10

ENGLISH
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Compose an Argumentative Essay

Department of Education
2 - MIMAROPA Region
English – Grade 10
Quarter 3- Module 1: Compose an Argumentative Essay
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education- MIMAROPA Region

Regional Director: Benjamin D. Paragas, CESO V
Assistant Regional Director: Atty. Suzette Gannaban-Medina
Chief, CLMD: Mariflor B. Musa

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Rhea S. Bercasio
Editors: Adelardo I. Malaluan, PhD, Hazel Portia C. Austria
Content & Language Editor: Avegail A. Constantino
Reviewers: Julie Ann Cueto, Florentino Banite
Illustrators: Alexander P. Abeleda, Peterson D. Enriquez, Michael Jeffrey Tolentino
Layout Artist: Reydante Jess V. Paderes
Management Team:
BENJAMIN D. PARAGAS, CESO V ATTY. SUZETTE T. GANNABAN -MEDINA
Director IV Chief Administrative Officer
Regional Director OIC, Office of the Assistant Regional Director

MARIFLOR B. MUSA ROGER F.CAPA, CESO VI ARNALDO G. VENTURA, PhD RAQUEL P. GIRAO, PhD
Chief CLMD SDS ASDS CID Chief

ARDEE DC. RAMILO EDNA C. OABEL ADELARDO I. MALALUAN, PhD ELIZABETH T. DELAS ALAS, PhD
Chief- Finance Division EPS - English Division EPS LRMDS Supervisor

Printed in the Philippines by DepEd MIMAROPA

Department of Education – MIMAROPA Region

Office Address: Department of Education, MIMAROPA Region – (CLMD)
Meralco Avenue, corner St. Paul Road, Pasig City
Telephone Nos.: (02) 631-40-70; (02) 637-3093
Email Address: clmd@depedro4b.gov.ph

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Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) focuses on Composing an

Argumentative Essay as one of the Most Essential Learning Competencies
(MELCs) in Grade 10 English. This learning material is patterned on Bloom’s
Taxonomy Instructional Design wherein learning activities are aligned with
the identified objectives and sequenced according to their level of difficulty
considering the learner’s needs, interests and abilities.

You need to ensure that the learner clearly understands the lesson or
concepts discussed in the module. You are also expected to guide him/her in
answering the activities or accomplishing the different learning tasks thereby
enabling him/her to master the competency.

For the learner:

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is especially made to enhance your

attitude, knowledge and skills vis-à-vis the identified learning competency.
Through this module, you will engage in fun and interesting learning activities
and answer varied exercises and tasks to help you gain mastery of the target
competency which will enable you to effectively use the English language in
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Those learning activities are
appropriately selected and carefully crafted according to your needs,
interests, and abilities.

To successfully achieve the objectives of this module, kindly do the

following:

• Read and follow the instructions in all the learning activities and
exercises very carefully,
• Be honest in answering all the learning activities and exercises,
• Write your answers neatly and legibly in your subject notebook
or on a separate sheet of paper, and
• Seek guidance from your parents, guardians or subject teacher if
you encounter difficulty in accomplishing the learning activities.

Working on each learning activity in this module will surely enable you
to learn certain aspects of the target language in an enjoyable and meaningful
way. So take good care of this module and have fun while learning!

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 What I Need to Know

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify characteristics of an argumentative essay,

2. make an outline of an argumentative essay, and

3. compose an argumentative essay.

What I Know

To begin with, let’s have a short review of the types of essays and the

basic parts of them. Answer this activity to determine how much you know

about this lesson.

Direction: Read the statements and identify the correct answer using the hints

provided.

1. It is a type of writing that presents facts, ideas, and opinions about a

particular subject. e_ _ ay

2. It is a part of an essay that summarizes the main idea of the written piece.
_ o_ c_ _s_ _n

3. This is composed of several paragraphs that contain ideas about the topic.

_od_

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4. This paragraph gives background about the topic. This also presents the

thesis statement. i _t r _ _ _ _ t _ o n

5. This serves as the central or main idea of the essay.

_ _ e_ _ s s__te__nt

6. It refers to the added information explaining the main idea.

s_p_ _r_ing d_t_i_s

7. This essay tells a story about real-life experiences and features personal

statements. n__r_t__e

8. This essay paints pictures with colorful words and sensory details.
d_sc___t__e

9. This essay is informative in nature in which it explains the topic using

e_po__t__y
facts, statistics and examples.

10. This essay presents two sides of an issue, which is supported with facts,
a _ g _ _ _ n _ _ t _ _e
examples, and sound reasoning.

Did you perform well? Let’s do the next task.

Lesson Composing an Argumentative Essay

Stating opinions and ideas are freely practiced in our country.

Social media floods with different thoughts and ideas from different persons

from different walks of life. Have you read some points of view regarding a

certain issue? Do you think they lay down their arguments effectively?

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 Read the editorial excerpt from the Philippine Daily Inquirer

featured on May 21, 2002. Answer the questions that follow and learn from

it.

What’s In

Language Advantage

In the not so distant past, Filipinos were envied in Asia for their

proficiency in the English Language. Filipinos were invariably chosen

presiding officers or rapporteurs at international conferences in Asia. Filipinos

were considered as No. 1 on the recruitment list for overseas jobs that require

good knowledge of English.

Soon, this may no longer be true. Our Asian neighbors have

realized the value of English as an international language in business,

science, and technology, and communication and are working double-time to

gain proficiency in it. Thousands are enrolling in English language schools in

Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo – all eager to learn the

language in the shortest possible time.

And now, we stand to lose our language advantage – our

superiority in the use of English. One factor that has been blamed for the

deterioration of English usage for Filipinos is what has been called the

“schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the school system. Some

subjects are taught in Filipino, and some in English. Almost equal emphasis

7
is given to Filipino and English teaching, or if there is a bias, that bias is in

favor of Filipino.

Studies have shown that the content of a school subject is

understood more quickly, assimilated more easily and retained much longer

when it is taught in the native language than when it is taught in the foreign

language. But there may be courses like Science and Mathematics or

Information Technology that are better taught in English. And the use of

Filipino as the medium of instruction in most subjects should not be

promoted at the expense of teaching English as a second language.

Up to the ‘50s and ’60s, English was taught well in public and

private schools. Every day, there were grammar quizzes. Students were made

to read, read, and read some more. Teachers devoted a lot of time or

composition in English, and students were made to rewrite their “themes”

until they were almost letter-perfect. Thus, most students became proficient

in grammatical Standard English (perhaps something like this old teaching

regimen should be adopted in today’s schools).

Now, this is no longer the case. Even the English of some

graduates of the University of the Philippines leaves a lot to be desired, and if

many teachers in public schools cannot write or speak correct English, what

are they passing on to their students?

A native language expresses best the thoughts, aspirations, and

soul of a people. But like other people on earth, we have to wake up to the

reality that English has become a lingua franca. It has become the leading

medium for the transmission of information and knowledge, and the conduct

8
of business and communication. It is now the language of socio-economic

mobility and educational and professional advancement. This being the case,

we have to be proficient in it to stay in touch with the rest of the world and to

be globally competitive. We cannot afford to lose our language advantage.

Processing Questions:

1. How does the title reveal the topic of the essay?

2. How is the argument introduced?

3. What pattern or technique is employed in this writing?

4. What examples are used to illustrate the point?

5. Does the conclusion resonate with the introduction?

6. Generally, what is the challenge posed by the editorial?

I know you’re doing great! Let’s learn more!

What’s New

The editorial excerpt you have read is an example of an

argumentative essay. An argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s

mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. It

attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes that the

reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no

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less intelligent than the writer. Hence, an argumentative essay should be

written objectively and logically.

Study the paragraphs below.

In the not so distant past, Filipinos were envied in Asia for their

proficiency in the English Language. Filipinos were invariably chosen

presiding officers or rapporteurs at international conferences in Asia. Filipinos

were considered as No. 1 on the recruitment list for overseas jobs that require

good knowledge of English.

Soon, this may no longer be true. Our Asian neighbors have

realized the value of English as an international language in business, science

and technology, and communication, and are working double-time to gain

proficiency in it. Thousands are enrolling in English language schools in

Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo – all eager to learn the

language in the shortest possible time.

1. What are the first two paragraphs all about?

2. What is the issue presented?

And now, we stand to lose our language advantage – our

superiority in the use of English. One factor that has been blamed for the

deterioration of English usage for Filipinos is what has been called the

“schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the school system. Some

subjects are taught in Filipino and some in English. Almost equal emphasis

10
is given to the teaching of Filipino and English, or if there is bias that bias is

in favor of Filipino.

3. What is the stand of the writer?

4. What concepts should be present in the introduction of a good

argumentative essay?

Study the next paragraphs below.

5. sent the argument?
And now, we stand to lose our language advantage – our
6. Is it effective? How do you say so?
superiority in the use of English. One factor that has been blamed for the
7. What concepts should be present in the introduction of a good
deterioration of English usage for Filipinos is what has been called the
argumentative essay?
“schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the school system. Some

subjects are taught in Filipino and some in English. Almost equal emphasis

is given to the teaching of Filipino and English, or if there is bias that bias is

in favor of Filipino.

Studies have shown that the content of school subject is

understood more quickly, assimilated more easily and retained much longer

when it is taught in the native language than when it is taught in the foreign

language. But there may be courses like Science and Mathematics or

Information Technology that are better taught in English. And the use of

Filipino as the medium of instruction in most subjects should not be

promoted at the expense of teaching English as a second language.

Up to the ‘50s and ’60s, English was taught well in public and

private schools. Every day, there were grammar quizzes. Students were made

11
to read, read, and read some more. Teachers devoted a lot of time or

composition in English, and students were made to rewrite their “themes”

until they were almost letter-perfect. Thus, most students became proficient

in grammatical Standard English (perhaps something like this old teaching

regimen should be adopted in today’s schools).

Now, this is no longer the case. Even the English of some

graduates of the University of the Philippines leaves a lot to be desired, and if

many teachers in public schools cannot write or speak correct English, what

are they passing on to their students?

5. How did the writer present the argument?

6. Enumerate the reasons and evidences presented by the writer.

7. Is the way of presenting argument effective? How do you say so?

8. What ideas should be presented in the body of an argumentative

essay?

Try to scrutinize the last paragraph below.

A native language expresses best the thoughts, aspirations, and

the soul of people. But like other people on earth, we have to wake up to the

reality that English has become a lingua franca. It has become the leading

medium for the transmission of information and knowledge, and the conduct

of business and communication. It is now the language of socio-economic

mobility and educational and professional advancement. This being the case,

12
we have to be proficient in it to stay in touch with the rest of the world and to

be globally competitive. We cannot afford to lose our language advantage.

9. What can you say about the underlined part of the paragraph? How

do we call this?

10. Does the conclusion support the argument of the writer? Prove your

point.

11. What concepts should be presented in making an effective

conclusion of an argumentative essay?

Characteristics of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay has the following characteristics:

- presents and explains the issue or case

- gives reasons and supports these reasons prove its points

- refutes (proves wrong) opposing argument

Basic Components of Argument

- The claim (typically answers the question: “What do I think?”)

- The reasons (typically answer the question “Why do I think so?”)

- The evidence (typically answers the question: How do I know this is the

case?”)

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14
 What Is It

Read an example of an argumentative essay below.

Have you ever taken a ride in public transportation with an aggressive

driver? How did you feel? Did you argue with the driver?

Aggressive Driving Should Be Avoided

Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got

the public worried. The National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC)

defines aggressive driving as the “operation of a motor vehicle in a manner

that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” Actions such as

running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on the left, improper lane

change, failing to yield, improper turns, running stop signs, tailgating,

careless driving, and speeding are examples of aggressive driving. Such

actions are dangerous to other road users. Aggressive driving should be

avoided because it causes crashes, injuries, fatalities.

The first reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it

causes crashes. According to NHTSC, between 78 percent (excessive speed)

and 100 percent (improper passing) of the cases of aggressive driving resulted

in traffic crashes and 96 percent of the drivers cited for “following too closely”

or tailgating caused crashes as a result of their aggressive driving. Moreover,

“running red light,” “improper passing,” and “overtaking on the left” topped

other categories of aggressive driving in contributing to traffic crashes.

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 Another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it

causes injuries. NHTSC states that the percentages of the injuries caused by

aggressive driving are, in almost all categories of aggressive driving, above 100

percent.

Aggressive driving also causes fatalities. “Overtaking on the left”

appears to be the most important contributing factor in traffic fatalities as it

relates to aggressive driving. “Improper lane change,” “running stop signs,”

and “running red light” rank second through four in terms of their

contribution to traffic fatalities.

The above evidence shows that aggressive driving causes crash

injuries and fatalities. Hence, aggressive driving should be avoided. Since the

opening on the North-South Highway, the number of kilometers of roads in

the country has increased by 35 percent. More cars and more drivers are also

on the road leading to more aggressive drivers.

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Directions: Using the burger organizer, develop an outline by filling in the

most important details taken from the argumentative essay.

You’re on the right track! Keep moving!

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 What’s More

Activity 1

Direction: Identify whether the given statements about the

characteristics of an argumentative essay is TRUE or FALSE. Write TRUE

if the statement is true, otherwise, write FALSE.

______________1. Argumentative essay is supported with facts, explanation

and logical reasoning.

_______________2. An argument always need to be (pro) or in favor about a

certain issue.

_______________3. An editorial is good example of an argumentative

writing.

________________4. Argumentative essay is sometimes called a descriptive

essay.

________________5. An argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s

mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view.

________________6. To develop a good argumentative essay, writer should

present his/her personal opinions and should not include evidences.

________________7. A good argumentative essay includes counterclaim and

refutes the opposing argument.

________________8. Argumentative essays are always objective and logical.

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________________9. The evidences should be presented first before the

issue or claim.

________________10. Going against a certain issue (negative) is the best

content for an argumentative essay.

Activity 2

Directions: Identify whether the given paragraph is argumentative or not.

Write A if it is argumentative and NA if it is not. Write down the

characteristics which make it an argumentative paragraph.

1. Though cellphones are necessary for high school students in terms of

their safety, they should still be prohibited from use in school. This

concept is founded on several reasons, such as disrupting the

educational process and facilitating students’ cheating; distracting

students by the possibility to access the Internet, social media, or

communicate with friends; finally, cellphones contribute to the

spreading of the social phenomenon known as cyberbullying.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Perhaps, since I am a high school student, somebody might say that I

have my entire life ahead of me, with all of its beautiful experiences.

But, despite being so young, I already have the personal breathtaking

experience, which, I am sure I will carry with me until my last days.

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 ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

3. A plastic ban should be seriously and strictly implemented in the

country. NGO-GAIA reported that the Philippines’ shocking amount of

single-use plastic is nearly 60 billion sachets a year. These plastics

greatly affect the environment especially when these get dumped in

oceans and rivers as a habit practiced by the people in slum areas. It

affects marine resources as it poisons and kills fishes and other marine

life. Moreover, smoke from burned plastics is dangerous because it

releases chemicals which can cause respiratory ailments. These are

only a few alarming reasons why we should campaign for the removal

of single-use plastics in the market.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

You got it! Go for more!

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 What I Have Learned

Remember!

• An argumentative piece of writing is sometimes called persuasive writing

because it aims to convince the reader about a certain stand on debatable

issue.

• Argumentative essays conveys opinions that are proposed as true and

justifiable. It is for this reason that an editorial is the most outstanding

example or argumentative writing, although persuasion is also really

identified in campaign speeches or even print advertisements.

• A controversial issue always lies at the heart of an argumentative essay.

The argument maybe in favor of (pro) or against (con) the said issue.

•
What I Can Do
An argumentative piece of writing is sometimes called persuasive

writing because it aims to convince the reader about a certain

stand on debatable issue.

Activity 3
• Argumentative
Directions: essays
Chose a topic andconveys opinions
create an that are proposed
argumentative as true
essay outline using
andorganizer
the graphic justifiable. It is for the reason that an editorial is the most
below.
outstanding example or argumentative writing, although
1. Should areas under Modified General Community Quarantine conduct
persuasion is also really identified in campaign speeches or even
face to face classes?
print advertisements.

• A controversial issue always lies at the heart of an argumentative

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essay. The argument maybe in favor of (pro) or against (con) the
2. Should Mobile Legends be included in sports competitions?

3. Should the government provide free internet access for online classes?

You did a good job! Keep it up!

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Activity 4

Directions: Compose an argumentative essay using the accomplished

outline in the previous task. Provide a title.

__________________________

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 What I Can Do On My Own

Let us evaluate your learnings by accomplishing the task below.

Activity 5

Directions: Choose one from the given topics below and read relevant

materials about it then compose an argumentative essay.

No Plastic Policy No Homework Policy

Juvenile Curfew COVID 19: Mass testing is a must

Physical Distancing: No back riders allowed

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 What I Can Do More

Directions: Surf the internet, browse editorial sections on newspapers and

read argumentative texts to enhance your skill in writing an argumentative

essay.

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 Answer Key

I. What I Know

1. Essay
2. Conclusion
3. Body
4. Introduction
5. Thesis Statement
6. Supporting Details
7. Narrative
8. Descriptive
9. Expository
10. Argumentative

II. Processing Questions (Expected answers may not be limited to the

answers stated below.)

1. Language Advantage – the title presents the topic implicitly as it carries

the meaning that English language proficiency is definitely an
advantage.
2. First, the writer narrated the background of the issue being discussed.
He/She also gives concrete and factual examples from the past. After
enumerating examples to establish his point, the writer then presents
his/her stand.
3. The writer’s technique is an argumentative analysis wherein he/she
positioned his/her claims and supported it with facts and examples.
4. Concrete and well explained examples are presented to support the
claims of the writer. These are the following:

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 ✓ One factor that has been blamed for the deterioration of English usage
is the “schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the school system.
Some subjects are taught in Filipino and some in English. Almost equal
emphasis is given to the teaching of Filipino and English, or if there is
bias that bias is in favor of Filipino.
✓ There are courses like Science and Mathematics or Information
Technology that are better taught in English. And the use of Filipino as
the medium of instruction in the most subjects should not be promoted
at the expense of teaching English as a second language.
✓ Up to the ‘50s and ’60s, English was taught well in the public and
private schools. Every day, there were grammar quizzes. Students were
made to read, read, and read some more. Teachers devoted a lot of time
or composition in English, and students were made to rewrite their
“themes” until they were almost letter perfect. Thus, most students
became proficient in grammatical Standard English.
5. Yes. The conclusion simply restates the writer’s point and supports
the arguments he/she presented.
6. The editorial wants to emphasize that proficiency in the use of English
language is a need for us to continuously connect to the constantly
changing world. To be globally competitive, we must not lose our
language advantage.
III. What’s New

1. The first two paragraphs provide the background of the topic.

2. The issue is about deteriorating language advantage or language

proficiency of Filipinos.

3. The writer claims that the reason to the decline in the Filipinos superiority
in English is the educational system.

4. A good introduction for an argumentative essay must present the

background of the issue being discussed. The stand or claim of the writer
should also be clearly expressed.

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5. After making his/her claim, the writer then supports all of his claims with
facts and evidences. It is clearly seen as he/she presented every claim in
each paragraph. Each claim is obviously supported with examples and
evidences.

6. Here are the reasons and evidences presented by the writer.

✓ One factor that has been blamed for the deterioration of English usage
is the “schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the school system.
Some subjects are taught in Filipino and some in English. Almost
equal emphasis is given to the teaching of Filipino and English, or if
there is bias that bias is in favor of Filipino.

✓ There are courses like Science and Mathematics or Information

Technology that are better taught in English. And the use of Filipino
as the medium of instruction in the most subjects should not be
promoted at the expense of teaching English as a second language.

✓ Up to the ‘50s and ’60s, English was taught well in the public and
private schools. Every day, there were grammar quizzes. Students
were made to read, read, and read some more. Teachers devoted a
lot of time or composition in English, and students were made to
rewrite their “themes” until they were almost letter perfect. Thus,
most students became proficient in grammatical Standard English.

7. Even the English of some graduates of the University of the Philippines

leaves a lot to be desired, and if many teachers in public schools cannot
write or speak correct English, what are they passing on to their
students?

8. The body of an argumentative essay should logically present claims or

stand on the issue being discussed. These claims should always be
backed up with facts and evidences as they support in proving the stand.

9. The underlined statements are in contrast to the stand. They are called
counterclaim. Counterclaim presents the other side of the issue.

10. Yes. The conclusion summarizes the main points and supports the
stand of the writer by emphasizing the importance of English proficiency
as presented in the last paragraph.

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 11. The conclusion of an argumentative essay should present a
counterclaim to see the other side of the issue and to weigh in ideas,
but it needs to be disproved by the evidences to be aligned with the
writer’s claim/stand. The conclusion should also restate the thesis
statement and summarize the main points of the essay.
What Is It (Burger Organizer)
Claim:
Aggressive Driving Should Be Avoided
Reason 1:
Aggressive driving should be avoided because it causes crashes.
Evidence 1:
According to NHTSC, between 78 percent (excessive speed) and 100
percent (improper passing) of the cases of aggressive driving resulted in
traffic crashes and 96 percent of the drivers cited for “following too closely”
or tailgating caused crashes as a result of their aggressive driving.
Moreover, “running red light,” “improper passing,” and “overtaking on the
left” topped
Reason 2:
Aggressive driving should be avoided because it causes injuries.

Evidence 2:

NHTSC states that the percentages of the injuries caused by aggressive

driving are, in almost all categories of aggressive driving, above 100
percent.
Reason 3:

Aggressive driving also causes fatalities.

Evidence 3:

“Overtaking on the left” appears to be the most important

contributing factor in traffic fatalities as it relates to aggressive driving.
“Improper lane change,” “running stop signs,” and “running red light”
rank second through four in terms of their contribution to traffic
fatalities.

29
 Conclusion:

The above evidence shows that aggressive driving causes crash

injuries and fatalities. Hence, aggressive driving should be avoided.

IV. What’s More

Activity 1

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. True
9. False
10. False

Activity 2

1. A – The paragraph is argumentative because there is an issue presented

and there are reasons that support the issue in order to prove a point.
2. NA – The paragraph is narrative and not argumentative.
3. A – The paragraph clearly presents a stand as shown in its thesis
statement. It is backed up with well explained factual examples and the
ideas are presented logically. The concluding statement restates the stand
of the writer on the issue.

Activity 3, 4 & 5 may yield varied answers based on the learner’s topic
preference.
References
Almonte, Liza R., Flandez, Lerma L., Hermosa, Angelina Lourdes A. et al.
Celebrating Diversity Through World Literature. Pasig City: Department of
Education, 2015.

Management Team of Grade 7 English Learner’s Material. English Grade 7

Learner’s Material. Pasig City: Department of Education, 2017.

31
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education, MIMAROPA Region – (CLMD)

Meralco Avenue, corner St. Paul Road, Pasig City

Telephone Nos.: (02) 631-40-70; (02) 637-3093

Email Address: mimaropa.region@deped.gov.ph