Quarter 2 - Module 1

Defining a Term

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

English- Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 1: Defining a Term
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Bukidnon
Development Team of the Module
Author: Jayson A. Requillo Francis
Editor: Ryan A. Salvador Sarah M.
Reviewer: Mancao, PhD

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Lay-Out Artist: Jayson A. Requillo

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Members Elbert R. Francisco, PhD, Chief ES, CID Sarah M.

Mancao, PhD, EPS in English Rejynne Mary L.
Ruiz, PhD, LRMDS Manager Jeny B. Timbal,
PDO II
Shella O. Bolasco, Division Librarian II
 10
English
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Defining a Term

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Overview
This module intends to help learners gain mastery of two competencies identified as Most
Essential Competencies (MELCs) in the second quarter. This provides language tasks to
equip learners with the necessary skills to effectively define a term which is important in
academic writing. There are four lessons which are sequenced as follows:

Lesson 1: Parts and Patterns of Definitions Lesson 2:

The Grammar of Definitions
Lesson 3: Technical vs. Operational Definitions
Lesson 4: Writing Operational Definitions.

In this module, you are expected to do the following:

1. Observe correct grammar in making definitions (EN10G-IIe- 29)
a. Identify parts of a definition
b. Use sentence patterns in writing definitions
c. Shorten full definitions

2. Give technical and operational definitions (EN10V-IIa-13.9)

a. Distinguish technical from operational definitions
b. Write technical definitions
c. Write operational definitions

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 Parts and Patterns of
Lesson Definitions
1
Overview
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making definitions.
Specifically, you are expected to
a. identify parts of a definition;
b. use sentence patterns in writing definitions; and
c. demonstrate appreciation of certain virtues.

Pre-Assessment
Task 1. Your Defining Moment
Directions: Write FD if the sentence is a full definition and ND if it is not a
definition. Do this on your activity notebook.
1. A lyric poem which is composed of fourteen lines is called a sonnet.
2. The Internet makes communication much faster and easier.
3. A capella refers to a performance without musical accompaniment.
4. An analog computer is a device designed to solve scientific problems.
5. Life is not always as easy as you think.

For 6-8, study the sentence below. Write only the letter of your answer.
A ballad is a poem intended to be sung.
A B C D
6. Which part is the term defined?
7. Which part is the general class?
8. Which part is the distinguishing characteristic?

Presentation
Task 2. Find How They’re Defined
Directions: Read the selection in the box and find out how the author defines anti-life acts.

Anti-life acts are measures that seek to terminate life wilfully and consciously.
Today, there are four generally recognized anti-life acts which bear scrutiny: abortion,
euthanasia, terrorism, and capital punishment. Abortion is referred to as the termination of
pregnancy before the fetus reaches 20 weeks of gestation. Euthanasia connotes the act of
causing death painlessly so as to end the suffering of patients who have no chance of
recovery. Meanwhile, the act of using force, violence, or threat to demoralize, intimidate, or
subjugate others is known as terrorism. Lastly, capital punishment is defined as the death
penalty imposed on persons found guilty of major crimes against persons and properties.

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How does the author define the following terms? On your activity notebook, provide a one-
sentence definition for each term.
• Anti-life acts
• Abortion
• Euthanasia
• Terrorism
• Capital punishment

Concept Development
Writing Definitions
When you define a term, you actually answer the question “What is A?” Definitions
are commonly used in expository writing such as researches, scientific and legal texts. It is
also used in essays and other text types in order to make ideas and concepts clearer.
Full definitions are composed of a term to define, the general class to which the
term belongs and a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term from the other
members of the same class. A definition uses one of these two patterns.

Note: An article (The, A, An) may or may not be added at the beginning of
each sentence. V on the structure refers to Verb.

Note: An article (The, A, An) may or may not be added at the beginning of each
sentence. V on the structure refers to Verb.

Now, you’re ready for more tasks.

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 Activities
Task 3. Fill it out
Directions: Go back to the definitions of anti-life acts. Fill out the chart below with the
parts of each definition. Do this on your activity notebook.
Term Verb Class Distinguishing Characteristic Pattern
Used
Anti-life
acts
Euthanasia

Abortion

Terrorism

Capital
punishment

Task 4. Definition or Not?

Directions: On your activity notebook, copy each sentence below. Write D if the sentence
is a definition and ND if it is not a definition. If you answer D (definition), circle the term
defined, box the class, and underline the distinguishing characteristic.
1. A square is a polygon that has four equal sides.
2. A microscope is needed to conduct experiments with microorganisms.
3. Scientists work with clearly defined objectives.
4. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food.
5. Understanding human genetics is important in medical sciences.
6. Her father is a well-known surgeon working in a huge hospital.
7. Abortion is illegal in the Philippines.
8. Mammals that have backbones are called vertebrates.
9. Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
10. Compounds are chemical substances formed by combining elements.

Task 5. Define Me
Directions: Write a full definition from each given set of terms to define, general class, and
distinguishing characteristics below. Give two sentences following the patterns you have
learned. Do this on your activity notebook.

Example: triangle – polygon- three sides

Pattern 1: A triangle is a polygon that has three sides. Pattern 2:
A polygon that has three sides is called a triangle.

1. chair – furniture – used for sitting

2. haiku – a poem – composed of seventeen syllables in three lines
3. semantics – the science – deals with meaning in language
4. thermometer – an instrument – used to measure temperature
5. playwright – a person – writes plays

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Assessment
Task 5. High Definition
Directions: Read each item carefully and write of the letter of the correct answer on your
answer activity notebook.
1. Which of the following sentences is a definition?
A. The people are warned against going out despite the relaxed quarantine measures.
B. Antibodies are primary forms of immune response to diseases caused by viruses
or bacteria.
C. Rapid tests are done to find out if a specific antibody is found in a
suspected or probable COVID-19 case.
D. As of the moment, there is still no available COVID-19 vaccine but many
countries are already working for it.

For 2 & 3
Economics is the social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of
production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It is the study of how
man’s material needs are supplied, or how scarce resources are utilized.
These needs may include goods ranging from necessities (home, food and clothing)
to luxuries (color TV, electric razor) and services (medical care, transportation, and
dry cleaning).
Economists or specialists in economics divide much of their subject into how
goods and services are produced and how they are distributed.

2. Which paragraph gives the definition of economics?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. none
3. Based on its definition, to what general class does economics belong?
A. earth science B. natural science
C. political science D. social science

For number 4-6, study this definition.

Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
I II III IV
4. Which part is the term defined?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
5. Which part is the class?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
6. Which part is the distinguishing characteristic?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV

For 7-10, form a definition out of the given phrases inside the box. Choose the best
order.
7.
1. is defined as 4. endangers persons or property
2. in a manner that 5. the operation of motor vehicle
3. aggressive driving
A. 3-1-2-4-5 B. 3-1-5-2-4
C. 5-1-3-2-4 D. 5-1-2-4-3

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8.
1. a square 2. a polygon 3. is called
4. with 5. four equal sides
A. 1-2-3-4-5 B. 1-3-2-5-4
C. 2-3-1-5-4 D. 2-4-5-3-1
9.
1. carbohydrate 2. a compound 3. is
4. carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen 5. composed of
A. 1-2-3-5-4 B. 1-3-2-5-4
C. 2-1-3-5-4 D. 2-3-5-1-4
10.
1. metamorphosis 2. a physical transformation
3. undergone by various animals 4.is called
5. during development after the embryonic stage

A. 1-4-3-2-5 B. 2-3-5-4-1
C. 3-5-2-4-1 D. 5-3-2-4-1

Application
Task 7. A Virtue that Defines You
Directions: Love, Humility, Wisdom, Faith, or Perseverance? Choose the virtue which you
think is the most important. Using the table, provide the class to where it belongs and a
distinguishing characteristic that separates it from the rest. Then, write a definition of the
word using the two patterns. Do this on your activity notebook.
Term Class Distinguishing characteristic

Full Definition Pattern

1:

Pattern 2:

Summary
Just remember that the goal of a definition is to give meaning to a term. A full
definition is composed of a term defined, a verb, a general class to which the term belongs,
and a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term from the other members of the
general class. There are two sentence patterns which writer can choose from in defining a
term.

Congratulations! You have successfully finished one lesson. Now, brace yourself
for Lesson 2.

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 Lesson
The Grammar of Definitions
2
Overview
In this lesson, you will learn to observe correct grammar in making definitions
(EN10G-IIe-29). Specifically, you are expected to
a. use relative clause and participial and prepositional phrase in defining a term;
b. shorten full definitions by transforming relative clauses into phrases; and
c. demonstrate appreciation of certain virtues.

Pre-Assessment
Task 1. Write and Correct
Directions: Write the word CORRECT if the underlined part of the definition is
grammatically correct. If it is it wrong, give the correct form. Do this on your activity
notebook.

1. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of eye

diseases.
2. Psychology is a science deals with human mind, mental states, and human behaviour.
3. A drug is medicinal substance that is intend to treat or prevent diseases or lessen
pain.
4. Gene is a basic unit of heredity capable of transmitting characteristics from one
generation to the next.
5. Protein is a complex compound composing of amino acids.

Prior Knowledge
Task 2. The Two Patterns
Directions: In the previous lesson, you have learned to write definitions by following two
sentence patterns. Give the two patterns of writing a definition. Do this on your activity
notebook.

Pattern 1:

Pattern 2:

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Presentation
Task 3. Two-in-One
Directions: Study the two definitions of one term and answer the questions that follow.
Write the letter of the correct answer on your activity notebook.
I. Anti-life acts are measures that are intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
II. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
1. What part of the definition is the underlined words?
A. class B. distinguishing characteristics C. term
2. Which definition uses a relative clause?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II
3. Which sentence uses a participial phrase?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II
4. Which one is the shortened form of the definition?
A. Sentence I B. Sentence II

Concept Development

Writing Grammatically Correct Definitions

An important skill to develop in order to make grammatically correct definitions is the use
of relation pronouns as well as participial and prepositional phrases in stating the
distinguishing characteristic of the term defined.
Study these examples:

A. Anti-life acts are measures which are intended to terminate life wilfully and
consciously.
B. Anti-life acts are measures intended to terminate life wilfully and consciously.

In the examples above, the distinguishing characteristics are underlined. In Example A,

the distinguishing characteristic is a relative clause beginning with the word which (a relative
pronoun).
These are the relative pronouns which you can use.
 that
 which
 who
 when
 where
 wherein
 whereby
 by which

On the other hand, the distinguishing characteristic of the term defined in Example B
is a participial phrase beginning with intended (a present participle). Here are the types of
phrases which you can use.
 Present participial phrase (beginning with +ing form of the verb)

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  Past participial phrase (beginning with the +ed/d/en form of the verb 
Prepositional phrase (beginning with a preposition such as for, to, etc.)

Activities
Task 4. Combine to Define

Directions: Combine the two sentences in each item to come up with a full definition.
Change the second sentence into a clause that begins with which, who, or that. Do this on
your activity notebook.
Example:
Chemistry is a science.
Chemistry deals with the study of the composition and properties of
substances.
Combined sentence:
Chemistry is a science that deals with the study of the composition and properties
of substances.
1. A computer is an electronic system
A computer is designed to manipulate and store data.
2. A printer is a computer hardware.
A printer is used to produce printed output.
3. Internet is a global computer network.
Internet connects users with service networks such as the World Wide Web.
4. A modem is a device.
A modem connects computers via a telephone line.
5. A software is a program, routine and symbolic language.
A software is essential to the operation and maintenance of a computer.

Task 5. Just Keep It Short

Directions: Full definitions can be shortened by changing the relative clause into a
participial phrase. Shorten the full definitions below by removing the relative pronoun
(which, that, who) and by changing the verb into its -ing or –ed (-en) form or by removing
which/that/who is. Do this on your activity notebook.

Example: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of
language use rather than structure.
Shortened: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics dealing with the study of language
use rather than structure.

1. Atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds the earth.

2. Dialysis is a medical process that is used to treat patients with kidney disease.
3. Ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves for medical
diagnosis.
4. An antidote is a substance that counteracts the effects of a toxin.
5. A probiotic is a substance that contains beneficial microorganisms.

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Assessment
Task 6. High Definition
Directions: Choose the correct expression to complete each definition. Write the letter of
the correct answer on your activity notebook.
1. Self-respect is a quality of character one’s own weaknesses and
strengths with dignity.
A. recognize B. recognized
C. which recognizes D. which is recognized
2. Strength of character is a trait by a person’s will power, self-restraint,
and determination.
A. reveal B. revealed
C. which reveals D. which revealed
3. A leader refers to one competence in management, rapport with his
followers and innate ability to adjust and act to varied situations.
A. exhibit B. exhibited
C. who exhibits D. who exhibited
4. Anger is a negative emotion a person’s ability to think logically.
A. paralyze B. paralyzing C. paralyzes D. paralyzed

5. Courtesy is a positive trait personal interaction very pleasant.

A. that make B. that makes C. that made D. that is made
6. Success is a goal by service granted.
A. that measure B. that measures C. that measured D. that is measured
7. Dialysis is a medical process to treat patients with kidney disease.
A. used B. using C. that used D. that uses
8. Psychology is a science with human mind, mental states, and human
behaviour.
A. deal B. dealing C. deals D. dealt
9. A printer is a computer hardware to produce a hard copy of an output.
A. use B. using C. that is used D. that uses
10. A probiotic is a substance beneficial microorganisms.
A. contain B. contained C. that is contained D. that contains

Application
Task 7. Either Long or Short
Directions: Go back to the definition you have formulated in Lesson 1 (Application). Still
using the two patterns in defining a term, write a shortened version if you have written the
full definition or write the full version if you have written the shortened form. Do this on your
activity notebook.

Pattern 1:

Pattern 2:

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Summary
There are two important grammar points that you have to remember in defining a term
– the use of relative clause and the use of participial and prepositional phrase. The
distinguishing characteristic of a term defined will be longer if you begin it with relative
pronouns such as that, which, who, etc. You can shorten it by using either the prepositional
form of the verb (present or past participle) or any appropriate preposition. Deciding whether
to use the longer or the shorter version is a matter of taste. Alternately using both in academic
text will help you create variety.

Good job! You have successfully finished another lesson.

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Lesson
Technical vs. Operational
Definitions
3
Overview
This lesson will prepare you to give technical and operational definitions
(EN10V-IIa-13.9). Specifically, you are expected to
a. distinguish technical from operational definitions;
b. write technical definitions; and
c. show appreciation of clarity in communication.

Pre-assessment
Task 1. True or False?
Directions: Tell whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE. Write your answer on your
activity notebook.
1. A technical definition gives observable and measurable descriptions.
2. A technical definition is given by an expert in the field which can be cited as a
source.
3. A technical definition tells you what to do.
4. An operational definition gives concrete and clear descriptions.
5. An operational definition is usually theoretical and conceptual.

Prior Knowledge
Task 2. Defining Family
Directions: Before you proceed to the next lesson, study the definition below and answer
the questions that follow. Write the letter of your answer on your activity notebook.

A family is a group of people who are closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
A B C D
1. What is the term defined?
2. To what general class does the term belong?
3. What is distinguishing characteristic is given to the term?
4. Which is the verb?
5. Which is the correct shortened form of the definition?
A. Family – group of people – closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption
B. A family is a group of people closely related by birth, marriage, or adoption.
C. A family is a group of people closely relates by birth, marriage, or adoption.
D. A family is a group of people closely relating by birth, marriage, or adoption.

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Presentation
Task 3. Heavy Weight
Directions: Study these definitions of the term weight. Then, answer by writing on your
activity notebook the letter of the correct answer.

A. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.

B. Weight refers to the numbers appearing on a weighing scale when a thing is placed
on it.

1. Which definition provides an abstract definition of the term weight?

2. Which one gives a more concrete definition which can be easily observed and
measured?
3. Which do you think is the technical definition?
4. Which one is the operational definition?

Concept Development

What is a technical definition?

A technical definition is a definition that explains what a technical terminology or
concept means to make communication in a specific field clearer. It tends to be abstract,
conceptual or theoretical. It is usually provided by experts in the field; so, if you need to write
a technical definition of a concept, you can always look for what experts say about it.

Example:
World Bank (2013) defines financial capability as:
[…] an individual’s capability to move in one’s best financial welfare, given
socio-economic and environmental conditions. It includes the financial
literacy, skills, attitudes, and behaviors of individual consumers in relation to
the management of their resources, and selecting, and availing of financial
services that best suit their needs (WB, 2013a).

What is an operational definition?

An operational definition is a statement describing how a specific term or concept is
measured, or how a condition or object can be recognized. It tells you either what to observe
or what to do. The word “operational” means to describe what to do in a certain context.
Operational definitions must be clear, concrete, and precise to let a reader know exactly what
to measure or observe.

Examples:
The fastest runner is the one who reaches the finish line before all the other runners.
The financial capability of the respondents refers to their average score on a 12-item
Likert-scale.

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Directions: Now, try to check your understanding on the two types of definition. On your
activity notebook, write TD if the description refers to Technical Definition and OD if it
refers to Operational Definition.
1. Tells you what to do and what to observe
2. Tells you what the term theoretically means
3. Tends to be abstract, conceptual and theoretical
4. Provides concrete and clear definition
5. Usually provided by experts
6. Based in context

Activities
Task 4. Technical or Operational?
Directions: Write TD on your activity notebook if the definition is technical and OD if it
is Operational.
1. Substances that cause the litmus paper to turn pink are acids.
2. A compound that can donate a proton or accept a pair of electrons to form a
covalent bond with a base is an acid.
3. Pulse refers to the number of beats on a person’s wrist counted in 1 minute.
4. Pulse is the regular expansion and contraction of an artery, caused by the heart pumping
blood through the body.
5. Weight refers to a measurement of gravitational force acting on an object.
6. Weight refers to the numbers that can be seen when a thing is put on a weighing scale.
7. Working women are women engaged in full time paid employment, working at least 40
hours or more per week.
8. Heart is a hollow muscular organ pumping blood around the body, in humans, situated in
the center of the chest with its apex directed to the left.
9. Krondl (1990) states that convenience foods are those having service added to main
ingredients to decrease the amount of time to prepare required when cooking at home.
10. Extensive reading is program wherein a learner reads at least 10 books every week for
comprehension.

Assessment
Task 5. High Definition
Directions: Write T on you activity notebook if the statement is TRUE and F if it is
FALSE.
1. A technical definition tells you what to do.
2. A technical definition gives concrete and clear descriptions.
3. A technical definition is usually given by experts in the field which can cited as a
source.
4. An operational definition is usually theoretical and conceptual.
5. An operational definition gives observable and measurable descriptions.

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Directions: On your activity notebook, write TD if the definition is technical and OD if it is
operational.
6. Intelligence refers to the respondents’ average score on the Stanford-Binet
Intelligence Test.
7. Hunger denotes a distressful feeling after twenty-four hours or more without access
to food.
8. A virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle of a nucleic acid surrounded by
protein which can only reproduce within a host cell.
9. Guilt is the participants’ score on a self-reported guilt with a scale of 1-10.
10. Staab (1990) defines a successful whole-language teacher as “an individual who creates
an exciting print environment and allows children to engage in meaningful literacy
experiences”.

Application
Task 6. Technically Speaking
Directions: Give a technical definition of the term child abuse. You may use the Internet
or your books for the definition and be sure to include the source. Do this on your activity
notebook.
Term to define Technical Definition
Child abuse
Source:

Summary
In this lesson, you have learned the difference between technical and operational
definition. A technical definition gives the meaning of a term or concept in a broader
perspective while an operational definition gives specific, concrete and measurable aspects of
the term defined. You also learn that, in giving a technical definition, you need to know what
the experts in the field say about the term or concept.

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