why that particular part seems to
be funny.

 Cite incidents how the writer displayed qualities of honesty and openness in his essay.

Materials : Essay

HOME OF THE ASHFALL

John Jack Wigley

Pampanga

Activities

 Divide the class into 5 groups, each group will be given a copy of the essay.

 Each group will do a round robin reading method of the essay.

 Each group would have to prepare their answers to:

a) The main ideas in the essay

b) Give 5 incidents in the essay and identify the tone that the speaker has in narrating each
incident.

c) Explain the style of the writer by describing how the writer used words and sentences to
deliver his message and commenting on the use of anecdotes in the essay.

d) Explain the significance and choice of the author to have an introduction that began with
startling statistics followed by a brief description of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Title: Philippine Literature: Writing in the Regions (Essay)

Reporter: Mark Andrei E. Ferreras

Grade and Section: 11-Ruth

Teacher: Ms. Josie Berongoy

Motivation

The reporter will let the students to read the essay “Home of the Ashfall” by John Jack Wigley.

Synopsis

The book by Mr. Jack Wigley entitled “Home of the ashfall” mainly indicates the eruption of
Mount Pinatubo in the early 90’s. June 15, 1991 where Mount Pinatubo erupted and it is expected
by the people living in the area as there were news and information about the upcoming eruption.
The eruption is also known as the second largest eruption in the 20th century. Mr. Jack Wigley
write the book during his insights and experience on the eruption. He uses a first person view to
speak directly to the readers. His book has reflected the culture in the area of Mount Pinatubo and
the attitude of the Filipinos after the eruption. It show hat no matter how destructive the
calamities are, Filipinos always smile and help each other. Filipinos call it “Bayanihan”, which is
a very good lesson that the book can reflect.

Activity

Divide the class into 2 groups, each group will be given a copy of the essay.
Each group will do a round robin reading method of the essay.
Each group would have to prepare their answers to:
a) The main ideas in the essay
b) Give 5 incidents in the essay and identify the tone that the speaker has in
narrating each incident.
c) Explain the style of the writer by describing how the writer used words and
sentences to deliver his message and commenting on the use of anecdotes in the
essay.
d) Explain the significance and choice of the author to have an introduction that began
with startling statistics followed by a brief description of the Mt. Pinatubo
eruption.

Assessment

The students will answer a question on a ½ crosswise. (10 points)

1. The author is a native of
a. Metro Manila
b. Dau, Pampanga
c. San Fernando, Pampanga
d. Angeles, Pampanga

2. The author thought that the volcano that would most likely erupt would be
a. Mayon
b. Halcon
c. Pinatubo
d. Arayat

3. The author was, initially, ____________ at the sight of the white-covered surroundings
a. Scared
b. Overjoyed
c. Curious
d. Angry

4. At the river, the author’s legs shook because

a. He was tired from the trip
b. He was so thrilled to be home
c. He was saddened by the appearance of the town
d. He was shocked at the devastation

5. The author felt embarrassed at being carried because

a. He thought the barker thought he was sissy
b. He thought he was being mocked for his weight
c. He thought that he could cross the river himself
d. He thought that he would fall off