Name: ____________________________________ Grade & Section: ________Date: _____
GRADE 10 ENGLISH
Quarter 4/Week 6
Topic: Making Definitions
Learning Competencies & code: Observe correct grammar in making definitions.
(EN10G-IIa-29)
Concept/Short Input:
A definition is a statement of the meaning of a term (a word, phrase, or another set of
symbols). Full definitions are composed of:
A. a term to define
B. the general class to which the term belongs, and
C. a distinguishing characteristic which separates the term from the other members of the
same class.
Distinguishing
Example of a Definition: term defined general class characteristics
A microphone is a piece of equipment that you speak into to make your
voice louder, or to record your voice or other sounds.
PATTERNS OF DEFINITION
A definition uses one of these patterns:
Pattern 1: term = class + distinguishing characteristics
A is / are B which / that C
is defined as of V+ing / N
refers to by which
denotes V+en
Examples:
Freedom is the ability to do what is right.
Family is a group of people who are bound together
by love. Biology is a branch of science dealing with the study of
life.
Pattern 2: class + distinguishing characteristics = term
B which / that of C is/are called A
V – ing is / are
by which is / are known as
for
V+en
Examples:
The ability to do what is right is freedom.
A group of who are bound is called family.
people together by love
A branch of dealing with is biology.
How To Shorten Full Definition
Full definitions can be shortened. To do this, you have to identify the distinguishing characteristic of
the term defined.
term defined general class distinguishing characteristics (relative clause)
Study this example:
Protein is a highly complex substance that present in all living organisms.
Certain changes can be done to shorten full definitions.
Rule #1: Drop the relative pronoun and the verb “be” if the relative clause contains an adjective.
Full Definition: Protein is a highly complex substance that is present in all living things.
Shortened Definition: Protein is a highly complex substance present in all living things.
Rule #2: Drop the relative pronoun and the verb “be” if the relative clause contains a prepositional
phrase.
Full Definition: An electronic book is a document that is a diskette or hard drive.
Shortened Definition: An electronic book is a document on diskette or hard drive.
Rule #3: Drop the relative pronoun and the verb “be” if the relative clause contains a passive verb.
Full Definition: A spatula is a broad, flat, flexible blade that is used to mix, spread and fit material
including foods, drugs, plaster, and paints.
Shortened Definition: A spatula, is a broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread and fit material
including foods, drugs, plaster, and paints.
Rule #4: When the relative pronoun refers to the subject and the verb is in the active voice,
drop the relative pronoun and change the verb to the -ing form.
Full Definition: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that deals with the study of language
use rather than structure.
Shortened Definition: Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics dealing with the study of
language use rather than structure.
Sample Activity
Directions: Tell whether each sentence is a DEFINITION or NOT a DEFINITION. Write D for
Definition and ND for Not a Definition.
________________1. Abortion is illegal in the Philippines.
________________2. A square is a polygon that has four equal sides.
________________3. Scientists work with clearly defined objectives.
________________4. Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
________________5. Mammals that have backbones are called vertebrates.
________________6. Her father is a well-known surgeon working in a huge hospital.
________________7. Understanding human genetics is important in medical sciences.
________________8. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food.
________________9. Compounds are chemical substances formed by combining elements.
________________10. A microscope is needed to conduct experiments with microorganisms
Activity 1- DEFINE SHORTLY!
Directions: Shorten the full definitions below. Write your answers on the space provided after each
statement
Example: Atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds the earth.
Answer: Atmosphere is a mixture of gases surrounding the earth.
1. A vaccine is a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies that provides
immunity against one or several diseases,
Answer: ______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. A probiotic is a substance that contains beneficial microorganisms.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
3. Dialysis is a medical process that is used to treat patients with kidney disease.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
4. An antidote is a substance that counteracts the effects of a toxin.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
5. Ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves for medical diagnosis.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Activity 2 – ARRANGE TO DEFINE!
Directions: The parts of each definition are mixed up. Write the definition by putting the parts
in their proper places.
Example: a friend – whom we like and who likes us – is someone
Answer: A friend is someone whom we like and who likes us.
1. is a systematic investigation - research - to establish facts and reach new
conclusions
Answer: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. which needs to be cultivated – is a special relationship – friendship
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. where hydrogen combines with carbon and oxygen – carbon dioxide fixation – is the
phase of photosynthesis.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. relating to a particular place or subject - is the study of past events – history
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
5. digestion –for the use of the body – is the process of breaking down food
Answer: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Activity 3 – FOLLOW THE PATTERN!
Directions: Write a full definition from each given set of terms to define, generating the class, and
distinguishing the characteristics below. Observe correct grammar in writing your
definitions. Give two sentences following the patterns you have learned.
Example:
triangle - polygon - three sides
Pattern 1: A triangle is a polygon that has three sides.
Pattern 2: A polygon that has three sides is called a triangle.
1. chair - furniture - used for sitting
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
2. haiku – a poem – composed of seventeen syllables in three lines
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
3. semantics – the science – deals with meaning in language
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
4. thermometer – an instrument – used to measure temperature
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
5. playwright – a person – writes plays
Pattern 1:
Pattern 2:
References
Asuncion, Q. (2021 June 16). English 10 quarter 4 lesson 4: Observe correct grammar in
making definitions. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg1baipiskc
English Teacher ni Juan. (2021 June 06). Correct grammar in making definitions. Grade 10
MELC-based video lesson. Quarter 4. Module 4. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=ZW9Q0gdTyY8
This worksheet is exclusive for DepEd Digos City Division use only. We welcome any comments for the improvement of
this material. Please email to [email protected] for your suggestions.
Writer: Evaluator:
MARY JOY D. ALBALATE DAISY L. TONGCO
Digos City National High School Digos City National High School
