Republic of the Philippines

CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE

ISO 9001:2015
San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur 4418
TÜV-R 01 100 1934918 www.cbsua.edu.ph

COLLEGE OF DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION

LABORATORY HIGH SCHOOL

Learning Module in

ENGLISH 8
WEEK 3-4

This learning module belongs to:

_____________________________________________________
(Name of Student)

_____________________________________________________
(Address)

_____________________________________________________
(Contact Number/email)

This learning module is prepared by:

KAREN MAE A. BARCE

____________________________________________________
Subject Teacher
 Teachers’ Note

To All Students:

This set up of new normal in the education system proves to be a

challenging one. Nevertheless, to ensure that you continue learning
despite all these struggles and shortcomings we experience is our priority.
We will overcome all these together dear ones.
I hope that you find this module informative and comprehensive in
discussing English topics and communicative skills you need to develop so
you can face the real world confidently and meaningfully. Most of the
lessons here have been initially introduced to you since your primary
grades, but in this module, these topics will surely be presented in another
level. Hopefully, you shall review your past lessons as well as you go over
from the beginning to the end.
Good luck and have fun everyone.

Best regards!

Ms. Karen Mae A. Barce

English teacher

Table of Contents

Module Parts and Content Page Number

Introduction …………………………………………………… 3
Pre-Assessment………………………………………………… 3
Explore……………………………………………………….….. 3
a. How much do you know Africa? ……………… 3
b. African Child………………………………………….. 4
c. Telephone Conversation …………………………… 5
d. Transitional Devices ………………………………. 7
e. Modal Verbs …………………………………………...
Discussion Board………………………………………….…. 17
Post-Assessment………………………………………………. 18
References……………………………………………………… 20
Answer Key …………………………………………………… 21

Introduction
Being part of the global community, we must develop a sense of appreciation not just to our
own culture but to the cultures of different nations around the world. We are not alone’ we are not
the only ones alive in the face of the earth. Sooner or later, we will find ourselves interacting with
our brothers and sisters from many part of the world. Hence, we must get to know them and their
cultures and tradition as we learn English as the common language. Of course, we will do this one
step at a time, starting from knowing AFRICA. Therefore:

By the end of this module, you must be able to:

a) Determine the meaning of words and expressions that reflect the local culture by
noting context clues;
b) use nouns, adverbs, and modal verbs appropriately; and
c) identify and use signals that indicate coherence.

There are also pre- and post-competency assessments before and after the lessons and a
discussion board that will test your understanding of the subject matter.

Pre-Assessment
Quick Survey: How much do you know about Africa?
Here are some descriptions about Africa. Draw a smiley ( ) if the information is
correct; otherwise draw a sad face ( ) on the space given before each
number.

1. African continent is the world’s youngest populated area.

2. Arabic is spoken by 170 million people on the continent, followed in popularity
by English (130 million), Swahili (100), French (115), Berber (50), Hausa (50),
Portuguese (20) and Spanish (10).
3. Africa is the world’s poorest and most underdeveloped continent with a
continental GDP that accounts for just 2.4% of global GDP.
4. Africa is the world’s second largest continent covering about over 30 million
square kilometers
5. The Nile is the largest desert in the world and is bigger than the continental
USA.
6. Africa is the world’s hottest continent with deserts and drylands covering 60% of
land surface area (e.g. Kalahari, Sahara and Namib) and the world’s second
driest continent (after Australia).
7. The continent has the largest reserves of precious metals with over 40% of the
gold reserves, over 60% of the cobalt, and 90% of the platinum reserves.
8. Most African people use money and prefer to barter for sachets of clean water,
the most valuable commodity in Freetown.
9. The Ganges River is the longest river in the world with a total length of 6,650
kilometers.
10. “African Renaissance” is located near the airport in Dakar (Senegal) and stands
49m tall on the top of a 100m high hill. It is the tallest statue in the world outside
of Eurasia. It brings to life our common destiny. Africa has arrived in the 21st
century standing tall and more ready than ever to take its destiny into its
hands”. (Steve Boyes)

EXPLORE

EXPLORE: GET TO KNOW AFRICA

How much do you understand the situation an African child experiences just by interpreting
the meaning behind each stanza of Eku’s poem? Do you both share the same experiences or
not?
Directions: Using context clues you’ve learned, give your interpretations in the conversation bubbles
provided below.

AFRICAN CHILD
What does “Born with a skin the colour of chocolate” mean?
How are African children described in the poem?
I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I’m gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child

What does this stanza tell us about how they are seen and
Often the target of pity treated by many?
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child

Do not hide my fault

show me my wrong What does this stanza tell us about how they are seen and
I am like any other; treated by many?
Teach me to dream
And I will become
I am an African child

I am the son, daughter of the soil

Rich in texture and content
Full of potential for a better tomorrow What does “son, daughter of soil rich in texture and
Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach content” mean?
me hard work
Teach me to think like the star within me
I am an African child

I can be extra-ordinary
call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor; What does this stanza tell us about the abilities of an
Give me a library with books
African child?
Give me a scrap yard and discarded electronics
Give me a broken bicycle;
Plus the freedom to be me
And I will build you a wind mill
I am an African child

We are the new generation Give the final message of the writer to the society about
Not afraid to be us African children?
Uniquely gifted, black and talented
Shining like the stars we are
We are the children of Africa
Making the best of us
Yes! I am an African child
©Eku McGred
 Have you ever been in a situation where you were discriminated or criticized because of how you
look like or where you are from? What did you feel? How did you react and what did you do in
that instance?

The Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka

It narrates a telephone call between a landlady and the persona, who is black, for
renting an apartment. The landlady is responding pleasingly to the client until she
discovers that the speaker is an "African," at which point she starts to ask questions to know how
"light" or "dark" the speaker's skin is. The speaker then responded cunningly and mocks the
landlady’s ignorance and bias towards “black” people by claiming that the skin color determines
whether a person is considered human or not.

“Telephone Conversation:” A Story

It seemed like a good price and the location was fine. The landlady promised that
she didn’t live in the building. The only thing left was to confess something important about
myself. “Ma’am,” I warned the landlady, “I don’t want to waste a trip over there. Just so you
know, I’m black.”
There was silence on the phone. And, in that silence, I could hear the tension
between the landlady's prejudice and her manners. When she finally spoke, she sounded
like the kind of person who would be wearing a thick smear of lipstick and have a long,
gold-coated cigarette holder in her mouth. Now, I was stuck in a terrible position. “How dark
are you?” she asked bluntly. It took me a second to realize that I had not misheard her. She
repeated, “Are you light-skinned, or are you very dark-skinned?” Similarly, it was like she
was asking me something as simple as choosing between Button A and Button B on the
phone booth: to make a call or to return my coins. Although, I could smell her rancid breath
hiding beneath her polite speech.
I took stock of my surroundings: a red phone booth, a red mailbox, a red double-
decker bus, its tires squelching through the hot asphalt of the road. So, this kind of thing
actually happens! Feeling ashamed at my rude silence, I gave in and asked, totally
confused and shocked, for clarification. Although, she was nice enough to swap around the
order of the words in the question: “Are you dark-skinned,” she asked, “Or very
light?” Finally, it made sense. I replied: “Are you asking if my skin is the color of regular
chocolate or milk chocolate?” Her confirmation was detached and formal, devastating in
how thoughtless and impersonal she sounded. I quickly changed my tactic and chose an
answer: “My skin color is West African sepia.” And then, after a reflection, I added, “at least
it is in my passport.” Then, there was silence again, as she imagined all the possible colors
I might be referring to. But then, her true feelings took over and she spoke harshly into the
phone.
“What is that?” she asked, admitting, “I don’t know what that is.” “It’s a brunette
color," I told her. “That’s pretty dark, isn’t it?” she asked. “Not entirely,” I replied. “My face is
brunette, but you should see the rest of my body, ma’am. My palms and the soles of my
feet are the color of bleached blond hair. Unfortunately, ma’am, all the friction from sitting
down has made my butt as black as a raven. Wait, hang on for a moment ma’am!” I said,
sensing that she was about to slam down the phone. That is why, “Ma’am,” I begged, “don’t
you want to see for yourself?”
 CONTEXT CLUES: Using context clues you’ve learned, choose the best meaning for the words
used in the story above.

1. And, in that silence, I could hear the tension between the landlady's prejudice and her
manners made her to be close-minded.
a. biases c. favor
b. judgment d. objectivity
2. She sounded like the kind of person who would be wearing a thick smear of lipstick and have a
long, gold-coated cigarette holder in her mouth.
a. dirty c. stain
b. smudge d. muddy
3. Now, I was stuck in a terrible position. “How dark are you?” she asked bluntly. The shock upon
hearing the question saddens me even more.
a. courteously c. rudely
b. honestly d. reserved
4. Although, I could smell her rancid breath hiding beneath her polite speech as if she will cannot bear
taking the time talking with me.
a. nasty c. inviting
b. disgusted d. unwelcoming
5. As shock as I was, I became stock of my surroundings: a red phone booth, a red mailbox, a red
double-decker bus. One by one I scanned whatever I could find around me.
a. Supply c. stupid
b. Inventory d. dumbfounded
6. The driver squelched the bus in time to avoid collision with another car.
a. silenced the passengers c. suppressed
b. shushed the passenger d. stepped the brake harshly
7. Due to cracked on the road, the workers fixed them by pouring hot asphalt to smoothen the its
surface and cover the cracks.
a. material used for pavements and c. road signs along the road
as a cement d. paint for road guide
b. roadblocks as warning device
8. Her confirmation was disconnected and formal, devastating in how thoughtless and impersonal she
sounded.
a. insensitive c. unconcerned
b. dispassionate d. detached
9. It’s a brunette color," I told her. Similar with the tree trunk or the ground in dry days.
a. chocolate c. grayish
b. brown d. green
10. Unfortunately, Ma’am, all the friction from sitting down has made my butt as black as a raven.
a. contact with a surface c. clashing of two parties
b. rubbing of surfaces d. a produced sound

Now that you have understood some unfamiliar terms found in the story, go back to the
Telephone Conversation story. Were you able to follow the sequence of events in the
story easily? Why do you say so?

Notice that the story became so easy to read is because of the underlined words or phrases in each
paragraph. They are what we call transitional devices that helps readers how each paragraph is connected
to the previous and next sentences. Go over the discussion below to know about the different types of
transitional devices. By the way, coherence is synonymous with logical connection between ideas. Notice
that they can be added before the sentence and they start with a capital letter, in between the sentence or
sometimes towards the end or the sentence.
 LET’S LEARN: TRANSITIONAL DEVICES FOR COHERENCE

Transitional devices are words or phrases that acts like bridges between sentences in
your paragraphs or essays. They are signals that help the reader or even you as the
writer to interpret ideas and understand meaning better. Transitional devices are words
or phrases that help convey a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to
another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally, transitional devices connect sentences and
paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no sudden jumps or breaks between ideas.

Transitional words and phrases connect and relate ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. They
assist in the logical flow of ideas as they signal the relationship between sentences and
paragraphs. In writing style, text is supported and written not only by the ordering of the material
(its position) but by connectors which signal order, relationship and movement. Note especially
how these connections function to develop, relate, connect and move ideas.

There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make
certain connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea
or thought, while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the previous
thoughts.

Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a given way.

To Add: To Compare and Contrast:

and, again, and then, besides, equally whereas, but, yet, on the other hand,
important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by
too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in comparison, where, compared to, up against,
addition, first (second, etc.) balanced against, vis a vis, but, although,
conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast,
although this may be true, conversely, still,
nevertheless, nonetheless, of course, or, in
spite, of this, actually, a year ago, now,
notwithstanding, for all that, strangely
enough, ironically

To Prove: To Show Exception and

because, for, since, for the same reason, Concession:
obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover,
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of,
besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any
despite, of course, once in a while,
case, that is
sometimes,

although, though, while, despite, to be sure, it

is true, true, I grant, granted, I admit,
admittedly, doubtless, I concede, regardless

To Show Time and Place:

immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first
(second, etc.), next, and then , above, behind, below, beyond, here, there, to the right (left),
nearby, opposite, on the other side, in the background, directly ahead, along the wall, as you turn
right, at the tip, across the hall, at this point, adjacent to

To Repeat:
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted, in summary, to sum up, to repeat,
briefly, in short, finally, on the whole, therefore, as I have said, in conclusion, as you can see

To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally,
surprisingly, always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a
doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation

To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now,
at this point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this,
simultaneously, concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon

To Give an Example: To Summarize or Conclude:

for example, for instance, in this case, in in brief, on the whole, summing up, to
another case, on this occasion, in this conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I
situation, take the case of, to demonstrate, to have said, hence, therefore, accordingly,
illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate thus, as a result, consequently

TRANSITIONAL DEVICES

Directions: Classify under each type the underlined transitional devices used in the story the
Telephone Conversation in the table below.

Addition: Comparison and Contrast:

Proof or evidence Exception:

Time and Place: Repetition:

Emphasis: Sequence:

Example: Summary/Conclusion:
 TRANSITIONAL DEVICES
Showing relationships within and Between sentences
Directions: Classify under each type the underlined transitional devices used in the story the
Telephone Conversation in the table below.
EXERCISE I. Circle the letter that correctly identifies the nature of the underlined
transition in each of the following sentences.

1. A water main downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no water for
hours.
a. addition c. comparison
b. time d. cause and effect
2. Even though most Americans are primarily concerned about AIDS as it exists in the
U.S., it should be remembered that it is now nearly a worldwide disease.
a. addition c. contrast
b. time d. comparison

3. Larry will probably be a late bloomer socially, just like his older brothers.
a. time c. comparison
b. contrast d. cause and effect

4. There are ways you can make boring tasks more pleasant. For instance, bring a
portable radio and listen to music on the earphones while you work.
a. contrast c. illustration/example
b. comparison d. cause and effect

5. The lazy checkout clerk forced the six-pack of cola into the bottom of the bag,
tearing it. Then she shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess you’ll have to carry
the bag from the bottom.”
a. time c. comparison
b. contrast d. illustration/example

6. Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke correctly predicted that satellites would be

used for communication. Moreover, in 1947 he correctly predicted that 1959 would
be the year the first rocket to the moon was launched.
a. addition c. contrast
b. time d. cause and effect

7. Some people in New Jersey built their houses very close to the shoreline.
Consequently, they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their property
from the sea.
a. addition c. illustration/example
b. contrast d. cause and effect

8. Running can make people more aware of their physical surroundings, such as the
scent of honeysuckle or the changing moods of the trees.
a. addition c. illustration/example
b. contrast d. cause and effect

9. Residents complain bitterly about potholes in the streets and sloppy trash pick-up, yet
these same people resist paying higher taxes for the improvement of these services.
a. time c. comparison
b. contrast d. illustration/example
10.Telephone interviewing allows for a large number of responses in a short time and at
relatively low cost. Moreover, the method permits interviewers to reach respondents
at specific times of the day; this is an important consideration in the study of radio
and TV listening habits.
 a. addition c. contrast
b. time d. comparison
EXERCISE 2: Choose from the transitional devices in the given box provided the best connectives that
best completes the paragraphs below.

A.

B.
 In the next part of this module, I will present the poem version of "Telephone Conversation"
written in 1963 by Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian writer. It is a poem that ridicules racism and
presents it jokingly or mockingly for entertainment and awareness about inequality Africans
experience at the same time for readers.

The price seemed reasonable, location

Indifferent. The landlady swore she lived
Off premises. Nothing remained
But self-confession. "Madam," I warn
"I hate a wasted journey--I am African."
Silence. Silenced transmission of
Pressurized good-breeding. Voice, when it came,
Lipstick coated, long gold-rolled
Cigarette-holder pipped. Caught I was foully.
"HOW DARK?" . . . I had not misheard . . . "ARE YOU LIGHT
OR VERY DARK?" Button B, Button A.* Stench
Of rancid breath of public hide-and-speak.
Red booth. Red pillar box. Red double-tiered
Omnibus squelching tar. It was real! Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
Considerate she was, varying the emphasis
"ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?" Revelation came.
"You mean--like plain or milk chocolate?"
Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light
Impersonality. Rapidly, wave-length adjusted,
I chose. "West African sepia"--and as afterthought,
"Down in my passport." Silence for spectroscopic
Flight of fancy, till truthfulness clanged her accent
Hard on the mouthpiece. "WHAT'S THAT?" conceding
"DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS." "Like brunette."
"THAT'S DARK, ISN'T IT?" "Not altogether.
Facially, I am brunette, but, madam, you should see
The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my feet
Are a peroxide blond. Friction, caused--
Foolishly, madam--by sitting down, has turned
My bottom raven black--One moment, madam!"--
sensing
Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap
About my ears--"Madam," I pleaded,
"wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?"
In the next part of this module, you will read about a poem entitled, "Telephone Conversation" written in
1963 by Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian writer. It is a poem that ridicules racism and presents it jokingly or
mockingly for entertainment and awareness about inequality Africans experience at the same time for
readers.

The price seemed reasonable, location

Indifferent. The landlady swore she lived
Off premises. Nothing remained
But self-confession. "Madam," I warn
"I hate a wasted journey--I am African."
Silence. Silenced transmission of
Pressurized good-breeding. Voice, when it came,
Lipstick coated, long gold-rolled
Cigarette-holder pipped. Caught I was foully.
"HOW DARK?" . . . I had not misheard . . . "ARE YOU LIGHT
OR VERY DARK?" Button B, Button A.* Stench
Of rancid breath of public hide-and-seek.
Red booth. Red pillar box. Red double-tiered
Omnibus squelching tar. It was real! Shamed
By ill-mannered silence, surrender
Pushed dumbfounded to beg simplification.
Considerate she was, varying the emphasis
"ARE YOU DARK? OR VERY LIGHT?" Revelation came.
"You mean--like plain or milk chocolate?"
Her assent was clinical, crushing in its light
Impersonality. Rapidly, wave-length adjusted,
I chose. "West African sepia"--and as afterthought,
"Down in my passport." Silence for spectroscopic
Flight of fancy, till truthfulness clanged her accent
Hard on the mouthpiece. "WHAT'S THAT?" conceding
"DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS." "Like brunette."
"THAT'S DARK, ISN'T IT?" "Not altogether.
Facially, I am brunette, but, madam, you should see
The rest of me. Palm of my hand, soles of my feet
Are a peroxide blond. Friction, caused--
Foolishly, madam--by sitting down, has turned
My bottom raven black--One moment, madam!"--sensing
Her receiver rearing on the thunderclap
About my ears--"Madam," I pleaded,"wouldn't you rather
See for yourself?"
 Next grammar lesson to learn are MODAL VERBS.
The modal verbs are :
RESENT FORM PAST FORM

can could
may might
must
shall should
will would

We use modals to show if we believe something is certain, possible or impossible:

My keys must be in the car. (expressing certainty that the key is in the car)
It might rain tomorrow. (expressing possibility although less likely to rain tomorrow)
That can't be Peter's coat. It's too small. (expressing in this case impossibility of something to be true)

We also use them to do things like talk about ability, ask permission, and make requests and offers:
I can't swim. (showing inability to swim)
May I ask a question? (asking permission to ask a question)
Could I have some tea, please? (requesting for a tea)
Would you like some help? (offering help)

For a more thorough discussion, visit the British Council page using this link :
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/english-grammar-reference/ability

Analyze the song, Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda by Beverley Knight. Find all the modals used in the lyrics.

Shoulda Woulda Coulda

People say that together we were both sides of the same coin
That we would shine like venus in a clear night sky
We thought our love could overcome the circumstances
But my ambition wouldn't allow for compromise

I could see in the distance all the dreams that were clear to me
Every choice that I had to make left you on your own
Somehow the road we started down had split asunder
Too late to realise how far apart we'd grown.
How I wish I, wish I'd done a little bit more

Now shoulda woulda coulda, means I'm out of time

'Cause shoulda woulda coulda, can't change your mind
And I wonder, wonder, wonder what I'm gonna do
Shoulda woulda coulda are the last words of a fool

People ask how it feels to live the kind of life others dream about
I tell them everybody gotta face their highs and their lows
And in my life there's a love I put aside, cause I was busy loving something else
So for every little thing you hold on to, you've got to let something else go

Fool if I would now forsake the opportunities are fate

I know I'm right where I belong
But sometimes when I'm not so strong I
Study these basic lists of Modal verbs with examples
 LET’S PRACTICE!

Directions: Choose the correct modal from the two choices from an article in a magazine about
regrets.

Regrets
As we get older and when we think about our past we sometimes ponder the things that
we (should/can) have done. And we also (may/shall) regret those things we did badly and the mistakes
we made. In reality, we be able (to/can) always learn from our mistakes and hope to never make them
again. For example, if I failed a test because of a lack of study, the next test I (will/must) hope to pass
because of hard work. Remember too that some regrets are not based in reality and we (must/may) waste
time thinking that they are. (Would/should) I have really not have been involved in a car crash if I had
been driving more slowly? After all, the other driver ought (to/will) have been concentrating and not playing
with their radio. We have (to/would) be honest with ourselves and live in the now. The only things we
used t(o/can) control are the things happening now, in this moment.

Seeing a crow eating a piece of bread, a fox thought how it _______ trick that fellow. It sad,
“ __________ I talk to you sir?” The crow didn’t even look at the fox. The fox again said.” ________
you please pay a little attention to me? What a nice bird you are! Your voice ___________ be very
sweet. I am sure you ____________ sing very well. “ The crow who ______________ not be
persuaded till then now looked at the fox. It __________ have felt flattered. The crow said to itself
. “ I’ll show this fox how well I ______________ sing.”It opened its beak. The piece of bread fell
down and was eaten away quickly by the fox.

Situation : Reception

Receptionist: Good morning. ___________ I help you?

Visitor : Good morning. We are planning to visit Solan. __________ you direct us on
how to get there?

Receptionist: ____________ you like to go by taxi or you will like to go by bus?

Visitor : We ____________ like to go by bus.

Receptionist : That is easy. Buses go from here to all the places around. But you can’t
enjoy the visit. You ____________ better take a taxi.
 Discussion Board
NAME: __________________________________________________ Section: _______________

DISCUSSION BOARD:
Use modals in explaining your answer to these two questions. Make sure to observe transitional
devices as well to make your ideas smooth and connected.

Why is there a need to know when to use modals or modal verbs and transitional devices?
How can this help us as English speakers and users of English?
 Post-Assessment

Follow the instructions carefully.

EXERCISE 1: Choose the Transition that best expresses the Relationship Between Sentences

1. Polls show that Tony Blair is the most popular prime minister of England during this century.
____________________, there are even members of his own political party who are uneasy with his
approach to economic issues.
In particular, However, For instance

2. There are some slight variations in temperature, but ____________________________ 26° to 27°
should be expected.
Consequently, Otherwise, As a rule

3. The two main Channel Islands, ____________________________, Jersey and Guernsey, are much
closer to France than to England.
For example, Namely, In particular

4. It was announced that nurses’ working hours would be increased by 25 percent.

____________________________, even fewer trainee nurses are expected to join the profession.
As a result, So that, Likewise

5. Sales of CDs have experienced a small but steady fall over the past five years.
____________________________, vinyl records have seen a substantial increase in their share of the
music sales market, up to 3 percent.
Above all, Correspondingly, Similarly

6. The Vice President explained that because of the current financial situation and because of the
company’s bad debts, it will be necessary to freeze salaries at their current level for all staff members.
____________________________, no one will get a pay raise for at least two years.
Nevertheless, In other words, Similarly

7. It is clear, therefore, that the economic situation in Brazil will improve slowly.
____________________________, the economic problems that Japan is experiencing, the outlook is
slightly more optimistic.
Furthermore, In comparison, With reference to

8. In order to try to reduce car use in cities, the government has announced new restrictions on company
parking spaces and ____________________________ a new tax on individual car use will be
implemented.
As well as, In addition, In the same way

9. Essays must be handed in by the due date. ____________________________, they will not be
accepted.
Obviously, Otherwise, As a result

10. ____________________________ it has been shown that damage to the wood can occur at high
temperatures, the
usefulness of the material should not be overlooked.
Nevertheless, Because, Even though

EXERCISE II. Circle the letter of the word that correctly identifies the appropriate transition word or
phrase to complete the sentence. Then, classify under which kind of transition it belongs to.

1. __________ the invention of television, people probably spent more of their leisure
time reading.
a. Nevertheless b. Because c. Before
The transition word indicates: addition, cause and effect, time

2. If you’re having company for dinner, try to get as much done in advance as possible.
__________, set the table the day before.
a. For instance b. In contrast c. Similarly
The transition word indicates: illustration/example, comparison or contrast

3. __________ I’m very allergic to flowers, my boyfriend bought a bouquet of roses.

a. Until b. Because c. Even though
The transition word indicates: time, contrast, addition

4. My grandfather loves to say, “You’re as nervous __________ a long-tailed cat in a

roomful of rocking chairs.”
a. after b. as c. as a result
The transition word indicates: cause and effect, time, comparison

5. __________ Manny’s car stereo was on full blast, I could see his lips moving, but I
had no idea what he was saying.
a. Moreover
b. Because
c. Just as
The transition word indicates: comparison, addition, cause and effect

EXERCISE III.
DIRECTIONS: Fill in can, have to, may, might, must, need, should or (not) allowed to.

1. George has travelled a lot. He speak many languages.

2. I can hear you quite well. You not shout.
3. I'm not sure where I will go for my holidays, but I go to Italy.
4. She ride her bike at night without lights. It's not allowed.
5. She not eat so much chocolate because it's bad for her figure.
6. I understand him. He should speak louder.
7. It's later than I thought. I go now.
8. You a better trainer if you want to improve yourself.
9. Talk to Ann about your problems. I'm sure she help you.
10. You not vacuum the carpets because Carol has already done it.
11. You be tired because you have worked very hard.
12. He come to my party because he is ill.
13. He go to the dentist when he has toothache.
14. It's not very important. You not do it now. You do it tomorrow.
15. you speak many languages?
16. I don't know what I'm doing this weekend, but I go to London.
17. Smoking is very unhealthy. You stop it.
18. Playing football in this park.
19. You have got plenty of time. You not hurry.
20. You have a passport to visit most foreign countries.
EXERCISE 4
DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks in the following paragraph using the appropriate modals:

Situation A:

Najma : _____ I borrow your bicycle?

Salma : I am sorry. The bicycle is out of order. Do you know a mechanic in this village
to whom I ______ take the bicycle?

Najma : I do not know but I _______ try to find someone who ______ repair your bicycle.

Situation B:

Juan : Papa, we have long Christmas vacation. We ____ visit our grandmother who has
called us many times.

Papa : My programme is not certain so far. It ______ be clear by the week-end.

We _____ leave the station after that only.

Juan : _________ we take our puppy with us?

Papa : You _________ if you so like.

Mother : No. You _______ not. It _______ be a cause of trouble to the whole family there.

Juan : That is my responsibility. You know it ________ not act against my wishes.

Mother : Well then it is all right.

References
ALL ABOUT AFRICA
Boyes, S. Getting to Know Africa: 50 Interesting Facts. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
NEWSROOM. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
Transitional Devices
https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/wole-soyinka/telephone-conversation
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/transitions_and_transitional_devices/transitional_de
vices.html#:~:text=Transitional%20devices%20are%20words%20or,jumps%20or%20breaks%20bet
ween%20ideas.
https://www.fhsu.edu/writingcenter/documents/transitional-words-and-phrases
http://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/374/transitions_homework_worksheet.pdf
https://mld.metu.edu.tr/tr/system/files/transitions_0.pdf

Modals
https://www.bellenglish.com/blog/story-modal-verbs/
https://targetstudy.com/languages/english/modal-exercise-6.html
 Answer Key
PRE-COMPETENCY QUICK SURVEY

TRANSITIONAL DEVICES

A.

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 B.

MODALS

Text 1: Regrets

As we get older and when we think about our past we sometimes ponder the things that
we should have done. And we also may regret those things we did badly and the mistakes we made. In
reality, we can always learn from our mistakes and hope to never make them again. For example, if I
failed a test because of a lack of study, the next test I will hope to pass because of hard work. Remember
too that some regrets are not based in reality and we may waste time thinking that they are. Would I have
really not have been involved in a car crash if I had been driving more slowly? After all, the other
driver ought to have been concentrating and not playing with their radio. We have to be honest with
ourselves and live in the now. The only things we can control are the things happening now, in this
moment.

Text 2: Ans. could, may, would, must, can, could, must, can
Situation Reception: Ans.: (a) may (b) can (c) would (d) should (e) should

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