WEEK 1

An argumentative essay presents evidences for a claim in order to let the reader know why it
is more favorable. It also shows why the other side of an issue is unfavorable or less favorable. It
also includes, like any other essay, an introduction and conclusion.
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that takes a stance on an issue. In a good
argumentative essay, a writer attempts to persuade readers to understand and support their
point of view about an issue by stating their reasoning and providing evidence to support it.
Argumentative essay writing is a common assignment for high school and college students.
Generally, argumentative essay topics are related to science, technology, politics, and health
care.

 The following are terms related to an argumentative essay.

Issue – an idea about which the opinions of people are different.
Claim – a statement by an author about an issue. A claim has a significant amount of
disagreement about it. A claim needs supporting arguments. A claim is also called a
position, stand, or point of view.
Argument – an idea that supports the claim. An argument needs supporting
evidences.
Evidence – facts in the real world that can be used to support an argument.
Examples of evidences are statistics, data from studies, historical events, habitual
practices, and other facts that can support an argument.
Counterargument – an idea given by the opposing side against the claim given in
the argumentative essay.
Rebuttal – the response to the counterargument
Pro – an argument in favor of a claim or advantage regarding something
Con - an argument against a claim or disadvantage regarding something
Example:
ISSUE: Should people be encouraged to travel by bicycle rather than by car?
CLAIM: People should be encouraged to travel by bicycle rather than by car.
ARGUMENT: Maintaining a bicycle is less expensive than a car.
EVIDENCE: 1. The parts of a bicycle are much cheaper than the parts of a car.
2. Fixing a car may require the services of a mechanic who would charge an
expensive amount for labor. On the other hand, many bicycles can be fixed by the
owners themselves.
3. Cars require expensive yearly registration.
COUNTERARGUMENT: Some say that riding a bicycle would increase travel time and decrease
productivity.
REBUTTAL: Traveling by bicycle would actually mean avoiding rush hour Traffic jams.
CONCLUSION: So, we encourage people to travel by bicycle rather than by car to avoid traffic
jams during rush hours to keep and it does not make people from being late to their
appointments.
ACTIVITY 1:
Direction: Read the example Argumentative Essay provided and provide what is being asked.
Place your answers on the space provided.
As online learning becomes more common and more and more resources are converted to digital
form, some people have suggested that public libraries should be shut down and, in their place,
everyone should be given an iPad with an e-reader subscription.
Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are
expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t
have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and
read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t
have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they
need.
However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and
resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study
done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less
information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same
information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause
numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye
strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile
devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as
fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that
whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We
should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look
at screens.
Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book
lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a
physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a
way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs,
answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found
that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and
parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents
reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015
found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a
major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get
their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.
While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people
to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them.
It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In
many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could
never be replaced by a simple object.
1. What is your Analysis on the given essay?
2. What this essay does well? Give at least 3 reasons.
3. How can this essay be improved? Provide your best answer.

WEEK 2
INFORMATVE & PERSUASIVE WRITING
Writing is the most complex of the four macro skills in communication. It takes years and
a lot of practice to master this skill. However, since writing is part of life, you need to hone
your writing skills to prepare you for academic and professional demands.
In the previous modules, argumentative writing was already discussed. Where the writer
needs to take a stand on a certain issue, the writer’s stand must be supported with
evidence. The same is true with informative writing, which we encounter daily from
reading instructions, writing a grocery list, and reading books and announcements among
other things. Informative writing explains a specific topic.

The information included in informative texts is grounded on facts. Informative or

informational texts may follow a number of structures like description, sequence, cause
and effect, problem-solution, and comparison and contrast.
An informative text educates readers about a topic or subject. It is meant to inform others
using credible sources as evidence – facts, statistics, and other research data. Informative
texts usually answer the five Ws: who, where, when, what, and why. Sometimes, they also
describe “how” to do or accomplish something.
When choosing a topic for informative writing, focus on a specific topic. Consider the topic
that is not too broad or too narrow. A topic is too broad if you cannot explain it in one or
two pages. For example, you cannot choose special education as the topic because it has a
big scope. Rather, you can be more specific and select causes of hearing-impairment as
your topic. On the other hand, a topic is too narrow when it is very simple and can be
explained in a sentence or a short paragraph.

Just like any type of writing, informative texts follow a structure – the introduction, body,
and conclusion.

The introduction. Grabbing the attention of readers is part of the beginning - formally
known as introduction. It is where the thesis statement is found. The thesis statement is
considered the most essential part of informative writing. According to Kristina Barroso in
her article “Informative Writing Techniques”, the thesis statement is known as the road
map of an informative text because the whole essay is built around it.
The thesis sentence is a sentence that summarizes the entire essay. Aside from stating the
thesis statement, writers introduce the main idea, provide definition for difficult
words/concepts, and give a short description on what will be discussed.
The body or the middle part is where the thesis statement is fully explained. Evidence
such as facts, statistics, statements from experts, and other supporting details are found
in this section. This section requires citing sources of information. The evidence presented
will be the basis if the information is reliable, accurate, and unbiased. The conclusion
The conclusion reiterates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points of the
informative text. No new evidence must be presented at this point because all ideas must
have already been discussed in the body.

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Compose a three-paragraph informative essay about any of the topics listed
below. Use the rubric to guide you in writing and evaluating your essay.
a. Philippines’ Covid -19 Response
b. West Philippine Sea Dispute Between Philippines and China
c. Community Pantries
d. Others (Own chosen topic)
ACTIVITY 2
A. Multiple Choice Directions: Answer each question by writing the letter of the best answer on
your answer sheet.
1. It is the most complex skill in communication.
A. Listening
B. Reading
C. Speaking
D. Writing
2. This writing technique gives information and straightforward facts regarding a topic.
A. Analytical
B. Informative
C. Opinion
D. Persuasive
3. This is where facts, statistics, statements, and other supporting details are included.
A. body
B. conclusion
C. Introduction
D. thesis statement
4. It is the purpose of an informative text.
A. to entertain
B. to educate
C. to narrative
D. to persuade
5. In choosing a topic, it must be ______________.
A. broad
B. extensive
C. narrow
D. specific
6. It is considered as the road map in an informative text.
A. Body
B. Conclusion
C. Introduction
D. Thesis Statement
7. In informative writing, the following are considered evidence except for:
A. data
B. facts
C. opinion
D. statistics
8. The road map is usually found in the ______________ part in any type of writing.
A. body
B. conclusion
C. Introduction
D. topic sentence
9. Informative writing is sometimes called _____________ writing.
A. argumentative
B. Explanatory
C. narrative
D. persuasive 1
0. This part summarizes and reiterates the thesis statement of an informative text.
A. body
B. conclusion
C. Introduction
D. thesis statement

WEEK 3
Compose an Independent Critique
A critique is an in-depth evaluation of a story, novel, film, or other reading/viewing materials for
the purpose of giving the public an insight into the text. Although a critique shares the same root
with the word “criticize,” it does not mean that the write-up merely points out the faults or flaws
in a story or film. Instead, a critique seeks to shed light on the content of a “text” (the story,
novel, song, movie etc.) in order to help future readers or viewers understand better the material
that they are reading or viewing.
Critical essays about texts are indeed very important in helping us make sense of what we just
read or viewed. At times, it can also inform our decisions on what other good materials we can
read or watch next. What are the elements that make a critique so informative? What aspects of
a story or movie are assessed or studied by a critic?
Critiques contain a careful evaluation mainly on the following elements of a narrative:
characterization, setting, conflict, plot, dialogue, theme, and style. These aspects, as well as the
manner that they were presented in the material, are studied so that the critic can come up with
a valid evaluation on whether or not the material is good, beautiful, or significant especially for
the readers or viewers.
In assessing the said elements, there are certain questions that the critic should ask. David
Farland (2017) and other critics enumerated some questions one might use to judge a story or
other narratives:
Setting: How well was the setting developed? Does it appeal to more than one of the
senses? Does it inform or connect to other aspects of the story such as character
development and narrative style?
Characterization: How well-drawn are the characters in the story? Do we know enough
about them (life, attitudes, some type of history, etc.) to make them interesting and relatable?
Are there unnecessary characters?
Conflict and Plot: Is there a conflict in the story? Is the plot interesting, original and well-
developed? Are there unnecessary and confusing subplots?
Theme: How well does the story speak to the readers? Does it raise questions about life,
or provide profound insights?
Style: How distinctive or unique is the writing style? Are there literary devices or
techniques used? Is it purposeful? Does the style remind you of any other authors you have
read?
Having the answer to all these questions does not mean that the critique is complete. There are
other minor yet necessary details to include, and everything must be properly organized into a
cohesive essay. Structure is equally important. Now, try organizing the following steps to develop
a coherent and cohesive critique. Copy the statements and write them in the correct box.
1. State your overall assessment of the story’s value, worth, and significance (both positive and
negative).
2. Mention the name of the author and the title of the work.
3. Give a systematic and detailed assessment of the different elements of the work, but make
sure that your discussion and judgement will be supported by specific details such as quotes or
examples from the work itself. (This is the main bulk of the critical essay, and it may run for
more than three paragraphs.)
4. Give recommendations for improvement if necessary.
5. Give a brief summary, including a description, background or context of the work.
6. Indicate the elements you want to examine and state the purpose of your critique

ACTIVITY 1
Read the text and answer the questions that follow. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.
“The Duplicate War: A Review” by David Lowe Critique by Robert Keating (1)The most valuable
portion of any critique is “What I didn’t like and why.” (2)Unfortunately, there’s not much wrong
with The Duplicate War: A Review. (3)I will try to be as specific as possible with my praise so
you’ll know what you did right. (4)The vehicle of an opera review to tell your tale is an excellent
one. (5)I have seen this approach before and it is very effective as long as it keeps moving.
(6)Your tale moved at a brisk (but not rushed) pace. (7) “The photograph of his father in the
wheelchair that had brought him back from Vietnam could be dusted…” (8) The paragraph this
line appears in is an excellent example of characterization by setting; and the line I referenced is
the wonderful little which completes the scene and sheds a little light on who Scott is. (9) “The
networks showed the tape over and over; he sat up drinking strong coffee and watched Michael
every hour until dawn.” (10)I think that amending this line to end “…and watched Michael die
every hour until dawn” will add impact and help justify Scott’s actions later. (11)This is an
excellent story and should see publication. (12)It is on par with what I see in the short science
fiction markets.”

____1. Under what genre is the critiqued material? A. Fantasy B. Comedy C. Drama D. Science fiction

____2. What is the overall assessment of the critic about the material? A. Positive B. Negative C. Ambivalent D. Not
stated

____3. Which paragraphs clearly show the critic’s overall judgment? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 3 and 4 D. 1 and 5

____4. What story element was assessed in paragraph 2? A. Plot B. Setting C. Characterization D. Theme

____5. What detail in a critic was sentence #10 an example of? A. Summary C. Recommendation B. Evidence D.
Evaluation
____6. What is evidently lacking in this critique if it intends to inform readers? A. Summary C. Recommendation B.
Evidence D. Evaluation

____7. Which of the following is one of the good points in the essay? A. The critic gave positive evaluation of the
material. B. The critic showed knowledge about the context of the material. C. Specific examples from the text itself
were mentioned in the discussion. D. All the things that the readers need to know about the text were mentioned.

8-10. Based on what you learned from the lesson, how can this critique be improved? (Answer in no more than three
meaningful sentences.)

ACTIVITY 2

Read the short story “Clothes Make the Man” on the last page of this module, and then do a critical analysis of it.
Follow the format presented in the discussion. Your critique will be rated based on the given rubric.