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English
Quarter 2 – Module 4:
Formulating Claims of Fact,
Policy and Value
English – Grade 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 4: Formulating Claims of Fact, Policy and Value
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education, SDO Nueva Ecija

Schools Division Superintendent: Jessie D. Ferrer, CESO V
OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendents: Mina Gracia L. Acosta, PhD, CESO VI
Ronilo E. Hilario

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Sherry Ann DC. Sareno

Editor: Yvita T. Idaba
Reviewer: Yvita T. Idaba
Illustrator: Sherry Ann DC. Sareno
Layout Artist: Sherry Ann DC. Sareno
Layout Evaluator: Jommel P. Paz
Cover Designer: Mark G. Asuncion
Management Team: Jayne M. Garcia, EdD
Ma. Checilia S. Bagsic, PhD
Beverly T. Mangulabnan, PhD
Eleanor A. Manibog, PhD

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written for the learners. After going
through this module, the learner is expected to:
1. Formulate claims of fact, policy and values (EN10 WC -IIb-13.2)
2. Name the parts of an argumentative essay
3. Construct an argumentative essay on a chosen topic

What I Know

In this part of the lesson, you are going to answer questions which you
might not have an idea about. Don’t worry because it only aims to measure
how much knowledge you have on the lesson to be tackled in this lesson. Just
be honest in your answers and you will never go wrong. Let’s do it!

Match the words in column A with their definition in column B

Item # Column A Column B

A.an essay purposely written to influence its

_____1. readers through usage of facts and evidences
conflict

______2. Argumentative B. to prove that something is not true

Essay

______3. claim C. strong disagreement between people,

groups that results often in argument

______4. inference D. to say that something is true when some

people may say it is not true.

______5. refute E. a conclusion or opinion that is formed

because of known facts or evidence.

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 Lesson
Formulating Claims of
1 Fact, Policy and Value
We all encounter conflicts in our daily undertakings. This can be
experienced in schools, in relationships, siblings, school workloads, family
members, and even within ourselves. In making sound decisions, one has to
display maturity of thoughts in expressing his opinion. How do we arrive into
such mature decision-making?
When you are vigilant, observant or keen on what is happening around
you, you have a great chance of getting more prudent of life events and
instances. This only means that you have to develop a well-rounded
personality which is based on what is true and what is right, rule-bound facts
and moves. In this lesson, let’s find out how well you can handle yourself in
asserting your point of view as you encounter conflicts and be at the center of
arguments, and winning over it at most times.
Making sound judgments is a skill which always needs to be guided
with the facts, rules and values integrated into man’s life. Without man’s
proper conviction, he would not be able to arrive in a confident, unwavering
point of decision. This module will help you arrive in a more certain judgment,
through the given guided exercises for you to work on.

What’s In

Draw a if the statement is right or true, and a if it is not right or

false.

1. If a pregnant woman eats a twin banana, she gives birth to a twin, too.
2. Every student has the obligation to make their best in their studies.
3. The ocean is a huge body of water, so it can wash away all our wastes.
4. It is alright for a policeman to beat the traffic lights; nobody would run
after them anyway.
5. Mona does her job as a doctor, that’s why she still works even her health
might be at risk of contamination of the virus.

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 What’s New

1. Imagine yourself in a contest, where the panel would like to know how
witty you are. How would you answer the following questions? Pen down
your ideas or thoughts on a piece of paper/notebook.

A. If you were to choose on what to prioritize, studying or earning

money, what would you choose? Why?

B. Between face to face instruction and modular distance learning,

what seemed to be more effective?Why?

C. If you were an elected public servant and had a surplus budget of

100 Million to be used for programs and projects of different
government sectors such as health, disaster management,
education, agriculture, etc., what sector will you give the biggest
share? Why?

2. How did you find answering the questions? Was it easy or difficult?
What made it easy/difficult for you to arrive at a certain answer?

What is It

Discussion of Activity 1

The main purpose of argumentative essays is to persuade the reader,

and in order for the writer to make this happen, he has to present claims that
would be useful in an argument. There are three types of claims:

a. Claims of fact is a statement asserting that a condition has existed,

or exists, which is supported by factual information. The question
often asked is “Is it true or false?”

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 A fact is a statement that can be verified or is based on an actual
study or condition
An example of fact:
In Metro Manila, there is an average of 86 daily road accidents
involving motorcycles in 2019. (https://visor.ph/traffic/mmda-releases-motorcycle -
accident-figures)
Inferences are conclusions based on a given factual data.
An example of inference:
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drunk driving.
b. Claims of value expresses approval or disapproval attempting to
prove that some action, belief or condition is right or wrong, good or
bad. The question being asked is “How critical is it?”
Example of claim of value: Plastic surgeries to enhance one’s beauty
is not morally upright.
c. Claims of policy suggests an adoption of certain policies or course
of action because a particular problem has arisen that calls for
solution. The question to be answered is “What should people do
about it?”
Example of claim of policy:
Since the pandemic, the MMDA has supported the bikers along
EDSA by giving them special lanes would be of great help for the bike
riders to avoid road accidents.
(http://home.olemiss.edu/~egjbp/comp/essay1.html)

What’s More

Independent Activity 1

An Argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to

support the claim. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the
argument being made.

Characteristics of an Argumentative Essay

A good argumentative essay has the following characteristics:

1. Presents and explains a current issue or case;
2. Uses facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just
the author’s thoughts and opinions;
3. Presents a refuting statement to show logic on the writer’s point of
view;
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 4. Calls the reader into action by implying on what should be done to
solve the tackled issue.

Structures of an Argumentative Essay

Aside from learning the characteristics, the writer must also have the
knowledge on the different parts of a good argumentative essay.

There are four basic parts of an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction – it introduces the problem and gives the background
information needed for the argument and the thesis statement. The
writer can use a powerful, eye-catching hook to grab the reader’s
attention. Hook can be in the form of a question or a striking statement.
The introduction also includes the thesis statement – it is a simple
sentence stating the main argument and point of view of the writer.
2. Body – is composed of 2-3 strong arguments. This part contains the
claims of the writer on the issue; presents evidences based on credible
facts and statistics to support the claim
3. Refute – an opposing statement in one paragraph
4. Conclusion - rewrite the thesis statement, and end of the essay using
a strong and persuasive statement which could move the reader into
action.
(https://essayclick.net/blog/argumentative-essay-outline)
(https://writemyessay4me.org/blog/argumentative-essay-topics)

Independent Assessment 1

Draw a heart if the statement tells the truth about an argumentative

essay.

_______ 1. An argumentative essay is written to persuade the readers through

the writer’s thoughts and opinions alone.
_______ 2. The end part of the essay is the reiteration of the main point
discussed by the author.
_______ 3. The reader must be moved by the strong statements in the
conclusion mobilizing them into action.
_______ 4. Author’s arguments may not present facts and statistics in his
claims.
______ 5. A good argumentative essay leaves the reader entertained after
reading.

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Independent Activity 2

Before reading the text, reflect on the following questions:

1. What do you think are the advantages /disadvantages of alcohol to our
body?
2. Why do you think people drink alcohol?
3. How can alcohol help prevent spread of COVID 19?

Read the following text then try to identify the various parts of an
argumentative essay. Enjoy reading!

Alcohol to Prevent COVID 19

The rise of COVID 19 which placed the world in a great crisis today,
also gave birth to the use of alcohol as a basic step in preventing the spread
of the dreadful virus. One health protocol recommended is using alcohol or
hand sanitizer especially to those who go out in public places, like markets,
grocery stores, and drugstores where the chance of contamination is high.
Due to its very high demand, there was a scarcity of supply in the market,
and eventually became expensive.

Using alcohol as hand sanitizers is effective in controlling the spread

of the disease because of its content. Liquors and wines also contain alcohol
substances. Can we use liquors and wines too as a substitute for ethyl
alcohols in preventing the virus?

Some Filipinos thought of using wines and other alcoholic beverages

to substitute ethyl alcohols because of its high price. There was also a
thought that drinking it becomes more effective instead of just using it as
hand sanitizers. Can alcohol really be an effective way to prevent COVID
19?

Alcohol found in beverages gives a hallucinogenic effect to a person,

making him weak in terms of decision making and physical alertness. This
alters the behavior of the person under the influence of alcohol. That is the
reason why most vehicular accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

Heavy consumption also gives off to weaker immune systems, which

are more likely to acquire infectious diseases. Since COVID 19 attacks the

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respiratory system, a person must improve his immune system in order for
him to fight against viruses and other infectious diseases. If his immune
system is weak, he has the tendency to acquire it, and worst, putting his
life and his family’s at risk.

In a drinking session, social distancing is violated where

contamination is at high risk. Since there is a lockdown, where everyone is
required to stay at home, and social distancing is emphasized. This is
already violated in a drinking spree.

Ethyl alcohols found in hand sanitizers are way different from alcohol
found in beverages. The former is used externally, while the latter is
ingested.

Alcohol is useful in the prevention of the virus; you just have to

choose which one to use.

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Independent Assessment 2

Using the diagram below, fill in the parts of an argumentative essay

based on the text you have read. Tell the paragraph number, and copy some
significant lines pertaining to the parts of the essay being asked.

Introduction (Thesis
Statement)

Refute
Body (claims
(Opposing
and
Body (claims statement)
evidences)
and evidences)

Conclusion

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Independent Activity 3

Making Definitions

Here are the basic guidelines in writing definitions:

1. Focus on the dictionary meaning. A definition should contain the

information about the word and what the word refers to. Omit
unnecessary words to make it brief yet clear.
2. Make it simple. Avoid using highly technical terms to define a word.
Remember, the purpose of a definition is to clarify meaning, so use
words which target readers would clearly understand.
3. Avoid specific terms. Use conventional English words whenever
possible, for many readers to understand. Stay away from jargon. Use
highly technical terms to cases involving people in special fields such
as physicians, military officers, lawyers, others.
4. Avoid circularity. Do not define by using the same word. Use different
terms to define a word.
5. Make it simple. Write with simple grammatical structures rather than
complex ones. Place key terms and short explanations near the start
of the definition.
(http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Help:Writing_definitions)

Independent Assessment 3

Read again the argumentative essay: Alcohol to Prevent COVID 19.

Take note of some unfamiliar words you have encountered while reading, then
list them down in the table below. Search for their meaning in the dictionary,
as to how they are used in the essay. Be guided with the given guidelines
above.

Unfamiliar word Definition

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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 What I Have Learned

If you were in the midst of a conflict with a friend because of your

differences in belief, how would you convince him/her that you have a better
point of view? Use a comic strip to illustrate your answer.

Arguments (A) Arguments (B)

VS

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 What I Can Do

Compose an argumentative essay applying the parts and pointers you

have learned. You may dwell on the suggested topics, or you may use a topic
of your choice.

Suggested topics:

1. Is social media beneficial or a destruction to social interaction? Why?

2. Is modular and online learning effective? Why?
3. Romantically, is it possible to feel genuine love on social media? Why?
4. Who makes a better leader, a male or a female? Why?

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 Assessment

Explore your knowledge by completing the crossword puzzle below.

3 4

ACROSS DOWN

2 An act of will 1 a prudence or wisdom in the

management of affairs

4 bring into action 2 a statement for or against

something

6 to cause someone to do, 3 a short piece of writing that

something by asking, arguing, tells a person’s thoughts or
or giving reasons opinions about a subject

8 an opinion or decision that is 4 to say that something is true

based on careful thought when some people may say it is
not true

5 usefulness or importance

7 something that truly exists or

happens

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 Additional Activities

Recount an instance in your life where you experienced conflict with anyone
but you successfully settled through peaceful and intelligent argument.

My Personal Experience

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What I Know What's More Assessment
C Independent Assessment 2 Crossword Puzzle
A
B Introduction Down
E (Thesis Statement)
D -paragraph 2 Policy
Body (Claims Argument
and evidences) Essay
-paragraphs 4,5,6 Claim
Refute Value
-paragraph 7 7 .fact
Conclusions
-paragraph 8 Across
2. action
4. call
6. persuade
8. judgment
Answer Key
References
A. Websites:

Essayclick. ‘Argumentative Essay

Structures.’https://essayclick.net/blog/argumentative-essay-outline.
June 22, 2020

Padgett, John. ‘First Assignment: Write Op-ed

piece.’http://home.olemiss.edu/~egjbp/comp/essay1.html. June 24,
2020

Sarne, Vernon. ‘MMDA Releases motorcycle accident figures in Metro Manila

for .(https://visor.ph/traffic/mmda-releases-motorcycle -accident-).
June 22, 2020

Wiktionary. ‘Help: Writing Definitions.’

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Help:Writing_definitions. June 23, 2020

World Health Organization, Europe. “Alcohol and COVID 19: What You Need
To Know”.
https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/437608/Alco
hol-and-COVID-19-what-you-need-to-know.pdf. October 10, 2020

WritemyEssay4Me. ‘101 Argumentative Essay Topics Recommended by Top

College Tutors.’ https://writemyessay4me.org/blog/argumentative-
essay-topics. June 25, 2020

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