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English
Quarter 2 Module 5:
Positive and Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text
English – Grade 8
Self-Learning Module
Quarter 2 Module 10 Positive and Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text

First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education Secretary:

Undersecretary:
Assistant Secretary:

Development Team of the Module

Author: Criscel Calunsag-Miranda
Editor: Aniceta A. Lumamba, EdD
Reviewers: Darwin F. Suyat, EdD
Layout Artist: Rica Mae Largo
Management Team:
Josephine L. Fadul – Schools Division Superintendent
Melanie P. Estacio - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Christine C. Bagacay – Chief – Curriculum Implementation Division
Darwin F. Suyat – Education Program Supervisor – English
Lorna C. Ragos - Education Program Supervisor
Learning Resources Management

Printed in the Philippines by Tagum City Division

Department of Education

Office Address: Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City

Telefax: 216-3504
E-mail Address: tagum.city2deped.gov.ph
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English
Quarter 2 Module 5:
Positive and Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the English 8 Self Learning (SLM) Module on Positive and

Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators from Tagum City Division to assist you, the parents, or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the k to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this
also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21 st century skills while taking
into consideration their needs and circumstances.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use

this module. You also need to keep track of the learner’s progress while
allowing them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected
to encourage and assist the learners as they do the task included in the
module. Please remind the learners to use separate sheets in answering the
pre-test, self-check exercises, and post-test.)

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For the learner:

Welcome to the English 8 Self Learning (SLM) Module on Positive and

Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
activities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while
being and active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Let us Learn! This will give you an idea of the

skills or competencies you are
expected to learn in the module.

Let us Try! This part includes an activity that

aims to check what you already
know about the lesson to take. If
you get all the answers correct
(100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

This includes a brief drill or review

Let us Study to help you link the current lesson
with the previous one; various ways
of introducing a new lesson such
as a story, a song, a poem, a
problem opener, an activity or a
situation; and a brief discussion of
the lesson. This aims to help you
discover and understand new
concepts and
skills.

v
 This comprises activities for
Let us Practice guided practice to solidify your
understanding and skills of the
topic. You may check the answers
to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

This comprises activities for

Let us Practice independent practice to solidify
More your understanding and skills of
the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the
Answer Key at the end of the
module.
This includes questions or blank
Let us
sentence/paragraph to be filled in
Remember
to process what you learned from
the lesson.

This is a task which aims to

Let us Assess evaluate your level of mastery in
achieving the learning competency.
In this portion, another activity will
Let us Enhance be given to you to enrich your
knowledge or skill of the lesson
learned.
This part contains the closing note
related to the lesson. It will help you
Let us Reflect
reflect the importance of the
concepts you have learned in this
module and its relevance to real-life
situation.
This contains answers to all
Answer Key to
the Activities activities in the module.

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At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used

In developing this module

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part
of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the
exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I know before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through
with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do
not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind
that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful
learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You
can do it!

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 Let Us Learn!

Day 1

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master the competencies in English especially in Discerning
Positive and Negative Messages Conveyed in a Text. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The
language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the competency.
You can use this module in various learning situation at your own
pace and time.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Recognize positive and negative messages conveyed in a text
2. Transform negative messages to positive one
3. Resolve impact of negative messages to a person

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 Let Us Try!

A. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Negative messages .
A. are best delivered first thing in the morning.
B. are rumors and gossips spread for financial gain
C. are never found within a business environment.
D. are rejections or discouragements that can create a hardship for
a person
2. Positive message is defined as .
A. an expectation you give to someone
B. the rules for the members of the group to follow and avoid mistakes
C. a friendly gesture from somebody who has political intentions to
another person
D. a type of communication that provides good news, acceptance,
encouragement or congratulations
3. What is an approach where negative news is delivered with a positive
buffer statement before proceeding with the bad news?
A. Direct B. Rumor C. Indirect D. Straight-Forward
4. What is a sentence that is used to cushion bad news in a negative
message?
A. Buffer B. Bumper C. Pillow D. Compliment
5. It is an approach where a person gradually builds up to the purpose, to
avoid or to minimize the effect of the negative message.
A. Direct B. Buffer C. Indirect D. Bumper
6. Khalil wants to tell Hera that her pet, a fish, was eaten by a cat. How
would Khalil tell this without shocking Hera too much?
A. “Hera, your fish is dead!”
B. “Hera, how is your pet? Do you think it is doing okay at this minute?
C. “Hera, good thing you don’t have to take care of anything from now
own.””
D. “Hera, some things have to say goodbye, like your pet. But it is going
to be okay.”

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 7. The boss said to Mae to fire their delivery man immediately. How would
Mae relate this to the delivery man without being rude?
A. “You have not work satisfactorily, so you are fired.
B. “You can find another company to work for. Goodbye.”
C. “I am sorry you are no longer useful to the company.”
D. “The company thanks you for being part of the team. Your contract
has ended, so take this as an opportunity for a new job search.”

For items 8-10, identify if it is Positive Message or a Negative Message. Write

your answer on the space provided.

8. I’m sorry I interrupted you. Let’s keep the conversation

on a positive track.
9. Remember to take your leftovers out of the break room
fridge on Fridays.
10. I can’t meet with you tomorrow morning because I’m
booked.

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 Competency Recognize Positive and Negative Messages
Conveyed in a Material Viewed
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Let Us Study!

I am sure you already have an idea about our lesson. That’s great! To
verify your understanding, kindly read on the definitions below and its
example.

Notes to the Teacher

Tell the students to remember the meaning of the terms
that will be used in order to have a unified understanding. These
words will be used all throughout the module.

Word Reveal
1. Positive Message - a type of communication that provides good news,
acceptance, encouragement or congratulations.
- This message helps in maintaining good
relationships to other people because of its pleasant effect to the
receiver of the message. Sometimes, it is identified as positive only
after comprehending what was said.

2. Negative Message - are rejections or discouragements that can

create a hardship for a person emotionally.
- This is sometimes delivered with rudeness,
although, some people use this message unaware of its effect to the
receiver of the message.

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 Examples:
Negative message
Not everyone will remember to bring their handbooks to the meeting,
so we should bring extras.
Positive message
Let’s remember to bring extra handbooks to the meeting in case
anyone needs a copy.
3. Indirect approach - an approach where negative statement is
delivered with a positive buffer statement before proceeding with the
negative message.
4. Direct approach – an approach where the main point of the speaker
is said in a straightforward manner. This is used in news and in
giving information or direction.
5. Buffer - a sentence that is used to cushion bad news in a negative
message.
Example: the underlined sentence is a buffer
“We are genuinely sorry for the inconvenience but we have to transfer
you to another bus.”

Day 2
Recognizing Positive messages and Negative messages conveyed in a
material viewed.

Let Us Practice!

Do you believe that a single remark can change a person? I know you are
wondering how these kinds of messages affect a person. Let us read the
short story below to know more.

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 Source: Groups of Frogs. edsys.in

The Group of Frogs

Some frogs were traveling through woods and two of them
accidentally fell into a pit. The other frogs which were safe upside
understood how deep the pit was and saw no hope for the frogs to escape
out of it.

Both of these frogs started trying to get out of the pit but failed many
times. The frogs on the safe side shouted at them to give up the pain of
trying as it was not possible.

Eventually, one frog heard the other frogs and decided to stop trying
and fell down to death. However, the other frog went on trying and at last
managed to reach the top.

The other frogs asked him, “Did you not hear us?” He explained that
he was deaf and thought other frogs were encouraging him to get out.

Source: motivational-stories-for-students

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Inside the Bubbles

What do you think of the story you just read? Scribble your thoughts in the
bubble by answering the questions.

Frog 1 (the one who quits)

What did the other frogs from the

upside do to the two frogs?

How did the two interpret the

message/actions of the other frogs?

What similar situation can we compare

this story?

Frog 2 (the one who continues)

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Find out how messages, may it positive or negative, can affect a person’s life.
Read the inspiring story below.

One Story - Many Lessons

One morning while the family gathered at the breakfast table, my
grandfather turned to my dad, who was just entering the 6th grade and said,
"Johnny, it's time you quit school and go to work on the farm to help support
the family."

Johnny was born the youngest of a family of five children in Alabama.

His father was a farmer and part time police officer. Around the age of eleven,
each male child was expected to stop school and help support the family.

Tears streamed down my father's face and into his cereal bowl. "daddy,"
he begged, "if you will just let me stay in school, I will never cost you another
cent. I'll earn my keep. I'll pay for my books, my clothes and my food. Please,
daddy, just let me stay in school!"

My grandfather thoughtfully replied, "O.K. Johnny, let's see if you can

do that. But, if you can't, you'll have to work on the farm full time."

The odds of earning a living at eleven years of age seemed very long.
Afternoons and weekends, he washed cars, mowed lawns, danced on street
corners and shined shoes. While telling me this story, he proudly displayed
the simple wooden shoebox he made to support the Southern gentlemen's
shoes while he shined them.

My father's intent in telling me this story was to make the point that in
spite of his dire poverty, he was always clean and well groomed. He said,
"Honey, although I only had enough money for two outfits at a time, I could
always be clean. I bought soap for my clothes and myself, a needle and thread
for clothing repairs and polish for my shoes. When one outfit was being
washed and repaired, I wore the other.

It probably never occurred to him that the main impression he left with
me, his only daughter, was the value he placed on education. I saw photos of
him. He was a darling little boy with curly, jet-black hair who earned his own
way in an adult world, while other children his age were playing after school
sports.

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 Johnny graduated from high school, danced professionally, worked for
a national manufacturing company as a salesman and learned to fly small
planes during the second world war. He used his education and his skills
learned as a street-corner dancer and a shoe shine boy. Finally, as a risk-
taker, he not only became a pilot but also the owner of an airport.

Source: Stories About Determination at automa.k12

Day 3
Recognizing Positive and Negative Messages

Let Us Practice More!

Transforming negative messages to positive ones

“You’ve got to accentuate the positive. Eliminate the

negative.”
-Johnny Mercer

Social media nowadays can be very stressful because of fake news,

social issues, and other negativities. Have you observed it as well? What do
you think are the other sources of these negativities? Nobody wants to hear
negative comments or messages, do you agree? Maybe, the change should
start from us. How?

Use Positive Language Whenever Possible

Here are some ways how we can transform negative messages to
positive ones:
1. Subtle word choice changes can have a big effect on the overall
tone of a message. For example, state what to do rather than what
not to do:

Negative: Avoid negative language when possible.

Positive: Use positive language when possible.

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 2. Emphasize what is the case rather than what is not. For example:

Negative: The meeting room can only fit 20 people due to limited
seating.
Positive: The meeting room has seating for up to 20 people.

The negative words “only” and “limited” make the sentence wordy
and sound negative in tone. However, the second sentence
communicates the same idea in a more concise and positive way.

Minimize Negative Language

Sometimes, stating something in the negative is necessary, such as
messages that involve denying a request, rejecting a suggestion or offering
negative criticism.
Adding a qualifying buffer before negative content and a positive ending
will ease the negativity of the message for your reader. For example:

Negative (Direct approach): Your proposal was not accepted.

Positive (Indirect approach): Thank you for your submission. The
committee received over 50 proposals and unfortunately, your
proposal was not accepted. We encourage you to resubmit it
next year.

Activity 1
Positive or negative messages can make or break your day, right? Did
you have the same experience? But first, can you write positive
messages from the story in the box below? How about the negative
ones? Give it a try!
Pick out lines from the story and write it inside the box. Find at least 3
sentences to each column.

Positive Message Negative Message

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 Let Us Remember!

We may not always be able to “eliminate the negative,” as the song

says, but you can certainly “accentuate the positive”. Doing so gives others
an overall more positive impression of the message and you.
A positive tone helps to build a positive relationship between you and
others, one of the goals of personal communication. People often remember
how something was said more than what was said!

Source: Natasha Gast on Positive Business Writing. Onlinecareertips.com

Day 4

Let Us Assess!
Things are becoming clear and easy, right? Now, try to transform the
following negative statements to positive ones. Write your answer on the space
provided. Remember, stop saying NO!

Example: Negative phrasing: I don’t want to live not enjoying my life.

Positive phrasing: I want to enjoy my life.

1. Negative phrasing: Until you pay your library fines, you will not receive
your diploma.
Positive phrasing:

2. Negative phrasing: The experience was not altogether unpleasant.

Positive phrasing:

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 3. Negative phrasing: The I in Internet is never lowercase.
Positive phrasing:

4. Negative phrasing: His presentation was not that good.

Positive phrasing:

5. Negative phrasing: She was not looking good after her divorce.
Positive phrasing:

Let Us Enhance

Resolving impact of negative messages

Sometimes, we realize the impact of our actions or messages only after

it was being said or done. Do you agree? How can we avoid getting someone
hurt? What if we are in somebody’s situation? We can use the following
activity.

Slipping into Another’s Shoe

Situation #1: Supposing you have a best friend. You came by to their
house to return the book you borrowed. You are about to call her from the
outside, however, you heard her stepmother scolding her and telling her mean
words.
That afternoon, you saw your best friend seems a bit down and sad.
What can you tell her to make her feel better?

Situation #2: Your class president enumerated the names of those

who got lower than the passing score in your group chat. Unfortunately, you
are in the list. Your other classmates start to give negative comments about
your low score, and worse, their comments are becoming personal. How
would you react to this?

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Day 5

Let Us Reflect!

RepairLabs.flickr.com

What can you say about this quotation? You are right! What we say
can affect a person, and everyone is facing a situation – good or bad. We are
all facing an enemy we could not see. Everybody feels the consequence of
this pandemic such as losing jobs, being away from family, and even losing
loved ones. It would be very helpful if we remain kind and positive in our
actions and in our words. Yes, be optimistic! That’s the word. Do you agree?
Also, we have to recognize positive and negative messages in order for
us to respond appropriately, and know how to resolve issues calmly and
positively. With this, we can avoid stress and prevent us from hurting others.
You are correct! We want to live with others harmoniously.

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Post-Assessment
Congratulations! You are almost done with this lesson. I am sure you
have learned a lot. Answer the questions below using a separate answer
sheet.

1. These are rejections or discouragements that can create a hardship for a

person
A. Buffer C. Positive message
B. Fake news D. Negative messages

2. Positive message is defined as the following, EXCEPT .

A. messages about acceptance
B. messages that provides good news
C. an expectation you give to someone
D. encouragement or congratulations to another person

3. Thank you for your order. We appreciate your interest in our product. But
we are currently out of stock.
The underlined sentence is an example of .
A. Buffet B. Butter C. Buried D. Buffer

4. It is an approach where a person gradually builds up to the purpose, to

avoid or to minimize the effect of the negative message.
A. Direct B. Buffer C. Indirect D. Bumper

5. Where can we often read negative messages?

A. Facebook B. Youtube C. Instagram D. A, B and C

6. How are you going to tell your classmate to stop commenting on your
Facebook post with negative comments?

A. Hi. I will erase your comments now.

B. Continue having fun with my post.
C. Do you really think you can comment anything on my post? It is my
post and I will decide who can comment.
D. Hello, I really appreciate you noticing my post. However, I would
allow only positive comments. Thank you for understanding.

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7. Why do we have to be positive whenever possible?
A. It is trendy. C. It can be very stressful.
B. It is taught in school. D. It builds harmonious relationship
with others

8. Which is the most positive way to state the following statement?

“This pandemic is very depressing.”

A. This is the end of the world.

B. We are going to die sooner or later.
C. Challenges can be very depressing but we can go above this pandemic
by helping one another.
D. Problems are part of our life, so we should be serious about this
pandemic which going to take all of our hopes.

9. “You failed in the entrance exam”. To state this in a positive way, we can
say .
A. Sorry, you are a failure. .
B. You don’t have what it takes
C. You are not on the list, maybe you have failed to in the exam.
D. Thank you for registering. Your name is not on the list. You can still
try again next year.

10. Is using positive messages rather than negative ones help yourself and
other people to have a different outlook in life?
A. Yes. But I really don’t mind.
B. No. It would not change anything about you.
C. Yes. It will make you become more optimistic in life.
D. No. you have to keep up with what’s going on in social media.

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Let us Try Let Us Assess!
1. C 1. You will receive your diploma once you
2. D pay your library fines.
3. C 2. The experience was pleasant.
4. A 3. The I in internet is always uppercase.
5. B 4. His presentation was satisfactory.
6. D 5. She changed physically after the divorce.
7. D
8. Positive message
9. Positive message Post Assessment
10. Negative message 1. D
2. C
Let us Practice 3. D
4. C
Inside the Bubble (answers may vary) 5. D
6. D
Frog 1 – he listened to the negative comments and 7. D
allowed them to bring him down 8. C
9. D
Frog 2 – he did not hear the comments and interpreted
10. C
the actions as positive encouragement that lifted him up.

Let us Practice more

Activity 1
Positive Message Negative Message
 My father's intent  Johnny, it's time
in telling me this you quit school
story was to make
the point that in  each male child
spite of his dire was expected to
poverty, he was stop school and
always clean and help support the
well groomed family

 Johnny graduated  But, if you can't,

from high school you'll have to
work on the farm
 became a pilot but full time
also the owner of
an airport.

Answer Key
 References

ELECTRONIC SOURCES

Websites

“Bad News Message in Business Writing”. Retrieved on 11 September, 2020.

https://www.thoughtco.com/bad-news-message-business-writing
“Direct and Indirect Approach in Communication”. Retrieved on 12
September, 2020. https://businesscommunication2013.wordpress.com/business-
writing/business-writing-basics/basic-3-which-do-i-choose-the-direct-approach-or-
the-indirect-approach/
“Groups of Frogs”. Retrieved on 12 September, 2020.
https://www.edsys.in/motivational-stories-for-students/
“Negative Messages in the Workplace”. Retrieved on 12 September, 2020.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/negative-messages-in-the-workplace-types-
messaging.html#transcriptHeader
“One Story, Many Lessons”. Retrieved 13 September, 2020. quarter
%202%20module%2010/The%20power%20of%20determination%20(true%2 0story)
%20_%20Motivational%20Stories.html
“Positive and Negative Messages in the Workplace”. Retrieved on 11
September, 2020.https://study.com/academy/lesson/routine-and-positive-
messages-in-the-workplace.html#transcriptHeader
“Positive Spin”. Retrieved on 12 September, 2020.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/5-simple-ways-write-negative-issues-positive-
spin/
“Worksheet on Negative Messages”. Retrieved on 12 September, 2020.
https://study.com/academy/practice/quiz-worksheet-techniques-for-delivering-
negative-messages.html

Images

Jeachel Herramia. “Groups of Frogs”. Posted on July 20, 2020.

https://www.goodinfonet.com/goodnews/the-group-of-frogs
Repair Labs. “Be Kind - Plato”. Taken on May 23, 2012.
www.flickr.com/photos/repairgenius/7258035052/