Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Defining a Term
Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines
English- Grade 10
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1
Lesson
Parts and Patterns of
Definitions
1
What I Need to Know
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making
definitions. Specifically, you are expected to
a. identify parts of a definition; and
b. use sentence patterns in writing definitions.
What I Know
A. Write FD if the sentence is a full definition and ND if it is not a
definition.
1. A lyric poem which is composed of fourteen lines is called a sonnet. ______
2. The Internet makes communication much faster and easier. ______
3. A capella refers to a performance without musical accompaniment. ______
4. An analog computer is a device designed to solve scientific problems. ______
5. Life is not always as easy as you think. ______
For 6-8, study the sentence below. Write only the letter of your answer.
A ballad is a poem intended to be sung.
A B C D
6. Which part is the term defined? ______
7. Which part is the general class? ______
8. Which part is the distinguishing characteristic? ______
What’s New
Read the selection in the box and find out how the author defines
anti-life acts.
Anti-life acts are measures that seek to terminate life wilfully and
consciously. Today, there are four generally recognized anti-life acts which bear
scrutiny: abortion, euthanasia, terrorism, and capital punishment. Abortion is
referred to as the termination of pregnancy before the fetus reaches 20 weeks of
gestation. Euthanasia connotes the act of causing death painlessly so as to end
the suffering of patients who have no chance of recovery. Meanwhile, the act of
using force, violence, or threat to demoralize, intimidate, or subjugate others is
known as terrorism. Lastly, capital punishment is defined as the death penalty
imposed on persons found guilty of major crimes against persons and properties.
1
How does the author define the following terms? Provide a one-sentence definition
for each term.
Anti-life acts
7
Abortion
Euthanasia
Terrorism
Capital punishment
What Is It
In defining a term, you actually answer the question “What is A?”
Definitions are commonly used in expository writing such as researches, scientific
and legal texts. It is also used in essays and other text types in order to make ideas
and concepts clearer.
Full definitions are composed of a term to define, the general class to which the
term belongs and a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term from
the other members of the same class. A definition uses one of these two patterns.
Pattern 1:
Term = class + distinguishing characteristics
is/are which/that…
A is defined as B of v+ing/N… C
refers to by which…
denotes for…
V+en
Examples:
Freedom is the ability to do what is right.
Family is a group of people who are bound together by love.
Biology is a branch of science dealing with the study of life.
Pattern 2:
Class + distinguishing = term
characteristics
Note: An article (The, A, An) may or may not be added at the beginning of each
sentence. V on the structure refers to Verb.
8
What’s More
A. Go back to the definitions of anti-life acts. Fill out the chart below with the parts of
each definition.
Term Class Distinguishing Characteristic Pattern
Used
Anti-life
acts
Euthanasia
Abortion
Terrorism
Capital
punishment
C. Write a full definition from each given set of terms to define, generalizing the
class, and distinguishing the characteristics below. Give two sentences following the
patterns you have learned.
Example:
triangle – polygon- three sides
Pattern 1: A triangle is a polygon that has three sides.
Pattern 2: A polygon that has three sides is called a triangle.
9
4. thermometer – an instrument – used to measure temperature
Pattern 1: ________________________________________________
Pattern 2: ________________________________________________
What I Can Do
Love, Humility, Wisdom, Faith, or Perseverance?
Choose the virtue which you think is the most important. Using the
table, provide the class to where it belongs and a distinguishing characteristic
that separates it from the rest. Then, write a definition of the word using the
two patterns.
Full Definition
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
Assessment
Read each item carefully and circle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following sentences is a definition?
A. The people are warned against going out despite the relaxed quarantine
measures.
B. Antibodies are primary forms of immune response to disease caused by
viruses or bacteria.
C. Rapid tests are done to find out if a specific antibody is found in a
suspected or probable COVID-19 case.
D. As of the moment, there is still no available COVID-19 vaccine but many
countries are already working for it.
10
For 2 & 3,
Economics is the social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis
of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is the study of
how man’s material needs are supplied, or how scarce resources are utilized.
These needs may include goods ranging from necessities (home, food and
clothing) to luxuries (color TV, electric razor) and services (medical care,
transportation, and dry cleaning).
Economists or specialists in economics divide much of their subject into how
goods and services are produced and how they are distributed.
2. Which paragraph gives the definition of economics?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. none
3. Based on its definition, to what general class does economics belong?
A. earth science B. natural science
C. political science D. social science
A. 1-4-3-2-5 B. 2-3-5-4-1
C. 3-5-2-4-1 D. 5-3-2-4-1
11
Lesson
The Grammar of Definitions
2
What I Need to Know
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making
definitions. Specifically, you are expected to
a. identify parts of a definition; and
b. use sentence patterns in writing definitions.
What I Know
Write the word CORRECT if the underlined part of the definition is
grammatically correct. If it is it wrong, give the correct form.
What’s In
In the previous lesson, you have learned to write definitions by following two
sentence patterns. Give the two patterns of writing a definition.
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
What’s New
Study the two definitions of one term. Answer the questions that follow.
Circle the letter only.
I. Anti-life acts are measures that are intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
II. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and consciously.
12
A. class B. distinguishing characteristics C. term
What Is It
An important skill to develop in order to make grammatically correct definitions is the
use of relation pronouns as well as participial and prepositional phrases in stating the
distinguishing characteristic of the term defined.
Study these examples:
A. Anti-life acts are measures which are intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
B. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and consciously.
What’s More
A. Combine the two sentences in each item to come up with a full
definition. Change the second sentence into a clause that begins
with which, who, or that.
Example:
Chemistry is a science.
Chemistry deals with the study of the composition and properties of
substances.
13
Combined sentence:
Chemistry is a science that deals with the study of the composition and
properties of substances.
1. A computer is an electronic system
A computer is designed to manipulate and store data.
______________________________________________________________
2. A printer is a computer hardware.
A printer is used to produce printed output.
______________________________________________________________
3. Internet is a global computer network.
Internet connects users with service networks such as the World Wide Web.
______________________________________________________________
4. A modem is a device.
A modem connects computers via a telephone line.
______________________________________________________________
5. A software is a program, routine and symbolic language.
A software is essential to the operation and maintenance of a computer.
______________________________________________________________
Example: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of
language use rather than structure.
Shortened: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics dealing with the study of
language use rather than structure.
14
3. Distinguishing characteristics in shortened definitions begin with
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
What I Can Do
Go back to the definition you have formulated in Lesson 1 (What
I Can Do). Still using the two patterns in defining a term, write a
shortened version if you have written the full definition or write the full
version if you have written the shortened form.
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
Assessment
Choose the correct expression to complete each definition. Circle the letter of the
correct answer.
15
Additional Activities
The parts of each definition are mixed up. Write the definition by putting the parts in
their proper places.
3. digestion – of breaking down food for use of the body – is the process
_______________________________________________________________
16
Lesson
Technical vs. Operational
Definitions
3
What I Need to Know
This lesson will prepare you to give technical and operational
definitions. Specifically, you are expected to
a. distinguish technical from operational definitions; and
b. write technical definitions.
What I Know
Tell whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE.
1. A technical definition gives observable and measurable descriptions. ________
2. A technical definition is given by an expert in the field which can be cited as a
source. ________
3. A technical definition tells you what to do. ________
4. An operational definition gives concrete and clear descriptions. ________
5. An operational definition is usually theoretical and conceptual. ________
What’s In
Before you proceed to the next lesson, study the definition below and answer the
questions that follow. Write the letter only.
A family is a group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
A B C D
1. What is the term defined? _______
2. To what general class does the term belong? _______
3. What is distinguishing characteristic is given to the term? _______
4. Which is the verb? _______
5. Which is the correct shortened form of the definition? _______
A. Family – group of people – closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption
B. A family is a group of people closely related by birth, marriage, or
adoption.
C. A family is a group of people closely relates by birth, marriage, or
adoption.
D. A family is a group of people closely relating by birth, marriage, or
adoption.
6. In writing a definition, you can use another sentence pattern. Which is the correct
way of doing it? _______
A. A group of closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption a family.
B. A group of people is family closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
17
C. A group of people is called family who are closely related by birth, marriage,
or adoption.
D. A group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption is
called a family.
What’s New
Study these definitions of the term weight. Then, answer the questions
by writing the letter of your choice on the space provided.
A. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.
B. Weight refers to the numbers that appear when an object is placed on a
weighing scale.
1. Which definition provides an abstract definition of the term weight? ________
2. Which one gives a more concrete definition which can be easily observed and
measured? ________
3. Which do you think is the technical definition? ________
4. Which one is the operational definition? ________
What Is It
Example:
Financial capability, according to World Bank (2013a), is:
[…] an internal capacity to act in one’s best financial interest, given socio-
economic environmental conditions. It encompasses the knowledge (literacy),
attitudes, skills, and behaviors of consumers with regard to managing their
resources, and understanding, selecting, and making use of financial services
that fit their needs (WB, 2013a).
Examples:
The fastest ball is the one that crosses the finish line before all the other balls.
The financial capability of the respondents refers to their average score on a
12-item Likert-scale.
18
Now, try to check your understanding on the two types of definition. Write TD
if the description refers to Technical Definition and OD if it refers to Operational
Definition.
1. Tells you what to do and what to observe _______
2. Tells you what the term theoretically means _______
3. Tends to be abstract, conceptual and theoretical _______
4. Provides concrete and clear definition _______
5. Usually provided by experts _______
6. Based in context _______
What’s More
Write TD if the definition is technical and OD if it is Operational.
1. Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink are acids. ______
2. A compound that can donate a proton or accept a pair of electrons to form a
covalent bond with a base is an acid. ______
3. Pulse refers to the number of beats on a person’s wrist counted in 1 minute.
______
4. Pulse is the regular expansion and contraction of an artery, caused by the heart
pumping blood through the body. ______
5. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.______
6. Weight refers to the numbers that appear when an object is placed on a weighing
scale. ______
7. Working women are women engaged in full time paid employment, working at
least 40 hours or more per week. ______
8. Heart is a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood around the body, in humans,
situated in the center of the chest with its apex directed to the left. ______
9. Krondl (1990) states that convenience foods are those foods that have service
added to basic ingredients to reduce the amount of preparation time required in
the home. ______
10. Extensive reading is program wherein a learner reads at least 10 books every
week for comprehension. ______
What I Can Do
Give a technical definition of the term child abuse. You may use the
Internet or your books for the definition. Be sure to include the source.
19
Source:
Assessment
Additional Activities
Give technical definitions of the following terms. You may use the
Internet or your books for the definitions. Be sure to include the source.
Source:
Bullying
Source:
20
21
Lesson
Writing Operational Definitions
4
What I Need to Know
In this lesson, you will learn to give operational definition of terms.
What I Know
Write O if the definition is operational and NO if it is not operational.
1. Self-supporting students are students who work three or more hours a day to
provide their own needs. ________
2. Thirst is a distressful feeling caused by a desire or need for water. ________
3. Guilt refers to the painful feeling of self-reproach. ________
4. Academic performance refers to the students score in the post-test. ________
5 People in the middle class are those whose monthly incomes range from
20,000-100,000 pesos. ________
What’s In
Study this passage and answer the questions that follow.
As defined in Republic Act 7610, child abuse refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual
or not, of the child which includes any of the following:
(1) Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse, and emotional
maltreatment;
(2) Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades, or demeans the intrinsic
worth and dignity of a child as a human being;
(3) Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter;
or
(4) Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in
serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity
or death.
Suppose you and your group are tasked to distribute food packs to the
needy people in your community. To make the distribution fast, you have decided to
form five smaller groups. How would you make sure all of you will not be confused
as to who will be given or not? Can you suggest an operational definition of the term
needy people?
Your suggested operational definition:
What Is It
What’s More
Write an operational definition for each underlined idea in the space provided.
Questions are given after each situation to guide you.
1. Only the poorest of the poor received the cash assistance from the government.
Who are the poorest of the poor?
The term poorest of the poor refers to families ___________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. Students who are good readers are assigned to tutor their peers.
What observable characteristics do good readers have?
Good readers are learners ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. You can be protected from infectious diseases by washing your hands
thoroughly.
What does washing your hands thoroughly mean? What materials are used and
how long is the washing done?
Washing your hands thoroughly means _________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. Chronically absent learners usually have low performance in math.
When do we call a student a chronically absent learner? How many days in a
month are they absent?
The term chronically absent learners refer to those who ___________________
________________________________________________________________
What is a performance in math? How is it measured?
Performance in math refers to ________________________________________
5. Students who show outstanding academic performance will be given a
scholarship.
What does an outstanding performance mean? What is the basis?
Outstanding scholastic performance means having _______________________
________________________________________________________________
What I Can Do
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, do you think your community
should be under total lockdown, Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Modified
ECQ, General Community Quarantine (GCQ), or Modified GCQ? Justify your answer
and be sure to provide an operational definition for the classification that suits your
community. Write your answer below.
Assessment
Write O if the definition is operational and NO if it is not operational.
Additional Activities
Operationally define each level of the learners’ proficiency in a subject using
the information provided in the table. The first one is done for you.
Proficiency level Grading Scale
Advanced 90-100
Proficient 85-89
Approaching Proficiency 80-84
Developing 75-79
Beginning Below 75
1. Advanced level
______________________________________________________________
2. Proficient level
______________________________________________________________
3. Approaching proficiency level
______________________________________________________________
4. Developing level
______________________________________________________________
5. Beginning level
______________________________________________________________
Congratulations! You have successfully finished the last lesson in this module.
Assessment: (Post-Test)
Read each item carefully and circle the letter of the correct answer.
For 4-5, form a definition out of the given phrases in the box. Just choose the best
arrangement.
4.
1. capital punishment 4. the death penalty
2. imposed on persons 5. is called
3. found guilty of major crimes against persons and property.
A. 1-5-4-3-2 B. 4-1-2-3-5
C. 1-4-5-3-2 D. 4-2-3-5-1
5.
1. any act 2. that 3. can be defined as 4. terrorism
5. uses force, violence, or threat to demoralize or intimidate
A. 1-2-3-4-5 B. 4-3-1-2-5
C. 3-2-1-5-4 D. 5-4-3-1-2
6. Which sentence is an operational definition of the term extensive reading?
A. Williams (1984, p. 10) defines extensive reading as “the relatively rapid
reading of long texts…”
B. Extensive reading refers to the reading program wherein a learner reads at
least ten books every week for comprehension.
C. Extensive reading is defined as reading large quantities of easy language
materials for comprehension without performing any tasks after reading.
D. Extensive reading is reading of large quantities of material or long texts, for
global or general understanding, with intention of obtaining pleasure from the
text” which is important for language learning.
Key to Answers
What I Know
Lesson 1
What I Know,
What’s New
What’s More
A.
B.
Assessment
Additional Activities
Lesson 2
What I Know
What’s New
B.
Assessment
Additional Activities
Lesson 3
What’s In
What I Know
What I Know
What Is It
What’s More
Assessment
Lesson 4
What’s In
What I Know
Assessment
Additional Activities
Assessment (Post-test)
References
Almonte, Liza et al. Celebrating Diversity through World Literature: English G10
Learner’s Material. Pasay City: Department of Education, 2016.
Ladera, Helen et al. New Horizons in English III. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.,
1999.
Tayao, Ma. Lourdes, et al. Meeting My Needs for English. Manila: Rex Book Store,
Inc., 2000.
Ugwuja, Chiamaka. “How to Write Operational Definition of Terms?” Editage
Insights, April 2, 2019. https://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-write-
operational-definition-of-terms