This document discusses grammatical signals and their uses in developing ideas in writing. It defines grammatical signals as writing devices that maintain text coherence and signal relationships between sentences. There are two types: sentence connectors and clause connectors. Examples are given of different types of grammatical signals and their uses, including general to particular, claim and counterclaim, problem-solution, compare and contrast, continuation signals, and cause and effect. Appropriate word signals are provided for each type.

2. GUESS THE ROAD SIGN
Ice-breaker

3. NO U-TURN

4. NO
OVERTAKING

5. NO
PARKING

6. TURN
LEFT

7. Using Grammatical Signals in
Developing Ideas
Grade 8-English

8. GRAMMATICAL SIGNALS
Grammatical signals are writing devices that
serve to maintain text coherence.
(Saraka, 1988:111). They signal the relationship
between new sentences and the one before it
and they are also important writing devices in
text construction.
They can be divided into two (2) types:
sentence connectors and clause connectors.

9. SENTENCE CONNECTORS
 are used to link two sentences using grammatical
signals or a semicolon.
Example:
James already knows the title of the song. He
downloaded its lyrics.
Possible answers:
James already knows the title of the song; he
downloaded its lyrics.
James already knows the title of the song, so he
downloaded its lyrics.

10. CLAUSE CONNECTORS
 are used to connect two clauses to form a sentence.
They are joined by a comma.
Example:
I want to buy a phone, but I didn’t bring enough
money.
He went to London and visited the Lords.

11. “
”
Grammatical signals differ according to the
development of the idea the writer wants. The
following examples illustrate the appropriate use
of grammatical signals in combining sentences.
• General to particular
• Claim and counterclaim
• Problem-solution
• Compare and contrast
• Continuation signals
• Cause and effect

12. 1. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
This uses specific details in writing where a topic
sentence or a general idea is followed by the
supporting details.
The color of the metal changes when its temperature
changes. When metals become very hot, it begins to
glow. First, a metal will glow a dull red color. Then,
when the metals become hotter, it changes to a bright
red hot. At higher temperatures, it becomes yellow and
finally white.
topic sentence
supporting details

13. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
Word signals for general to particular:
first, second, third next then
first of all last lastly
after that now finally

14. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
Example:
The teaching of English 8 is not limited to the
discussion of literature in Africa and Asia. First of all, a
brief historical background about the countries is
discussed. Then, some interesting facts about the
countries are introduced. Next, various songs from each
country are also taught. Lastly, literary pieces are
tackled.

15. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
Example:
The teaching of English 8 is not limited to the
discussion of literature in Africa and Asia. First of all, a
brief historical background about the countries is
discussed. Then, some interesting facts about the
countries are introduced. Next, various songs from each
country are also taught. Lastly, literary pieces are
tackled.

16. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
Example:
The teaching of English 8 is not limited to the
discussion of literature in Africa and Asia. First of all, a
brief historical background about the countries is
discussed. Then, some interesting facts about the
countries are introduced. Next, various songs from each
country are also taught. Lastly, literary pieces are
tackled.

17. GENERAL TO PARTICULAR
Example:
The teaching of English 8 is not limited to the
discussion of literature in Africa and Asia. First of all, a
brief historical background about the countries is
discussed. Then, some interesting facts about the
countries are introduced. Next, various songs from each
country are also taught. Lastly, literary pieces are
tackled.

18. 2. CLAIM AND COUNTERCLAIM
The word claim refers to your opinion about something
based on what you know or what you have studied.
Example:
Succulents are just easy to take care of because they
can survive even with only a little amount of water
supply. Also, they can be left any time of the day under
the sun.

19. CLAIM AND COUNTERCLAIM
Meanwhile, the word counterclaim is something that
contradicts the claim. It further challenges the opinion.
Example:
While majority have found out that the succulents are just
easy to take care of, some still think that they have to exert
more effort in taking care of them. Yes, they can be given only
a little amount of water, however, one should also be careful
not to put water on their leaves, or else, they will turn yellow.
Not all succulents want to be placed under the sun. In fact,
some just want to be in a bright shaded area.

20. CLAIM AND COUNTERCLAIM
Word signals used in making counterclaims:
It may be true
that…but
but while some have found
out that…
while some may
argue
yet although it is
reasonable…yet
Yes, some might
say that…
however It is easy to think
that…but

21. 3. PROBLEM-SOLUTION
This provides corresponding remedy to a conflict. This
allows the writers to think of possible solutions to
certain problems being encountered in everyday life.
Words signal used for problem-solution:
PROBLEM SOLUTION
One reason for the… A solution is…
A problem arises when… One answer is…
The problem is… An answer to this is…
This is a problem because… This can be solved by…
The issue being tackled is… One way to resolve this is…

22. PROBLEM-SOLUTION
Example:
Nowadays, one challenge being dealt by parents is the
addiction to online games of their children. Some even
skip meals because they are engrossed in playing.
One way to resolve this is for the parents to give a
certain time for the children to be allowed to play the
games, and that they should be strict about it.

23. 4. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
When writers compare, they show the similarities
between two subjects. When they contrast, the
differences between two subjects are featured.
Example:
Let us compare and contrast face-to-face learning
versus modular/TV learning. We can list down the
things they have in common and the things wherein
they differ.

24. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
SIMILARITIES DIFFERENCES
lessons are aided by reading materials students can browse the internet while
studying to clarify the lessons; students
might not understand some key points
lessons are discussed by elders parents discuss lessons for their children;
discussion in the television is provided
activities for the lessons are provided no teacher supervises while students
answer
projects are still given no group projects this time
teachers can still meet students only virtual meetings allowed

25. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Word signals for comparing and contrasting:
Examples:
a. Face-to-face learning, as well as the modular
learning, uses reading materials in dealing with the
lessons. (comparing)
COMPARE CONTRAST
is/are similar as/are different from
as well as on the other hand
just like compared with
in the same way but, yet, while, although
just like unlike

26. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
b. The lessons are discussed by elders to the learners;
however, instead of teachers discussing the lessons in face-
to-face learning, parents’ guide the learners this time in the
modular learning. (contrasting)
c. Just like in the face-to-face learning, a teacher discusses
the lessons in the televisionaided instruction. Unlike face-
to-face learning where the teacher is physically present in
the classroom, the learners only watch on a television while
a teacher discusses in the television-aided learning.
(comparing and contrasting)

27. 5. CONTINUATION SIGNALS
They tell that the writer’s idea is going to continue in the
same direction. Information related to the idea presented is
added whenever these signals are used.
Word signals that add to the ideas:
also
another
in addition
moreover
furthermore
as a matter of fact

28. 5. CONTINUATION SIGNALS
Examples:
South Korea is known as the “Land of the Morning Calm”
because of its picturesque landscape. Moreover, it boasts of
its captivating mountains, clear waters, and serenity
especially in the morning.
Pampanga is known for its beautiful lanterns and delicious
food. As a matter of fact, it’s known as the “Culinary Arts
and Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.

29. 6. CAUSE AND EFFECT
In simple words, a cause is the reason why something
happened, and the effect is the result of that action.
Signal words for cause and effect:
CAUSE EFFECT
because/because of as a result
since/if then/so
due to therefore
caused by for this reason
for this led to

30. 6. CAUSE AND EFFECT
Examples:
(cause-effect)
Since the students are not required to be physically present
in school, new students will not be buying new sets of
uniforms yet.
(effect-cause)
New students will not be buying new sets of uniforms yet
since they are not required to be physically present in
school.

31. Read and analyze the following sentences. Afterwards, list
down five grammatical signals used in each sentence. Write
your answers on your answer sheet.
It is easy to think that working from home is much
comfortable than working in an office/school, but many think
otherwise. As a matter of fact, a work-from-home setup is
much more difficult and costly. First of all, one has to have a
laptop. Next, a fast internet access is a must. Then, a printer
should be ready all the time. Lastly, a smart phone should
always be available just in case the laptop shuts itself off.