Reading and Writing

• Definition


  Aims to clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar or ambiguous word/term by providing writers and readers a common understanding of the reference and scope of the word, concepts, or ideas that may differ from what the writer intends to say
• Types of Definition


  • Connotative
  • Denotative
• Connotative Definition


  A subjective definition that explains the meaning of a term in a more personal manner
• Denotative Definition


  Gives the exact meaning of an unfamiliar or ambiguous word, also known as a dictionary definition
• Expanded Definition


  Provides readers with details and explanations about a term through description, exemplification, comparison or contrast, or analysis
• Classification


  The process of categorizing items according to their common characteristics
• Exemplification


  Involves giving specific examples to general ideas to expound a concept or to support an argument
• Comparison


  Examining the similarities between two or more items
• Contrast


  Entails looking into the differences between two or more items
• Ways of Writing Comparison and Contrast


  • Block Pattern
  • Point-by-Point Pattern
• Block Pattern


  Used when discussing an item based on some points of comparison before you compare and contrast it
• Point-by-Point Pattern


  Discusses two items based on the points of comparison until all their similarities and differences have been discussed
• Cause-and-Effect Text


  Allows you to understand human experiences and analyze complex phenomena
• Cause


  What brings about something to occur
• Effect


  The result or consequences of an action
• Classifications of Cause-and-Effect Text

  • Informative
  • Persuasive
  • Speculative
• Informative Cause-and-Effect Text


  Aims to explain the relationship between two ideas
• Persuasive Cause-and-Effect Text


  Aims to influence the readers into believing what the writer is saying
• Speculative Cause-and-Effect Text


  Suggests possibilities
• Problem-Solution Text


  Presents viable solutions to particular problems, writing is an opportunity to become a catalyst for change
• Parts of a Problem-Solution Text

  • Situation
  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Evaluation
• Situation


  Presents some background information about the problem and identifies where the problem exists
• Problem


  Explicitly shows the issue that needs to be addressed
• Solution


  Presents proposed actions needed to solve the problem by describing its effect on the context
• Evaluation


  Describes the effectiveness of the proposed solutions