11
English For Academic
and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Language and Text Structure
across Disciplines
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Language and Text Structure across Disciplines
First Edition, 2020
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Published by the Department of Education
Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
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Editor: Marilyn C. Braganza
Reviewers: Bonifacio B. Pajarillo, Jr.
Illustrator: Mary Alyssa V. Andrew
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11
English For Academic
and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Language and Text Structure
across Disciplines
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the English for Academic and Professional Purposes Alternative
Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Language and Text Structure across Disciplines!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators
both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
Notes to the Teacher
This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:
Welcome to the English for Academic and Professional Purposes Alternative
Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Language and Text Structure of Academic Texts
across Disciplines!
Academic language represents the language of the discipline that students need to
learn. It helps develop their content understandings and a means to participate in
the content area in meaningful ways. While some features of academic language
may vary, it is also important to note that academic or informational texts are also
different to a certain extent depending upon the author’s purpose, the topic and the
genre.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be
enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.
1
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
What I Need to Know
This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.
What I Know
This part includes an activity that aims to
check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.
What’s In
This is a brief drill or review to help you link
the current lesson with the previous one.
What’s New
In this portion, the new lesson will be
introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.
What is It
This section provides a brief discussion of
the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.
What’s More
This comprises activities for independent
practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.
What I Have Learned
This
includes
questions
or
blank
sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.
What I Can Do
This section provides an activity which will
help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.
Assessment
This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
Additional Activities
In this portion, another activity will be given
to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.
Answer Key
This contains answers to all activities in the
module.
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At the end of this module you will also find:
References
This is a list of all sources used in
developing this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
3
What I Need to Know
The purpose of this module is to acquaint you on the language used as well
as on the text structure of academic texts from various disciplines. To further
develop your academic language abilities, all activities are geared to help you
become a more confident and comfortable learner. The graphic organizers that
include various kinds of graphs and diagrams will help you organize ideas visually
and will guide you in your understandings to the different reading materials.
By the end of this module, you will:
1. Distinguish the language used in texts across disciplines;
2. Identify the dominant text structures in academic texts; and
3. Use appropriate graphic organizers to locate information.
What I Know
DIRECTIONS: Read the following excerpts and answer the questions that follow.
Write only the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
The food business is similar in some ways to the clothing business. In
some ways, it is different. What both businesses have to sell are in demand. But
the things that each business sells are so unlike. While one business sells
products to eat, the other business sells product to wear. Which business would
you like to engage in?
Source: Dumagpi, L. & Gonzales, Mildred J. (1998). Reading in the Content Areas,
UPOU Module
1. Which of the text types below does the text belong to?
A. Business
C. Natural Science
B. Mathematics
D. Literature and the Arts
2. Which text structure is used in the passage?
A. Classification
C. Description
B. Cause and Effect
D. Comparison and Contrast
3. Which graphic organizer would best illustrate the passage?
A. Venn Diagram
C. Concept Map
B. Modified Wheel
D. Spider Web
4. What types of businesses are being compared?
A. Fast foods
B. Clothing lines
C. Food business and clothing business
D. Products to eat and products to wear
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5. How do you think the author organized the information?
A. By defining food business and clothing business
B. By presenting a procedure on how to start a business
C. By presenting the characteristics of the two businesses
D. By presenting the similarities and differences of food and clothing
businesses
Trend and Forecasting of COVID-19 in Davao City by SIR Model
The COVID-19 outbreak has shown enormous global impact as it both
affect the health and economy of many countries. As reported in John Hopkins
University Corona Virus Center, approximately 4.3 million people around the
world contracted the disease with 297,197 total deaths (JHU, 2020). Moreover,
the coronavirus pandemic provides unprecedented challenge to every country’s
economy. In fact, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS,
2020) reported that many countries are implementing financial measures such
as Japan ($9.6 billion, or 0.19 percent of GDP), South Korea ($9.2 billion, 0.56
percent of GDP), and Italy ($4.1 billion, 0.20 percent of GDP). However, the
sufficiency will depend on how long the virus will be contained and eliminated.
In the Philippines, the outbreak started on the 30th of January that
involved a 38-year-old Chinese woman who was confined in a Hospital in
Manila. As of May 09, 2020, there have been a total of 10,610 confirmed cases
in the country (DOH,
2020). Out of these cases, a total of 704 deaths and 1,842 recoveries were
recorded. There has been a slowing down of turnout of result in the early month
of outbreak at a rate of 200 to 250 patients per day due to limited testing kits
(Magtulis, 2020). In late March, more testing kits have been availed and
additional testing laboratories were accredited by Department of Health to
increase the testing rate in the country (Modesto, 2020).
Davao Region being one of the affected areas in the Philippines has
recorded its first case in March 15 that involves a 21-year old female who had a
travel history to United Kingdom and Manila (Lumawag, 2020). Subsequently,
more spread of disease were recorded in the Region which were mostly
associated to cockfighting derby in Matina Galleria in Davao City. On April 4,
the Region was place into enhanced community quarantine to control the
movement of people in and out of the Region.
Source: Chavez, Felix, Jr. C., (2020) Trend and Forecasting of COVID-19
in Davao City by SIR Model.
6. What is the primary topic of the article?
A. The impact of COVID-19 outbreak
B. COVID-19 cases in Davao region
C. The total deaths and recoveries of COVID 19
D. The report from John Hopkins University Corona Virus Center
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7.What does the underlined word “COVID 19” mean?
A. It is a lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.
B. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
C. It is a voluntary or involuntary act that clears the throat and
breathing passage of foreign particles.
D. It is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory
syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS), a new strain of virus first
detected in Wuhan, China in 2019.
8. Which of the following terms is the synonym of the word “pandemic?”
A. Impact
C. Turnout
B. Unprecedented
D. Outbreak
9. In what discipline does the technical term pandemic commonly used?
A. Sociology
C. Business
B. Medical Science
D. Psychology
10.Which of the following best describes a science text?
A. It uses vivid language to create images and impressions.
B. It explains statistics, notations, and variables.
C. It uses connotative language and figure of speech.
D. It contains scientific method that discuss the objective result and
experiment.
11.What text structure did the writer useto help you understand what
you are reading?
A. Problem-solution
C. Description
B. Recount of a sequence
D. Definition
12. How do you think the author organized the information?
A. He presented a chronological order of events.
B. He defined COVID-19 with supporting details.
C. He listed the countries that are affected by COVID-19.
D. He explained the solution, then discusses the effects of the
solution.
13. According to the information, why does COVID 19 outbreak create an
enormous global impact?
A. It affects both the health and economy of many countries.
B. It provides unprecedented challenge to every country’s economy.
C. Region was placed into enhanced community quarantine.
D. There is no vaccine yet to combat COVID-1.
14.Which of the following is the purpose of theauthor in writing the text?
A. To define
C. To inform
B. To describe
D. To compare and contrast
15. Which of the following isNOT a purpose in writing academic texts?
A. To provide a solution to the problem
B. To convey useful information concisely and precisely
C. To report a fact that has been taken from reliable sources
D. To convince the reader to believe one’s personal opinion without
basis
6
Lesson
1
Language and Text
Structure Across Disciplines
As a student, it can be
understand academic language
succeed in any content area, you
writing and expressing this new
subject areas.
a challenge for you to master your ability to
and vocabulary proficiently. Thus, in order to
need to equip yourself through reading, listening,
knowledge and skills you acquire from different
What’s In
Activity 1 Unveil the Hidden Word
Word Riddle Puzzle
DIRECTIONS: Tell what academic word is described in each statement and write
the hidden word on your answer sheet. The number of dashes indicates the
number of letters. Some letters are given to help you.
___d____
__x_
_a____
__r___
1. It is a specialized text written by experts or
professionals in a given field using formal
language. The last letter of the second word is
at the end of “contrast”.
2. These are special words or expressions that
are used by a particular profession or group.
Its last syllable rhymes with “comparison”.
3. It means done in accordance with rules of
convention or etiquette and it is the opposite of
“informal”.
C_ _ _ _ _ _
4. It refers to the subject, idea or topic to
discuss in academic writing. Its last letter is at
the beginning of “thought”.
_ t_ _ _ _ _ _ _
5. The word means a system or organization
made up of interrelated parts functioning as a
whole.
Its
last
syllable
rhymes
with
“procedure”.
6. It means a branch of knowledge and its last
four letters are the last four letters of “outline”.
___c______
7
____c__
7. This is a type of academic text offers results
of research and development and its middle
letter is the first letter of “information”.
_______
8. These provide evaluation of works published
in scholarly journals and its last letters are
“views”.
We have reviewed some of the basic concepts of academic texts by going
through this Word Riddle Puzzle. You may wish to turn to the Answer Key page to
check your answer. If you got all correct, then congratulations! If not, don’t worry,
you are still doing good. Cheers!
What’s New
Activity 2 Reflect On
An understanding to academic language will lead to your understanding of
its relevance to academic writing. Before we proceed to the next part of this module,
read and reflect tothe quotation below and answer the questions that follow.
Learning academic language is not learning new words to do the
same thing that one could have done with other words; it is learning to
do new things with language and acquiring new tools for these
purposes.”
By: William Nagy and Dianna Townsend (2012)
1. Do you agree with the speakers? Why?
2. What values do you give to learning to academic language?
Activity 3 Gearing Up
Academic language promotes and affords a kind of thinking different from
everyday language. The two speakers emphasized that since academic language
conveys the kind of abstract, technical, and complex ideas and phenomena of the
disciplines, it allows users to think and act, for example, as scientists, historians,
and mathematicians.
A. Academic Vocabulary Enrichment
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word as used in the sentence.
➢ The bank manager asked the depositor about what type of account he wants
to open.
A. the account which is opened with a bank for monetary transactions
B. a formal business arrangement providing for regular dealings or
services and involving the establishment and maintenance of an
account
➢ A call center agent might handle account inquiries, customer complaints or
support issues.
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A. the account which is opened with a bank for monetary
transactions
B. a formal business arrangement providing for regular dealings or
services and involving the establishment and maintenance of an
account
B. Reading Academic Texts
Read the two passages below and do your part in our conversation by answering
the questions given for you.
Passage #1
Passage #2
How to Open a Bank Account
To open a bank account, first you
have to go to a bank and express your
desire to the manager of the bank. There
are many kinds of accounts such as
saving account, current account, fixed
deposit account etc. Therefore, the
manager will ask you about what type of
account you want to open. Then he will
provide you with a form to fill it up.
Then, you need an introducer who has
account in that bank. The introducer will
put his signature and account number
on the form. You also have to attach two
passport size photographs. After that,
you have to put your specimen signature
on the signature card. Finally, you have
to deposit minimum amount of money or
more on favor your account number.
Thus, you can open a bank account.
Source:
http://collegiatebd.blogspot.com/2013/0
2/how-to-open-bank.html
Call Center Agent
A call center agent is a person
who handles incoming or outgoing
customer calls for a business. A call
center agent might handle account
inquiries,
customer
complaints
or
support issues. A call center agent who
manages both incoming and outgoing
customer calls is also referred to as
a blended agent. Other names for a call
center agent include customer service
representative (CSR), contact center
agent, telephone sales or service
representative
(TSR),
attendant,
associate, operator, account executive or
team member
Source:https://searchcustomerexperienc
e.techtarget.com/definition/call-centeragent-call-center-representative
1. How does the word “account” differ its meaning as used in the two passages?
You: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher: Yes, exactly! For call center agents the word account means company
while for bankers it means an account, which is opened with a bank for
monetary transactions. Therefore, each field of discipline or profession
has its own distinct vocabulary or jargon.
2. What sequence of events is being described in passage 1?
You: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher: Yes, still you are correct! The text presents a sequence of events from
beginning to end on how to open a bank account.
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3. Can you tell us how the text in passage 2 is organized?
You: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher: Correct! The writer defines a call center agent and describes his/her
attributes.
We hope that the above activity gives you an overview about academic
language and how a certain text is organized. Now, let’s move on and discuss these
concepts one at a time.
What is It
Keep in mind what you have learned from the previous activities. You are
about to delve deeper into the more interesting part of this module.
What is Academic Language?
Academic language is the language used in academic settings and for
academic purposes to help students acquire and use knowledge (Anstrom, 2010). It
is the language needed for students to access disciplinary content and textbooks
and successfully participate in activities and assessments involves knowledge and
ability to use specific linguistic features associated with academic disciplines
(Gottlieb & Ernst-Slavit, 2014).
In addition, academic language represents the language demands of school
(academics). It includes language used in textbooks, in classrooms, on tests, and in
each discipline. It is different in vocabulary and structure from the everyday
spoken English of social interactions. Each type of communication (both academic
and social) has its purpose, and neither is superior to the other ( Gebhard & Willett,
2008).
The features of academic language may vary as a function of the discipline
for example differences between the academic language used in social science vs.
mathematics, topic, and whether the information is communicated orally or via
written text. Knowledge and understanding of academic language can be readily
applied by you in everyday situations, allowing you to communicate more effectively
and precisely.
10
Language across Disciplines
Mathematics Texts
Mathematics can be easily recognized because of its unique language
features. Its most prominent language feature is the use of symbols in place of
words, such as symbols for operations like’+’ for addition, ‘x’ for multiplication. It
also often uses letters with special meanings, like ‘x’, ‘y’, and ‘z’ are used to stand
for variables or the unknown. Notations, numbers, and formulas are typical of
math texts. If there are nouns and verbs in ordinary language, in the language of
math, the nouns could be numbers or expressions with numbers and the verb
could be the equal sign =.
Business Texts
Like mathematics, business has a special vocabulary (jargon), so first of all
you have to learn its jargon, like remit, obligate, loan, collateral, interest, stocks,
etc. Some compound nouns are standard expressions in business, like tax
collection system, company car, price list, and bulk buying.
Polite expressions such as the following are part of the ritual of politeness in
business: (Cortes de los Rios, 2010).
• Could you please…
• We are extremely sorry…
• May I suggest…
• Thank you for your inquiry on…
•
Please let us know…
Social Science Texts
Political Science (communism, monarchy, and executive branch), Economics
(market, profit, equity, and trade relations), Sociology (migration, social, class, and
discrimination), Psychology (depression, suicidal, personality, and motivation) are
some of the jargons in Social Science Text.
Graphs and tables are common features of social science readings, therefore,
knowing how to analyze graphic data is a big advantage.
Natural Science Texts
In natural science texts such as physics, chemistry, and biology, technical
terms, symbols (ph, NaCI, and CO2) and abbreviations are common. Similar to
other disciplines, common words like power, pressure, force, work, and impulse
have a technical meaning. To help yourself understand many of the technical
terms, you have to know some prefixes (uni, semi, and multi), root words (bio, geo,
vis, and derma), and suffixes. Diagrams and drawings are also characteristic of
science texts.
Literature and the Arts
Like the other disciplines, literature and the arts have their content-specific
terms or jargon (examples: gothic mood, symbol, balance, mosaic, hue, etc.) but
what makes them different is the dominant use of connotative language and figures
of speech to describe and convey content. Vivid language is used to create images
and impressions. The importance given to language and structure is due to the
value attached to a work’s ‘style’. In other words, creativity weighs as much as
content in literature and the arts.
11
We spent time distinguishing academic language across disciplines, hereon
we shall deal with how these texts are organized. Let us look at the text structure of
the representative texts in math, in business, in the natural and social sciences,
and in humanities. When you understand how the writer has organized
information, you will understand and remember the text better. Writers organize
text in several different ways to fit their purposes.
What is Text Structure?
Text structure refers to how the information within a written text is
organized. Text types depends on the primary purpose of a text and what
information the author introduces in the text. As authors write a text to
communicate an idea, they will use a structure that goes along with the idea
(Meyer, 1985).
Learning to recognize the structure text may help you focus on the important
information in a particular passage and can serve as a foundation for attaining the
other text structure objectives.
The following are the nine main informational text structures:
1. Definition
6. Comparison and Contrast
2. Description
7. Enumeration
3. Recount of a sequence
8. Classification
4. Cause-effect
9. Thesis- Evidence
5. Problem-Solution
There are three approaches to determine the text structure,
• Noting language cues (key words that characterize each text structure)
• Making graphic representation of the text (text mapping)
Text mapping is the general term for graphically organizing and
representing the various parts of a text in a manner that shows how the
parts relate to each other.
• Outlining presents the framework of a text by showing its main ideas and
subtopics which you will learn later on
Language Cues and Text Structures across Disciplines
Definition
Definition text structure is the method of identifying a given term and
making its meaning clear. Its main purpose is to clarify and explain concepts, ideas
and issues by answering the question, “What does it mean?”
Further, definition is the dominant text structure of Social Sciences Texts
and Literature and the Arts.
Some words that signal definition texts are:
•
•
•
•
the verb is/are, for example, can be, is defined as, means;
words that refer to composition such as contain, make-up,
involves;
words that suggest a likeness such as appears to be, refers to;
general words that refer to a class or genus, such as form of
(exercise), a branch of (engineering), a type of (worship), a kind of
ship, etc.
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Sample
Education and a Nation’s Destiny
What is education? It does not mean teaching people what they do not
know. It means teaching them to behave as they do not behave. It is not
teaching the youth the shape of letters and the tricks of numbers, and then
leaving them to turn the arithmetic to roguery, and literature to lust. It means,
on the contrary, training them into the perfect exercise and kingly continence
of their bodies and souls. It is a painful, continual, and difficult work to be
done by kindness, by watchfulness, by precept, and by praise, but above all,
by example!
Source: https://www.clintonnc.com/news/44142/education
destiny
-and-a-nations-
The sample above uses the following signal words: is and mean.
A modified wheel can represent a definition text. At the center of the wheel is
the main topic of the article and forming the spokes of the wheel are the details
about the concept.
Description
A descriptive text gives concrete details about appearance, characteristics,
and actions. This type of text structure is common to Business Texts and Literature
and the Arts.
Some words that signal description are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
adjectives to describe size (example: huge, small, or numbers that specify
dimensions)
shape (example: spherical, octagon), position (middle, top)
texture (example: rough, smooth, velvety)
color (example: verdant green, onyx-like)
adverbs to qualify an action or thing (example: evenly, roughly,
consistently)
adjective phrases (example: a 10-gallon container, a four-day weekend, 2day-old chicks)
13
Sample
Tuna (Yellow Fin Fish): General Santos’ Bountiful Harvest!
Tuna is the most beautiful and impressive of the sea’s creatures. This
fish, with its delicate colors and wonderfully streamlined bodies, has evolved
to what appears to be the limit of hydrodynamic refinement. When a tuna is
swimming rapidly, its fins are retracted into grooves and their eyes form a
smooth surface with the rest of the head.
Tuna gets its oxygen from water and not from the air. It swims with its
mouth open which shoots a jet of water over its grills from which it extracts
oxygen. Because of this system, it must remain swimming and can never
stand still. The constant physical action also creates an enormous demand for
energy, and a need to eat large quantities of food. A typical tuna, which grows
very large, may eat one-quarter of his weight in food in one day.
In general Santos City, the record weight for a whole tuna was 250
kilos, which is equivalent to five bags of rice. Tuna is a good source of protein,
vitamins, mineral, and it is also known to be rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Research shows that Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower the risk of heart
disease, improve immune and inflammatory conditions, ease the pain of
arthritis, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and help lower blood pressure and
cholesterol.
Source: Reading and Writing: Strategies for Critical &Purposeful Communication
The sample paragraph above uses the following descriptive words:
beautiful, impressive, delicate, wonderfully streamlined, rapidly, smooth,
constant, enormous, large, typical, and inflammatory
Visually, the descriptive text may appear like this:
14
Recount of a Sequence
A recount of a sequence is a chronological narration of a historical period, a
sequential description of a process or a procedure.
Recount of a sequence text structure is common to Social Sciences Texts.
Some signal words are:
• First, second, now, before, after, then, finally, while, meanwhile,
during
• Other expressions of time duration describing the steps in a
process or procedure
• Dates may also be considered as language cues
Sample 1
The Intelligent Telephone
A smart phone is a mobile phone with built-in computer system that
can send emails, view websites, or download applications. The first use of the
term smart phone was in 1997, when Ericson described its GS 88 as a “smart
phone.” In 2003 phones got even smarter when Andy Rubin launched the
Android mobile operating system. It would take years for the first Android
powered phone to reach the market, but today over 80% of all mobile phones
are powered by Android. Yet, perhaps the biggest development in the history
of smart phones occurred in 2007, when the original iPhone was released. The
first iPhone didn’t even have an app store, but it set many of the standards
that people have come to expect from smart phones, like using the phone with
just a finger on the screen rather than with a keypad or stylus. Smart phones
have changed the world and continue to improve. I don’t know where the
future will take us, but I bet that the phones will be cooler.
Source: Text Structure Worksheet.https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/textstructure/
The paragraph above uses dates as language cues and can be presented
through a timeline.
A timeline maybe used to represent the above information.
15
Sample 2
Screen Protector
Before applying the screen protector, clean the surface of your
phone’s screen with a soft cloth. Once the surface of your screen is clean,
remove the paper backing on the screen protector. Evenly apply the sticky
side of the screen protector to your phone’s screen. Smooth out any air
bubble trapped on between the protector and the phone screen. Enjoy the
added protection.
Source: Text Structure
Worksheet.https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/
A flow chart may also be used to show the sequence of events or actions.
Arrows are important to show the linear flow.
Cause and Effect
A cause and effect text presents reasons why a situation is obtained. Though
logically the cause comes before the result, in academic writing it is the effect that
is usually presented first, perhaps to achieve a more dramatic effect. Cause-effect
text structure is a common text structure for Social Sciences Texts and Literature
and the Arts. To achieve this, writers use signal words as sampled below:
Signal Words for Cause and Effect
1. To Show Causes-the first cause (second, third), the first reason (second, third),
yet another factor, because of, is caused by, due to, and a cause of
2. To Show Effects- one important effect, another result, a third outcome, as a
result, consequently, explanation for, accordingly, then, next, therefore, thus, so,
and so that
Sample
Dropping Out
For many teenagers, there are numerous negative factors that can lead
them to give up on their education and drop out of school. The first cause is
that many teenagers lack positive role models in their lives. The lack of an
encouraging adult in their lives can cause them to think negatively about
themselves and it does not allow them to live up to their full potential. Also,
the lack of a positive role model can cause them to get involved with the wrong
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kind of people and activities. When students get involved in these types of
negative situations, they usually don't focus on school. This can lead many
impressionable young children to give up on their education. Another factor
that cause a student to give up on school is a lack of determination. If they're
not determined to graduate, it can be very difficult for them to stay in school.
Many students find it difficult to stay focused on school when they when they
feel that getting an education is useless. Some students only attend school
because they are forced to and they are not there to further their education.
The third and final factor is peer pressure. Many students give into pure
pressure very easily. If the pure pressure is negative, this can lead them into
drugs and alcohol. The drugs and alcohol can cause them to drop out very
easily because that is the only thing that they are focused on and it can
easily ruin a child's life.
Source: https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5add520f5f7ba3001b76ebd7/textstructure
In the example, the expressions that indicate cause are:first cause, another
factor and the third and final factor. The effect is stated at the very beginning of the
paragraph: lead them to give up on their education and drop out of school.
The sample cause-effect text above can be visually represented this way:
Cause 1
Effect
Cause 2
Dropping out of school
Cause 3
Problem and Solution
Problem and solution text structure shows the development of a problem
and the solution(s) to the problem. The author takes a problem, clarifies or explains
the problem and suggests one or more solutions to the problem.
Problem and solution text structure is a common structure for Mathematics
Texts and Business Texts.
Signal words which may indicate problem and solution text structure are:
propose, solution, answer, issue, problem, problematic, remedy, prevention, fix,
since, the problem is , the puzzle is, the dilemma is, the question is, as a
consequence, this led to, so that, nevertheless, accordingly, one reason for the
problem, if, so, perhaps, possibly, a solution is, solutions are, this resulted in, one
answer is and therefore.
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Sample
Teenage Vaping
It's no secret that vaping and juuling is growing in popularity across the
nation and world. Kids and teenagers are exposed to these dangerous ecigarettes at a young age, and an alarming percentage of students have vaped.
Young person quickly become addicted to the chemicals in the liquids used in
vaping, and in some unfortunate cases, some adolescents have died as a direct
result of vaping.
To solve this growing issue, students and parents must first be
educated on the negative health effects. One answer is for schools to hold
assemblies or prevention programs that discuss the short-term and long-term
health risks of vaping and e-cigarettes. It would also be a good idea to invite
parents to this school-wide assembly so that they are also aware of the risks.
Students need to understand the reality and seriousness of these health
concerns so that they can make the smart decision not to vape.
Source: https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-identify-the-problem-andsolution-in-a-reading-selection.html
A problem-solution text can be represented in various ways; the number of
boxes may be adjusted to fit the number of problems and solutions presented in
the text. For instance, if one problem has three solutions, the text can look like
this:
On the other hand, it can look like this if the outcome of the solution
attempted is emphasized in the text. Several boxes can be drawn if several
solutions are tried, each one with a different result.
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The example above can be visually represented this way.
Comparison and contrast
Compare and contrast is a text structure or pattern of organization where
the similarities and differences of two or more things are explored. It is important to
remember that with the compare and contrast text structure the text should be
discussing similarities and differences. If the text only discusses similarities, it is
only comparing. Likewise, if it only discusses ways that the things are different, it
is only contrasting. The text must do both to be considered compare and contrast.
This structure is commonly used for Mathematics and Social Science texts.
Signal words found in a compare-contrast paragraph are the following:
Compare- same as, alike, not only…but also, either…or, likewise, similarly, similar
to, compared with, as well as, resemble, like and both
Contrast-different from, in contrast, although, more than, less than, instead of,
however, on the other hand, on the contrary, as opposed to, but not, while, unless,
unlike and neither
Sample
Books Vs Television
Books were first medium to give people information on printed page,
then Scottish man John Logie Beird transmitted first pictures on 25th October
1925 and television was born. For most people watching television is better
than reading books. Television is very popular medium. Part of reason for its
popularity is number of television channels, which people can easily choose
via their remote control. Another reason that people watch television is to
relax. In fact, television is so popular that it has become part of our everyday
routine. Books are very valuable source of information. There are many more
books available than television channels. Secondly, reader can choose book
and part of book that they want to read. And thirdly speed readers can read
faster than they get information from television program. Books and television
can be found nearly everywhere on planet. Books are cheap to produce and for
popular subjects are cheap to buy. Books are also highly portable and can be
read nearly anywhere. However, televisions are installed in nearly every
household and only needs to be switched on to provide new entertainment and
information. Both books and televisions are great sources of information and
entertainment, but television is very relaxing with sound and moving images
and is therefore better medium.
Source: http://www.jamesabela.co.uk/intermediate/Writing/TVBook.pdf
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A Venn diagram can represent the sample passage above since what are
contrasted share some common characteristic, therefore, diagram A shows the
characteristics unique to television, and B shows the unique characteristics of
book. Meanwhile, the two circles intersect represents the commonalities of
televisions and books.
Enumeration
An enumeration is a listing, as in a list of parts, of characteristics, of
examples etc. It is the common text structure for Social Science Texts and
Literature and the Arts.
Some signal words that indicate enumeration are to start with, first, second,
in addition, next, then, another, finally, also, for instance, for example, in fact etc.
Enumeration often appears as numbered list or a bulleted text.
Sample
Traffic During Rush Hour
When traffic is jammed and no one is moving, it’s easy to get a close-up
view of several different types
of vehicles.
ForHour
instance, you’ll see eco-friendly
Traffic
During Rush
cars are on the roads. Characteristics of an eco-friendly car include hybrids
and electrics. The electric cars sometimes don’t sound like a vehicle at all.
They simply hum down the road. The hybrids sound like a regular car but look
like a smaller version of one. In addition to the eco-friendly cars, there are
multiple mini-vans. Mini-vans consist of a more roomy ride for multiple
passengers as well as a higher vantage point for the driver. Luxury cars make
up a minority of the vehicles on the road. Their shiny outward look matches
the custom accents that mark the interior.
Source: Identifying Underlying Patterns
https://www.smekenseducation.com/Teach-Readers-to-Discern-Text-S.html
The above paragraph can be presented as a list:
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Different types of vehicles
•
•
•
eco-friendly cars
multiple mini-vans
luxury cars
Classification
This text structure is an organizational strategy whereby authors arrange
groups of persons, places, things, or abstract ideas according to a common. Some
examples are types of personalities, groupings in a school, species of animals,
categories of films, and television shows.
Some language cues are: there are several types/kinds of, a part of, an
example of, groups/kinds/ways/types/classes of, another kind of, and divided
into.
Sample
According to economists, there are four different types of
unemployment, each with its own specific cause. The first type of
unemployment is seasonal. Workers in certain industries—such as
agriculture, resorts and retail—are subject to fluctuating demands for their
services because of peak and off-peak times in these industries. This type of
unemployment is regular, predictable, and relatively short-term. The second
type of unemployment is referred to as frictional. It is caused by school and
college graduates seeking jobs for the first time and by workers changing jobs.
These people usually remain unemployed for just a short time while they seek
a position. A third type of unemployment is structural, caused, for example, by
the use of new machinery, such as robots, that can perform simple repetitive
tasks.
Workers displaced by structural changes often experience long-term
unemployment while seeking a job that matches their skills and salary
expectations. The last type of unemployment is cyclical. This kind is produced
by the overall business cycle. Cyclical unemployment increases in recessions;
it decreases during growth periods.
Source: https://www.mpc.edu/home/showdocument?id=12632
The sample above can be summarized visually this way:
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Thesis-Evidence
Primarily to serve the purpose of arguing a point/position or interpretation,
the Thesis-Evidence text organization or thought pattern may be arranged
deductively (general statement or thesis followed by supporting details) or
inductively (details from which an inference or thesis is drawn).
Some words that signal this thought pattern are:
• some verbs like assert, claim, prove/show that…, support, allege that
• nouns like evidence, proof, argument
Sample
All over the world, the chances of success in school and in life depend
more on family circumstances than any other factor. By age three, kids with
professional parents are already a full year ahead, of their poorer peers. They
know twice as many words and score 40 points higher on IQ tests. By age 10,
the gap is three years. By then, some poor children have not mastered basic
reading and math skills, and many never will: this is the age at which failure
starts to become irreversible.
Source: “How to close the achievement gap,” Newsweek, Aug.23 & 30, 2010,
p.37.
The representation below shows a thesis-evidence structure.
In order for you to be acquainted more on the other graphic organizers
appropriate for each type of text structure, you may research about it also.
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What’s More
Activity 4 Map It Out
At this time, let us see how well you know about text structure and graphic
organizer.
DIRECTIONS. Read the passages below and identify how each is mainly
structured. On a sheet of paper, put the information from each passage into the
graphic organizer. The following graphic organizers are examples. Feel free to make
changes if necessary.
1.
All matter, all things can be changed in two ways: chemically and physically.
Both chemical and physical changes affect the state of matter. Physical changes
are those that do not change the make-up or identity of the matter. For example,
clay will bend or flatten if squeezed, but it will still be clay. Changing the shape of
clay is a physical change and does not change the matter’s identity. Chemical
changes turn the matter into a new kind of matter with different properties. For
example, when paper is burnt, it becomes ash and will never be paper again. The
difference between them is that physical changes are temporary or only last for a
little while, and chemical changes are permanent, which means they last forever.
Physical and chemical changes both affect the state of matter.
How is the text structured? ___________________________________
Put information from the passage into the graphic organizer:
2.
In our state dams have been built on many rivers. These dams are used to
produce the electricity we need, but they also create problems for fish and other
wildlife near the rivers. Therefore, we should not build any more dams. Instead, we
should use solar energy, or energy from the sun, to produce electricity. This will
help us protect our wild life and enjoy the natural beauty around us.
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How is the text structured? ___________________________________
Put information from the passage into the graphic organizer:
What I Have
Learned
Activity 5- Fill Me In
So far, we have discussed the salient features of academic language and text
structure. Study the following sentences below and fill in the missing word that is
described or defined.
1. _________________is the language used in academic settings and for academic
purposes to help students acquire and use knowledge.
2. Mathematics texts most prominent language feature is the use of
_________________in place of words.
3. _________________refers to how the information within a written text is organized.
4. A recount of a sequence is a_________________ of a historical period, a sequential
description of a process or a procedure.
5. _________________ visual representation representing the various parts of a text
in
a manner that shows how the parts relate to each other.
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What I Can Do
Activity 6 Let’s Analyze!
To what extent is your knowledge about text structure? Before moving on to
the next part of the module, please do the following exercise.
DIRECTIONS: Identify the dominant text structure in the following excerpts. Write
your
answer on your answer sheet.
1.
In order to make a peanut butter sandwich, first you need to take out two
pieces of bread. Next, you need to get the peanut butter and a knife. Then, you
spread the peanut butter on both slices of bread. After that, put the two pieces of
bread together. Finally, enjoy the delicious sandwich!
2.
When sound waves hit an object, some of them bounce back toward their
source. This bounce is an echo. Some animals use this echo effect to help them
survive. They send out sounds that bounce off objects and other animals. (Many of
these sounds are too high-pitched for humans to hear.) The echoes of the sounds
then bounce back to the source animal. This is called echolocation. The bouncing
sounds help the animals "see." Echolocation helps them find food and move around
without bumping into things.
3.
Sarah was frequently absent from school and missed a lot of work. Sarah’s
teacher knew something needed to be done to fix Sarah’s attendance, so she
decided to call Sarah’s parents in for a conference. When Sarah’s teacher explained
the importance of attending school regularly, her parents realized the issue and
made sure she attended school every single day for the rest of the year.
4.
People looking to lose weight have a few options: exercise, diet, weight loss
pills, and surgery. Exercising involves going to a gym, working out at home, or
joining some sort of class or sports team. Those who are dieting can talk to a doctor
about a plan for them. Weight loss pills can be taken, if proper precautions and
directions are followed. Individuals who are severely overweight can talk to a doctor
about having surgery to lose the weight that they need.
5.
What ‘love’ means from person to person, let alone from century to century,
is one of the most varied in the English language. The word ‘love’ was once ‘*leubh’,
a word used by the Proto-Indo-Europeans approximately five thousand years ago to
describe care and desire. When ‘love’ was incorporated into Old English as ‘lufu’, it
had turned into both a noun to describe, ‘deep affection’ and its offspring verb, ‘to
be very fond of’.
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6.
Politicians have realized that texting has recently become a major reason for
car accidents. To solve this issue, many states have tried to pass a law prohibiting
the use of cell phones, especially texting, while driving in order to reduce the
number of car accidents
7.
Windows and Linux are both computer operating systems. They both allow
computers to run programs. Linux is free for all users, however, Windows costs
money for people to use.
8.
The whole Hindu population of India can be divided into four castes or
varna. The highest of these castes is that of the Brahmans or priests. The next
highest is the varna of the warriors, known as the Kshatriya, or sometimes the
Rajput caste. Below this comes the Vaishya or merchant caste and the lowest caste
is known as the Sudra caste. While castes are traditionally associated with a type
of occupation, in modern India, occupations are not a reliable guide to caste.
9.
The Olympic Games are a 2-week celebration featuring thousands of gifted
athletes from around the world competing in 28 different disciplines. One of the
more popular disciplines during the summer games centers on pool sports. The
aquatic events, like diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo, etc., are
a favorite of many. Gymnastics is another type of discipline. It consists of
trampoline events, artistic gymnastics, as well as rhythmic gymnastics. Additional
disciplines include track and field, figure skating, and winter outdoor sports
10.
While the Aztecs and the Mayans were both Native American tribes in
Florida, there are many differences between the two tribes. The Mayans were very
scientific, studying stars and trying to measure time. However, the Aztecs were
more war-like people who would wage war against their neighboring tribes.
Check your answers against the Answer Key. If you get a total of 10,
congratulations. If you get 7, very good. If you get below 5, you probably failed to
concentrate while reading. Go back to the module and review the lecturette for each
text structure.
Assessment
I. DIRECTIONS: Read the questions in each item carefully. Select the letter of the
correct answer from the given choices. Write your answer on your
answer sheet.
1. Below are the characteristics of an academic language except one, which is
NOT?
A. Academic language is the language needed by students to do the work in
schools.
B. Academic language includes specific academic terms or technical
language related to each field of study.
C. Academic language is difficult to learn and the information is
communicated informally.
D. Academic language is the language used in academic settings and for
academic purposes to help students acquire and use knowledge.
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2. Which of the text types below do statistics, notations, and variables belong to?
A. Business Texts
C. Social Science Texts
B. Mathematics Texts
D. Natural Science Texts
3. Which title of the article one should consult for about Kadayawan Festival?
A. Davao City’s Economy is on Rise!
B. Davao City Population Statistics
C. Davao City: Business for Sale and Investment
D. Kadayawan Festival Davao: History, Schedule, and Local Tips
4. Which type of text structure features a detailed description of something to give
the reader a mental picture?
A. Description
C. Cause and Effect
B. Problem Solution
D. Compare and Contrast
5. What are the dominant text structures in business text?
A. Problem and solution and description C. Thesis evidence and definition
B. Recount of an event and definition
D. Enumeration and classification
6. Which type of text structure answers the questions what happened and why?
A. Cause & Effect
C. Compare/Contrast
B. Problem and Solution
D. Recount of a sequence
7. You are reading an article discussing the events that led up to the Civil War and
the results of each of those events. Which text structure is this?
A. Description
C. Cause and Effect
B. Problem Solution
D. Compare and Contrast
II. DIRECTIONS: Read the passages carefully. Then, answer the questions that
follow by selecting the letter of the correct answer.
What would you do if you awoke one day and discovered that you could
not create new memories? You might remember everything that occurred in
your life up to the point of an injury, but could not form new memories beyond
that. This condition is called “anterograde amnesia,” and it is difficult to treat,
but doctors and therapists recommend these steps: first, use technology to help.
A cell phone with a calendar reminder can do much to offset this condition.
Second, use helpers. Having people to assist with daily tasks, like paying bills,
will prove quite helpful. Lastly, seek therapy. While there is no cure for
anterograde amnesia, memory training may help the afflicted live a more normal
life. Currently, there are no chemical medications or drugs that will alleviate
this condition.
Source: Text Structure Worksheet.https://www.ereadingworksheets.com/text-structure/
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8. What is the dominant text structure used in the passage?
A. Classification
C. Enumeration
B. Definition
D. Recount of a sequence
9. What is the main concept presented in the paragraph?
A. Point of an injury
B. Creating new memories
C. Alleviating anterograde amnesia
D. Memory training for anterograde amnesia
The first vaccine against small pox was discovered in 1796 by Jeener in
England. In 1885, a rabies vaccine for humans was developed by Pasteur. In
1941, a successful vaccine against typhus was developed. In the 1950s,
veterinarians used 30 vaccines to prevent animal disease. In 1955, scientist
announced a successfully tested vaccine against polio at the University of
Michigan. Because the vaccines are not yet perfected, scientist still continue to
refine the vaccines that are already existing and to develop new ways to
immunizing humans against diseases.
Source: Dumagpi, L. & Gonzales, Mildred J. (1998). Reading in the Content Areas,
UPOU Module
10. What sequence of events is being described in the passage?
A. Polio vaccine
B. Rabies vaccine for humans
C. Refinement of vaccine
D. The development of human vaccine against diseases
11. Which text type does the passage belong?
A. Business Texts
C. Mathematics Texts
B. Natural Science Texts
D. Literature and the Arts Texts
12. Which field of academic discipline does the term “vaccine” belong to?
A. Humanities
C. Social Sciences
B. Natural Sciences
D. Applied Sciences
13. Which type of text structure is used in the above passage?
A. Cause & Effect
C. Recount of an event
B. Problem and Solution
D. Compare/Contrast
14. Which graphic organizer best illustrates the above academic text?
A. Timeline
C. Venn Diagram
B. Modified Wheel
D. Concept Map
15. Which graphic organizer is not appropriate to illustrate sequence of events?
A. Cycle
C. Concept Map
B. Timeline
D. Flow Chart
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Additional Activities
Activity 7 Text Structure Treasure Hunt
DIRECTIONS: Look for a specific topic in a field or discipline that interest you most
from old newspaper, magazine, non-fiction book or any reading materials that are
available in your respective homes. You may also visit the following sites to search
for your texts: Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/schhp?hl=fil or
Philippine E-Journal https://ejournals.ph/. Then, copy the text on a separate
sheet of paper and answer the given questions.
1. What text structure does the author use to help you understand
what you are reading?
2. How do you think the author organized the information?
3. What graphic organizer would best illustrate your chosen article?
Well, isn’t that great? You have just arrived at the finish line!
Congratulations!
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Answer Key
What I Know
Pre-Test
1. A
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. A
7. D
8. D
9. B
10. D
11. B
12. A
13. A
14. C
15. D
What's In
What I have Learned
What I Can Do
1. Recount of a sequence
2. Cause and effect
3. Problem and solution
4. Classification
5. Definition
6. Problem and solution
7. Compare and contrast
8. Classification
9. Enumeration
10. Compare and contrast
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Academic Language
Symbol
Text Structure
Chronological
narration
Graphic organizer
What’s More
Word Riddle Puzzle
1. Academic Text
2. Jargon
3. Formal
4. Content
5. Structure
6. Discipline
7. Article
8. Reviews
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1. Compare/ contrast
2. Problem and Solution
Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
C
B
D
A
A
A
C
D
D
D
B
B
C
A
C
References
Barrot, J.S. & Sipacio, P.J.F. (2016). Communication Today English for Academic &
Professional Purposes for Senior High School. First Edition. C& E Publishing,
Inc.
Casinto, C.D. C. (2016). Reading and Writing: Strategies for Critical & Purposeful
Communication. First Edition.Mega TEXTS Phil.,Inc.
Chavez, Felix, Jr. C., (2020). Trend and Forecasting of COVID-19in Davao City by
SIR
Model. Retrievedfrom
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341370649_.
Dumagpi, L. & Gonzales, Mildred J. (1998). Reading in the Content Areas, UPOU
Module
E Reading Worksheet. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ereadingworksheets.com/textstructure/Nagy and Dianna Townsend
Finley, T. (2014). Strategies for Teaching Academic Language. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/8-strategies-teaching-academic-languagetodd-finley
Gebhard, M. & Willett, J. (2008). Social to Academic: University-School District
Partnership Helps Teachers Broaden Students’ Language Skills. JSD, 29(1),
41-45. Retrieved from
<http://www.academiclanguage.org/Academic_Language.html>
Gottlieb, M.& Ernst-Slavit, G. Academic Language in Diverse Classrooms:
Definitions and Contexts. Retrieved from https://us.corwin.com/enus/nam/academic-language-in-diverse-classrooms-definitions-andcontexts/book237675
Hoti, M. Academic Language. Retrieved from
https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/Unit_3:_Academic_Language#Section_2:_What
_is_Academic_Language
How to Open a Bank Account. Retrieved from
http://collegiatebd.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-open-bank.html
Language and Text Structure Across Disciplines. Retrieved from
https://elcomblus.com/language-and-text-structure-across-disciplines/
Miciano, M. Z. & Miciano, R.Z. (2015). Enhanced English Engagement English for
Academic and Professional Purposes. First Edition. Don Bosco Press, Inc.
Rouse, M. What is a Call Center Agent Retrieved from
https://searchcustomerexperience.techtarget.com/definition/call-centeragent-call-center-representative
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Smekens Education Solution, Inc. (2014). Te ac h Re a de rs t o Di sce r n Te x t
S t r u c t u re . R et ri ev ed f r om https://www.smekenseducation.com/TeachReaders-to-Discern-Text-S.html
Illustration
Finley, T. (2014). Strategies for Teaching Academic Language. Retrieved from
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/8-strategies-teaching-academiclanguage-todd-finley
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