SGMendoza 1

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III – Central Luzon
Schools Division of City of Malolos
Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School
Bagong Bayan, City of Malolos, Bulacan

ENGLISH 10

SELF-LEARNING MATERIALS
QUARTER IV – MELC 4

OBSERVING CORRECT GRAMMAR IN MAKING DEFINITIONS

Prepared by:

SOCORRO G. MENDOZA
Master Teacher I
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MELC 4
OBSERVING CORRECT GRAMMAR IN MAKING DEFINITIONS
(EN10G-IIa-29)

OBJECTIVES
As you go through this lesson, you are expected to:

● distinguish between formal and informal definition

● define words using correct grammar

Let’s find out what you already

know.

ACTIVATION

Hello dear learners! Have you experienced being asked by someone to define a word?
What’s your initial reaction? Well, defining a word is not difficult though sometimes it is a
common difficulty among students. Along with it comes the challenge on how to make
definitions grammatically right.
Sentences in any language follow conventional patterns. Observing accepted
conventions of grammar, syntax, word order produce an orderly flow of thought and
contribute much to a clear understanding.
This lesson will help you make defining terms easy. So, let’s get started.

Pre-Test
Directions: Read the paragraph then answer the questions following it.

“The Filipino teacher is the artisan of the Filipino soul. To him is assigned the task of
molding the character of the youth. He is called not only to impart valuable information and
to develop the mental spirit, the moral and physical faculties of the students, but also to
perpetuate the traditions and ideals of the race. He is a spiritual guide of his pupils, their
leader in thought and action. He develops their minds and spirits in such a manner as to
respond or react one way or the other, depending upon the impulse imparted; trains them to
be Filipinos with all the Filipino virtues and shortcomings, and to love their country, home,
life, and people, and to appreciate their own civilization.” --- Jose P. Laurel

QUESTIONS:
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1. What word is defined in the paragraph?

a. Filipino Celebrity b. Filipino Activist c. Filipino Writer d. Filipino Teacher

2. Which definition of a Filipino teacher is NOT mentioned in the paragraph?

a. imparts valuable information
b. perpetuates the traditions and ideals of the race
c. increases love for entertainment and eco-husbandry
d. develops mental spirit, mental and physical faculties of students
3. What kind of role does a teacher play?
a. Spiritual guide b. Tourist guide c. Sports guide d. Travel guide
4. What task of a teacher is NOT mentioned in the paragraph?
a. Perpetuator of traditions and ideal of the race
b. Preserver of good culture
c. Artisan of the Filipino soul
d. Molder of youth’s character
5. Which among these definitions follows a correct grammar?
a. Filipino teacher are trained students with Filipino virtues.
b. Filipino teacher is trained students with Filipino virtues.
c. Filipino teacher trains students with Filipino virtues.
d. Filipino teacher train’s students with Filipino virtues.
6. A sentence, following a specific pattern of definition is called
a. formal b. informal c. semi-formal d. hypothetical
7. A definition that cab be expressed using a word, phrase, antonym, or synonym is
called
a. formal b. informal c. semi-formal d. hypothetical
8. The above paragraph is written according to
a. Cocoy Laurel c. James P. Laurel
b. Jose P. Laurel d. Denise Laurel

Grammar is the study of words; how they are used in sentences, and how they change in
different situations like the study of sentence structures, rules and examples that show how
language should be used. This is a study of speaking and writing a language correctly. It is
therefore fundamental to say that it is a tool essential to making and constructing definitions.

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Read closely an example of extended definition below, then proceed to
answering the given questions.

“Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up,
is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over
wickedness, but rejoices with the truth; bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all
things, endures all things.”---St. Paul to the Corinthians

1. What is the word defined in the paragraph?

2. To what word does the verb in the beginning sentence agree?
3. Is charity singular or plural?
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4. Why do you have to use the singular form of the verb?

5. What subject-verb agreement rule is applied for definition in the introductory
sentence?

6. Do the definitions in the paragraph follow correct grammatical

construction?
ACQUISITION

KEY IDEAS

DEFINITION - A concise explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase or symbol

- A statement of expressing exactly what something means or is used to
mean in this context.

TYPES OF DEFINITIONS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

Formal Definition Informal Definition Extended Definition

● based upon a concise, ● can be expressed using ● is one or more paragraphs

logical pattern that
includes as much info as
it can within a minimum
amount of space
● done in accordance with
rules of convention or
etiquette; suitable for or
constituting an official or
important situation
● follows specific
definition pattern as in
equational forms of
definition
Examples:
1. Teacher is a person
who molds the
character and right love= affection (single word)
conduct of the
students.
2. Blindness is a type of
single word as in
synonym, antonym
● can be expressed using
phrases
● doesn’t follow certain
standard and definition
patterns
● more casual, relaxed and
spontaneous
● used when
communicating with
friends or family either in
writing or conversation
Examples:
that attempt/s to explain a
complex term.
● is classified as a formal
definition because it
establishes the focus for
the rest of the discussion.
Example:
Please refer to the sample
paragraphs in Activity 1-
Charity, and Activity 2- A
Mother.
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physical disability peaceful = chaotic (antonym)

blindness means inability to

see (phrase)

DO’S AND DON’TS IN WRITING DEFINITIONS

(Ref: English Developmental Workbook III, Glorioso et.al)

1. In writing the class which the term belongs to, be sure this class is broad enough to
include all objects bearing the name but not so broad as to cover so many items.

Too broad: Wasps are animals

Better: Wasps are insects

2. Be sure the particular qualities are complete and correct.

Incomplete particular: An entrepreneur is a person in business.

Complete: An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and manages a business
enterprise.

3. Strive for parallel construction. The key word in the definition after is or means should
be the same part of speech as the word defined.

Wrong: Philately is collecting and studying stamps.

Right: Philately is the collection and study of stamps.

Wrong: A wizard means clever.

Right: A wizard is a very clever or skillful person.

1. Avoid including the word defined or a word derived from the same root.

Not: Cautious means characterized by caution.

But: Cautious means careful so as to minimize risk.

Ways of Defining Terms Using Equational Forms of Definition

2. Ordinary or Real Form= TD (term to be defined) + Verb + General Class + Relative
Pronoun + Specific Characteristic
3. Compressed/ Shortened- TD + V + GC + SC
4. Nominal Form – SC + V + TD

Now let’s see how your grammar works

by accomplishing the next activities.
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ACTIVITY 2

Directions: The following is a sample descriptive paragraph using extended definition of a

mother. Create your own paragraph using the phrases with the base form of verbs
in items 1-10 to define your own mom. Observe correct grammar.

A mother loves her children. Her one ambition in life is to see them happy and
contented. She teaches them their duties towards God and their fellowmen. By precept and by
example, a good mother tries to lead her children towards the paths of righteousness and
grace. She glories in their success; she is always with them in trouble or in pain, in honor and
in victory.

1. who (love) us
2. (teach) moral values
3. (lead) me and my siblings
4. (care) for my family
5. (glorify) our achievements
6. (support) our decisions
7. (hope) that we grow to be
8. (show) her children
9. (make) us feel
10. always (give)

ACTIVITY 3

Directions: Rewrite the following faulty definitions to conform with the do’s and don’ts.
(Ref: English Developmental Workbook III, Glorioso et.al)

1. Macopa is a fruit.
2. A censor is a person who practices censorship.
3. Drought is when there is no rain or water for a long period of time.
4. A nincompoop is stupidity.
5. Jaundice is when the skin becomes yellow due to deposits of bile pigments.
6. A geologist is a specialist in geology.
7. An aspin is a dog.
8. A copyreader is a man who edits copy.
9. A cantaloupe is a melon.
10. Fiction is a story that is fictitious.

Answers:

1. __________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
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3. __________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________________
7. __________________________________________________________________
8. __________________________________________________________________
9. __________________________________________________________________
10. __________________________________________________________________

Job well done! You can now define terms observing

correct grammar!
Let’s see if you can do more!

APPLICATION
Great! You have shown diligence in doing the
previous challenges. Get yourself ready to answering
the following tasks. Remember what you have
learned about observing correct grammar in making
definitions.

ACTIVITY 4
Directions: Supply the blank spaces with the correct verb form to complete the definition of
each term. (Ref: English Developmental Workbook III, Glorioso et.al)

1. Optometrist _______ an eye specialist who examines the eyes for defects and
prescribes corrective glasses but not drugs or surgery.
2. Democracy _______ a form of government in which supreme power is vested on the
people exercised directly through representation.
3. Cumulus _______ a cloud form having a flat base and rounded outlines often piled up
like a mountain.
4. Mussels _______ edible two-valved mollusk with a long dark shell.
5. Acappela _______ a mode of singing without instrumental accompaniment.

ACTIVITY 5
Directions: Supply the blanks with the missing word, then underscore the verb inside the
parentheses to make an effective definition.

1. Allegory is ________________ that (express, expresses) actions of truths or

generalizations about human existence.
2. Nutritionists (deal, deals) on matters of ________________ and their impacts on
health.
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3. Microsoft Corporation is a/an ________________which (develop, develops),

computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.
4. Forgery is a ________________ that generally (refer, refers) to the false making or
material alteration of a legal instrument with the specific intent to defraud anyone
other than themself.
5. Cello and violin are musical ________________ that (belong, belongs) to the string
family.

ACTIVITY 6
Directions: Categorize the following according to their class. Choose your answers from the
box. Then define orally each term. You may use formal or informal definition.
menu event study person
reference place virtue

___________1. Pork adobo ___________6. Paris

___________2. Surgeon ___________7. Manuscript
___________3. Museum ___________8. Humility
___________4. Webinar ___________9. Atlas
___________5. Horticulture ___________10. Thanksgiving
ACTIVITY 7

Directions: With a partner, define each term by giving the class and complete particular
qualities using equational sentence form of definition. Check each other’s work
afterwards.

1. Horticulture
1.____________________________________________________
2. Islam
3. Menstruation 2. .___________________________________________________
4. Horoscope 3. .___________________________________________________
5. Milktea
4. .___________________________________________________
6. Mangosteen
7. Myth 5. .___________________________________________________
8. Labrys 6. .___________________________________________________
9. Instagram 7. .___________________________________________________
10. Plot
8. .___________________________________________________
9. .___________________________________________________
10. .__________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT
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Post-Test
Congratulations! You finally reached the end of the lesson. At this point, let’s see how
much you have learned since you took the pre-test. Complete the following task by answering
the post-test. After that, you may check your work in the Self-Check Section where you can
assess your own performance in this lesson. If your work resulted to a favorable score, you
may proceed to the next lesson. If there are parts you missed or still unclear with you, spend
some time to go over again the activities.

Directions: Read closely the poem. Then answer the essential questions below.

Cactus
By: Tita Lacambra-Ayala

Excuse the cactus

thirsting on the sill
excuse it's quills
stuck out :
they're only an attempt
at self-defense.
See how it bleeds
to fossils the old sand
itself looking to be such
a fussy fossil.

Not quite futile.

It should require
some sort of guile
some genius
to subsist on sun
some lake of sand
(have both for free!)
and come out looking
freshly green,
(juicy even)

as if in spite of
as if in fun.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is described in the poem?
2. Which one does not describe quills?
a. thin b. pointed c. soft d. itchy
3. As mentioned in the poem, quills are only meant
a. for decoration c. for self-defense
b. for self-confidence d. for self-distinction
4. Which of these characteristics of cactus is NOT mentioned in the poem?
a. guileful b. smooth c. not futile d. juicy
5. Which characteristic is true about cactus?
a. freshly green c. a fussy fossil
b. subsists on sun, lake and sand d. all of the given
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6. What kind of definition is used in “Cactus is a succulent plant with a thick, fleshy
stem that typically bears spines, lacks leaves, and has brilliantly colored flowers?”
a. formal b. informal c. extended d. hypothetical
7. What type of definition can be expressed using one or more paragraphs that attempt to
explain a complex term?
a. extended b. informal c. formal d. hypothetical
8. What type of definition is expressed using a specific pattern or standard form?
a. extended b. informal c. hypothetical d. formal
9. Which definition follows correct grammar?
a. Cactus is a plant which is usually found in dry areas.
b. Cacti is a plant which is usually found in dry areas.
c. Cactus are a plant which is usually found in dry areas.
d. Cactus is a plant which are usually found in dry areas.
10. What is the synonym of “subsists?”
a. exit s b. decays c. withers d. exists
11. What is the plural form of cactus?
a. cactae b. cactum c. cacti d. cacta
12. How do you classify the cactus plant?
a. ornamental b. herbal c. flowering d. fruit-bearing
13. Cactus can be best associated with one’s
a. strength c. beauty
b. uniqueness d. all of the given

SELF-CHECK
This section is where you can check the correctness of your
answers in the activities you’ve done in this module. Please review
your responses and make corrections.

Pre-Test
1. D
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. B

ACTIVITY 1
1. charity
2. subject/charity
3. singular
4. because the subject is singular
5. singular subject takes singular verb
6. yes
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ACTIVITY 2 (Answers vary)

ACTIVITY 3 (Answers vary)

ACTIVITY 4
1. is
2. is
3. is
4. are
5. is

ACTIVITY 5
1. figure of speech, expresses
2. deal, food and nutrition
3. American company, develops
4. crime, refers
5. instruments, belong

ACTIVITY 6
1. menu
2. person
3. place
4. event
5. study
6. place
7. reference
8. virtue
9. reference
10. event

ACTIVITY 7 (Answers vary)

Post-Test
1. cactus
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. D
6. A
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. D
11. C
12. A
13. D