Acumen - Competency-Based Learning Resource Repository and Development

Enjoying World Literature

1: Reflected Values

Listening
- Show courtesy while listening to the ideas and feelings of others
  - Listen attentively to what is uttered
Speaking
- Analyze and react critically to ideas presented in speeches and news reports.
Reading
- Demonstrate the ability to use previous experiences as a scaffold for processing information in a given text
  - Test new insights against previous learning
  - Synthesize previous learnings with new insights
Writing
- 2. Fill out application forms ( school, job, bank, etc.)
Literature
- Show appreciation for the significant human experiences expressed in various types of literary genres in world literature
  - Identify the values reflected in various text types in world literature

2: Respect for Diversity

Listening
- Allow the speaker to expound on the topic before reacting to what is said
Speaking
- Analyze and react critically to ideas presented in discussions, etc.
Reading
- Note the effectiveness of textual aids like advance organizers, titles, sub- titles, non- linear illustrations, etc. in activating background relevant to the selection
Writing
- Write project proposals
  - Prepare school project proposals , on-going project evaluation and end-of âthe year project reports.
Literature
- Show and respect for diversity evident in world literature.
  - Point out how writers build a system of values through their selection of words and details and the way they shape reality.

Interpreting Visual-Verbal Relationships

3: Illustrations and Diagrams

Listening
- Derive information that can be used in everyday life from news reports, speeches, informative talks, panel discussions, etc.
  - Explore opportunities for obtaining comprehensive information and varying perspectives by listening to global television newscasts
  - Point out the effectiveness of the devices used by the speaker to attract and hold the attention of the listener
Speaking
- Arrive at a consensus by resorting to varied strategies, assessment, negotiations and accommodation
Reading
- Explain visual-verbal relationships illustrated in tables, graphs, information maps commonly used in content areas texts
  - Explain illustrations and schematic diagrams in Science and Technology texts
Writing
- Transcode information from linear to non-linear texts and vice versa
  - Employ concept mapping (circle, bubble, bridge, linear, etc.)
  - Use outlines to sum up ideas taken from or to be expanded into texts
Literature
- Express the belief that people can make a difference as highlighted in literature
  - Stress the universality of generosity and service to others as reflected in world literature.

4: Linear and Non-linear Texts

Listening
- Listen to global issues
  - Listen to get different viewpoints on global issues on talk shows
  - Listen to get specific information from global television newscasts
Speaking
- Indicate affirmation of and /or objections to ideas expressed in discussion on global issues
Reading
- Transcode information from linear to non-linear texts and vice versa
Writing
- Use non-linear text outlines and notes as aids in the preparation of a research paper
- Make a write-up of the visuals used in texts (visual-verbal relationship)
Literature
- Abstract from literary works how local and global are inter-connected in our daily lives
- Respond to the idea of âcultural imperialismâ in the global scenarios presented in literature

Improving Language Skills

5: Discourse Markers

Listening
- Identify the roles of discourse markers (e.g.. conjunctions, gambits, adverbs) in signaling the functions of statements made
Speaking
- Speak clearly and spontaneously adapting oneâs speech to situations, circumstances and people addressed
Reading
- Show discrimination in the choice of reading materials designed to give information and pleasure and to develop appreciation for reading
Writing
- Produce different text types and sub-types (e.g. descriptions, essays, critique, reviews)
  - Organize information in texts bearing in the mind the overall macro-discourse pattern and generic structure suited to the objective of the written discourse
Literature
- Show the difference in the generic structure of various literary types across cultures: for narratives, drama, essays, etc.
  - Point out the interdependence of plot, setting and characterization in narratives to achieve the authorâs purpose

6: Implicit and Explicit Signals

Listening
- Identify implicit and explicit signals-verbal as well as non-verbal used by a speaker-to-highlight important points
- Respond to intonation used to signal information structure
Speaking
- Use accompanying non-verbal language clues (e.g. gestures) to highlight significant points in extended discourse
Reading
- Utilize reading as a means of improving oneâs language skills
Writing
- Utilize alternative forms that may be used with the different rhetorical functions and techniques (e.g. varied types of definitions; different micro-discourse signals for cause-effect)
- Expand ideas in well-constructed paragraphs observing cohesion, coherence and the appropriate modes of paragraph development
Literature
- Note the time line in narratives: historical, flashback, juxtaposition
- Describe the various types of conflict evident in the selection
- Deduce the themes from narratives

Suitability to Text Types

7: Speed and Style

Listening
- Assess the effectiveness of listening strategies employed considering the text types, the listening task and oneâs purpose for listening
  - Match the strategy employed with type of text, the objective of the listener and the level of difficulty of the text
    - Use varied approaches (e.g. selective listening TQLR, ect) to process listening task.
Speaking
- Use appropriate language, idioms, figurative language, analogy to express one's feelings, thoughts and ideas
  - Use idioms in expressing oneâs feelings and attitudes.
Reading
- Adjust and vary reading speed and style to suit the text, oneâs background knowledge and purpose in reading, and the constraints of the material read
  - Scan for specific meanings and information
Writing
- Use interactional and transactional functions of language in letters of appeal, inquiry, etc.
- Put down in writing in journal entries reflections and insights resulting from âgrowth-in-personhoodâ experiences
Literature
- Discuss and react to the literary technique and styles (e.g. Choice of symbols, imagery, juxtaposition) adapted by an author to achieve his purpose
  - Single out imagery and poetic devices (e.g. Figurative language, rhyme, etc.) used for unity of effect and express appreciation for its use

8: Processing Approaches

Listening
- Demonstrate flexibility in switching from one strategy to another in accordance with the situation and text type
- Employ analytical listening in problem solving
Speaking
- Ask and respond to questions raised in different situations (e.g. interviews, open forums, giving directions, etc.
- Express varied outlooks on a given issue
Reading
- Employ different processing approaches, (discourse analysis, genre analysis, SQ3R, P2RST) best suited to a given text
Writing
- Organize oneâs thoughts and adopt then appropriate writing style in letters, resumes, critiques, etc. with the addresses-audience in mind
  - Write letters of application (job and/or admission to a university) and the accompanying documents (e.g. resume)
Literature
- Identify flashback, foreshadowing, juxtaposition and their contribution to the text structure

Deriving and Conveying Information

9: Gather and Synthesize

Listening
- Listen to detailed reports, lecturettes and issues
  - Listen to take down notes from lecturettes or oral reports
  - Determine when to listen when to take down notes in lecturettes or oral reports
Speaking
- Give information obtained from the internet and other sources
Reading
- Derive information from various text types (journalistic, literary, scientific, practical, technical, etc.) and sources using the card catalogue, vertical file index, microfiche, CD-ROM, Internet, etc.
  - Use locational skills to gather and synthesize information from general and first hand sources of information
Writing
- Show respect for intellectual property rights by acknowledging citations made in reports and research
  - Quotation marks or hanging indentions for direct quotes
Literature
- Determine the information map used by an essayist in his essay

10: Interactive Media Aids

Listening
- Listen to determine what further elucidation is needed in report or lecture
- Listen to supply items not heard in report and lecturettes
- Use prosodic as well as lexical clues to distinguish important point in a lecture
- Determine the content and functions of statements in a lecture
Speaking
- Use interactive media as aids when conveying information
  - Analyze and use sales psychology that underlies advertisements on radio and television when conveying information
Reading
- Get information from websites through the internet
- Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of information
- Extract accurately the required information from sources read and reject irrelevant information
Writing
- Show respect for intellectual property rights by acknowledging citations made in reports and research
  - Internal footing
  - Bibliographic entries of text cited from books and periodicals
Literature
- Determine the rhetorical functions and techniques used in essays

Using Communication Strategies

11: Conversational Strategies

Listening
- Process speech at different rates when evaluating tasks and taking down notes
  - Assess the effectiveness of a material listened to with a view of determining the speakerâs purpose and assessing whether it was achieved or not
    - Give reactions to what was said.
- Speaking
  - Observe conversation strategies in face-to-face extended oral reactions
    - Interview business and educational establishments to determine their policies and social orientation
- Reading
  - Show familiarity with the argumentation and rhetorical conventions of a discipline
    - Note the functions of statement as they unfold
    - Consider the data that might disconfirm hypothesis
- Writing
  - Give feedback on oneâs paper in the revision process.
- Literature
  - Show a keener sense of value for what is worthwhile through exposure to literature
    - Discriminate between positive and negative values
    - Indicate commitment to social justice and equality as portrayed in world literature

12: Verbal and Non-Verbal Strategies

Listening
- Analyze what was heard on the bases of a given set of criteria
- Analyze and evaluate listening texts in point of accuracy, validity, adequacy and relevance
Speaking
- Use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to forestall and repair communication breakdown
Reading
- Examine opinions for bias
- Determine the validity and adequacy of proof statements to support assertion
- React critically to the devices employed by a writer to achieve his purpose
Writing
- Respond to feedback on oneâs paper in the revision process
Literature
- Show concern for the environment for sustainable development

Expressing Speech Acts and Functions

13: Protest Songs

Listening
- Show appreciation for songs, poems, plays, etc.
  - Listen to appreciate varies types of dramatic, oral interpretations and songs with emphasis on protest songs
  - Give the theme/message of protest songs
Speaking
- Employ alternative ways of expressing speech acts.
Reading
- Develop strategies for coping with unknown words and ambiguous sentence structures and discourse
  - Identify the derivation of words
  - Define words from context and through word analysis (prefix, roots, suffixes)
Writing
- Analyze, choose and synthesize information from varied resources
- Employ varied strategies (condensing, deleting, combining, embedding) when summarizing materials read
Literature
- Differentiate between journalistic literary, scientific texts where situations and text structures are concerned

14: Theater Presentations

Listening
- Note the prosodic pattern used in dramatic oral interpretation
- Listen to chamber theater and readerâs theater presentations
- Describe the emotional appeal of a piece
Speaking
- Employ alternative ways of expressing speech functions
Reading
- Use collocations of difficult words as aids in unlocking vocabulary
- Arrive at the meaning of structurally complex and ambiguous sentences by kernel sentences as from modification structures and expansions
Writing
- Write a research paper on a global issue
Literature
- Pick out the elements that distinguish drama as a literary form and explain dramatic devices

Secondary English - Fourth Year