Lesson 4

Word Choice and

Grammatical
Correctness
 Use principles of effective
speech writing focusing on
1
word choice (EN11/12OC-
Learning IIcj-25.4);
Competencies
Use principles of
2 effective speech writing
focusing on
grammatical
correctness (EN11/12OC-
IIcj-25.5).
Objectives

● understand the different principles on word choice;

● determine the common errors in grammar; and
● proofread, edit, and revise existing work.
Essential Question

Why is it important to check for word choice

and grammar in speech writing?
 Warm Up!

With a partner, analyze the paragraph and look for grammatical

or content errors. Rewrite and correct the paragraph and share
your work in class.
Zero waste was an effort to reduce the usage of disposable
products and reuse as much as possible. This means that
throwing wastes by us will save the environment. If we look at
today’s statistics, most of the wastes consumed by we were in
the form of chemicals. For examples, plastics can be consumed
by sea animal such as turtles or whales. We can solve this
problem through reducing our consumption of harmful to the
environment products.
 Review

1. What words should we use in a speech?

2. What grammar rules should we remember in writing
a speech?
 Learn about It!

Word Choice

● This refers to a person’s choice or selection of words.

● It is a manner in which something is expressed in words.
The choice of words is the style of expression.
● A person, in general, chooses words to which he feels
comfortable, confident, and simple enough for a general
audience to understand.
 Learn about It!

Six Principles on Word Choice

1. Choose understandable words

2. Use specific, precise words
3. Use strong words
4. Emphasize positive words
5. Avoid overused words
6. Avoid obsolete words
 Learn about It!

Tips on Word Choice

a. Choose words that are appropriate for your audience.

b. Use words that clearly convey your meaning.
c. While writing, keep in mind that your speech is going to be
spoken out loud.
d. Avoid words that convey prejudice.
e. Be consistent.
 Learn about It!

Grammatical Correctness

To achieve grammatical correctness,

○ proofread thoroughly for errors like those listed here.
○ Reread what you have written.
○ Read your paper aloud to someone else.
○ If you read a sentence and have to read it again to
understand it, edit the sentence so it is clear the first time
through.
 Learn about It!

Tips on Grammatical Correctness

a. Use the present tense.

b. Use the active voice.
c. Avoid run-ons, fragments, and comma-splices.
d. Avoid indefinite referents.
e. Avoid shifts in person or point of view.
f. Remember the rules of agreement (noun-verb, noun-
pronouns)
 Learn about It!

Speech Preparation Process

Conduct an audience analysis
Determine the purpose of the speech
Select a topic
Narrow down the topic

Edit of the draft Prepare an outline Gather sources

Polish the draft Create the body of the (Evaluate sources;
Rehearse speech Cite sources
 Drills

Rephrase the following words to more direct and

appropriate words.

1. Regardless of the fact

2. Concerning the matter of
3. Due to the fact that
4. At that point in time
5. In the process of
 Drills

Rephrase the following words to more direct and

appropriate words.

6. During the course of

7. I came to the realization that
8. In the event that
9. As a result of what happened
10. My own personal opinion
 Drills

Some second language learners have certain difficulties in

grammar usage. What do you think are the speaking
exercises which can help in improving on this? Enumerate
and explain three simple speaking drills.
 Drills

Criteria Score
Content
(Useful, substantial, detailed, and supported ideas are presented.) 5
pts.
Organization
(Logical progression of details/events; clear transitions between
ideas) 3 pts.
Language
(Use of proper spelling, mechanics, grammar and word choice) 2 pts.

Score: /10
 Values Integration

Why is it important to give and receive feedback?

 Synthesis

Annotated Speech

1. Develop your outline from the previous lesson into a speech.

2. After 30 minutes, exchange work with your seatmate.
3. Annotate on your seatmate’s speech. Box on the word or lines
you refer to. Use an arrow and a box to place your
annotations.
● Use a blue ink pen for grammatical comments.
● Use a red ink pen for comments on the content.
 Synthesis

Criteria Beginning Developing Accomplished Score

(0–1 point) (2–3 points) (4–5 points)
Number of annotations Few to no marginal Marginal notes Marginal notes
notes provided. provided were provided were
adequate. sufficient.
Quality of Annotations The marginal notes The marginal notes The marginal notes
provided were not provided basic insight was very helpful in
helpful in improving the on how to improve the improving the
speech. speech. speech.
Quality of Writing Did not follow the Followed the Followed the
instructions; few boxes, instructions well; instructions
arrows, and lines were boxes, arrows, and correctly; used
used; boxes, arrows, lines were used, but boxes, arrows, and
and lines were not some were not lines correctly in
helpful. connected to other creating marginal
ideas. notes.
 Assignment

In a three-paragraph essay, differentiate proofreading,

revising, and editing. Cite examples to achieve clear
distinction.
Criteria Beginning Developing Accomplished Score
(1 point) (2–3 points) (4–5 points)
Content/ The written output The written output The written output
Substance is not is substantiated is well
substantiated with with some substantiated with
many significant significant significant
supporting details. supporting details. supporting details.

Organization The ideas are not The ideas are The ideas are
clearly and clearly presented, clearly and logically
logically but an idea or two presented.
presented. are not logically
sequenced.
Criteria Beginning Developing Accomplished Score
(1 point) (2–3 points) (4–5 points)
Unity The written output The written output The written output
does not use any uses limited uses appropriate
transitional signals. transitional signals. A transitional signals. All
The sentences do not sentence or two are the sentences flow
flow smoothly, and seemingly unrelated smoothly from one to
some sentences are to the topic. another.
unrelated to the topic.
Language The errors in spelling, There are minimal The spelling,
(spelling, mechanics, grammar, errors in spelling, mechanics, grammar,
mechanics, and use of words lead mechanics, grammar, and use of words are
grammar, and to a and use of words. accurate.
word choice) misunderstanding of
concepts.
Score: