SQ5R READING TECHNIQUE

is one system or strategy for active reading. Actively processing information improves
comprehension and retention of the material. It stands for:
• SURVEY – similar to skimming, quickly scan the text by reading important
information to get the general concept or idea of the content.
• QUESTIONS - formulate questions based on the survey. Why are you reading it? Ask
who, what, where, when, why, and how questions: to get the important information.
• READ – read the text and one section at a time because you are looking for answers
to your questions.
• RESPOND – while you are reading, you answer your questions.
• RECORD – use whatever notetaking strategy you want, and write down the important
information, key terms, and concepts from the text.
• RECITE – recall the information verbally without looking from your record or notes.
• REVIEW – reread the book or text again, then review your learnings with your own
strategy. Then, summarize and revise (if necessary) your notes.

EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT CLAIMS

CLAIMS could be about your belief, assertion (stating something confidently), argument, or
stand.
AS PER TIONGSON 2016, a good claim should be clear, specific, interesting, debatable,
argumentative, logical and backed up by evidences.
CLAIMS IN THE TEXT are important in supporting the arguments or debate. However, the
information can be explicit or implicit.
• EXPLICIT CLAIM – means you don’t need to analyze the text thoroughly because it is
directly stated or given.
• IMPLICIT CLAIM – means the writer indirectly expressed the information or claim, so
you need to analyze the text carefully to understand the meaning.

➢ THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF CLAIMS:

1. CLAIM OF FACT – the claims should be from factual information like
history and data. The information is explicit and verified.
2. CLAIM OF POLICY – is an argument where advocates actions to address
the issues. Thus, it is also called CLAIM OF SOLUTION. It is still based
on facts and verified.
3. CLAIM OF VALUE – It is beyond facts and policies because it is
subjective. It is based on your own opinion, judgement, morality, ethics,
emotions etc. Therefore, it is also called CLAIM OF JUDGEMENT
because you decide whether the argument is right/acceptable or
wrong/rejected.

Example:
Social media has significantly increased cases of anxiety and depression among teenagers, as shown by a
2023 study from the Pew Research Center (Claim of Fact – backed up by research). Given these harmful
effects, the government should implement stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect young users
from exposure to harmful content and misinformation (Claim of Policy – advocates for government
actions). Allowing these companies to operate without proper regulation is irresponsible because it prioritizes
profit over the well-being of millions of young people (Claim of Value – your judgement or opinion).

FORMULATING EVALUATIVE STATEMENTS

EVALUATIVE STATEMENTS are similar to a teacher’s feedback after checking a student’s

essay based on the criteria. Your evaluation needs to be factual, substantial, and unbiased.
You need to use your critical thinking because you are evaluating the text that you’re reading.
In your evaluation statement, you present the strength and weaknesses of the text so, it can
be positive or negative.

➢ How to formulate an evaluative statement?

1. You read the text carefully and critically to check for all the possible fallacies
(a failure in reasoning which makes an argument or claims invalid) . In
 arguments or claims, you don’t assume everything because it needs to be
backed up by evidences.

2. You write positive things first before pointing out the negatives.

Again, your evaluation needs to be factual, substantial, and unbiased.

So, when you are giving negative comments, it should not sound insulting.

3. Keep your feedback short and accurate. Also, be careful in giving feedback
since it will help the author to improve his writings.

As they say, a good critical reader does not only understand the meaning because it involves
deeper examination of information, assumptions, or claims given by the author.
Assertions serve as one way for readers to consider and possibly agree with the claims
presented.
➢ An assertion is a confident and forceful statement about a fact, belief, or opinion.
Therefore, it is debatable and may require evidences to make it valid.

Example:
a) "Reading fiction improves critical thinking skills." (Opinion that can be
supported with evidence)

b) "Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity today." (Strong claim

that can be argued with data)

➢ How is Assertion Connected to Claims?

• Assertion is the foundation of claims – it introduces idea and argument. It is
often used in essays, discussions, or debates to establish a stance.

• and, a claim is a type of assertion that requires evidence.

➢ There are 4 types of Assertion

1. Assertion of fact – similar to claim of fact
2. Assertion of convention – It is socially accepted based on the traditions,
norms, customs, existing law and rules.

For instance, “To show respect to the elders, Filipinos do “mano”

3. Assertion of opinion – similar to claim of value.
4. Assertion of preference – it sounds like assertion of opinion but this one,
the author is not obligated to present facts or evidences. The statement is
based on your own personal likes and dislikes. So, yeah, it is biased or
subjective.

Now if we have claims, we also have counterclaims.

➢ Counterclaims – from the word itself, it is to oppose or refute the claims. It is
also formulated with critical thinking and supported by evidences.

For instance,
Claim: "Online learning is more effective than traditional learning."
Counterclaim: "However, some argue that online learning reduces student
engagement and limits social interaction."

DETERMINING TEXTUAL EVIDENCE

When a teacher asks you

“What makes you say that the protagonist in the story is a girl?”

Then, you answered the question by giving the details you have read from the story.

That is called Textual evidence - it refers to using information directly from a text to
support your claims, arguments, or ideas.
 How Textual Evidence Supports Claims:
Proves your point by showing that your argument or idea is based on the text.
Strengthens credibility because it relies on facts rather than just opinion.
Helps explain and analyze ideas by connecting them to the source or text.

ACADEMIC WRITING AND PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING

a. Book Review /Article Critique
Feature Book Review Article Critique

Evaluates a book’s content, themes, Analyzes an article’s arguments,

Purpose methods, and effectiveness
and impact

Summary and opinion on the book’s Critical examination of the article’s

Focus strengths, weaknesses, and validity
plot, themes, and writing style

Summary, analysis, and personal Summary, critique, and evaluation of

Structure arguments or research
reaction

Novels, nonfiction books, biographies, Academic, journalistic, or research

Subject articles, newspaper
etc.

Can be formal or informal, depending More formal and analytical

Tone
on the purpose

b. Research Report and Project Proposal

Project Proposal
Feature Research Report

Presents findings from a completed Outlines a planned project that aims to

Purpose solve a problem or implement an idea
research study

Reports what was done, how it was done, Describes what will be done, why it is
Focus important, and how it will be executed
and the results

Introduction, literature review, Introduction, objectives, methodology,

Structure methodology, results, discussion, timeline, budget, expected outcomes
conclusion
 Completed research study (focuses on Future project plan (focuses on action and
Scope implementation)
knowledge and findings)

Includes actual data, findings, and No actual data yet—only a plan for data
Use of Data collection if necessary
analysis

Persuasive (convincing others to approve or

Tone Formal and objective (reporting findings) fund the project)

End Goal To share research findings with others To gain approval or funding for a project

c. Literature Review and Position Paper

Feature Literature Review Position Paper

An essay that summarizes and analyzes Presents an argument or stance on an

Purpose issue with supporting evidence
existing research on a chosen topic

Examines trends, gaps, and key studies Defends a specific position on a

Focus controversial or debatable topic
in research

Introduction, body (thematic or Introduction, argument/thesis, supporting

Structure evidence, counterarguments, conclusion
chronological analysis), conclusion

Covers multiple sources (books, articles, Focuses on one main issue and argues for
Scope research papers) to provide an overview a particular stance
of a topic
Uses research, logical reasoning, and
Use of Uses past research and scholarly sources sometimes personal opinions to justify a
Data to support analysis stance

Tone Analytical, objective, and neutral Persuasive and argumentative

To provide background knowledge, To convince the audience to agree with or

End Goal consider a particular viewpoint
identify gaps in your research

TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

a. RESUME
• comes from the French word résumé which means, “summary” that
highlights your education, work experiences, and other qualifications.

• CV and resume are similar but CV which translates to “the course of your
life.” It consists of 2+ pages since detailed descriptions about your education,
work experience, research, publications, presentations, and certifications are
necessary. Thus, CV is often used in academic applications.

b. COLLEGE AND JOB APPLICATION LETTER

 c. FORMS OF OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE

1. LETTERS AND MEMOS

Feature Letters Memos

A formal message written for inquiries, Used for internal communication within the
Purpose complaints, important updates, company to share important updates,
requests reminders, or instructions

Clients, Customers, Organizations Colleagues, employees, or departments within

Audience the same company.
outside the company

Can be formal or sometimes informal, Usually formal and professional but direct and
Tone depending on the recipient and concise.
purpose.
Includes sender’s and recipient’s Has a heading (To, From, Date, Subject)
Format address, date, salutation, body, followed by a brief and structured body.
closing, and signature.
Can be short or long, depending on the Usually brief and straight to the point.
Length
message.
Sent via internal email, printed notices, or
Medium Sent via email or printed and mailed. posted on a bulletin board.

Job application letter, business Office announcements, policy updates, meeting

Examples inquiry, customer complaint, formal reminders, internal reports.
invitation.

2. EMAILS AND TEXT

Feature Emails Text Messages

Used for formal office communication, such Used for quick, urgent, or informal office
Purpose as reports, official requests, meeting communication, such as reminders, brief
invitations, and documentation. updates, or emergency notices.

Sent to colleagues, managers, clients, or Typically sent to coworkers or employees

Audience entire teams within or outside the within the organization for quick coordination.
organization.

Usually formal and professional, especially Usually informal and direct, but can be
Tone professional if necessary.
in business settings.

Includes subject line, greeting, body, Short and direct, often without formal
Format closing. Can include attachments, links, and structure. May include abbreviations and
names of other receivers. emojis depending on the workplace culture.

Can be detailed and structured, depending Usually brief, as text messages are meant for
Length quick communication.
on the message.

Sent through email platforms (e.g., Outlook, Sent through SMS or messaging apps (e.g.,
Medium Gmail) and accessible via computers and WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Slack) for instant
mobile devices. delivery.

"Reminder: Meeting at 3 PM in Conference

Meeting agendas, official memos, project Room B" or "Office closed tomorrow due to
Examples
updates, company-wide announcements. maintenance."

STUDY SMART! AND GOOD LUCK!