SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL– Reading and Writing Skills

Student’s Name:
________________________________ Grade: ______________
Teacher: ______________________________________ Date Submitted:_______

I. LEARNING SKILLS

A. Most Essential Learning Competency:

Formulate evaluative statements about a text read
B. Objectives
After going through this Learner’s Packet, you are expected to:
✔ define assertion
✔ identify the types of assertions
✔ formulate assertions about the content and organization of texts

II. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

What is an assertion?
When someone makes a statement expressing his strong belief in it, as if it is
true, though it may not be, he is making an assertion. Assertion is a stylistic approach or
technique involving a strong declaration, a forceful or confident and positive statement
regarding a belief or a fact. Often, it is without proof or any support. Its purpose is to express
ideas or feelings directly.
The function of assertion is to let readers sense that they should not disagree
or dispute what they read or hear; rather, they should accept the idea or notion as an
indisputable fact. It has proved to be one of the best approaches for writers to express their
personal feelings, beliefs, and ideas in a direct way. By using this technique, writers can
defend others’ feelings and rights if violated. This rhetorical style also expresses self-
affirmation and rational thinking of personal respect or worth. It is very common in various
fields of life, like literature, politics, advertisements, and legal affairs.
Source: https://literarydevices.net/assertion/

Types of Assertion
1. Basic Assertion. It is a simple and straightforward statement for expressing feelings,
opinions, and beliefs such as:

“I wish I could have expressed this idea earlier, because

now someone else has taken the credit.”
“Excuse me, first I want to finish my work, then I shall go
with you.”

https://literarydevices.net/assertion/

RO_Senior HS_Reading and Writing_Q2/4_LP1 1

2. Emphatic Assertion. It conveys sympathy to someone, and usually has two parts: the
first encompasses recognition of the feelings and situations of the other person, and the
second is a statement that shows support for the other person’s viewpoint, feelings, or rights
such as:

“I understand you are busy, and me too, but it is difficult for me

to finish this project on my own. So, I want you to help me
complete this project.”
“I know this is making you angry and frustrated because you
have not gotten a response yet. But I can help you by giving you
an estimate of how long it might take.”
https://literarydevices.net/assertion/

3. Positive Assertion. This expresses positive feelings or emotions. To make this assertion,
one gives a reason or an explanation for feeling good.

I’m glad you came back to see me.”

“I did a good job working with that upset student.”
https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-is-an-example-of-an-assertion/

4. Preference. Preference relies on personal choice. These are completely subjective

assertions that cannot be objectively proven.

I want a blue handbag.

I like curried chicken.
I would rather watch movies at home on DVD than in the
theatre.

You can write a simple paragraph of assertion by following these steps.

1. Read and understand the text thoroughly

2. State your assertions regarding the text or the author’s ideas.
3. You can cite the actual statements in the text that led you to make such
assertions.
4. Explain your assertions and provide support.

In addition, you must also take note of the following tips to be able to produce a
believable assertion, most applicably in writing assertions for persuasive and argumentative
texts.

❖ Be knowledgeable.

In order to make the reader believe in what you are trying to stand up for, examine the
topic thoroughly. You cannot write about it, if you don’t really understand what the text is all
about.

❖ Back it all up.

RO_Senior HS_Reading and Writing_Q2/4_LP1 2

 Research and gather useful information as much as you can to support your own
assertions and make it stable and solid. Be careful and leave out irrelevant evidence to avoid
confusion for the readers.

❖ Be clear and concise.

Get straight to the facts. Let the readers know what you want them to know at once
and present them complete with supporting details.

III. ACTIVITIES
A. PRACTICE TASKS

Practice Task 1: Make the right choice!

Read each item and choose the correct answer. Write your answer on the blank
provided.
_____ 1. This type of assertion expresses personal choice of the writer.
a. Preference b. Emphatic c. Basic d. Positive
_____ 2. Which DOES NOT characterize assertion?
a. It can be based on facts.
b. It can be based on one’s opinion.
c. It seeks to explain the author’s argument.
d. It aims to convince the readers to accept the author’s claim.
_____ 3. The following are types of assertions EXCEPT _____________.
a. positive assertion c. assertion of preference
b. emphatic assertion d. assertion of expression
_____ 4. Assertions may focus on the _________________.
a. content and properties of text
b. print and readability of text
c. writer’s personal biases
d. author’s educational attainment
_____ 5. Which shows a definition of assertion?
a. Assertion supports the ideas of the author.
b. Assertions are statement of facts and opinions combined.
c. Assertions are used to make statements strong and convincing.
d. Assertions are declarative statements made to convince readers
to agree with the author’s claim.
Practice Task 2: What type?
Identify the type of assertion being expressed in each of the following statements. Write
your answer on the blank provided before each number.

1.___________

I really enjoyed reading the article. It contains a lot of information yet it

is not tiring to read. The language used is very simple that one can understand
the content even without consulting a dictionary.

RO_Senior HS_Reading and Writing_Q2/4_LP1 3

2.___________

One good thing that catches me is the use of similes and metaphors in this
article. It is really nice when an author illustrates concepts using comparisons of
different things. I am amazed of how imaginative he is. The comparison really
helped me understand the idea better.

3.____________

I am pleased that the author chose to end the story with a dramatic twist
to the protagonist’s decision to leave the country. Otherwise, the exciting story
line would have had an anticlimactic ending.

4._______________

As I read the article “Sex Education: Does It Matter” by Jade Roxanne R.

Lo stating the inappropriateness of sex education in elementary, I was filled with
same worries. I also fear how the pupils would react during the discussions
considering their very imaginative and curious minds. I share the same
apprehensions with the author and as a mother, I believe that it is still best that
sex education remains to be family matter until such time that these young
children become more ready to take the subject responsibly.

5._______________

The time I read the opening statement of the author about “the
unconditional love of a mother”, I can’t stop but utter “Talaga, it’s true”, and I
already become teary-eyed even without having read the entire article. It is one
of the best as it talks about love that only mothers could give—a topic that I’ve
always loved

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Practice Task 3: Complete Me
Directions: Complete the table below by formulating a statement of assertion on the
topic given. Prove your assertion by giving reason and evidence. Number 1 is given as your
guide. Use another sheet of paper for your answer.

TOPIC ASSERTION REASON

COVID-19 COVID-19 has affected our Because we only learn from the
studies. modules

INTERNET

BULLYING

CELLPHONES

EDUCATION

JUNKFOODS

B. ASSESSMENT
Candy Wars created by Stephen Nicolini is an engaging activity to establish an
assertion, find a reason and back it up with evidence.

Students will decide what their favorite candy is. For instance, students could assert
that Hershey's Kisses are the best candy because of the delicious taste. Next, students will
find a strong reason, such as the delectable milk chocolate flavor. Finally, students will
research Hershey's online to find three facts to back up their reason and make a poster
explaining their assertion, reason and evidence, using three pieces of their favorite candy.

IV. RUBRIC FOR SCORING

For Assessment

Indicator Score

Graphic Relevance 50
Graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand. All
borrowed graphics have a source citation.
Graphic Originality 25
Graphics used on the poster reflect a exceptional degree of student
creativity in their creation and/or display.
Attractiveness 25
The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and
neatness.
Total 100

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V. ANSWER KEY

Practice Task 1.
1.a 2. c 3. d 4. a 5. d
Practice Task 2.
1.Basic Assertion
2. Preference
3. Positive Assertion
4. Emphatic Assertion
5. Preference

Practice Task 3.
Answers may vary

VI. REFLECTION/ COMMENTS/ SUGGESTIONS

_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

VII. REFERENCES

Belino, M. Critical Reading as reasoning. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/mobilemarykatrinebelino/critical-reading-as-reasoning-
78474306 on June 20, 2020

Huang, S. Formulating Assertions and Counterclaims. Retrieved from

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/433631315/Formulating-Assertions-and-
Counterclaims on June 18, 2020

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Ki, C.N.O, Ramirez,J., & Rosario, B. (2020). Taxing Online Business. Manila Bulletin. June
14, 2020. Retrieved from https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/14/taxing-online-business/
on June 21, 2020.
Literary Devices: Definition and Examples of Literary Terms. Retrieved from
http://literarydevices.net/assertion/ on June 18, 2020.
Malipot, M. & San Juan A. (2020). Learning in the time of coronavirus. Manila Bulletin, March
12, 2020. Retrieved from https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/11/learning-in-the-time-of-
coronavirus/ on June 20,2020
Mateo, J. (2020). Online education offers more opportunity to Filipinos. Retrieved from
https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/education-and-
home/2018/12/27/1880111/online-education-offers-more-opportunity-filipinos/amp/
on June 21, 2020
Pag-iwayan, J. (2020). What Filipino Teachers Think of Online Classes. Manila Bulletin. June
4, 2020. Retrieved from https://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2020/06/04/what-filipino-teachers-
think-of-online-classes/ on June 21, 2020
Singh, H. (2016). In answer to: Do students in the classroom have a better learning experience
than online students? Retrieved from
https://www.researcgate.net/post/Do_students_in_the_classroom_have_a_better_lea
rning_experience_than_online_students on June 21, 2020

Study guide for Reading and writing Grade 11. Retrieved from https://www.quipper.com on
June 18, 2020a-dumb-idea.html.

Prepared by:

JENNY B. BALONA – Teacher III APRIL D. MANALLO – Teacher III

National High School Rizal National High School
SDO – Sorsogon Province SDO – Sorsogon Province

Layout Artist:

LEMUEL F. DE RAMON – Teacher II

Bulusan National High School
SDO – Sorsogon Province
Quality Assured by:

MARICEL M. DINEROS CLAUDIA MARILOU S. MARPURI

Education Program Supervisor Education Program Supervisor
SDO – Sorsogon Province SDO- Iriga City

ELSA B. REGALADO - Teacher III

Perpetual Help National High School
SDO- Iriga City

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