English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Quarter 1 – Module : Determine the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by

definition, explication and clarification.

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writers : SHIELA ROSE B. ENDENCIO

Editors : GINA B. PANTINO

SONIA V. PRENSADER
JOSALIE T. TONIO
LORAINE T. CHIONG

Reviewers : GINA B. PANTINO and

Masbate City Division headed by JEANETTE ROMBLON

Illustrator/Layout Artist: JOHN MICHAEL SARTE, ANTONIO L. MORADA

 SHS

English for Academic

and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 1 – Module 8
DETERMINE THE WAYS A WRITER CAN
ELUCIDATE ON A CONCEPT BY DEFINITION,
EXPLICATION AND CLARIFICATION

This instructional material was developed based from the Most Essential
Learning Competencies (MELC) in English for Academic and Professional Purposes
in response to the new normal scheme in learning delivery of the Department of
Education. This module was collaboratively reviewed by educators and program
specialists in the Regional Office V. We encourage teachers and other educational
stakeholders to email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the
Department of Education at ____________________.

We value your feedback and recommendations.

Department of Education Republic of the Philippines

QUARTER 1 – MODULE 8

WRITING A CONCEPT PAPER

I. Introduction
In research paper writing, researchers like you, must be able to defend the
importance of your study before the signal to set forth is provided. Hence, it is a
must that you are able to elucidate the framework of the study prior to writing
the research paper through preparing a concept paper.

II. Objective
Determine the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by definition,
explication and clarification.

III. Vocabulary List

CONCEPT PAPER is an overview of the study which includes the summary
of what is it all about, the reasons for conducting the study and how it will be
carried out.
DEFINITION is the method of identifying a given term and making its
meaning clearer. Its main purpose is to answer the question, “What does it
mean?” This mode of explanation contains the term to be defined and the
detailed exposition of the term through the use of illustration, examples and
description.
EXPLICATION is a method of explanation in which sentences, verses,
quotes or passages are taken from literary or academic work and then
interpreted and explained in a detailed way.
CLARIFICATION is a method of explanation in which the points are
organized from a general abstract to specific and concrete examples.
IV. Pre-test
Directions: Read the following statements below. Determine the method of
explanation used in elucidating a concept. Write the letter of your answer on
your notebook.
a. Definition
b. Explication
c. Clarification
1. The author claims that an Engineering student’s performance in college Math
is highly affected by his/her learnings in high school. Evidences such as previous
ratings in Math of students in high school and their present ratings in all their
Math subjects in college were presented. Interviews were also conducted among
engineering students regarding their impression towards their current Math
subjects. Learnings in high school serve as foundations in stepping up to the
next level,that is college.
2. A gene is a chemical unit of atomic proportions buried in every living cell. It
determines the structure of an organism and frequently its ways. It is capable of
self-production and is inheritable.
3. I was disappointed by the movie. The soundtrack was tinny and flat, and when
there was supposed to be silence you could hear popping sounds and white noise
instead. There were little starts and skips in the film where the cuts have been
badly pasted together.
4. A mirror is a tool which reflects our physical being.
5. The table shows that landing on a stable job here and abroad is the main
reason why students choose the Technical Vocational Livelihood track in Deped’s
Senior High School.
V. Learning Concepts

How do you choose a candidate during Supreme Student Council elections

in your school? What are your considerations? Student voters would certainly
look into the candidates’ platforms or their plans for the school to help them
decide as to who deserve their vote. In academic writing, research
advisers/panels/institution agencies agree to push the start button after
researchers/project developers are able to lay down the framework of their
study/project and was found feasible for the conduct of a study or to be financed
through a concept paper.
Prior to the submission of a research/project proposal, proponents are
requested to submit a summary of what is it all about, the reasons for conducting
the research/project and how it will be carried out. This summary document is
called a concept paper. A concept paper provides an overview of the
research/project and helps panels/investors to eliminate researches/proposals
which are likely to be disapproved.

A concept paper has several uses:

1. It serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
2. It helps determine whether a certain research/project is feasible
or not.
3. It used to pique the interest of the panel/potential funding
agencies
4. It is used to obtain informal feedback on the ideas prior to
preparing the full proposal.

Three Ways of Explaining a Concept

Before writing your concept paper you have to learn how to explain your
concept first. You can accomplish this through using definition, explication and
clarification.

DEFINITION is the method of identifying a given term and making its

meaning clearer. Its main purpose is to answer the question, “What does it
mean?” This mode of explanation contains the term to be defined and the
detailed exposition of the term through the use of illustration, examples and
description.
Signal Words used in Definition
Refers to is known as is defined as
Means as defined to illustrate

A definition can be presented in three ways: informal, formal and extended

a. An informal definition is done through a parenthetical or brief
explanation.
Example:
1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is usually found in vegetable oil, fish and
nuts.
2. A business plan contains business goals is a formal written
document.
3. Clamps are used to secure and grip pieces of wood and lumber so
your hands can be free to saw, cut or perform other woodworking
tasks more efficiently.
b. A formal definition explains a term by incorporating a pattern:
species (the term being defined);
genus (the general category/group to where the term belongs)
differentia (the quality which makes the term different from
other terms in the same category/group)
Example:
1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamin which
acts as an antioxidant.
Species: Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Genus: vitamin
Differentia: used as antioxidants
2. A business plan is a formal written document which contains
business goals, the methods on how these goals can be attained and
the time frame within which these goals need to be achieved.
 Species: business plan
Genus: document
Differentia: contains business goals, the methods on
how these goals can be attained and the time frame
within which these goals need to be achieved.
3. Clamps are carpentry tools used to secure and grip pieces of wood
and lumber so your hands can be free to saw, cut or perform other
woodworking tasks more efficiently
Species: clamps
Genus: carpentry tool
Differentia: used to secure and grip pieces of wood and
lumber so your hands can be free to saw, cut or perform other
woodworking tasks more efficiently

Whenever we define terms, there are times that we miss the genus or the
differentia. As a result, our definition becomes informal for there are only two
elements that we are able to present. But there is no room for worries since using
informal and formal definition in researches and proposals are both acceptable.
c. An extended definition is a detailed way of defining a term and is
usually composed of at least one paragraph. This type of definition incorporates
various patterns of development such as formal and informal definition,
comparison and contrast narration, description, classification, functional
analysis, process, analogy, and cause and effect to explain a given concept.
1. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamin which
acts as an antioxidant. Because the vitamin activity was first identified in 1936
from a dietary fertility factor in rats, it was given the name “ tocopherol” using
Greek words, “tokos” which means birth and “pherein” that is to bear or carry;
with its meaning in sum, to carry a pregnancy with an ending “–ol” signifying its
status as a chemical alcohol. This vitamin features a chromane ring, with a
hydroxyl group that can donate a hydrogen atom to reduce free radicals and a
hydrophobic side chain that allows for penetration into biological membranes.
(The example below used a combination of formal and informal
definition, cause and effect, process and descriptions)
2. A business plan is a formal written document which contains
business goals, the methods on how these goals can be attained and
the time frame within which these goals need to be achieved. It also
 describes the nature of the business, background information on the
organization, the organization’s financial projections and the
strategies it intends to implement to achieve the stated targets.
Traditionally business plans have been highly confidential and quite
limited in the audience. The business plan itself is regarded as a
secret. However, these days, we have what we call an open business
plan which is intended for unlimited audience. It a plan that is
typically web published and made available for all.
(The example used a combination of formal and informal definition,
description, comparison and contrast)
3. Clamps are carpentry tools used to secure and grip pieces of wood
and lumber so your hands can be free to saw, cut or perform other
woodworking tasks more efficiently. Clamp styles include C-clamps,
bar clamps, pipe clamps, deep-throat bar clamp, one-handed bar
clamp, mitre clamp and hand screws. Bar clamps and C-clamps are
two of the most commonly used type. Bar clamps have adjustable
arms that are easily widened or narrowed to fit the work piece and
therefore, requires fewer turns of the screw spindle compared to a
C-clamp, to hold the piece tightly.
(The example used a combination of formal and informal definition,
description, comparison and contrast)

With the three types of definition presented, it is very evident that

each type has a distinct feature among others. Take note of these differences for
you may use all of them in writing your concept paper.

LET’S STOP AND PAUSE FOR A WHILE!

Below are explanations of concepts through definition. Identify the type of
definition used. Write your answer on the space provided.
1. Pastry is a dough of flour, water, shortening (solid fats including butter)
that may be savoury or sweetened.
Answer:
2. Humanities study how people process and document the human
experience.
Answer:
 3. The English system of measurement provides the creative way on how
people can measure by themselves. For example people measure shorter
distance on the ground with their feet. They measure long distances with
their palms which is equal to a yard.
Answer:

If you are now able to differentiate one type of definition to others, it’s a
thumbs up! We got one down, and two more to go.

EXPLICATION is a method of explanation in which sentences, verses, quotes or

passages are taken from literary or academic work and then interpreted and
explained in a detailed way. When using this technique, you need to clearly
present your 1. thesis (your claim/premise about the literary or academic work
you are analysing/interpreting) in the introduction and follow it up with a 2.
detailed analysis of the passage or text. You may begin the body of the
explication by analysing and explaining how the text is constructed. You
explication should end with a concise 3. conclusion by stating your thesis and
major arguments.

Sample Explication from an Academic Work:

The text is about the inevitability of change among our lives.
(claim / premise) The author presents instances such as growth, old age and
death. He mentioned the life of man which undergoes a number of changes from
birth to death. Different aspects which change among humans such as the
physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social and the like where also
presented. (detailed analysis/interpretation) The text is making readers realize
that no one is an exemption to change.
Sample Explication from an Academic Work
Figure 1.1
Students Enrolled Under Academic and TVL Strands in Bato RDHS
SY 2019-2020
ACADEMIC STRANDS Number of Enrolees
STEM 43
HUMMS 55
GAS 56
ABM 23
Total 177
 TVL STRAND
EIM 65
EPAS 59
CARPENTRY 44
BPP/COOKERY 60
DRESSMAKING 49
Total 277

Figure1.1 shows the enrolment on both Academic and TVL strands

in Bato RDHS for school year 2019-2020 (claim/premise) Academic Strand
enrolees equalled to 177. On one hand, TVL Strand enrolees reached 277 which
doubled the number of enrolees under Academic strand. Among the five TVL
tracks offered, EIM got the highest number which is 65; followed by
BPP/COOKERY-60; EPAS-59; DRESSMAKING-49; and Carpentry-44. However,
under the Academic strand, GAS obtained the highest number of enrolees, that
is 56. Next to it is HUMMS with 55; STEM with 43 and ABM having the lowest
number that is 23. (Detailed analysis/interpretation of the text/data)
The table also reflects that most students preferred TVL strand over
Academic strand. (Conclusion)

CLARIFICATION is a method of explanation in which the points are organized

from a general abstract to specific and concrete examples. It entails the analysis
if the concept by looking and the examples and specifying some of its
characteristics to arrive at one working definition which can be used throughout
the paper.
Signal Words used in Clarification
After all for instance namely that is
As an example in other words put another way to be specific
Consider the following in particular specifically to clarify
For example in short stated differently to illustrate

Sample Clarification Text

Justice is a broad concept which encompasses a wide set of ideas, most of
which also branch out into smaller notions (topic sentence/general topic). For
instance, it can refer to the sentencing of a criminal based on due process. When
an individual gets what he deserves, even outside the hands of the law, it is also
considered justice in some contexts. This may come in form of vigilante justice,
in which a person dissatisfied with the system doles out punishment to wrong
doers. Poetic justice is also another related concept which is used in literature
to show how the good is always rewarded while bad forces always meet a grim
end. In the context of this paper, justice will be clearly delineated into any
instance in which the law is successfully and fairly applied to an individual,
resulting in either an arrest or a release. To illustrate, if a thief is caught and
tried in court through due process, and is found to be guilty and then sentenced
accordingly, it can be said that justice was served. However, if the same thief is
caught in the act by a band of villagers and was beaten right then and there, it
will be considered justice in the context of the paper, as the process has not
undergone due process.
It’s good to know that you have finished reading the lessons in this module.
Now, let’s have a quick RECAP!
A concept paper is _________________________________________
Complete the table below.

Ways of explaining concepts Keywords

Good job! You are now ready to take a series of activities on using the different
ways in explaining concept.
VI. PRACTICE TASKS
Practice Task 1
Directions: Read the following statements carefully. Identify the term(s)
being referred to by the descriptions below. Write the letter of your answer on
your notebook.

1. It is a kind of definition that uses a combination of the different developmental

patterns of paragraph.
a. casual c. extended
b. formal d. informal
2. A __________ is considered as a ticket to writing a full project/ research
proposal.
a. critique c. position paper
b. concept paper d. reaction paper

3. In other words, specifically, to illustrate are sample signal words for

__________.
a. definition c. explication
b. clarification d. conclusion
4. It is a type of definition that is anchored on a pattern in terms of construction.
a. casual c. extended
b. formal d. informal
5. In this method of explaining a concept, a thesis that is developed is supported
by a detailed analysis/interpretation.
a. definition c. explication
b. clarification d. conclusion

Now that you have already grasp the important key words from the topic,
let’s have a more complex practice task.
Practice Task 2
Directions: Directions: Read the following statements below.
Determine the method of explanation used in elucidating a concept based from
the examples provided below. Write the letter of your answer on your notebook.
a. Definition
b. Explication
c. Clarification
1. Girth measurement is taken horizontally and most of them go around the
entire circumference of the body.
2. A company’s financial statements are generated from summary totals in the
ledger. For instance, sales ledgers record accounts receivable. This ledger
consists the financial transactions made by customers to the company. Purchase
ledgers record money spent for purchasing by the company while general ledgers
represents the five main account types namely assets, liabilities, income,
expenses and capital.
3. Figure 1.1 reflects the increasing number of enrolees in senior high school for
this school year. Initially, there is a total of 536 officially enrolled students. Yet,
by the end of May it hiked to 1056, that is almost doubled the initial number. It
is expected that in the weeks to come more students will enrol under SHS as we
come closer to the beginning of classes by August.
4. The way you set your table is important because it impacts a lot of factors.
To name one, proper tables setting indicates the tone/ feeling that people have
about being together. Aside from this, it lets people know that you consider them
important enough for you to exert extra effort in preparing the table. Moreover,
it affects the appearance of the food that you serve to your customers/clients.
5. In a parallel connection, all components are connected across each other
forming exactly two sets of electrically common points.

It’s great that you are able to recognize one method of explanation from
others through specific examples. This time, you are ready to write your own
sample paragraphs using definition, explication and clarification.
Practice Task 3
Directions: Perform all the tasks provided for each method of explaining a
concept. Write your sentences/paragraphs on your notes.
A. Definition
Define the following terms (species) FORMALLY. Make sure to follow the
correct pattern.
a. Senior High School refers to _________________
b. Curriculum is known as _____________________
c. Academic/ TVL Track means_________________
B. Explication
Examine and analyse the chart below. Indicate all the important points
through explication.

Tiffany’s monthly allowance is 1,000 pesos.

Write your paragraph here.

The chart presents…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
C. Clarification
Using Clarification, provide specific details/bits of
inforation that will support the general topic below.
“A number of great opportunities await a Senior High
School graduate.”
Write your paragraph here.
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
VII. Post-test
You are now about to reach the end of the line in this module. After
all the concepts you’ve learned and the tasks you’ve accomplished, we now come
to the final test. Good Luck!
Directions: Directions: Directions: Read the following statements
below. Determine the method of explanation used in elucidating a concept based
from the examples provided below. Choose the letter of your answer.
a. Definition
b. Explication
c. Clarification
1. All pressures in school due to paper works, projects, work immersions and
the like could be overcame through proper time management. In other words, a
student must learn to budget her time properly, that is, to allot more time in
academic undertakings than social media engagements. Give priorities for those
projects that are up for deadlines. Make sure to accomplish even one of these in
a week or if possible in a day. Avoid spending time unproductively.

2. A National Certificate is a document issued by TESDA to individuals who had

satisfactorily demonstrated competence on a particular or cluster of units of
competency.

3. English for Academic and Professional Purposes refers to one of the subjects
offered in Senior High School which focuses on developing students’ reading and
writing skills.

4. Angela Manalang’s poem “Soledad” depicts how a society governed by norms

of the church reacts towards a girl’s action that is believed to be a crime, a mortal
sin. The girl in the poem was condemned and adjudged by the people. A scenario
that is very typical even in today’s times.

5. The text discusses the variety of reactions earned from the suggested blended
teaching and learning process of the Department of Education. Most parents and
students agree with the new normal educational system. Moreover, teachers
have prepared the needed materials for blended education. Everybody is into
knowing the results of this new system.
VIII. Assignment
Write a composition about your “Senior High School Journey” Make sure
to use the three methods of explaining a concept we discussed. Your work will
be rated based on the following criteria:
Organization of Ideas ---------30%
Grammar ---------------------- 30%
Vocabulary ---------------------20%
Spelling/Punctuation----------10%
Using the 3 Methods-----------10%
100%

Congratulations! You have officially accomplished this module.

Answer Keys

Pre-test
1. b
2. a
3. c
4. a
5. b

Learning Concepts
1. Formal
2. Informal
3. Informal
Practice Task 1
1. c
2. b
3. b
4. b
5. c
Practice Task 2
1. a
2. c
3. b
4. c
5. a
Practice Task 3
a. Definition
If the student was able to use the specie, genus, differentia pattern give
him/her 5 points
If he used only species and genus; or species and differentia give 3 points
If no answer is given, no point is provided.
b. Explication
Student’s work will be rated based on the following criteria:
Content-------------------------------30%
Organization of Ideas ---------- 30%
Grammar-----------------------------20%
Spelling/Punctuation--------------20%
100%
C. Clarification
Student’s work will be rated based on the following criteria:
Content-------------------------------30%
Organization of Ideas ---------- 30%
Grammar-----------------------------20%
Spelling/Punctuation--------------20%
100%
 REFERENCES
Barrot, J. (2013). Reading to think, thinking ton write. Quezon City. Rex Publishing

Barrot, J. (2015). Technical writer’s survival kit: A guide to effective technical writing
for college students and professionals. Quezon City: C&E Publishing.
Barrot, J. & Sipacio, P. (2016). Communicate Today: English for Academic and
Profesional Purposes for Senior High School. Quezon City. C & E Publishing Inc.

Bernardo, A. (2010).Creative ways of teaching research paper writing. Retrieved from

http://files.campus.edublogs.org/blog.nus.edu.sg/dist/7/112/files/2012/07/Creativ
e-Ways-of Teaching-Reasearch-Paper-Writing_editforpdf-27wg8wu.pdf
University of Reading (n.d.)Reading academic texts: Getting what you need from your
research. Retrieved from
http://www.screencast.com/users/UniRdg_Library/folders/Sudy%20Advice/media/8
98c4360-f86d-4808-812a-758d4e4ac02