Since the 2nd Quarterly long test is fast approaching, and there is the probability that our time would be allotted for examination, I am providing you the coverage of the exam here. Also, I am posting the topics that were not discussed.
The following are the coverage of the long test:
- Getting the Meaning of the Words through Prefixes
- Personal Pronouns
- Sequencing Events and Information When Speaking
- Elaborating Ideas
- Different Reference Materials
- Kinds of Verbs: Action and Linking Verbs
- Developing the Middle Paragraph of an Essay
- Forming and Supporting an Opinion
- Context Clues
For the discussion about the prefix, please refer to your previous notes about it. With regards to Personal Pronouns, I have already discussed this in class and you were able to have your quiz. Also, you all know about Elaborating Ideas. The mini poster you are making is what it is all about. You also had a short recitation activity tackling the Different Reference Material. About the Kinds of Verbs, I have given it as your reading assignment; this can be read on page 52 of English Language. As an additional assignment, read "Cherie Gil In the Eye of the Storm" pages 48 - 49 and answer Reflect, Reword, and Rethink of your English Language book. Write your answers in your notebook which I will be collecting next week for checking.
Now, please read the following:
Developing the Middle Paragraph of an Essay:
You all know about the importance of the topic sentence; it acts as the introduction or provides an overview to the reader about your ideas. Now, the question is how are you going to support your topic? The answer lies on how well you develop your middle paragraph.
Once you have written your introduction or opening paragraph, you can start developing the middle paragraph which acts as the supporting details of your writing. However, you must remember that each middle paragraph must represent the reasons supporting your opinion statement. It is also important that specific details be given for each reason. In fact, you can use the skills you have learned from elaborating your ideas in making a strong middle paragraph.
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Imagine your essay as a sandwich or a hamburger. The upper bun is your introduction, the content of the sandwich is your middle paragraph or the body, and the lower bun is the conclusion. And what would make a sandwich delicious is the content! That same goes with the when writing your middle paragraph.
In order for your middle paragraph to be easily understood, you can use transitional words. These transitional words helps the reader to follow your idea from paragraph to paragraph.
You can learn more about these transitional words by following this link: http://www.uark.edu/campus-resources/qwrtcntr/resources/handouts/transitions.htm
To sum up:
Each paragraph has three parts.
- Topic sentence states reasons that support the opinion statement.
- Middle Sentences provide details that support the reason, including facts and opinions.
- Closing sentences summarizes information in the paragraph.
Forming and Supporting an Opinion:
This is just a short discussion about how to form and support an opinion. You already know the difference between facts and opinion. Through this, we are going to strengthen your knowledge about opinion making. As stated, an opinion is your personal belief or feeling about an issue or topic. Once you have decided on your stand or belief, you must give the reasons as to why you are supporting an issue or topic. Since an opinion need to be proven, you are given the freedom to gather pieces of evidence to support your topic. You can do this by giving facts and examples.
You can follow these steps as a guide when making an opinion:
1. Brainstorm your ideas first and then make a draft. In this manner you would be able to list down all possible ideas that comes to your mind, and of course, it would make you easily remember them when you do have your notes.
2. Write your introductory paragraph. You present your opinion clearly in the introductory paragraph. At this part, you don't have to write the proof of your opinion, but as to how you are going to support your opinion.
3. Make the body of the paragraph. Topic sentences must be clear and it is related to your opinion.
4. Write your conclusion. The conclusion must also be connected with your introduction to have the necessary continuity.
5. Expression. This means that if you are writing formally, you should avoid using slang, casual language, or unclear comments. Again, apply the transitional words to have a clear flow of ideas.
(adapted from an online article from www.calconline.net)
Context clues:
The words that surround a word are called its context. Information about the meaning of a word that is contained in the surrounding words is called a context clue. There are five types of context clues: (1) synonym, (2) definition, (3) example, (4) contrast, and (5) inference.
The first steps in a strategy for figuring out the meaning of an
unfamiliar word or phrase from the context in which it appears are as
follows: Step 1: Check for synonyms or definitions embedded right there. If you find a synonym or definition, reread the sentence with the new term keeping the synonym or definition in mind. Then tell yourself in your own words what the sentence is saying to you.
Step 2: Check for a contrast clue. If you find one, think about its meaning, actually telling yourself the opposite meaning. Then reread the sentence and rephrase it in your own mind.
Step 3: When you read a sentence that you have trouble understanding because it contains an unfamiliar word, reread the sentence and substitute a word that seems to make sense in the context.
Step 4: Read on. If the word you substituted does not make sense in the context of the rest of the paragraph, try again.
Step 5: If the sentence still does not make sense to you and you do not understand the main point the author is making in the paragraph, look for a synonym, definition, and contrast clue. If you are still uncertain, check a dictionary.
Completing these exercises will help you learn how to define words without having to spend time looking in a dictionary. The exercises will also help you practice using context to define terms, thus resulting in better comprehension of what you read. (http://wps.ablongman.com/long_licklider_vocabulary_2/0,6658,416421-,00.html)
