8

Using Grammatical Signals

(Problem-Solution)
Module in English 8
Quarter 4

Photo from Skip Prichard

https://www.skipprichard.com/7-steps-to-problem-solving/

MARIBETH V. DAUS
Developer

Department of Education • Cordillera Administrative Region

1
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Cordillera Administrative Region
Schools Division Office-Ifugao
Lagawe, Ifugao

Published by:
LEARNING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER
(LRMDC)

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
(2020)

Section 9 of Presidential Decree No. 49 s. 1972 provides:

“No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the
Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency to office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work
for profit.’’

This material has been developed for the implementation of K-12 Curriculum
through the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) ֫—Learning Resource
Management and Development Systems (LRMDS). It can be reproduced for
educational purposes and the source must be acknowledged. Derivatives of the
works including creating an edited version, an enhancement or supplementary works
are permitted provided all original works are acknowledged and the copyright is
attributed. No work may be derived from this material for commercial purposes and
profit.

MARIBETH V. DAUS
Developer

2
 PREFACE

This module is a project of the Curriculum Implementation Division particularly

the Learning Resource Management and Development Unit, Department of
Education, Schools Division of Ifugao which is in response to the implementation of
the K to 12 Curriculum.

This Learning Material is a property of the Department of Education-

CID, Schools Division of Ifugao. It aims to improve students’ performance
specifically in English 8. 
 
 
Learning Area : English
Grade Level : 8
Resource Type : Learning Resource
Competency : Using Grammatical Signals
Competency Code : EN8G-IIf-9:

Quarter/Week : Quarter 2, Week 6

Date of Development : May, 2020
Resource Location : Sta. Maria National High School- Main
Alfonso Lista District 1
Schools Division of Ifugao

 
 

3
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The developer wishes to give credit to the following persons who contributed
to the making of this module.

To Imelda Licyag, EPS English for evaluating the content of this module.

To the reviewers/editors, Emerita Gulayan, School Head of RICHS and

Ronalyn D. Doplah for patiently reviewing the contents of this material;

To the School Principal, Clarence D. Binwag for his patience and

persistence in reminding me to help our students in increasing their performance
with the use of intervention materials and who is always ready to answer my queries
regarding the development of this module;

To her friends and co-teachers, who shared their knowledge and help in the
development of this learning material;

And above all, to our Almighty God, the source of strength, power and
wisdom and whose outpouring mercy and grace led to the completion of this work.

 
DIVISION LRMS STAFF

SHIELA D. TAKINAN NANCY D. NALUNE

Librarian II PDO – II

JOVITA L. NAMINGIT
EPS-LRMS

CONSULTANTS

MARCIAN M. AYDINAN, PhD

Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

GERALDINE B. GAWI, Ed. D

OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

4
 Table of Contents

Title Page

Title page ………………………………………………… i

Copyright …………………………………………………………. ii

Preface ………………………………………………………………. iii

Acknowledgement ………………………………………………… iv

Table of contents ………………………………………………… v

Introductory Message ………………………………….………… 1

What I Need to Know ……………………………………………. 2

What I Know …………………………………………………..….. 2

What’s In ………………………………………………… 3

What’s New ……………………………………………….. 5

What Is It ………………………………………………… 6

What’s More ……………………………………………….……... 7

What I have Learned ……………………………….……………. 10

What I Can Do ………………………………………………… 10

Assessment ………………………………………………… 11

Additional Activities ……………………………………………….. 12

Key Answers ……………………………………………………….. 13

References …………………………………………………………… 14

5
Introduction
Message for the facilitator:

This module will surely equip the learner in various related skills in English.
The concepts and activities packaged in this module are designed to gradually
guide the learner to accumulate the competency along with the integration of other
learning skills. Though this learning material is designed for the learner’s
individual learning, you as the facilitator is requested to assist the learner in areas
he or she may need assistance. Be part of the learner’s fast learning as you provide
him/her necessary feedback, help or correction.

Message for the learner:

Keep this material neat and clean. Thoroughly read every page. Follow
carefully all instructions indicated in every activity. Answer all questions
independently and honestly. Write all your answers on a sheet of paper. Be sure to
compare your answers to the KEY ANSWERS only after you have answered the
given tasks. If you have questions or clarifications ask your teacher, parent or peer.

Here is a guide on the parts of the learning modules which you need to
understand as you progress in reading and analyzing its content.

ICON LABEL DETAIL

What I need to know This contains the learning objectives

which you need to accomplish

What I know This assesses what you know about the

lesson you are to tackle

What’s In This connects the current lessons with

the previous lessons

What’s New This introduces the lesson through an

activity

What’s Is It This contains a brief discussion of the

lessons

What’s More These are activities to check your

understanding of the lesson

What I have Learned This summarizes the important ideas

presented in the lesson

What I Can Do This is a real life application of what you

have learned

Assessment This is a post assessment of what you

have learned

6
 Additional Activities This is an activity that will strengthen
your knowledge about the lesson

What I Need to Know

Do you want to be an effective and efficient communicator in English?

Whether in speaking or writing, you need to acquire preparatory skills to
develop your English language communication ability. One of these is
having functional words to connect your ideas in sentences and paragraphs.
This module contains activities that can improve your English grammar
understanding as well as your writing and speaking skills. You will be
engaged in different learning experiences to teach you the desired
competency.
Specifically, you will go through the following:
1. Identify grammatical signals used in showing problem and solution
ideas
2. Use appropriate grammatical signals in showing problem solution
ideas in sentences
3. Write creatively using grammatical signals to show problem and
solution ideas

What I Know

Find out how much you already know about the topics in this module.
Direction: Choose the correct answer to and write the letter of your answer
on a separate sheet. Please answer all items. Take note of the items that you
were not able to answer correctly and find the right answer as you go
through this module.

1. Which statement best describes problem-solution text structure?

A. It starts with the main topic to giving specific details.
B. It points out to an issue and tries to show remedies to the solution.
C. It shows the reason and result of a certain situation.
D. It narrates events in a story.

2. What is the first part of a problem-solution text structure?

A. solution B. main idea C. problem D. topic

3. These are words used to connect ideas in a text.

7
 A. connectors C. articles
B. grammatical signals D. nouns

4. Why are grammatical signals important to text structure?

A. Because they give meaning to the text
B. Because they are used to organize a text
C. Because they are part of sentences
D. Because they are really needed

5. What is coherence?
A. The logical connections of ideas in a text
B. The arrangement of ideas in a text
C. The use of correct words in a text
D. The proper use of connectors

6. How is coherence related to grammatical signals?

A. Grammatical signals are the same with coherence
B. Grammatical signals are an example of coherence
C. Grammatical signals part of coherence
D. Grammatical signals are used to have coherence

7. Your teacher asks you to write a paragraph showing problem and

solution. Which of the following is the best topic?
A. Social Media Addiction C. Fish culture
B. One Thousand Steps in Alfonso Lista D. New beauty
products

8. Which is an example of grammatical signal used to show problem or

issue?
A. This difficulty B. To remedy C. To solve D. in order to address

9. Linda wants to show series of solution to the issue she presented,

which of the following signals should she use?
A. cause B. to remedy C. since D. the issue

(10-12)

8
 “Many children suffer long-term consequences of bullying.
However, the problem can be remedied through a three-pronged
approach: educating the parents, encouraging a community
atmosphere, and implementing a peer mediation program.” “Pattern of
Organization”, Reading Center

10. What concern is told in the paragraph?

A. about children C. children bully other children
B. suffering of children D. long term consequences of bullying
11. Who experiences the problem?
A. children B. bully C. parents D. community

12. What do the words can be remedied signify??

A. problem B. issue C. solution D. concern

(13-15)
Every school year, Sta. Maria National High School caters to some
malnourished students and to students whose parents can’t provide
enough food allowance every day. To address the needs of these
students, the school has established a feeding program funded by the
school canteen. All beneficiaries of the program are provided with
snacks and lunch every day. The program is proven helpful to solve the
problem of malnutrition and insufficient allowance among students.

13. What is one of the problems presented in the text?

A. Poor academic performance C. absenteeism
B. Malnourished students D. sickness among
students

14. How did the school solve the problem?

A. The school adopted the students
B. Students brought their own food
C. The school provided food for the students
D. The parents gave enough food to their children.

15. What grammatical signal is used to show the solution?

A. To solve B. To address C. To resolve D. To remedy

What’s In
Before you engage yourself in different activities regarding
the lesson, you have to know important concepts related to the
competency. You have to understand these concepts to able to
9
learn the focus of this lesson.
Text structure
Text Structure is referred to how the information in a text is
organized. (“How to Identify the Problem and Solution in a Reading Selection”
https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-identify-the-problem-and-solution-in-a-reading-
selection.html)
Organization of ideas in a text or paragraph can be done in many
ways such as using comparison and contrast method, showing cause and
effect, listing the details and determining th problem and its solution.
Problem and Solution
This is a pattern of organization where information in a passage is
expressed as a dilemma or concerning issue (a problem) and something that
was, can be, or should be done to remedy this issue (solution or attempted
solution). (“Problem and Solution” https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/patterns-
of-organization/problem-and-solution/)
In this arrangement, the paragraph starts with the problem and its
causes and develops to suggesting varies solutions and possible outcome.

What’s New

This activity introduces to you the lesson. Do the activity

for you to be prepared with the next task.

Lateral thinking puzzles are strange situations in which you are given
a little information and you have to find or give explanation or solution.
https://www.destination-innovation.com

Several voices were heard coming from the other room. There was a lot
of commotion however when the room was checked there was only one
person inside. This person's not crazy, so what's going on?
Hobby Lark, “20 Realistic Lateral Thinking Puzzles and Brain Teasers to Flex Your Mind”
https://hobbylark.com/puzzles/20-Realistic-Lateral-Thinking-Puzzles-and-Riddles-Brain-
Stumper
What could be the possible reasons why there are other voices in the
room? Try to think of possible reasons and solve the mystery of the puzzle.
Stop reading for a while and list your solutions to the issue.
Now that you have listed your solutions, compare it with this
suggested answer: The other voices that were heard were coming from a TV.
In this lesson, you will be engaged in determining problems and
solutions. Only, you have to do it with the use of grammatical signals.

10
 What’s In It

This is now the focus of the lesson. Enjoy your learning as

you read the given discussion below.

Grammatical signal
Grammatical signals are writing devices that serve to maintain text
coherence (Oleh, 2005). This means, they signal relationship between the
prior sentences to the next sentences.

Related topic to grammatical signal is coherence. A good paragraph is

a coherent paragraph.

Coherence
Coherence in writing is the logical connection between words,
sentences, and paragraphs. Coherent writing uses devices to connect ideas
within each sentence and paragraph. These devices include grammatical
signals. Using proper grammatical signals to tie your ideas in a paragraph
helps make a logically organized text.

The following are examples of grammatical signals used to tell the problem
in a problem solution grammatical text structure.

Problem The dilemma is Issue

This concern Challenges Difficulties
Because Cause Since

Grammatical signals used to tell solutions are the following:

Solution Proposed solution To solve this

To address this Resolve Repair
Remedy One answer is As a result
In order to So that

What’s More
What you have finished in the previous section will be
tested in this part of the learning material. You do the
following activity to measure your learning in the previous
section. Be patient in 11
accomplishing the activities.
Activity 1: The Hotspot

Direction: Read the questions before reading the paragraph. Then, answer
the questions. Write your answer in your answer sheet.

Questions:
1. What is the problem in the text?
2. How can it be solved?
3. What grammatical signals are used to tell the problem?
4. What grammatical signals are used to tell the solution?
5. How do the grammatical signals affect the organization of the
paragraph?

Reading is one of the most important skills a child should learn. Just as
a toddler needs to learn how to walk, a learner needs to learn how to read.
The problem is, Filipino students ranked last among 79 counties that joined
the Programme International Student Assessment in 2018 according to the
Malacañang in the ABS-CBN news posted December 5, 2019. It’s sad news,
right? The result of the assessment shows the reality that Filipino learners
have poor comprehension skill. Amid the challenges brought by the low results
of reading comprehension skills of Filipino youth, there is a great need for
every learner especially in the public school to develop and enhance their
reading skills. Now, the challenge points the responsibility to every individual
learner. To address the issue, first, each Filipino student should love reading.
They must make reading as one of their habits. Next, they should develop
reading strategies. Another, learners must see the benefits of reading. In fact,
reading is not a waste of time. According to studies, a person who has good
skill in reading tends to do better in school. Lastly, a good reader widens his
or her horizon. He or she may learn more about places, people, ideas and
skills through reading. Let’s join hand in hand to solve the problem. Be a
reader.

Let’s Discuss!

The problem posted in the text is the poor reading comprehension

skill of Filipino learners. Suggested solutions are learning to love reading,
developing reading habits, and seeing the benefits of reading. The
grammatical signal used to introduce the problem is the problem is, while to
address the issue is used to tell the solutions. However, there are other

12
grammatical signals that add to the organization of the paragraph. These are
first, next, another and lastly.

Assessment 1: Be a Connector

Direction: Read the paragraph carefully to identify the grammatical signals

used to tell the problem and solution. Write the signals in your answer
sheet. Follow the pattern given below.

One of the challenges faced by Filipino learners learning the English

language is the difficulty of pronouncing English words. For example,
students usually say any with a long a sound in letter a, instead of short e
sound as in the word bed. Mispronounced words in English can lead to
miscommunication. That’s why this concern should be addressed primarily by
educators. To solve the problem, teachers should not overlook the teaching of
correct pronunciation in their teaching. Drills on pronunciation are needed to
improve pronunciation skills of learners.

Grammatical signal used

Problem:

Solution:

Activity 2: Quest the Best

Direction: The situations given below are statement of problem and

solution. Complete the sentence using correct grammatical signals.

 To solve their own dilemma

 The challenge is
 Because of this
 To address the issue
 The concern

1. ______________________ , some parents in Metro Manila do not have

enough resources to buy gadget for their child’s learning.
______________________, schools offer other modalities so learners can
learn even without gadgets.

2. Since many OFWs lost their jobs and have no choice but to stay in the
country, the agencies concerned are seeking ways to help these OFWs.
But some OFWs don’t just wait for government subsidies.
______________________, some resort to online business and selling.

13
 3. Online learning is impossible in places where internet connection is
weak. ______________________ , schools are trying to prepare for other
modes to teach learners.

4. ______________________ of parents regarding face to face learning is the

possible infection of their children with deadly virus.

Let’s Discuss!

For sentence number 1, grammatical signals are The challenge is and

to address the issue respectively. To solve their own dilemma is for sentence
2 because of this is for sentence 3. The grammatical signals for sentence 4 is
The concern.

Assessment 2: Problem Solver

Direction: The sentences below are list of problems. Think of possible

solutions to these problems. Rewrite the sentences with the solutions. Use
grammatical signals to tell the solution.

1. It is the last day of submission of your project in TLE but you forgot it
at home.
2. Ana is the treasurer in the class. She collected five hundred pesos for
a class project. On her way going home, she lost the amount.
3. Celso needs one thousand pesos for his requirements in school.
4. Hand washing area is needed to observe proper hygiene in schools.
5. There is flooding in some places because of deforestation.

Activity 3: First in Line

Direction: The sentences are part of a paragraph. Rearrange the sentences

following the proper order of sentences. Rewrite the paragraph in your
answer sheet.

1. Sadly, this habit is often unchecked by teachers.

2. “Honesty is the best policy.” This is a popular adage posted in each
classroom of public schools. Ironically, the opposite happens.
Cheating is one of the bad habits students develop with their close
friends in their class.
3. Maybe, to solve this case, teachers must become stricter in
supervising tests.
4. Using many sets of test papers can also be the remedy.

14
 5. It is surprising to find out later after a test, that group of students
managed to cheat, exchanging and passing answers from one seat
to the other.

Assessment 3: Tell Me What to Do

Direction: The sentences tell a problem and its cause. Think of the possible
solutions to the problem. Then, write the problem, the cause and the
possible solutions in a paragraph. Use grammatical signals to connect your
ideas. Your output will be grade according to the given rubric below.
Criteria: Organization(proper use of grammatical signals) -5
Content-(inclusion of problem and solution) -5
Mechanics-(correct spelling and punctuation marks)- 5

1. Dino has four siblings, one girl and three boys.

2. As the eldest, he needs to take care of his four siblings during
Saturdays while his parents work in the farm.
3. Dino wants to play basketball with his friend.
4. As a fourteen year old teenager, he longs to hang out with buddies.
5. What should he do?

What I Have Learned

The following questions will measure your overall learning

in this module. Answer the questions completely.

Direction: Answer the questions completely

1. What is grammatical signal?

2. What grammatical signals used to show problem solution text

structure?

3. Why is grammatical signal important to writing paragraph?

What I Can Do
Now, you are ready to apply your learning. Read the
directions carefully. Write your answers in your answer sheet.
15
 Suppose you are one of the officers in Science Club. You observe a
problem existing in your school.

1. Write a letter to your adviser.

2. In your letter, mention the problem.
3. You suggest some solutions to address the problem.
4. Use grammatical signals in your paragraph.
5. Your letter must have at least ten sentences.

Assessment
This is now a test of your achievement. The result will
show the fruit of your labor in learning the competency.

Direction: Read each item carefully then, choose the correct answer from
the given choices. Write the answer on your answer sheet.

1. A problem-solution text structure is a text that

A. shows the reason and result of a certain situation.
B. starts with the main topic to giving specific details.
C. points out to an issue and tries to show remedies to the solution.
D. narrates events in a story.

2. What is the first part of a problem-solution text structure?

A. problem B. topic C. solution D. topic

3. These are words used to connect ideas in a text to assure the correct
organization of ideas..
A. conjunctions C. grammatical signals
B. Connectors D. articles

4. Grammatical signals are important because

A. they are part of sentences
B. they give meaning to the text
C. they are connectors
D. they are used to organize a text

5. The result of proper use of grammatical signals in a paragraph is the

logical arrangement of ideas. This is called
A. text B. coherence C. connections D. paragraph

16
 6. How is coherence related to grammatical signals?
A. Grammatical signals are an example of coherence
B. Grammatical signals are the same with coherence
C. Grammatical signals are used to attain coherence
D. Grammatical signals part of coherence

7. If you were to write a problem-solution text, which of the following is

the best topic?
A. My ambition in life C. Obesity among teens
B. My Puppy D. The eclipse

8. Which is not an example of grammatical signal used to show problem

or issue?
A. To resolve B. The dilemma C. The case is D. The issue

9. Don wants to show series of solution to the issue she presented,

which of the following signals should she use?
A. challenges B. Difficulty C. to remedy D. because

(10-12)
One of the first problems of the internet is the ease with which children
can access potentially dangerous sites. For example, pornography sites
are easily accessible to them because they can register with a site and
claim to be an adult. There is no doubt that this affects their thoughts
and development, which is a negative impact for the children and for
society.
IELTS Problem Solution Essays https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/problem-solution-essays.html

10. What problem is told in the paragraph?

A. pornography C. easy access to dangerous websites
B. Child development D. access to internet

11. Why easy access to internet becomes a problem for children?

A. because children can develop bad habits
B. because children can access dangerous websites
C. because children can be addicted to it
D. because it is not safe for children to use computer

12. Which statement is correct?

A. The writer of the paragraph did not use grammatical signals to
show the problem.

17
 B. The writer of the paragraph did not tell directly the problem.
C. The writer of the paragraph told the solution.
D. The writer of the paragraph used grammatical signal to present
the problem.

(13-15)

Dan screams and shouts at his parents. He is a smart boy but

the issue with him is his inability to manage his anger.
Anger is an emotional surge anyone can experience anywhere at
any time. To feel angry at times is somewhat normal for human beings.
But mismanaged anger is not. An uncontrolled anger can lead to more
serious problems. Is it possible to manage anger? If yes, then how?

13. What problem does Dan experience?

A. anger C. mismanagement of anger
B. screaming D. emotional problem

14. If you were to help Dan to solve his problem, what would you tell
him?
A. “Why you are always angry?”
B. “Relax, Take it easy.”
C. Tap his back gently and tell him, “Keep calm.”
D. “I’m bothered with your anger.”

15. What grammatical signal is use to tell about the problem of Dan?
A. problem B. the issue C. the case D. the concern

Additional Activity
Congratulations! I encourage you to do this last activity for
your further learning.

Which is the Best?

Direction: Given in each item is a problem or an issue. Under the issue are
suggested solutions. Mark the possible solution with 1 as the most possible
and 3 as the least possible.

1. The issue here is there’s only one fire truck in the station
______ To solve he issue, ask the LGU to donate.
______ To resolve, buy another fire truck.

18
 19
Assessment Pre-assessment
What’s More
1. C 1. B
2. A Assessment 1: 2. C
3. C 3. B
Problem: 4. B
Mispronunciation 5. A
4. D Solution: Drills 6. D
5. B Grammatical signals to 7. A
6. C show problem: One of 8. A
7. C the problems
8. A To show solution: to
9. C solve 9. B
10. C 10. D
11. B Assessment 2 11. A
12. D Based on students’ 12. C
13. C output 13. B
14. C 14. C
15. B Activity 3 15. B
2
5
1
3
4
Assessment 3
rubric
Answer Key
irrigation
______ To solve, know the reason why there is no water in the
______ To remedy, use water pump
______ To address the problem, wait for the rain.
is used to be water filled all year round so his rice field is dry.
2. The concern of the farmer is, there is no water from the irrigation that
______ To beat the problem, Don’t mind it.
 References

Clayton , Jenna “How to identify the Problem and Solution in a Reading

Selection,” https://study.com academy

“How to Identify the Problem and Solution in a Reading Selection,”

https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-identify-the-problem-
and-solution-in-a-reading-selection.html

“Lateral Thinking Puzzles “ https://www.foij.com

Noorda, Rachel, “Coherence in writing: Definition and examples,”

Study.Com, https://study.com

“Problem and solution,” Squarespace, https://static1.suarespace.com

“Problem and Solution,” Reading Sheets,

https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/patterns-of-
organization/problem-and-solution/

“Transition Signals,” EAP Foundatio.Com, https://www.eapfoundation.com

20