ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES

for
English 10 Module 1: Formulating A Statement of Opinion or Assertion by Identifying Key
Structural Elements and Language Features of An Argumentative Text

Assertion -a statement used to make a declaration or to express strong belief on a particular topic, often without evidence. We use
assertion when we want to emphasize what we are saying. We often do this to influence the attitude or tone and behavior of our listeners.
Argumentative text usually refers to everything that involves debate, a possible disagreement, and opinions. Argumentative is
different from exposition texts which is only concerned with giving facts or information. Identifying elements of
argumentative text tests our understanding, awareness and analysis of the ideas,
information, evidence, and issues presented.
Key Structural Elements of an Argumentative Text/Essay:
1. Introduction -introduces the problem, states the claim and gives background
information needed for the argument. It has an attention getting hook.
2. Body -provides any information your reader needs to know to understand your claim. It
contains the supporting facts or details (examples, statistics, personal experiences
or researches).
3. Claim -an argument based on facts and reasoning.
4. Evidence -personal experiences, definitions, facts, research, data, quotes from an
authority in the field, or statistical graphs which tend to support or prove
something.
5. Refutation/Rebuttal -an opposing argument that seeks to prove your opinion or claim
is false.
6. Conclusion -the final section of your paper that clearly summarizes the points made
and is supported by evidence.

Modals are auxiliary verbs except ‘be’ (am, is, was, were), ‘do,’ and ‘have’ verbs.
Modals have these characteristics: a) only exist in their helping form; b) cannot stand as
the principal verb in a sentence; and c) can express ideas such as possibility, intention,
obligation, and necessity.
The table below contains verbs and adverbs that you can use to express the different
degrees of certainty or modality of your opinions or argument. It also provides you with
some examples of how to structure your sentence to use these words in your writing.
Certainty of Conclusion Modal Verbs/Adverbs Statement of Claim
Strong is, will, cannot, must, It is certain that...
undoubtedly, always, never, It seems clear that...
definitely, clearly X is definitely...
Moderate should, would, can, ought to, It appears probable...
tends to, usually, likely, It is usually the case that...
probably, regularly, majority, In the majority of cases... The
generally, often, frequently, results suggest it is likely
rarely that...
Tentative May, might, could, possible, Conceivably,...
conceivable, sometimes, It is possible that...
occasionally, seldomly, Occasionally,...
perhaps, maybe, uncertainly, It may be the case that...
minority

Here are some examples of modality use in academic writing:

It seems likely that a species’ leaf structural
characteristics influence their seasonal water-
tissue relations because……
Technology assessment can be an effective tool
to analyze the effect of a technology on social
and environmental issues, yet in practice it
can be used to formalize and legitimize
previously decided outcomes.
Legal aid, by providing representation and
individual legal advice has the potential to
mitigate some of the entrenched inequality in
regards to access to justice.
The large-scale treatment plant is the most
desirable option to provide for the processing
and treatment of wastewater for a 20, 000-
person population.
Low modality - rather than 'it is the
case', the author is less certain, 'it
seems likely it is the case'.
More moderate expression of opinion than
saying 'is'.
Modality lowered through the use of 'has
the potential to' rather than merely 'it
mitigates’.
The opinion expressed in this sentence
is strong, however, it is more moderate
than saying '…is the only appropriate
option…’
Activity 1. Write AS if the sentence is an assertion and underline the assertive words. If
it is non-assertive, write NA. Use the space before the number for your answer.

Example: _AS_ 1. I am sure that there is no point in meeting Mr. Duque.

_____2. I am inclined to think that the data for the recovered patients is correct.
_____3. I feel that there is a problem in the bulletin today.
_____4. What we need is a new direction in policy.
_____5. I could be said that the chances of purchasing vaccines is limited.
_____6. It is important that we conclude the negotiations with Pfizer this week.

Activity 2. Circle the correct answer to complete the sentences of opinion and assertion.

1. I thought you (will have)/(would have) finished your modules by the time I arrived.
2. If the car had not broken down, she (will not have)/(would not have) missed the
shuttle for the frontliners.
3. I’m feeling under the weather. I (will get)/(will got) medications on the way home.
4. Their parents are doctors. They (will)/(would not) probably avoid crowded places.
5. My throat is a little itchy. I think I (will have been)/will have) a hot ginger tea.

Activity 3. In writing an argumentative essay, make it a point to establish and present

reasoning and evidence. Identify three reasons (in sentence form) why you are in favor of
the topic and another three reasons for your disagreement. (Use separate sheet of paper for
your answer)
Pros/Agree Topic Cons/Disagree

1. Face-to-Face classroom 1.
learning in the time of
2. pandemic 2.

3. 3.

1. 1.

2. ABS-CBN Shutdown 2.

3. 3.

1. (Write a political/social 1.
issue of your choice here)**
2. 2.

3. 3.

**For all the sections EXCEPT Einstein, Mangga, and Camachile

Activity 4. Start writing your argumentative essay using. Your essay has three parts: the
introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The length of your essay must be at least seven
(7) paragraphs (¶). Perform the following steps of this performance task. (Einstein,
Mangga, Camachile ONLY)

TOPIC: Face-to-Face classroom learning in the time of pandemic

1. Write an interesting introduction to hook your readers. Include the following
essentials: a brief explanation of your topic (1¶); some background information (1¶);
and the thesis statement or your position on the topic (1¶).
2. Develop the body of the essay. Present both sides of the controversy. Include the
following essentials: the meat of your argument, two sides of your controversy, the
strongest points of the counter-side of your issue, your own viewpoint, and the
evidence to show why your position is the correct one. (3¶)
3. Finish you essay with a strong conclusion. Re-state your position as the most
sensible one. Summarize the two sides of the issue and your points. End your
conclusion with a call to action or a closing statement. (1¶)
4. Create a title for your masterpiece.