SHS

Department of Education-Region III

TARLAC CITY SCHOOLS DIVISION
Juan Luna St., Sto. Cristo, Tarlac City 2300
Email address: tarlac.city@deped.gov.ph/ Tel. No. (045) 470 - 8180

English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
Quarter 1: Week 6
Learning Activity Sheets

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 ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Name of Learner: Grade 11/12 Quarter 1 – Week 6
Section: _ Date:

Determining the Ways a Writer can Elucidate on a Concept by

Definition, Explication, and Clarification

Background Information

What is a concept? Philosophers have given many different answers to this question, reflecting
a wide variety of approaches to the study of mind and language. Nonetheless, at the most general
level, there are two dominant frameworks in contemporary philosophy. One proposes that concepts
are mental representations (or ideas in the mind), while the other proposes that they are abstract
objects that may represent objects in reality (Margolis & Laurence, 2007).

In simpler terms, a concept is defined as an abstract idea or a general notion. Also, it can
mean a plan or intention. Moreover, a concept is also an idea or invention to help sell or publicize a
commodity. In Philosophy, a concept is an idea or mental picture of a group or class of objects formed
by combining all their aspects. (Source: Lexico.com, 2020)
Do you already understand what a concept is? Let me help you as you go through your Learning Activity
Sheet for this week. Just read my messages, okay?
The concept or idea of a writer, whether used for creative or academic/professional purposes,
can be clearly explained through definition, explication, and clarification.

1. DEFINITION is a method of identifying a given term and making its meaning clearer
(Gutierrez, 2017).
Three Ways of Defining a Concept
A. Informal Definition – known words or examples are used to explain an unknown term.
These definitions may be synonyms or antonyms introduced by or, in other words, or like.
Source: The NROC Project (2020)
Examples:
• Covid-19, a mild and severe illness, causes thousands of deaths.
• Alma Mater, a fancy term for the school you attended from, comes from a phrase
that means “fostering mother.” Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2020)
• Freedom, also referred to as liberty or independence, is a state people reach when
they are free to think and do whatever they please. Source: The NROC Project (2020)

B. Formal Definition – contains three parts:

1. Term – the word to be defined
2. Class – the group where the term belongs
3. Distinguishing Characteristics – the characteristics of the term which separate it
from the other members of the group/class

Example:
Memorandum is an official report about a particular subject that is
(TERM) (CLASS)
written for a company, organization, or government about a particular matter.
(DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS)

To understand the differences between formal and informal definitions, the following examples
are provided. NOTE: For formal definitions, the class/group where the term belongs are underlined,
while the distinguishing characteristics are italicized.

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 TERM INFORMAL DEFINITION FORMAL DEFINITION
Formula - is a group of - is a group of numerical symbols associated
numerical symbols. to express concisely facts ordata.
Instinct - is a natural or - a largely inheritable and unalterable
inherent aptitude, tendency of organism to make a complexand
impulse, or capacity. specific response to environmental
stimuli without involving reason.
Play - is a drama. - is the stage representation of an action or
- is a stage story.
representation.
Source: Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1985). Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.: Merriam-Webster Inc.

C. Extended Definition – additional details that may include the following: providing the
origin or etymology, by comparison and contrast, by cause and effect, by illustration, and
by analysis (Igoy & Salosagcol,1997).
Example:

formal A concept paper is a document which summarizes what your

definition project is about, why it is important, and how you intend to carry it out. It
consists of the topic under research, the hypothesis that you seek to
approve or disprove, research questions, data required, and methods of extended
obtaining it. It is sometimes known as a proposal or an abstract. The latter definition
two are usually more detailed than a concept paper but often serve the
same purpose, that is, to convince the party evaluating it that the research
project is worthwhile. Source: Santos, Patricia. “Concept paper: how to write one? A
comprehensive guide (2020)” Accessed August 11, 2020, https://kami.com.ph/84093-
concept-paper-write-a-comprehensive-guide-2020.html.

The paragraph above begins with a formal definition for it clearly has all the 3 parts: the term (concept
paper), the class or group where the term belongs (a document), and the characteristics of that term
that separate it from the other members of its group. If ever one of the class or group was not mentioned
in the definition, this may then be considered an informal definition.

2. EXPLICATION is a method of explanation in which sentences, verses, quotes, or passages

are taken from a literary or academic work and interpreted and explained in a detailed way (Gutierrez,
2017).
For you to easily remember this, your clue is a statement quoted (directly or indirectly) which
is being explained and elaborated. Sometimes, statements uttered or written are worth note-taking,
yet not quite understandable by some. Thus, explication is needed. Observe the example below.

Example:
The Acquisition-Learning distinction is the most fundamental of the five hypotheses in Krashen's
theory and the most widely known among linguists and language teachers. According to Krashen, there
are two independent systems of foreign language performance: 'the acquired system' and 'the learned
system'. The 'acquired system' or 'acquisition' is the product of a subconscious process very similar to the
process children undergo when they acquire their first language. It requires meaningful interaction in the
target language - natural communication - in which speakers are concentrated not in the form of their
utterances, but in the communicative act.
The "learned system" or "learning" is the product of formal instruction and it comprises a
conscious process which results in conscious knowledge 'about' the language, for example knowledge of
grammar rules. A deductive approach in a teacher-centered setting produces "learning", while an
inductive approach in a student-centered setting leads to "acquisition".
According to Krashen 'learning' is less important than 'acquisition'.
Source: Schütz, Ricardo E. (2019) “Stephen Krashen's Theory of Second Language Acquisition”. Accessed September 3, 2020, https://www.sk.com.br/sk-krash-english.html.

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 Notice that in the example given, Ricardo E. Schütz explained Stephen Krashen’s
Theory of Second Language Acquisition. In fact, some terms such as 'the acquired
system' and 'the learned system' were quoted and elaborated. This is an explication.

3. CLARIFICATION is a method of explanation in which the points are organized from a

general/abstract idea to specific/concrete examples (Gutierrez, 2017).

When we clarify, we organize our thoughts and we make sure that whatever is not clear to our
readers or listeners, we will be able to help them. Commonly, we provide examples or illustrations.
Also, diagrams or infographics can be used to visualize our main point/s.

Example: Let us practice CLARIFICATION using the text below:

Key Points for Clarification:
The Top 10 Causes of Death
Of the 56.9 million deaths worldwide in 2016, Top 10 Causes of Death Worldwide
more than half (54%) were due to the top 10 causes. Paragraph 1 (Top 2)
Ischaemic heart disease and stroke are the world’s ➢ Ischaemic Heart Disease
biggest killers, accounting for a combined 15.2 million ➢ Stroke
deaths in 2016. These diseases have remained the Paragraph 2 (Top 3-6)
leading causes of death globally in the last 15 years. ➢ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claimed Disease
3.0 million lives in 2016, while lung cancer (along with ➢ Lung Cancer (along with Trachea and
trachea and bronchus cancers) caused 1.7million deaths. Bronchus Cancers)
Diabetes killed 1.6 million people in 2016, up from less ➢ Diabetes
than 1 million in 2000. Deaths dueto dementias more ➢ Dementia
than doubled between 2000 and 2016, making it the 5th
Paragraph 3 (Top 7-9)
leading cause of global deathsin 2016 compared to 14th
➢ Lower Respiratory Infections
in 2000.
➢ Diarrhoeal Diseases
Lower respiratory infections remained the most
➢ Tuberculosis
deadly communicable disease, causing 3.0 million
deaths worldwide in 2016. The death rate from Paragraph 4 (Top 10)
diarrhoeal diseases decreased by almost 1 million ➢ Road Injuries
between 2000 and 2016, but still caused 1.4 million
The sample text writtenby WHO in
deaths in 2016. Similarly, the number of tuberculosis
2018 was organized according to
deaths decreased during the same period, but is still
order of importance, which is from
among the top 10 causes with a death toll of 1.3 million.
the top to the bottom 10. This shows
HIV/AIDS is no longer amongthe world’s top 10 causes of
a logical/reasonable organization of
death, having killed 1.0 million people in 2016 compared data written in one composition.
with 1.5 million in 2000.
Road injuries killed 1.4 million people in 2016, Is everything clear,
about three-quarters (74%) of whom were men and so far?
boys.
Source: World Health Organization. 2018. The top 10 causes of death. Accessed Note that the main purpose of clarification is
September9, 2020, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top- to organize and emphasize the important
10-causes-of-death

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Learning Competency with Code
Determining the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by definition, explication and
clarification (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Igj-20)

Directions/ Instructions
The following activities will help you comprehend and apply the three ways to explain a
concept. Activity A focuses on DEFINITION, Activity B focuses on EXPLICATION, Activity C focuses
on CLARIFICATION, and the last activity incorporates all three. Read the specific directions carefully.

Exercises/Activities

A. State whether the following definitions use FORMAL, INFORMAL or EXTENDED

DEFINITIONS. Write your answer on each blank provided.

1. Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology is a four-year degree program designed to train

students how to operate medical imaging equipment such as X-rays, CT scanners, MRIs,
sonogram machines, and 3D medical imaging programs among other computer and web-
based software programs (FindUniversity n.d.).
ANSWER:

2. A paragraph is a series of sentences that presents and develops one main idea about a topic
(Warriner 1988).
ANSWER:

3. An incident is an event that takes place in a short time (Warriner 1988).

ANSWER:

4. Horsepower is the rate of doing work equivalent to raising 33,000 pounds a distance of 1 foot
in 1 minute (Salosagcol & Igoy 1997, 202).
ANSWER:

5. Mercury is closest to the sun in the solar system (Salosagcol & Igoy 1997, 203).
ANSWER:

6. Vulnerability means being fragile or easily broken.

ANSWER:

7. Latex contains many different substances, including sugars, proteins, mineral salts, alkaloids
and caoutchouc, a substance that is found in the latex from better trees (Salosagcol & Igoy
1997, 200).
ANSWER:

8. Multitasking is doing more than one thing at the same time.

ANSWER:

9. The skin, or integument, forms a protective waterproof covering for the entire body. It is
composed of two layers of epithelial and connective tissues (Salosagcol & Igoy 1997, 216).
ANSWER:
10. Dulcet means pleasing to the ears (Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Merriam-Webster
Incorporated, 2020).
ANSWER:

It was quite an easy prime exercise, isn’t

it? Now, why don’t youtry setting your
mind to more complex thinking? Let us do
this!

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B. Think of a concept (a word, a phrase, or a sentence) that can be related to the following
famous quotes. Then explain/explicate the quote and your concept briefly in 1-3
sentences. Three points will be given per item. Criteria: relevance of the concept (1
point); organization and clarity of the explication (2 points).

Example:
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.” – Helen Keller

My Concept: Without vision, you will get lost in life. (or just simply) VISION
Explication: All humans should take into consideration the importance of setting goals and bearing
in mind their vision for them to set the path that would lead them to the right track. What
are our eyes for if we could not even see where we are going?

Got it? Now, it is your turn! I know you can figure out your own concept. Just focus. You have got this!

1. “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein
My Concept:

Explication:

2. “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are
dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Gandhi
My Concept:

Explication:

3. “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness.
Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.” – Thomas Jefferson
My Concept:

Explication:

4. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

My Concept:

Explication:

5. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
– Abraham Lincoln
My Concept:

Explication:

C. Supposed, you will write a concept paper using all the 6 items on the next page as your
keywords and phrases for your outline. How will you start your paragraph? Where will
you end your paper? Read and accomplish Part I and Part II of this activity.

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 Part I. Rearrange these items from general to specific or abstract to concrete. Number them 1-6
onthe blank provided before each item. Pattern: General to Specific (favorite food – pasta –
Filipino-style) Abstract to Concrete (technology – gadgets – effects of using gadgets)

____ Practicing social distancing, staying home, washing hands, wearing face mask
_______ What to contribute to the community
____ How to influence my family
_______ Covid-19
____ How do I handle the pandemic
____ Health and Safety Precautions

Part II. Using the items above and applying your arrangement, compose your own essay.
Use aseparate paper for this activity. Conceptualize your title.
Criteria: Content – 1 point, Organization – 1 point, Grammar and Mechanics – 2 points

D. Analyze the following texts and choose whether DEFINITION, EXPLICATION or

CLARIFICATION was or were used. NOTE: Multiple answers are possible.

In criminal cases, the availability of readable fingerprints is often critical in establishing

evidence of a major crime. It is necessary, therefore, to follow proper procedures when
TEXT 1 taking fingerprints. In major cases, prints should be obtained from all persons who may
have touched areas associated with a crime scene, for elimination purposes (501 Reading
Comprehension Questions, 2010). (3 Points)

ANSWER: DEFINITION EXPLICATION CLARIFICATION

Transition signals are connecting words or phrases that act like bridges between parts of
TEXT 2 your writing. They link your sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are
no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas (UNSW Sydney 2019). (3 Points)

ANSWER: DEFINITION EXPLICATION CLARIFICATION

In the philosophical sense, realism postulates that reality exists in independence with human
perception and is not dependent on observers to define its objective boundaries. To understand
TEXT 3 philosophical realism, we must again turn to that giant of ancient philosophyand the father of the
modern one - Plato. It may be confusing but his Theory of Forms,
sometimes also referred to as Platonic Idealism, is the basis for realism, since it attempts to define the universal
forms or simply 'universals'. A universal is the singular property of an object or thing which can exist simultaneously
in two places in the same space-time continuum. This can be explained by the propertyof color, such as blue. The
blueness of an object exists independently of the object itself in different locations.This is the problem of universals.
How does one understand these 'Forms'? Plato thought they existed in a plane which did not come in direct contact
with ours, we cannot feel or touch them, and that the laws of space-time did not apply to universals, yet they exist
and by a natural or non-mental conception also providestructure to reality itself (Dogra 2012). (4 Points)

ANSWER: DEFINITION EXPLICATION CLARIFICATION

Reflection
A. Tick ( ) the appropriate box that refers to your level of agreement on the lessons you
have learned in this Learning Activity Sheet.
Strongly Moderately
Items Disagree
Agree Agree
I have learned to use informal, formal and extended
definitions.
I have learned that explication needs more understandingso that
I could further elaborate on my own.
I have learned that when clarifying a concept, I should
organize my thoughts and ideas logically.
I have learned the ways to elucidate on a concept.

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B. What have you learned from this Learning Activity Sheet? Write 2-3 sentences for youranswer.

References
Dogra, Aastha. 2012. Idealism vs. Realism. Buzzle.com. Quoted in Philip Yoso, Idealism: Philosophyand Proponents. James
I. O'Neill High School, 2014. Accessed https://www.hffmcsd.org/Page/1101

Cambridge Dictionary. 2020. Accessed August 19, 2020,

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/memorandum

FindUniversity.ph (n.d.). BS in Radiologic Technology in the Philippines. Accessed August 19, 2020,
https://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-radiologic-technology-philippines/

Gutierrez, Beverly. 2017. EAPP - English for Academic and Professional Purposes- Module 3 Concept Paper. Accessed
August 19, 2020, https://quizlet.com/234004122/eapp-english-for-academic-and-professional-purposes-module-3-
concept-paper-flash-cards/

Lexico.com, s.v. “Concept”. Oxford University Press. Accessed August 31, 2020, https://www.lexico.com/definition/concept

Margolis, Eric and Laurence, Stephen. 2007. The Ontology of Concepts—Abstract Objects or Mental Representations?.
Wiley Online Library. Accessed
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-0068.2007.00663.x

Salosagcol, Nimfa and Igoy, Judy Imelda. 1997. Developing Skills in Technical Writing and Reporting,Tarlac State University,
198

UNSW Sydney. 2019. Transition Signals in Writing. Accessed August 19, 2020, https://student.unsw.edu.au/transition-
signals-writing

501 Reading Comprehension Questions, 4th ed, 2010. New York: Learning Express, LLC. AccessedAugust 11, 2020.
https://www.bhamcityschools.org/cms/lib/AL01001646/Centricity/Domain/131/501readingco
mprehensionquestions4thedition.pdf

Answer Key
A. DEFINITION
1. formal 6. informal
2. formal 7. extended
3. formal 8. informal
4. formal 9. extended
5. informal 10. informal

B. EXPLICATION
Answers may vary.
C. CLARIFICATION D. DEFINITION/EXPLICATION/CLARIFICATION
Part I TEXT 1 CLARIFICATION
3 Practicing social distancing, staying home, TEXT 2 DEFINITION
washing hands, wearing face mask

4 What to contribute to the community TEXT 3 DEFINITION

5 How to influence my family EXPLICATION
1 Covid-19 CLARIFICATION
6 How do I handle the pandemic
2 Health and Safety Precautions REFLECTION – Answers may vary.

Part II – Answers may vary.

Writer/Illustrator/Lay-out Artist: Lordelyn Y. Pulmano

Evaluator: John-John J. Flores, PhD

Reviewed: Reymar D. Paguio PhD

English – EPSvr
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