Philippine Literature S
Philippine Literature S
Philippine Literature S
1 2
techfactors Inc.
The EnglishTek K-12 Series offers a holistic and fun approach to learning English. EnglishTek is
founded on the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach to develop language
competencies. EnglishTek offers a blended learning program through the best practices in
language education inside the classroom combined with e-learning technologies in order to
-
KS E R I E S
make learning engaging and relevant for students. With EnglishTek, students become effective VOLUME 1
communicators who can understand and produce meaningful discourse, all the while enjoying
Philippine Literature
rich and vibrant learning experiences.
in English
VOLUME 1
Series Coordinators
EnglishTek 7
Frances Paula L, Ibanez, M.A.
Alexander C. Maximo, M.A.
Authors
Ma. Jendell Valin Y. Kirong
Leovigilda M. Tumaneng
B.EG7.1.14.1
7
Philippine Literature
in English
Vol. 1
Series Coordinators
Alexander C. Maximo, M.A.
Frances Paula L. Ibaez, M.A.
First Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this courseware may be reproduced or copied in any form, in whole, or in part, without written
consent of the copyright owner.
Creative Writer Ma. Jendell Valin Kirong, Leovigilda Tumaneng, and Zenia P. Lazaro
Content and Editorial Cristina G. Saulo, Ma. Regina B. Pearroyo, Eris Heidi L. Ramos,
and Jean Marie M. Romualdez
Creatives Julius Caesar G. Barredo, Darylle R. Cajucom, Regina M. Zapata, and Samboy M. Dela Torre
Illustration Julius Caesar G. Barredo and Darylle R. Cajucom
Systems Kim A. Benebese, Mark B. Abliter, Allan Nicole C. Celestino, Kenneth T. Salazar, Robie Marc R. Peralta,
Kadmiel D.G. Ramos, and Raymond P. Baguio
The materials reprinted in this book, both literary materials and images, are obtained from open domain sources. The
copyrights of the literary materials have already expired, and thus are free from copyright in their respective countries and in
the Philippines.
Any lapse or oversight is unintentional and will be corrected in the next editions.
The EnglishTek K to 12 series is TechFactors innovation in English learning. Based on the principles of Communicative
Language Teaching (CLT) and Blended Learning, EnglishTek incorporates current practices in language learning and
educational technology. Aside from developing communicative competence in students, EnglishTek meets the competency
standards of the Department of Education K-12 curricula and also focuses on honing vital 21st century skills, giving
graduates a competitive advantage.
Lessons in the EnglishTek 7 to 10 volumes are literature-based. They follow the Directed Reading Approach (DRA)
which provides students with various activities before, during, and after reading. These activities include schema activation,
vocabulary enrichment, comprehension exercises, and real-life application of values. Graphic organizers are also provided in
the book to help learners map their ideas and improve their learning strategies and information processing. These engaging
activities are all designed to target communication skills. They also create occasions for the students to hear and use the target
language.
Moreover, EnglishTek provides holistic learning by highlighting the Reading-Writing connection. Each reading selection
is followed by a literary analysis, as well as a discussion of a related grammatical point. The grammar lessons are then
connected to a writing lesson. This ensures that the learning of the students is applied. In these writing lessons, EnglishTek
provides students with support through model paragraphs and guided practice.
Most of all, learning is made relevant by situating learners in context and by using situations, examples, and texts that can
be found in the real world. Through authentic materials that reflect Filipino values, learners can develop connections between
their classroom learning and their life experiences.
We hope that, with this series, students become effective communicators in English and simultaneously enjoy the learning
process. By building these critical foundations of communication, we hope to produce effective communicators that think
critically and can create meaningful discourse.
TechFactors Inc.
iii
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Leovigilda Tumaneng
Leovigilda Tumaneng is a graduate of the University of the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies,
major in Language. She currently serves as editor in the Legal Affairs division of the Department of Agrarian Reform central
office, after working for a few years in the business process outsourcing industry.
iv
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Lesson 1: Endeavor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Air Castles by Juan Salazar
Understanding Figurative Language
Subject and Predicate
Writing with a Purpose
Lesson 2: Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Bolo by Loreto Paras Sulit
Predicting
Forms of Subject
Brainstorming and Clustering
Lesson 3: Discoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Pioneer by N.V.M. Gonzalez
Using Context Clues
Action Verbs, Linking Verbs, and Helping Verbs
Asking Questions and Researching
Lesson 4: Mementos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lola Sims Handkerchief by Paula Angeles
Drawing Inferences
Tense, Mood, and Voice
Topic Sentence
Lesson 5: Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
The Magic Glasses by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo
Questioning Characters Motives
Objects
Developing Supporting Sentences
Lesson 6: Endurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Children of the Snarl by Marne L. Kilates
Engaging the Senses
Articles
Pitfalls in Writing Supporting Sentences
Lesson 7: Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Kalesa: The Passing of a Lifestyle
Reading Nonfiction
Adjectives
Unity
Lesson 8: Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Breaking Through by Myrna Pena Reyes
Using Prior Knowledge
Adverbs
Achieving Coherence through Transitions
v
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
vi
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Activity. Read each word and its corresponding meaning, and then answer the To recognize imagery in
exercise that follows. poetry and understand its
usefulness
Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate word from the list. Each word To recognize subject-verb
can only be used ONCE and must be formed correctly. inversion in a sentence and
know its uses
1. When the power went out last night, I instantly ______________ for
the flashlight. To determine ones purpose
2. For the royal theme party, my three-year-old son wore a blue velvet robe for writing a paragraph
and a ______________.
3. The calm waves of the clear, blue sea ______________ the excited
tourists.
4. His mothers tears did nothing to weaken Miguels ______________ to
join the army.
5. The future seems ______________ for the young man who won 300
million pesos in the lottery.
6. Because of the pleasant weather, the farmers in the ______________
enjoyed a bountiful harvest.
2
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Knowledge Activation
As you start your first year as a high school student, you will definitely encounter a lot of changes. You will also
find yourself facing a number of challenges along the way. The listening text for this activity is a blog entry written by
a student like you. From this blog, try to find out the writers suggestions on how you can adapt to changes and handle
challenges in high school.
Activity 1
Have you ever heard of the idiom building castles in the air? What does it mean? Write down the meaning of this
expression on the left column. Then on each box on the right column, write down the goals you want to achieve at the
end of your first year in high school.
Activity 2
Discuss the passage you heard. Share your opinions and thoughts about it. Use the questions below as guide in your
discussion:
Oral Interaction
How do you plan to succeed in high school? Is your attitude toward the future positive or negative? Why? Share your
thoughts with a partner. Afterwards, read the poem Air Castles by Juan Salazar. Find out what the speakers attitude
toward the future is.
3
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Air Castles
by Juan Salazar
About the Author. Prior to the coming of the Americans to the Philippines, Filipino writers generally penned their
works in Spanish and in their local dialects. Juan Salazar was part of the first batch of Filipino writers who used the
English language in their writing. He and his contemporaries crafted poems and stories modeled after American writers.
This is why early Philippine literature in English is called the period of imitation. Air Castles demonstrate the
Filipino writers early attempts in experimenting with the English language.
Critical Viewing. Analyze the significance of the airplane in the illustration below. What do you think the airplane
symbolizes? After reading, decide whether this illustration best depicts the poem. Is the speaker in the poem a young
woman or a young man? What specific elements in the poem make you say so?
4
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
STANZA ONE
STANZA TWO
STANZA THREE
STANZA FOUR
5
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Comprehension Questions
1. What do you think does the title Air Castles refer to? Explain using examples from the poem.
2. What does the speaker in the poem think of the future?
3. What figures of speech can you identify in the poem? Give some examples and explain the meaning of each.
4. How does the speaker feel about Shakespeare? Do you also admire a particular literary writer?
5. What is the speakers attitude towards work?
6. In one sentence, summarize the meaning of the last stanza.
7. Which among the speakers ideas do you agree with? How do you think this poem relates to a student like you?
8. Rewrite one stanza in the poem. Why did you choose to rewrite this particular stanza? Provide justifications for
your choice.
Literary Analysis
Activity
A. What other images are created in your mind as you read Air Castles? What concepts or ideas do you associate
with these images? How do these images help you understand the poem better? Explain by citing examples from
the poem.
B. Imagery is evident in several Philippine poems as well. Read the poems that your teacher will assign to you. Then,
complete the chart on the next page by interpreting the imagery used in the lines from each poem.
6
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Figurative language is a special way of using language. It differs from ordinary speech because it re-creates the literal
meaning of certain words. Here are some of the commonly used examples of figurative language:
1. Simile - Two different things are compared through the use of words such as like or as. Simile suggests that one
thing resembles the other in a particular respect.
Chloe is like a flower.
The two things being compared here are Chloe and flower. Specifically, Chloe is being compared to a flower. This
does not mean that Chloe is a flower. It means that Chloe and a flower have similar qualities. A flower is pretty
and delicate, and Chloe is also pretty and delicate. Therefore, Chloe is like a flower.
2. Metaphor - Somewhat similar to simile, in that two different things are also being compared. Unlike similes,
however, metaphors do not use like or as. Whereas similes compare two things, a metaphor states that one thing is
the other thing.
All the worlds a stage.
There are two parts of a metaphor. The first one is tenor, or the original thing being compared. The second part is
the vehicle, or the thing with which the tenor is being compared.
In the metaphor above, the world is compared to a stage. World is the tenor and stage is the vehicle.
7
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
5. Synecdoche - There are two kinds of synecdoche. The first one is pars pro toto, or a part is used to denote the whole
thing. The second one is totum pro parte, which literally means the whole for the part.
(pars pro toto): He has six mouths to feed.
A part of the human body (mouth) is used to stand for the human body itself.
(totum pro parte): The history of the Philippines is interesting.
A part is named after a larger whole. Only the Philippines is used instead of Republic of the Philippines.
6. Onomatopoeia - Words imitate the sound of the things they stand for.
tick-tock, choo-choo, whoosh, vroom
Activity
Re-read Air Castles. For each item, identify a line from the poem which uses the kind of figurative language
indicated. In the example below, the phrase My lifes tomorrow beckons me is an example of personification because the
abstract word life is given a human ability to beckon.
Synecdoche
Simile
Personification
8
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Oral Communication
In Air Castles, the speaker talked about his or her plans for succeeding in the future. Write a short self-
introduction you will recite in class and tell details about your own plans. Include the following in your self-introduction:
your first and last name
the stanza or stanzas that inspire you the most
why the stanza(s) inspire you
your expectations of high school
how you plan to succeed in high school
In Air Castles, the speaker expressed his admiration for Shakespeare, his success and his work as a skilled literary
artist. With a group, choose a scene from a Shakespearean play. Re-create the scene by creating dialogue and characters
in a modern-day setting.
As you may recall, an English sentence has two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject is the topic of
the sentence. It is the component of the sentence that is being or doing something. The subject is signaled by a noun
or a noun phrase. Meanwhile, the predicate says what the subject is being or doing. The predicate is signaled by a verb or
a verb phrase.
In declarative sentences, the subject is commonly found at the beginning of the sentence.
Subject Predicate
The simple subject in the example above is the noun tomorrow while the simple predicate is beckons. The noun
phrase My lifes tomorrow is considered the complete subject and the verb phrase beckons me from distant mountains is the
complete predicate.
In imperative sentences, on the other hand, the subject is missing because the subject you is implied.
Subject Predicate
9
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Grammar Workout
A. Identify the complete subject and the complete predicate in the following items by underlining the subject and
encircling the predicate. Do this even for sentences where the subject or predicate is missing.
2. The clouds are dark and heavy with the promise of rain.
5. It is afternoon.
10
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
11. She wipes the sweat on her brows and stands up.
14. When it finally pours, she has been waiting half an hour.
15. How awful it is, she says, to live a life without rain.
B. The following sentences show subject-verb inversion. Encircle the complete subject in each sentence.
7. Only in this new city can I find opportunities for my personal development.
C. Pick at least five sentences from A and rewrite each into a sentence where the subject comes before the predicate.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________________________________
11
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Form a group with five to seven members. Think of yourselves as a group of alien
refugees still adjusting to life on planet Earth. Assign one or two members of the group
to host a talk show, while the rest will be acting as alien refugees asked to guest on the
talk show. The alien refugees will be asked to describe their first time doing human
activities as if it is new or strange for them. Prepare to present the talk show in class.
You may discuss the following activities or come up with your own:
In the previous activity, you have been asked to describe doing an activity for the first time from an aliens perspective.
When you attempted to write your script for the talk show, you may have written a set of sentences to discuss your idea.
In the writing process, you may have taken the following into account:
If you have written a set of sentences focusing on a particular idea or a theme, you may have already built an outline
for an actual paragraph. A paragraph is a unit of thought that is centered on a specific idea or theme. The sentence
containing the central theme or idea is called the topic sentence while the sentences that support the central theme are
called supporting sentences.
In developing a paragraph, you plan ahead by thinking about your main purpose for writing. This is similar to what
you did when developing your script as a guest on the talk show. You may write to fulfill any of the following:
1. to express yourself
2. to inform your readers
3. to analyze a concept or idea
4. to persuade readers to do or think about something
A paragraph may actually achieve more than one purpose, but it is always best to start your paragraph by knowing
which purpose to focus on. Having a clear purpose in mind leads to a focused, concise, and organized paragraph.
12
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
To get started on your writing activity, read the following paragraph. Determine the main purpose of the writer and
try to familiarize yourself with the strategies used to achieve the purpose. Let the questions guide you as you read.
Individual Activity
A. List possible titles for the following topics. Based on the titles you wrote, identify a possible purpose for writing
your paragraph.
1. High School
2. Joining a Club
3. Computers and Education
4. School Meals
5. Making Friends
B. Choose a title from those you wrote for A and write a topic outline for your paragraph.
Title: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea: ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
1. ________________________________________________________________________________________
a. ____________________________________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________
a. ____________________________________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________
a. ____________________________________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________________________________
13
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
1 2
techfactors Inc.
The EnglishTek K-12 Series offers a holistic and fun approach to learning English. EnglishTek is
founded on the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach to develop language
competencies. EnglishTek offers a blended learning program through the best practices in
language education inside the classroom combined with e-learning technologies in order to
-
KS E R I E S
make learning engaging and relevant for students. With EnglishTek, students become effective VOLUME 2
communicators who can understand and produce meaningful discourse, all the while enjoying
Philippine Literature
rich and vibrant learning experiences.
in English
VOLUME 2
Series Coordinators
EnglishTek 7
Frances Paula L, Ibanez, M.A.
Alexander C. Maximo, M.A.
Authors
Ma. Jendell Valin Y. Kirong
Leovigilda M. Tumaneng
B.EG7.1.14.1
7
Philippine Literature
in English
Vol. 2
Series Coordinators
Alexander C. Maximo, M.A.
Frances Paula L. Ibaez, M.A.
First Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this courseware may be reproduced or copied in any form, in whole, or in part, without written
consent of the copyright owner.
Creative Writer Ma. Jendell Valin Kirong, Leovigilda Tumaneng, and Zenia P. Lazaro
Content and Editorial Cristina G. Saulo, Ma. Regina B. Pearroyo, Eris Heidi L. Ramos,
and Jean Marie M. Romualdez
Creatives Julius Caesar G. Barredo, Darylle R. Cajucom, Regina M. Zapata, and Samboy M. Dela Torre
Illustration Julius Caesar G. Barredo and Darylle R. Cajucom
Systems Kim A. Benebese, Mark B. Abliter, Allan Nicole C. Celestino, Kenneth T. Salazar, Robie Marc R. Peralta,
Kadmiel D.G. Ramos, and Raymond P. Baguio
The materials reprinted in this book, both literary materials and images, are obtained from open domain sources. The
copyrights of the literary materials have already expired, and thus are free from copyright in their respective countries and in
the Philippines.
Any lapse or oversight is unintentional and will be corrected in the next editions.
The EnglishTek K to 12 series is TechFactors innovation in English learning. Based on the principles of Communicative
Language Teaching (CLT) and Blended Learning, EnglishTek incorporates current practices in language learning and
educational technology. Aside from developing communicative competence in students, EnglishTek meets the competency
standards of the Department of Education K-12 curricula and also focuses on honing vital 21st century skills, giving
graduates a competitive advantage.
Lessons in the EnglishTek 7 to 10 volumes are literature-based. They follow the Directed Reading Approach (DRA)
which provides students with various activities before, during, and after reading. These activities include schema activation,
vocabulary enrichment, comprehension exercises, and real-life application of values. Graphic organizers are also provided in
the book to help learners map their ideas and improve their learning strategies and information processing. These engaging
activities are all designed to target communication skills. They also create occasions for the students to hear and use the target
language.
Moreover, EnglishTek provides holistic learning by highlighting the Reading-Writing connection. Each reading selection
is followed by a literary analysis, as well as a discussion of a related grammatical point. The grammar lessons are then
connected to a writing lesson. This ensures that the learning of the students is applied. In these writing lessons, EnglishTek
provides students with support through model paragraphs and guided practice.
Most of all, learning is made relevant by situating learners in context and by using situations, examples, and texts that can
be found in the real world. Through authentic materials that reflect Filipino values, learners can develop connections between
their classroom learning and their life experiences.
We hope that, with this series, students become effective communicators in English and simultaneously enjoy the learning
process. By building these critical foundations of communication, we hope to produce effective communicators that think
critically and can create meaningful discourse.
TechFactors Inc.
iii
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Leovigilda Tumaneng
Leovigilda Tumaneng is a graduate of the University of the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies,
major in Language. She currently serves as editor in the Legal Affairs division of the Department of Agrarian Reform central
office, after working for a few years in the business process outsourcing industry.
iv
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Lesson 1: Divergence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Construction by Joel M. Toledo
Identifying the Speaker
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Narration: Definition
Lesson 2: Justification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
On the Eve of Execution by Jaime L. An Lim
Listening
Subject-Verb Agreement Part 1
Narration: When to Use
Lesson 3: Diaspora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Delotavos Diaspora by Marne L. Kilates
Relating Texts and Pictures
Subject-Verb Agreement Part 2
Narration: How to Organize
Lesson 4: Open-mindedness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Gabrielle by Joachim Emilio Antonio
Interactive Reading
Consistency in Verb Tense
Narration: Transition Devices
Lesson 5: Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
New Yorker in Tondo by Marcelino Agana Jr.
Summarizing
Active and Passive Voice
Strategies in Writing Effective Sentences
Lesson 6: Ingenuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Monkey and the Turtle
Identifying With a Character
Semicolon
Techniques in Narration: In medias res
Lesson 7: Risk-taking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Dead Stars by Paz Marquez-Benitez
Identifying Evidence
Colon
Techniques in Narration: Linear
Lesson 8: Intrepidity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Tuwaang Attends a Wedding
Clarifying
Dash
Techniques in Narration: Flashback
v
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
vi
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
the trees or wood used for constructing houses and To cite ways of identifying
ti _ _ er
furniture
the speaker(s) in a literary
non-ne g _ _ _ able not open to change through discussion work
Many advocacies related to saving the environment have been launched worldwide. The
Philippines, with its abundant natural resources, is not an exception to this trend. However,
certain policies that favor the environment seem to pose certain problems. Listen as your
teacher reads the text for this activity. Learn about the struggle between environmental preservation and sustaining
livelihoods. To better understand the text, do the first activity on the next page
2
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
What do you think are the pros and cons of cutting down trees? Write your answers under each column.
Activity 2
What dilemma is introduced in the text? What reasons are given for persistent illegal logging in the area? What
do you think of the solutions proposed in the article? What alternative solutions do you think should be considered?
Compare your answers with those of your classmates.
Oral Interaction
How do you feel about the practice of cutting down trees? What do you think of its causes and effects? Why do
peoples opinions differ when it comes to environmental protection and urban development? Share your answers with a
partner. Afterwards, read the poem and relate it to the issue of environmental protection versus urban development.
3
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Construction
by Joel M. Toledo
About the Author. Joel M. Toledo holds a bachelors degree in English and Journalism as well as a masters degree in
Creative Writing, all of which were acquired from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He has received various
awards for his poetry which include the 2006 Meritage Press Poetry in San Francisco, Bridport Prize in the United
Kingdom, the NCCA Writers Prize, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, and the Philippines Free Press Literary
Award in the Philippines. He has published three books on poetry: Chiaroscuro, The Long Lost Startle, and Ruins and
Reconstructions. He is working on his fourth collection of poetry. He is currently a professor of Literature at Miriam
College. He is also the literary editor of the Philippines Free Press.
Critical Viewing. Analyze the significance of the illustration below. What do you think do the birds symbolize? After
reading, decide whether this illustration best depicts the poem. Who do you think is the speaker in the poem? What
specific elements in the poem make you say so?
4
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Understanding Literature
Comprehension Questions
1. What tone is conveyed in the first six lines? What sets them apart from the rest of the poem?
2. What mental images can you form based on the words the author used in the poem? What do these images
represent?
3. How is the imagery essential to the meaning of the poem? Is the imagery unique or effective? Why or why not?
4. What details would you have used to create imagery if you were the writer of the poem?
5. Why is there a shift in the use of pronouns? Who do the we and they refer to? Who do you think is the I in
the poem?
6. What effect does the poem have on you? What emotions or feelings does the poem evoke? How do these
emotions relate to your understanding of the poem?
7. What vowel and consonant sounds are repeated in the poem? Does the repetition of sounds make the poem more
effective? Why or why not?
8. In the sentence, everyone is tired and not listening, who is the speaker referring to? Justify your answer.
9. What do the italicized phrases mean? Would the poem be different if there were no italics used? Explain your
answer.
10. What does the author mean by what is left in the middle? Why was it described as non-negotiable?
11. What opposing perspectives did the speaker present? What does this say about society today?
12. What is your opinion of the title? Did reading the poem change your interpretation of the title? Is it fitting for the
poem? Why or why not?
5
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
It has been said that asyndetons are more popular in speech than in writing, and notable
examples include Julius Caesars famous line, I came, I saw, I conquered. Another notable
and well-quoted example is Abraham Lincolns government of the people, by the people,
for the people in the Gettysburg Address.
In poetry, asyndetons are also effective especially if the writer wants to maintain the rhythm and to create an
impression of continuity or sameness among the words, phrases, or clauses positioned next to each other.
Activity
A. Identify the asyndetons in Construction, and rewrite each asyndeton by adding the missing conjunction.
B. Compare the asyndetons and the rewritten versions above. How do the asyndetons enhance the literary effect of
the poem? How do they affect your understanding of the poems meaning?
Responding to Literature
Oral Communication
6
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
With your group, look for a poem that is related to the environment, and be prepared to participate in a poetry
reading with the entire class. Remember to practice reading the poem effectively, and try to integrate other elements into
your reading (slideshow presentation, sound effects, gestures, mime, etc.)
Identifying the speaker in a poem or story is crucial to your understanding of it. This is because the speaker influences
your perspective of the literary piece. As a reader, you are looking at a story or subject through the speakers eyes, and this
perspective may also influence you without your knowing it as you read and interpret the text. Knowing the speaker will
help you understand the poem or storys meaning through the following:
Activity
Describe the speaker in Construction, by completing the table below. Make sure to cite parts of the poem as
supporting evidence for your answer.
How would you describe the speaker or persona in the poem (gender, personality, opinions, etc.)?
How is the speakers gender, personality, opinions, etc, reflected in the poem?
Is there more than one speaker involved?
Who is the speaker talking to? What does the speaker want to tell the audience?
7
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Pronouns are used to substitute nouns to avoid the unnecessary or awkward repetition of the same noun.
In the example above, the sentence would sound better if Brandons is replaced by his.
When pronouns are used, the nouns they substitute are called antecedents. In the example above, the antecedent
for the pronoun his is Brandon. Pronoun-antecedent agreement is essential in writing because incorrect pronoun-
antecedent pairings could lead to confusion, misunderstanding, or ambiguity. Mistakes involving pronoun-antecedent
agreement could affect the readers understanding of an entire sentence, paragraph, or essay. As a writer, using pronouns is
inevitable, so please make sure that the pronouns agree with their antecedents to avoid problems.
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in terms of person, number, and gender.
John called me last night. He told me that the spa is open daily.
In the example above, both the pronoun and antecedent agree in terms of person, number, and gender; both are in the
third person, singular, and masculine.
Most mistakes in pronoun-antecedent agreement, however, emerge because they do not agree in terms of number, so
it is best to pay attention to the following rules, which are also related to subject-verb agreement.
1. The following pronouns should be treated as singular: anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one,
nobody, either, and neither.
Everyone is required to turn off his or her own cell phone before the presentation.
In the example above, some people would use his instead of his or her. However, the latter is the gender-sensitive option.
2. When quantifiers are used (some, any, none, all, most), use singular pronouns with uncountable nouns and plural
pronouns with countable nouns.
After much difficulty, I managed to transfer most of the salt in its new container.
Some of the kids barely finished their breakfast because they were very excited to play outside.
- Compound subjects joined by or/nor because the pronoun is formed after the noun that is positioned closer to the
verb
Neither the principal nor the teachers brought their keys to the faculty room.
8
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
The baseball team won its first game of the season. (The baseball team is acting as a group.)
The baseball team congratulated their new captain. (The members of the baseball team are acting as separate
individuals.)
5. Be wary of nouns that look like plural nouns but actually function as a singular entity. (book titles, names of countries,
organizations, subjects, etc.)
Grammar Workout
A. Fill in the blanks below with the correct pronoun.
1. The famous fast food chain Glorious Chickens is now facing the ire of environmental activists for ________
part in supporting illegally acquired timber.
2. According to reliable sources, Glorious Chickens buys _______ packaging material from the Pulp Company.
3. The Pulp Company is allegedly using illegal timber for _______ packaging material.
4. Neither the employees nor Mr. Rafters, the CEO of the Pulp Company, has given ________ response to the
allegations.
5. The illegal timber is acquired from the rainforests which tigers inhabit, thereby threatening ________ home
and ________ lives.
9. Finally, on April 1, 2014, every person who joined the campaign received the news that _________ (has/have)
been waiting for.
10. The highly controversial company and famous fast food chain declared the end of ________ contract with the
Pulp Company.
9
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
12. ________ are hoping to repeat the success of the Save a Tiger campaign.
13. Each of the companies buying from Pulp Company will soon have to face _________ share of angry critics
and consumers, all of which are eager to put a stop to illegal logging.
14. As for Glorious Chickens, sales figures have picked up since ________ started using environment-friendly
packaging.
15. In fact, ____ marketing staff has recently launched a series of advertisements proudly featuring the companys
environment-friendly materials and ingredients.
B. Provide an appropriate noun to serve as the antecedent of the pronoun(s) in each sentence.
1. ________________ have started to address the worldwide call to stop using hazardous chemicals in their
manufacturing practices.
2. One by one, ________________ made a public commitment to completely eliminate the release of toxic
chemicals in their supply chain.
3. Those who have failed to heed the public outcry against the discharge of toxic chemicals will face a great deal
of pressure from ________________ who are committed to their cause.
4. ________________ of the EarthComesFirst Movement (ECFM) are particularly known for their ingenious
antics that effectively attract public sympathy to their advocacies.
5. ECFM started the practice famously known as tree-hugging, the act of embracing ________________ to
keep them from being cut down.
6. For the past fifty years, ________________ has accumulated a formidable list of achievements to its name.
7. That is why many companies guilty of using and releasing toxic chemicals have wisely chosen to give in to the
activists demands, _________________________________ even as it cost them millions of dollars.
8. The powerful ________________ and ________________, however, remains undeterred by the protests and
the growing public hostility against him.
9. The controversial CEO of the Akron Group has allegedly destroyed an entire ________________ by
disposing toxic chemicals in its swampland.
10. ________________ near the swampland have fled for fear of inhaling the lethal fumes, thereby losing their
homes and livelihood.
10
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
12. Media practitioners say that a long battle awaits ________________ if it continues to ignore the mounting
public pressure.
13. A/an ________________ of environmental groups and nonprofit organizations has been formed, with
ECFM at its helm.
14. In view of the recent issues, ________________s performance in the stock market is waning, causing dissent
among its shareholders and board members.
15. Will ________________ stand his ground and will his decision save his billion-dollar company?
Collaborative Task
Pretend that you are part of an environmental group affiliated
with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and that you are organizing a
public campaign to save a certain animal species that is threatened by
human activities (illegal logging, underwater noise pollution, poaching,
construction of a residential/industrial/commercial property, etc.). To get
the publics attention, you will feature a picture of the said animal and
write a story about it. The story must contain the following elements, in
no particular order:
the threat
how the threat will affect/has affected the animal
the animals life before and after the threat emerged
Prepare to present your story in class. Use gestures, pictures, and sound effects.
What elements do we expect to find in a narrative? Of course, like in a news report, we establish the answers to the
crucial Wh- questions (What? Who? When? Where? Why? How?). Such details may pertain to a singular event, or a
series of connected events. The word connected is essential to narration because any story-teller makes an effort to
piece details together so that they would make sense to the reader.
When telling a joke, for instance, we may reveal an essential detail at the very end to create humor. This strategy is
11
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
Guided Reading
Read the following unfinished passages, and identify the elements or characteristics of narration present in each.
Where is it possible to At 8:00 this morning, the famous country singer Janey Glibson died peacefully
find this piece of writing? in her Greendale estate after years of battling breast cancer. She was 82 years
Justify your answer.
old. She was described by friends and family as a cheerful, loving woman who
relentlessly smiled at the cameras despite her pain. She even obliged visiting
reporters a rendition of her famous hits. She will be missed by millions of fans
around the world.
12
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
A. In the previous activity, you were asked to write a story that will turn the publics attention to the plight of
endangered animals. Think of a similar issue or advocacy that you strongly support, and write it on the box below.
B. Create a short narrative to promote the advocacy. Incorporate the different elements of a narrative to create an
interesting and effective piece.
13
Philippine Copyright 2014 Techfactors, Inc.
www.techfactorsinc.com