Grade 8 ENGLISH 4TH QUARTER

Lesson 1: Grammatical Signals or Expressions and Patterns of Idea Development

Grammatical signals or expressions are writing devices that serve to maintain text coherence or unity of ideas.
They signal relationship between sentences and paragraphs. They also indicate building up new idea or thought or
compare ideas or draw conclusions.

Patterns of idea development are strategies used to develop or express ideas:

1. General to Particular
2. Cause and Effect
3. Problem-Solution
4. Claim and Counterclaim

In order to link ideas together, grammatical signals or expressions are used for each pattern of development.

Patterns of Idea Development:

1. General to Particular - It is a pattern of developing ideas that begins with a general idea or statement. This is
followed by specific details to support and explain the general idea. We use grammatical signals or expressions to
connect the general idea or statement and the specific details.

Grammatical signals that are used to express ideas from general to particular:
first, second, third, next, as an example, for example, for instance, in addition to, such as, including, namely, specifically,
in particular, in fact, in other words, like, that is, indeed

Example Sentences:
1. Capiztahan 2023 is a month-long celebration that is packed with various activities.
2. Capiztahan 2023 is a month-long celebration that is packed with various activities, including street dancing, cultural
performances, culinary events, music festival and the most awaited seafood buffet in “Surambaw”.

2. Cause and Effect - details why something happens, what causes it, what are the effects and how it is related to
something else.

Grammatical signals that are used to express ideas from cause and effect:
therefore, thus, hence, so, consequently, as a result, as a consequence of, for this reason,
because, since, because of, due to, for, as

Example Sentences:
1. It was raining .Therefore, I stayed at home.
Cause: Grammatical Signal: Effect:
It was raining. Therefore, I stayed at home.

2.I stayed at home because of the rain.

3.I stayed at home due to the rain.
Effect: Grammatical Signal: Cause:
I stayed at home because of / due to the rain.

3. Problem-Solution - divides the information into two. One that describes the problem and one that describes the
solution.

Grammatical signals that are used to express ideas from problem-solution:

the problem, the solution, nevertheless, nonetheless, but, one way is, so, to solve this, to address this

Example Sentences:
1. The problem is that social media can be addictive and have negative effects on mental health. Nonetheless, individuals
can limit their screen time, follow positive accounts, and seek support from friends and family when needed.
2. Bullying is becoming common in school, causing distress to the victims. The solution is to have regular anti-bullying
sessions and workshops that raise awareness about the negative impact of bullying.

4. Claim and Counterclaim - this is used when there is one more side in the argument, where you assert something is
true as your main argument while counterclaim is stating why the opposing viewpoint is wrong.

Grammatical signals that are used to express ideas from claim and counterclaim:
some may claim that, others believe that, think, support, argued, should be, but, however,
nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand
Example Sentences (Claim and Counterclaim):
1. Some may claim that social media is harmful, but others believe that it is a valuable tool for communication and self-
expression.
2. It is argued that homework should be abolished, but others think that it is necessary to reinforce classroom learning.

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 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES.
Do not copy the items. Write your answers only. Write your answers in your notebook.

Activity 1 General to Particular

Directions: Read the sentences carefully and identify the grammatical signal used in each item.

Example: Korea has many beautiful cities such as Seoul and Busan.
Answer: such as

1. Marie has studied many Asian languages, for instance Korean, Nihongo, and Chinese Mandarin.
2. Scott invited some of his friends to join the outing, namely, Chester and Nick.
3. My mother loves eating salty foods. For example, last week she made some home-made salted eggs.

Activity 2. General to Particular

Directions: Complete the statements by filling in the blanks with the correct grammatical signals from the box to connect
the general idea to its supporting details.

specifically namely in fact such as like

for instance that is in other words indeed

Example: Three students were mentioned, _________ John, Sarah and Chris.
Answer: namely

1. My dog loves collecting shiny stuff, __________, when he sees anything shiny he would automatically approach that
thing.
2. He’s not all exciting, ____________ he’s really rather ordinary.
3. She said the movie was a bit predictable. ______, she didn’t like it.

Activity 3. Cause-Effect

Directions: Read the sentences carefully and identify the grammatical signal used in each item.

Cause-Effect
Example: Summer in the Philippines can be very hot. For this reason, many people experience heat stroke.
Answer: For this reason

1. The student submitted his essay late. As a result, he failed.

2. As a consequence of not getting enough sleep, students may have difficulty concentrating in class.
3. Because I studied hard for the test, I got a good grade.

Effect-Cause
Example: Ted failed the test because he did not study.
Answer: because

1. The crops didn't grow well this year because of the drought.
2. Lea could not attend the class yesterday since she was sick.
3. Students experience eye strain and fatigue as a result of excessive use of mobile phones.

Activity 4. Cause-Effect
Directions: Complete the statements by filling in the blanks with the correct grammatical signals from the box to connect
the cause to its effect or vice-versa.

because, since, due to, therefore, thus

hence, consequently, as a result, so, for this reason

Example: They cancelled the fireworks display _____ it rained yesterday.

Answer: because

1. It rained yesterday. _______, they cancelled the fireworks display.

2. I eat healthy foods _______ I do not want to get sick.
3. I do not want to get sick. ________, I eat healthy foods.

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 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES.
Do not copy the items. Write your answers only. Write your answers on a whole sheet of pad paper.

Activity 5. Problem-Solution
Directions: Read the sentences carefully and identify the grammatical signal used in each item.

Example: The problem is that plastic waste is polluting our oceans and harming marine life. Nevertheless, individuals can
make a difference by reducing their plastic consumption, recycling, and participating in beach clean-up efforts.
Answer: The problem, Nevertheless

1. Air pollution is affecting our health and the environment. But, we can plant more trees to improve air quality.
2. John was having trouble sleeping, so he avoided caffeine and electronics before bedtime.
3. Many students have difficulty in answering their modules. To address this, parents are asked to assist their children in
accomplishing the activities.

Activity 6. Problem-Solution
Directions: Complete the statements by filling in the blanks with the correct grammatical signals from the box to
connect the problem to its solution.

the problem, the solution, nevertheless, nonetheless, but,

one way is, so, to solve this, to address this

Example: The garden wasn't growing well, ________ the gardener added fertilizer and watered it more regularly to
promote growth.
Answer: to solve this

1. ________ is that I am struggling with grammar. ______, I am improving by practicing with grammar exercises and
reading more in English.
2. The exam was more difficult than I expected, ________, I passed by studying harder and reviewing my notes regularly.
3. I get nervous when speaking in front of others. __________, I practice with my friends to build confidence.

Activity 7. Claim and Counterclaim

Directions: Read the sentences carefully and identify the grammatical signal used in each item.

Example: Some people believe that the virus is not real. However, the number of deaths in the world proves that the
danger is real.
Answer: Some people believe that, However

1. Some support the idea of wearing school uniforms, but others argue that it restricts students' individuality and
expression.
2. Some may claim that earthquake drills are unnecessary and a waste of time. Nevertheless, they are important for
preparedness and safety.

Activity 8. Claim and Counterclaim

Directions: Complete the statements by filling in the blanks with the correct grammatical signals from the box to
connect the claim and the counterclaim.

some may claim that, others believe that, some may argue that,
but, however, nonetheless,

Example: ________ cell phones should be allowed in the classroom, _______ ________ it can disrupt the flow of the
lesson and prevent other students from learning.
Answer: Some may argue that, Nonetheless, others believe that

1. ___________ climate change is not real, _________it is a serious threat to the environment and human health.

2. ___________ mobile games contribute to increased violence among youth, __________ ____________ that they
can enhance problem-solving skills and social interaction.

3. ___________ exercising vigorously every day is necessary for fitness, __________ ___________ moderate
exercise is sufficient for maintaining health."
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Activity 9. Use Appropriate Grammatical Signals
Directions: Read each item carefully and fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate grammatical signal provided inside
the box.

for this reason however because as a result otherwise so that

1. Summer in the Philippines can be very hot . ___________, many people experience heat stroke.
2. Mr. Cruz can be grumpy sometimes; _____________, we should help her whenever we can.
3. The student submitted his essay late. ___________, he failed.
4. Juan wakes up early _____________ his class starts at seven o’clock in the morning.
5. Essays must be handed in by due date ____________ they will not be accepted.

Activity 10. Complete the sentence.

Directions: Complete the sentences about you using the given grammatical signals.

1. I usually study hard for quarterly exam. As a result, __________________________________________________.

2. I like to study. However, ________________________________________________________________________.

3. Sometimes I skip breakfast. Therefore, ____________________________________________________________.

4. I know how to do many things. In fact, _____________________________________________________________.

5. There was no rain for two months. Because of this, __________________________________________________.

Activity 11. Fill in the Gap

Directions: Complete the paragraph by filling in the blanks with the correct grammatical signal provided inside the box.

hence of course nonetheless specifically however

Bullet Ants

The bullet ant is a small creature. (1)________________, its sting is extremely painful, and
victims compared that terrible, burning pain to be in shot with a gun; (2) ______________, its
name: the “bullet” ant. In Venezuela, (3) _____________, it is not known as the bullet ant, but as
the “24-hour ant” because this is how long a victim will experience pain after being stung. Worker
ants of this species are quite large. (4)___________, they measure between 18 and 30
millimeters (0.7 to 1. 2 inches) and are said to look like a large, wingless wasps. When
encountered in the wild, it is a good idea, (5) _____________, to avoid close contact with them.