Quarter -2Module1

Defining a Term

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

English- Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 1: Defining a Term
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Bukidnon
Development Team of the Module
Author: Jayson A. Requillo
Editor: Francis Ryan A. Salvador
Reviewer: Sarah M. Mancao, PhD

Illustrator: Hover L. Naag

Lay-Out Artist: Jayson A. Requillo
Management Team
Chairperson: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Regional Director
Co-Chairpersons: Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr. CESO V
Asst. Regional Director
Randolph B. Tortola, PhD, CESO IV
Schools Division Superintendent

Shambaeh A. Usman, PhD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Mala Epra B. Magnaong, Chief ES, CLMD
Neil A. Improgo, EPS-LRMS
Bienvenido U. Tagolimot, Jr., EPS-ADM

Members Elbert R. Francisco, PhD, Chief ES, CID

Sarah M. Mancao, PhD, EPS in English
Rejynne Mary L. Ruiz, PhD, LRMDS Manager
Jeny B. Timbal, PDO II
Shella O. Bolasco, Division Librarian II

10
English
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Defining a Term
 This instructional material was collaboratively developed and reviewed
by educators from public schools. We encourage teachers and other
education stakeholders to email their feedback, comments, and
recommendations to the Department of Education at
bukidnon@deped.gov.ph.

We value your feedback and recommendations.

Department of Education-Division of Bukidnon ● Republic of the Philippines

Overview
This module intends to help learners gain mastery of two competencies identified
as Most Essential Competencies (MELCs) in the second quarter. This provides
language tasks to equip learners with the necessary skills to effectively define a term
which is important in academic writing. There are four lessons which are sequenced
as follows:

Lesson 1: Parts and Patterns of Definitions

Lesson 2: The Grammar of Definitions
Lesson 3: Technical vs. Operational Definitions
Lesson 4: Writing Operational Definitions.

In this module, you are expected to do the following:

1. Observe correct grammar in making definitions (EN10G-IIe-
29)
a. Identify parts of a definition
b. Use sentence patterns in writing definitions
c. Shorten full definitions

2. Give technical and operational definitions (EN10V-IIa-13.9)

a. Distinguish technical from operational definitions
b. Write technical definitions
c. Write operational definitions

1
 Parts and Patterns of
Lesson Definitions
1
Overview
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making definitions.
Specifically, you are expected to
a. identify parts of a definition;
b. use sentence patterns in writing definitions; and
c. demonstrate appreciation of certain virtues.

Pre-Assessment
Task 1. Your Defining Moment
Directions: Write FD if the sentence is a full definition and ND if it is not a
definition. Do this on your activity notebook.
1. A lyric poem which is composed of fourteen lines is called a sonnet.
2. The Internet makes communication much faster and easier.
3. A capella refers to a performance without musical accompaniment.
4. An analog computer is a device designed to solve scientific problems.
5. Life is not always as easy as you think.

For 6-8, study the sentence below. Write only the letter of your answer.
A ballad is a poem intended to be sung.
A B C D
6. Which part is the term defined?
7. Which part is the general class?
8. Which part is the distinguishing characteristic?

Presentation
Task 2. Find How They’re Defined
Directions: Read the selection in the box and find out how the author defines anti-life
acts.

Anti-life acts are measures that seek to terminate life wilfully and consciously.
Today, there are four generally recognized anti-life acts which bear scrutiny:
abortion, euthanasia, terrorism, and capital punishment. Abortion is referred to as
the termination of pregnancy before the fetus reaches 20 weeks of gestation.
Euthanasia connotes the act of causing death painlessly so as to end the suffering
of patients who have no chance of recovery. Meanwhile, the act of using force,
violence, or threat to demoralize, intimidate, or subjugate others is known as
terrorism. Lastly, capital punishment is defined as the death penalty imposed on
persons found guilty of major crimes against persons and properties.

2
How does the author define the following terms? On your activity notebook, provide a
one-sentence definition for each term.
• Anti-life acts
• Abortion
• Euthanasia
• Terrorism
• Capital punishment

Concept Development
Writing Definitions
When you define a term, you actually answer the question “What is A?”
Definitions are commonly used in expository writing such as researches, scientific
and legal texts. It is also used in essays and other text types in order to make ideas
and concepts clearer.
Full definitions are composed of a term to define, the general class to which
the term belongs and a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term
from the other members of the same class. A definition uses one of these two
patterns.

Note: An article (The, A, An) may or may not be added at the beginning of each
sentence. V on the structure refers to Verb.

Note: An article (The, A, An) may or may not be added at the beginning of each
sentence. V on the structure refers to Verb.

Now, you’re ready for more tasks.

Activities
Task 3. Fill it out
3
Directions: Go back to the definitions of anti-life acts. Fill out the chart below with
the parts of each definition. Do this on your activity notebook.
Term Verb Class Distinguishing Characteristic Pattern
Used
Anti-life
acts
Euthanasia

Abortion

Terrorism

Capital
punishment

Task 4. Definition or Not?

Directions: On your activity notebook, copy each sentence below. Write D if the
sentence is a definition and ND if it is not a definition. If you answer D (definition),
circle the term defined, box the class, and underline the distinguishing characteristic.
1. A square is a polygon that has four equal sides.

2. A microscope is needed to conduct experiments with microorganisms.

3. Scientists work with clearly defined objectives.
4. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food.

5. Understanding human genetics is important in medical sciences.

6. Her father is a well-known surgeon working in a huge hospital.
7. Abortion is illegal in the Philippines.
8. Mammals that have backbones are called vertebrates.

9. Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.

10. Compounds are chemical substances formed by combining elements.

Task 5. Define Me
Directions: Write a full definition from each given set of terms to define, general
class, and distinguishing characteristics below. Give two sentences following the
patterns you have learned. Do this on your activity notebook.
Example: triangle – polygon- three sides
Pattern 1: A triangle is a polygon that has three sides.
Pattern 2: A polygon that has three sides is called a triangle.
1. chair – furniture – used for sitting
2. haiku – a poem – composed of seventeen syllables in three lines
3. semantics – the science – deals with meaning in language
4. thermometer – an instrument – used to measure temperature
5. playwright – a person – writes plays

4
Assessment
Task 5. High Definition
Directions: Read each item carefully and write of the letter of the correct answer on
your answer activity notebook.
1. Which of the following sentences is a definition?
A. The people are warned against going out despite the relaxed quarantine
measures.
B. Antibodies are primary forms of immune response to diseases caused by
viruses or bacteria.
C. Rapid tests are done to find out if a specific antibody is found in a
suspected or probable COVID-19 case.
D. As of the moment, there is still no available COVID-19 vaccine but many
countries are already working for it.

For 2 & 3
Economics is the social science concerned chiefly with description and
analysis of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It
is the study of how man’s material needs are supplied, or how scarce
resources are utilized.
These needs may include goods ranging from necessities (home, food and
clothing) to luxuries (color TV, electric razor) and services (medical care,
transportation, and dry cleaning).
Economists or specialists in economics divide much of their subject into
how goods and services are produced and how they are distributed.

2. Which paragraph gives the definition of economics?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. none
3. Based on its definition, to what general class does economics belong?
A. earth science B. natural science
C. political science D. social science

For number 4-6, study this definition.

Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
I II III IV
4. Which part is the term defined?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
5. Which part is the class?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
6. Which part is the distinguishing characteristic?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
For 7-10, form a definition out of the given phrases inside the box. Choose the best
order.
7.
1. is defined as 4. endangers persons or property
2. in a manner that 5. the operation of motor vehicle
3. aggressive driving
A. 3-1-2-4-5 B. 3-1-5-2-4
C. 5-1-3-2-4 D. 5-1-2-4-3

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8.
1. a square 2. a polygon 3. is called
4. with 5. four equal sides
A. 1-2-3-4-5 B. 1-3-2-5-4
C. 2-3-1-5-4 D. 2-4-5-3-1
9.
1. carbohydrate 2. a compound 3. is
4. carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen 5. composed of
A. 1-2-3-5-4 B. 1-3-2-5-4
C. 2-1-3-5-4 D. 2-3-5-1-4
10.
1. metamorphosis 2. a physical transformation
3. undergone by various animals 4.is called
5. during development after the embryonic stage

A. 1-4-3-2-5 B. 2-3-5-4-1
C. 3-5-2-4-1 D. 5-3-2-4-1

Application
Task 7. A Virtue that Defines You
Directions: Love, Humility, Wisdom, Faith, or Perseverance? Choose the virtue
which you think is the most important. Using the table, provide the class to where it
belongs and a distinguishing characteristic that separates it from the rest. Then, write
a definition of the word using the two patterns. Do this on your activity notebook.
Term Class Distinguishing characteristic

Full Definition
Pattern 1:

Pattern 2:

Summary
Just remember that the goal of a definition is to give meaning to a term. A full
definition is composed of a term defined, a verb, a general class to which the term
belongs, and a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term from the other
members of the general class. There are two sentence patterns which writer can
choose from in defining a term.

Congratulations! You have successfully finished one lesson. Now, brace yourself for
Lesson 2.

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 Lesson
The Grammar of Definitions
2
Overview
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making definitions
(EN10G-IIe-29). Specifically, you are expected to
a. use relative clause and participial and prepositional phrase in defining
a term;
b. shorten full definitions by transforming relative clauses into phrases;
and
c. demonstrate appreciation of certain virtues.

Pre-Assessment
Task 1. Write and Correct
Directions: Write the word CORRECT if the underlined part of the definition is
grammatically correct. If it is it wrong, give the correct form. Do this on your activity
notebook.

1. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of eye

diseases.
2. Psychology is a science deals with human mind, mental states, and human
behaviour.
3. A drug is medicinal substance that is intend to treat or prevent diseases or
lessen pain.
4. Gene is a basic unit of heredity capable of transmitting characteristics from
one generation to the next.
5. Protein is a complex compound composing of amino acids.

Prior Knowledge
Task 2. The Two Patterns
Directions: In the previous lesson, you have learned to write definitions by following
two sentence patterns. Give the two patterns of writing a definition. Do this on your
activity notebook.

Pattern 1:

Pattern 2:

Presentation
7
Task 3. Two-in-One
Directions: Study the two definitions of one term and answer the questions that
follow. Write the letter of the correct answer on your activity notebook.
I. Anti-life acts are measures that are intended to terminate life wilfully
and consciously.
II. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
1. What part of the definition is the underlined words?
A. class B. distinguishing characteristics C. term
2. Which definition uses a relative clause?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II
3. Which sentence uses a participial phrase?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II
4. Which one is the shortened form of the definition?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II

Concept Development

Writing Grammatically Correct Definitions

An important skill to develop in order to make grammatically correct definitions is
the use of relation pronouns as well as participial and prepositional phrases in stating
the distinguishing characteristic of the term defined.
Study these examples:
A. Anti-life acts are measures which are intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
B. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and consciously.
In the examples above, the distinguishing characteristics are underlined. In
Example A, the distinguishing characteristic is a relative clause beginning with the
word which (a relative pronoun).
These are the relative pronouns which you can use.
 that
 which
 who
 when
 where
 wherein
 whereby
 by which
On the other hand, the distinguishing characteristic of the term defined in
Example B is a participial phrase beginning with intended (a present participle). Here
are the types of phrases which you can use.
 Present participial phrase (beginning with +ing form of the verb)
 Past participial phrase (beginning with the +ed/d/en form of the verb 
Prepositional phrase (beginning with a preposition such as for, to, etc.)

8
Activities
Task 4. Combine to Define

Directions: Combine the two sentences in each item to come up with a full
definition. Change the second sentence into a clause that begins with which, who, or
that. Do this on your activity notebook.
Example:
Chemistry is a science.
Chemistry deals with the study of the composition and properties of
substances.
Combined sentence:
Chemistry is a science that deals with the study of the composition and properties
of substances.
1. A computer is an electronic system
A computer is designed to manipulate and store data.
2. A printer is a computer hardware.
A printer is used to produce printed output.
3. Internet is a global computer network.
Internet connects users with service networks such as the World Wide Web.
4. A modem is a device.
A modem connects computers via a telephone line.
5. A software is a program, routine and symbolic language.
A software is essential to the operation and maintenance of a computer.
Task 5. Just Keep It Short
Directions: Full definitions can be shortened by changing the relative clause into a
participial phrase. Shorten the full definitions below by removing the relative pronoun
(which, that, who) and by changing the verb into its -ing or –ed (-en) form or by
removing which/that/who is. Do this on your activity notebook.

Example: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of
language use rather than structure.
Shortened: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics dealing with the study of
language use rather than structure.
1. Atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds the earth.
2. Dialysis is a medical process that is used to treat patients with kidney disease.
3. Ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves for medical
diagnosis.
4. An antidote is a substance that counteracts the effects of a toxin.
5. A probiotic is a substance that contains beneficial microorganisms.

Assessment
Task 6. High Definition

9
Directions: Choose the correct expression to complete each definition. Write the
letter of the correct answer on your activity notebook.
1. Self-respect is a quality of character ______ one’s own weaknesses and
strengths with dignity.
A. recognize B. recognized
C. which recognizes D. which is recognized
2. Strength of character is a trait ______ by a person’s will power, self-restraint,
and determination.
A. reveal B. revealed
C. which reveals D. which revealed
3. A leader refers to one _______ competence in management, rapport with his
followers and innate ability to adjust and act to varied situations.
A. exhibit B. exhibited
C. who exhibits D. who exhibited
4. Anger is a negative emotion ________ a person’s ability to think logically.
A. paralyze B. paralyzing C. paralyzes D. paralyzed

5. Courtesy is a positive trait ________ personal interaction very pleasant.

A. that make B. that makes C. that made D. that is made
6. Success is a goal _______ by service granted.
A. that measure B. that measures C. that measured D. that is measured
7. Dialysis is a medical process ________ to treat patients with kidney disease.
A. used B. using C. that used D. that uses
8. Psychology is a science _________with human mind, mental states, and
human behaviour.
A. deal B. dealing C. deals D. dealt
9. A printer is a computer hardware ________ to produce a hard copy of an
output.
A. use B. using C. that is used D. that uses
10. A probiotic is a substance ________ beneficial microorganisms.
A. contain B. contained C. that is contained D. that contains

Application
Task 7. Either Long or Short
Directions: Go back to the definition you have formulated in Lesson 1 (Application).
Still using the two patterns in defining a term, write a shortened version if you have
written the full definition or write the full version if you have written the shortened
form. Do this on your activity notebook.
Pattern 1:

Pattern 2:

Summary

10
 There are two important grammar points that you have to remember in
defining a term – the use of relative clause and the use of participial and
prepositional phrase. The distinguishing characteristic of a term defined will be
longer if you begin it with relative pronouns such as that, which, who, etc. You can
shorten it by using either the prepositional form of the verb (present or past
participle) or any appropriate preposition. Deciding whether to use the longer or the
shorter version is a matter of taste. Alternately using both in academic text will help
you create variety.

Good job! You have successfully finished another lesson.

Lesson
Technical vs. Operational
Definitions
3
11
Overview
This lesson will prepare you to give technical and operational definitions
(EN10V-IIa-13.9). Specifically, you are expected to
a. distinguish technical from operational definitions;
b. write technical definitions; and
c. show appreciation of clarity in communication.

Pre-assessment
Task 1. True or False?
Directions: Tell whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE. Write your answer on
your activity notebook.
1. A technical definition gives observable and measurable descriptions.
2. A technical definition is given by an expert in the field which can be cited as a
source.
3. A technical definition tells you what to do.
4. An operational definition gives concrete and clear descriptions.
5. An operational definition is usually theoretical and conceptual.

Prior Knowledge
Task 2. Defining Family
Directions: Before you proceed to the next lesson, study the definition below and
answer the questions that follow. Write the letter of your answer on your activity
notebook.

A family is a group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
A B C D
1. What is the term defined?
2. To what general class does the term belong?
3. What is distinguishing characteristic is given to the term?
4. Which is the verb?
5. Which is the correct shortened form of the definition?
A. Family – group of people – closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption
B. A family is a group of people closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
C. A family is a group of people closely relates by birth, marriage, or adoption.
D. A family is a group of people closely relating by birth, marriage, or adoption.

Presentation
Task 3. Heavy Weight
Directions: Study these definitions of the term weight. Then, answer by writing on
your activity notebook the letter of the correct answer.
A. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.

12
 B. Weight refers to the numbers appearing on a weighing scale when a thing is
placed on it.
1. Which definition provides an abstract definition of the term weight?
2. Which one gives a more concrete definition which can be easily observed and
measured?
3. Which do you think is the technical definition?
4. Which one is the operational definition?

Concept Development

What is a technical definition?

A technical definition is a definition that explains what a technical terminology
or concept means to make communication in a specific field clearer. It tends to be
abstract, conceptual or theoretical. It is usually provided by experts in the field; so, if
you need to write a technical definition of a concept, you can always look for what
experts say about it.
Example:
World Bank (2013) defines financial capability as:
[…] an individual’s capability to move in one’s best financial welfare, given
socio-economic and environmental conditions. It includes the financial
literacy, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of individual consumers in relation to
the management of their resources, and selecting, and availing of financial
services that best suit their needs (WB, 2013a).

What is an operational definition?

An operational definition is a statement describing how a specific term or
concept is measured, or how a condition or object can be recognized. It tells you
either what to observe or what to do. The word “operational” means to describe what
to do in a certain context. Operational definitions must be clear, concrete, and
precise to let a reader know exactly what to measure or observe.
Examples:
The fastest runner is the one who reaches the finish line before all the other
runners.
The financial capability of the respondents refers to their average score on a
12-item Likert-scale.

Directions: Now, try to check your understanding on the two types of definition. On
your activity notebook, write TD if the description refers to Technical Definition and
OD if it refers to Operational Definition.
1. Tells you what to do and what to observe
2. Tells you what the term theoretically means
3. Tends to be abstract, conceptual and theoretical
4. Provides concrete and clear definition
5. Usually provided by experts
6. Based in context

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Activities
Task 4. Technical or Operational?
Directions: Write TD on your activity notebook if the definition is technical and OD if
it is Operational.
1. Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink are acids.
2. A compound that can donate a proton or accept a pair of electrons to form a
covalent bond with a base is an acid.
3. Pulse refers to the number of beats on a person’s wrist counted in 1 minute.
4. Pulse is the regular expansion and contraction of an artery, caused by the
heart pumping blood through the body.
5. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.
6. Weight refers to the numbers that can be seen when a thing is put on a
weighing scale.
7. Working women are women engaged in full time paid employment, working at
least 40 hours or more per week.
8. Heart is a hollow muscular organ pumping blood around the body, in humans,
situated in the center of the chest with its apex directed to the left.
9. Krondl (1990) states that convenience foods are those having service added
to main ingredients to decrease the amount of time to prepare required when
cooking at home.
10. Extensive reading is program wherein a learner reads at least 10 books every
week for comprehension.

Assessment
Task 5. High Definition
Directions: Write T on you activity notebook if the statement is TRUE and F if it is
FALSE.
1. A technical definition tells you what to do.
2. A technical definition gives concrete and clear descriptions.
3. A technical definition is usually given by experts in the field which can cited as a
source.
4. An operational definition is usually theoretical and conceptual.
5. An operational definition gives observable and measurable descriptions.

Directions: On your activity notebook, write TD if the definition is technical and OD if

it is operational.
6. Intelligence refers to the respondents’ average score on the Stanford-Binet
Intelligence Test.
7. Hunger denotes a distressful feeling after twenty-four hours or more without
access to food.
8. A virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle of a nucleic acid surrounded by
protein which can only reproduce within a host cell.
9. Guilt is the participants’ score on a self-reported guilt with a scale of 1-10.

14
10. Staab (1990) defines a successful whole-language teacher as “an individual who
creates an exciting print environment and allows children to engage in meaningful
literacy experiences”.

Application
Task 6. Technically Speaking
Directions: Give a technical definition of the term child abuse. You may use the
Internet or your books for the definition and be sure to include the source. Do this on
your activity notebook.
Term to define Technical Definition
Child abuse
Source:

Summary
In this lesson, you have learned the difference between technical and
operational definition. A technical definition gives the meaning of a term or concept in
a broader perspective while an operational definition gives specific, concrete and
measurable aspects of the term defined. You also learn that, in giving a technical
definition, you need to know what the experts in the field say about the term or
concept.

Lesson
Writing Operational
Definitions
4
Overview
Developing your skill in writing operational definitions will help you achieve clarity
in written or oral communication. In this lesson, you will learn to give technical and
operational definitions (EN10V-IIa-13.9). Specifically you are expected to:
a. write operational definitions; and
b. demonstrate the importance of community involvement.

15
Pre-Assessment
Task 1. O, NO!
Directions: On your activity notebook, write O if the definition is operational and NO
if it is not operational.

1. Self-supporting students are students who work three or more hours a day to
provide their own needs.
2. Thirst is a distressful feeling caused by a desire or need for water.
3. Guilt refers to the painful feeling of self-reproach.
4. Academic performance refers to the students score in the post-test.
5 People in the middle class are those whose monthly incomes range from
20,000-100,000 pesos.

Prior Knowledge
Task 2. Too Technical
Directions: Study this passage and answer the questions that
follow.
As defined in Republic Act 7610, child abuse refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual
or not, of the child which includes any of the following:
(1) Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse, and emotional
maltreatment;
(2) Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades, or demeans the intrinsic
worth and dignity of a child as a human being;
(3) Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food and shelter;
or
(4) Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in
serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity
or death.

1. What term is defined in the text?

2. Is the definition technical or operational?
3. What is the source of the definition?
Presentation
Task 3: Clearing Up Confusions
Directions: Suppose you and your group are tasked to distribute food packs to the
needy people in your community. To make the distribution fast, you have decided to
form five smaller groups. How would you make sure all of you will not be confused
as to who will be given or not? Can you suggest an operational definition of the term
needy people? Write it on your activity notebook.

Concept Development
How to Write an Operational Definition

16
 The main goal of an operational definition is to provide clear and easily
communicated meaning to a concept by identifying how it is measured and applied in
a particular context (Deming, 2001).
This definition emphasizes two significant points about an operational
definition:
• It provides a precise meaning to the term or concept, forming a
"common language" among people.
• It defines how a term or concept is used when applied in a specific
situation. This is based on the fact that words can differ in meanings to
different people and in different situations.

Remember that when you write an operational definition, it is very important to

consider the context or the situation involved where the term is used. For example,
different people can operationally define ‘a clean table’ depending on their
occupation.
For an office worker: A clean table refers to one that is not cluttered.
For a waiter: A clean table refers to one that has been wiped
with damp cloth and a detergent.
For a medical practitioner: A clean table refers to one that has been
disinfected with an antibacterial agent to avoid the
spread of contagion.
So, when you define a term operationally, you can ask yourself, “Does this
definition give concrete description of what to observe or how to do things?”

Activities
Task 4. Define Operationally
Directions: On your activity notebook, write an operational definition for each
underlined idea. Questions are given after each situation to guide you.
1. Only the poorest of the poor received the cash assistance from the
government. Who are the poorest of the poor?
The term poorest of the poor refers to families ___________________________

2. Students who are good readers are assigned to tutor their peers.
What observable characteristics do good readers have?
Good readers are learners ___________________________________________
3. You can be protected from infectious diseases by washing your hands
thoroughly.
What does washing your hands thoroughly mean? What materials are used and
how long is the washing done?
Washing your hands thoroughly means _________________________________

4. Chronically absent learners usually have low performance in math.

When do we call a student a chronically absent learner? How many days in a
month are they absent?
The term chronically absent learners refer to those who ___________________
What is a performance in math? How is it measured?
Performance in math refers to ________________________________________

17
5. Students who show outstanding academic performance will be given a
scholarship.
What does an outstanding performance mean? What is the basis?
Outstanding scholastic performance means having _______________________

Assessment
Task 5. Operational or Not?
Directions: On your activity notebook, write O if the definition is operational and NO
if it is not operational.

1. A suspected COVID-19 case refers to a patient with symptoms of the disease

and has travel history or exposure to a COVID-19 positive patient.
2. Intelligence is the ability to learn or understand from experience.
3. Being friendly means voluntarily helping at least five people a day.
4. A frustration reader is one whose score in the reading comprehension test is
below 50%.
5. Punishment is a harsh or injurious treatment for an offense.

Application
Task 6. Defining Community Quarantines
Directions: In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, do you think your community
should be under total lockdown, Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Modified
ECQ, General Community Quarantine (GCQ), or Modified GCQ? Justify your answer
and be sure to provide an operational definition for the classification that suits your
community. Write your answer on your activity notebook.

Summary
Remember that the main goal in defining terms operationally is to give
concrete and easily communicated meaning. An operational definition is highly
dependent on the context or situation the term is used. It provides a clear description
as to what should be done, observed or measured.

Congratulations! You have successfully finished the last lesson in this module. You
are now ready to take the Assessment. Best of luck!

Post-Assessment
Directions: Read each item carefully and write the letter of the correct answer on
your activity notebook.

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1. Which sentence is an operational definition of the term extensive reading?
A. According to Williams (1984), extensive reading is a rapid reading of a
relatively longer printed text.
B. Extensive reading refers to the reading program wherein a learner reads at
least ten books every week for comprehension.
C. Extensive reading denotes reading huge quantities of easily comprehensible
texts without doing any required language tasks after reading.
D. The practice of reading voluminous sets of materials for general
comprehension, to gain enjoyment from reading the text is called extensive
reading.
2. Which of the following is a technical definition?
A. The most recent survey on financial capability among the Filipinos was
conducted by the World Bank in 2015.
B. According to World Bank (2013), financial capability is the internal capacity of
an individual to act for his best financial interest, given the socio-economic
and environmental situations.
C. Respondents’ financial capability refers to their average score on a 10-item
Likert-scale survey questions involving overall satisfaction with their financial
welfare.
D. In 2009, Colmar Brunton comprehensively surveyed the financial knowledge,
financial planning, debt management, saving, and investing skills among the
participants.
3. Which word or group of words is the general class in the definition below?
Chemistry is a science that deals with the properties of matter
A B C D

4. Which of the following sentences is a definition?

A. Man’s needs include goods ranging from basic necessities to luxuries and
services.
B. Economists study how man’s material needs are supplied, or how scarce
resources are utilized.
C. Economists divide much of their subject into how goods and services are
produced and how they are distributed.
D. Economics is the social science concerned with analysis of production,
distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

5. Which of the following sentences provides a definition?

A. According to Swan (2005) grammar is a set of devices necessary to express
specific kinds of intended meaning.
B. Brown (2000) reported that studies of error feedback for correction have not
yet reached a consensus as to the most effective way for error correction.
C. Nelson (2014) observed that grammar Nazis received more negative views
compared to those who show other skills like mathematical computations.

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 D. In the context of language teaching and learning, Cook (2001) reported that a
classic debate remained whether grammar should be explicitly taught to the
students.
Choose the correct expression to complete each definition.
6. Abortion _______ the termination of pregnancy
A. defines B. defined C. is defined D. is defined as
7. Mammals _______ backbones are called vertebrates.
A. had B. has C. have D. having
8. Any act _______ painless death to end the suffering of patients who have no
chance of recovery is called euthanasia.
A. cause B. caused C. that causes D. that is caused
9. Success is a goal _______ by service granted.
A. that measure B. that measures C. that measured D. that is measured 10.
Dialysis is a medical process ________ to treat patients with kidney disease.
A. used B. using C. that used D. that uses
For 11-12, form a definition out of the given phrases in the box. Just choose the best
arrangement.
11.
1. capital punishment 4. the death penalty 2.
imposed on persons 5. is called
3. found guilty of major crimes against persons and property.

A. 1-5-4-3-2 B. 4-1-2-3-5
C. 1-4-5-3-2 D. 4-2-3-5-1
12.
1. any act 2. that 3. can be defined as 4. terrorism
5. uses force, violence, or threat to demoralize or intimidate
A. 1-2-3-4-5 B. 4-3-1-2-5
C. 3-2-1-5-4 D. 5-4-3-1-2

Write A if the definition is Technical and B if it is Operational.

13. Pulse is the regular expansion and contraction of an artery, caused by the
heart pumping blood through the body. _____
14. Weight refers to the numbers appearing when an object is put on a weighing
scale. _____
15. Working women are women engaged in full time paid employment, working at
least 40 hours or more per week. _____

Great job! Congratulations for completing this module!

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Answer Key
Lesson 1

Task 1

Task 2

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Task 3 Task 2

Task 4

Task 5

Task 6

Lesson 2

Task 1

Task 3

Task 4 (Answers may slightly vary.)

Task 5

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Task 6

Lesson 3

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Conceptual Development

Task 4

Task 5

Lesson 4

Task 1

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Task 4 (Sample answers only)

Task 5

Post-Assessment

References

Almonte, Liza et al. Celebrating Diversity through World Literature: English G10
Learner’s Material. Pasay City: Department of Education, 2016.

Deming, W.E. Out of the Crisis. Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2001.

Ladera, Helen et al. New Horizons in English III. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.,
1999.

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Tayao, Ma. Lourdes, et al. Meeting My Needs for English. Manila: Rex Book Store,
Inc., 2000.

Ugwuja, Chiamaka. “How to Write Operational Definition of Terms?” Editage Insights,

April 2, 2019. https://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-writeoperational-
definition-of-terms.

For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education –Learning Resources Management and

Development Center(LRMDC)

DepEd Division of Bukidnon

Sumpong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Telefax: ((08822)855-0048
E-mail Address: bukidnon@deped.gov.ph

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