I.

Technical Vocabulary for Drama

 Drama
Drama is a term that refers to the broad range of literary work, both prose and poetry,
meant to be performed in front of an audience. Some forms of dramatic arts include
plays, opera, ballet, and mime. In the modem era, drama is a specific genre of a play,
film, or television. In this sense, drama refers to stories that are more serious rather
than light-hearted in tone.
Technical Words
1. Ballet - A type of performance that tells a story through dance and setting.
2. Opera - A type of performance in which the story is told through song.
3. Mime - A type of performance that tells a story through the movement of the
actors, without speech.
4. Comic relief - Refers to a break in the tragedy through a humorous line, action, or
episode.
5. Cast - Refers to the people selected to perform the characters in a drama.
6. Role - Refers to the character portrayed by a cast member.
7. Ensemble - The collaborative effort and interaction of all the cast members.
8. Monologue - A long speech delivered by a single character.
9. Prologue - A speech given before the start of the drama.
10. Script - The written dialogue, directions and character descriptions provided by
the dramatist.

Verbal and Non-verbal Strategies

The story in one-act play is portrayed through the words and actions of the
performers. In a short story or a novel, the author portrays the message through
figurative language and vivid descriptions.
On the other hand, the audience learns more about the characters and the story
through the effective portrayal of the cast. The cast should utilize both verbal and non-
verbal strategies to be able to perform effectively. The performers must be able to
deliver the message through the proper use of verbal and nonverbal strategies.
Verbal Strategies
1. Memorize the script and run lines with the other cast members.
2. Check the pronunciation of any difficult words. Make sure to practice saying the
difficult words aloud.
 3. While performing, enunciate the words carefully. The audience will rely on the
delivery of the cast to understand the story, so make sure to leave no room for
misinterpretation.
Non-verbal Strategies
1. Observe the correct use of intonation, volume and stress while speaking. Vary the
pitch of the delivery according to the emotions being portrayed.
2. Vary the facial expressions to match the mood and the emotion of the dialogue. The
face must be expressive enough to be seen by the people from the back of the theater
or the classroom.
3. Use body language appropriately. The body language of a performer will help deliver
the emotion of the dialogue when effectively combined with the spoken words.
4. Scriptwriters usually include the stage directions on the script itself. Make sure to
read the script and stage directions carefully to know when to stand, sit, walk, run or exit
the stage.
Summary:
• Drama refers to a broad range of literary works, including plays, opera, ballet,
and mime, intended for performance in front of an audience.
• Key technical vocabulary includes: ballet, opera, mime, comic relief, cast,
role, ensemble, monologue, prologue, and script.
• Effective drama performance relies on both verbal and non-verbal strategies.
II. Verb
As early as elementary, the basic parts of speech have been taught to students.
One of these parts of speech is the verb. A verb is a word that is used to convey an
action, a state of being or an occurrence. It functions as the predicate in a sentence.
Examples:
The lady dances beautifully.
She is excited for the trip.
Verb Tense
The tense of the verb indicates the time when the action is completed, being
completed or will be completed. There are three main tenses in the English language,
which are past, present, and future.
Simple Tense
The simple tense of the verb indicates action that habitually happens. It is the most
basic form of the tense of the verb.
1. Simple Past Tense
The simple past tense is used to indicate an action that was started and
completed in a specific time in the past. It is formed by adding -d or -ed to the end of
regular verbs, or by changing the spelling of irregular verbs.
Example: He walked to school this morning because he missed the bus.
2. Simple Present Tense
The simple present tense is used to express a repeated or habitual action. It is
formed by adding -s or -es to the end of the verb for a singular subject. For a plural
subject, the base form of the verb is used.
Example: The little girl and her dad visit the park every Friday afternoon.
This tense is also used to express a basic fact or truth.
Example: The Earth revolves around the sun.
3. Simple Future Tense
This tense is used to convey an action that will occur in the future. It Is formed by
adding the auxiliary verb will or shall at the beginning of the base form of the verb.
Example: Our family will visit Paris next summer.

Continuous Tense of the Verb

The continuous tenses of the verb convey actions that are in progress, were in
progress or will be in progress. These tenses are also known as progressive tenses.
1. Past Continuous Tense
This tense is used to convey an activity progressing in the past. It often indicates
an action that was occurring when another action occurred or interrupted the first action.
This tense follows the sentence pattern was/were + present participle of the verb.
Example: The teacher was discussing the lesson when the bell rang.
2. Present Continuous Tense
This tense is used to convey an activity that started in the past and is still
happening at the time of speaking. It follows the sentence pattern is/are + present
participle of the verb. It usually comes with time expressions such as now, presently,
at the moment, currently, and right now.
Example: Belle is reading a book now.
3. Future Continuous Tense
This tense is used to convey an activity that will be happening in the future. It
follows the sentence pattern will/shall + be + present participle of the verb.
Example: Anna and May will be attending the party this Sunday.

Summary:
Verbs are words that express actions, states of being, or occurrences, and they
change form depending on the tense, which indicates when an action takes place. The
three main tenses are simple past, which describes completed actions in the past;
simple present, which expresses habitual actions or general truths; and simple future,
which refers to actions that will happen. In addition, continuous tenses show ongoing
actions. The past continuous describes an action that was happening at a specific
time in the past, the present continuous refers to an action currently in progress, and
the future continuous indicates an action that will be happening at a specific time in
the future. Understanding these tenses helps in constructing clear and grammatically
correct sentences.
III. Plot Devices
A plot device is a technique or tool used by writers to move the narrative forward.
To make a compelling and satisfying, the plot device must be well-written and smartly
executed. A well-execute plot device will enhance the reading experience of the
audience. A writer may use several plot devices in a story.

Common Plot Devices:

1. Love Triangle
This is a popular plot device in love stories. Two characters are in love with the
third character, and the third character must choose between the two.

Example: Katniss Everdeen must choose between two men who love her, Peeta
Mellark and Gale Hawthorne in Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

2. MacGuffin
A MacGuffin is an item, an object, a device, or even a person, which is essential
to the plot and the motivation of the characters. It is something significantly important
that the characters need to find or attain.

Example: The One Ring in The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien is the most
powerful and dangerous artifact created. The plot of the story is the journey of the
characters to destroy the ring.

3. Cliffhanger
When a part of the story ends in a shocking and suspenseful manner, with the
readers not knowing what happens next, it ended with a cliffhanger. A well-executed
cliffhanger will leave the audience immediately wanting to read more. It is usually placed
at the end of a chapter or an act in a play.

Example: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). After Doctor Strange casts a spell
to make everyone forget Peter Parker, Peter visits MJ at the coffee shop, intending to
remind her of their relationship. However, he hesitates and leaves without telling
her, leaving audiences wondering if MJ and Peter will ever reunite.

4. Deus Ex Machina
This plot device involves resolving the major conflict of the story by a character, a
force, or concept that appears suddenly and out of nowhere.

Example: In Medea by Euripides, Medea kills her children and was about to kill her
unfaithful husband Jason when the sun god Apollo comes down from the heavens on
his chariot to take her away to the heavens.

5. Flashback
This plot device involves interrupting the current narrative to reveal a past event
to provide a backstory or Context to the current situation.
Example: In Titanic (1997), Rose, now an elderly woman, sees a news report about
items salvaged from the wreck, including a drawing of herself as a young woman.
This triggers a flashback to her past, transporting the audience back to 1912 when
she was aboard the Titanic. The film then unfolds primarily through her
memories, showing her experiences, romance with Jack, and the tragic sinking
of the ship.

3 Tips for Using Plot Devices in Your Writing

Plot devices can enhance any story when used effectively. Here are five writing tips to
make sure you employ yours to maximum effect:

1. Use plot devices to enhance your core story.

2. Keep your plot devices organic to the narrative.
3. Learn the difference between plot devices and literary devices.

Summary:
A plot device is a technique used by writers to advance the story and enhance
the reader's experience. Common plot devices include the love triangle, where a
character must choose between two love interests; the MacGuffin, an object that
motivates the characters' actions; the cliffhanger, which leaves the audience in
suspense; deus ex machina, a sudden resolution to a major conflict; and the
flashback, revealing past events for context. To use plot devices effectively, writers
should ensure they enhance the core story, fit naturally into the narrative, and
distinguish between plot and literary devices.

IV. Content in Persuasive Speeches

 To analyze the content of a persuasive speech, the listener must first understand
its different elements. A persuasive speech starts with the introduction, where the
main idea of the speaker is stated. The main idea is his or her position about an issue.
The introduction is followed by the body, which contains the arguments that support the
position. The last part is the conclusion, which summarizes the speech and restates
the stand of the speaker.

 Personal Opinions
Being able to express one’s ideas about a certain issue is important for all
students to master. This skill can be applied not just in daily conversations, but also in
the classroom and in professional settings. It is essential to learn how to speak up and
agree or disagree with a topic.

Tips to Express Opinions

1. Use expressions to introduce the opinion such as the following:

a. I think… d. I feel that…

b. I believe that… e. In my experience…
c. In my opinion…

2. Give a brief explanation of the opinion. Particularly in a classroom or professional

setting, it is important to explain why the opinion is warranted.
3. Be confident. An opinion is based on one’s personal beliefs or emotions, so there is
no right or wrong answer.
4. Avoid being offended when other people do not have the same opinion, and be
respectful of their opinions as well.

Summary:
A persuasive speech is a type of speech that aims to convince the audience to
agree with the speaker’s viewpoint. It follows a clear structure: the introduction states
the main idea or position, the body presents arguments that support the position, and
the conclusion summarizes the speech while reinforcing the speaker’s stand. To
effectively persuade others, strong reasoning and supporting evidence are essential. On
the other hand, expressing personal opinions is an important skill in daily
conversations, academic discussions, and professional settings. When sharing
opinions, it is helpful to use expressions such as "I think," "I believe that," or "In my
experience." Additionally, it is important to explain opinions clearly, be confident, and
respect differing viewpoints. Understanding the difference between persuasion and
opinion helps students communicate their ideas effectively in different situations.

V. Perfect Tense
 The perfect tense refers to an action that is “perfected.” The word perfect comes
from the Latin word perfectum, which means “complete.” The perfect tense denotes an
action that has already been performed or happened.

1. Past Perfect Tense

This tense conveys an action that was completed before another action in the
past. This tense follows the sentence pattern had + past participle of the verb and
includes the words before and by the time. The second action is in the simple past
tense.

Example:
 She had graduated before she started looking for a job.

It is also used to show an action that was completed before a specific time in the past.
Example:
 The children had left for school before nine in the morning.

2. Present Perfect Tense

This tense is used to denote an action that was completed in an unspecified time
in the past. It follows the sentence pattern has/have + past participle of the verb.
Instead of stating when the action was completed, the present perfect tense states an
experience. It uses the time indicators ever, never, many times, before, already, in
the past, yet, and others.

Examples:
 Ryan has seen the movie Ghostbusters twenty times.
 Kate has already arrived in Singapore.

3. Future Perfect Tense

This tense is used to denote an action that will occur before another action in the
future. This tense follows two sentence patterns: will have + past participle of the
verb, and be + going to have + past participle of the verb. The second verb is in the
simple present tense.

Examples:
 He will have finished the project before the boss asks for it.
 He is going to have finished the project before the boss asks for it.

It is also used to convey an action that will occur before a specific time in the future.

Examples:
 Most of the repairs of the house will have been completed by next month.
 Most of the repairs of the house are going to have been completed by next
month.

Summary:
 The Perfect Tense describes completed actions in different time
frames. The Past Perfect (had + past participle) refers to an action finished before
another past event. The Present Perfect (has/have + past participle) expresses an
experience or an action completed at an unspecified time in the past. The Future
Perfect (will have + past participle) indicates an action that will be completed before
a specific future event or time.