English - Grade 6
Research Writing, Voice, Speech, and Literary Analysis
Table of Contents
1. Writing Research Papers
A research paper is an academic piece of writing that presents information gathered from various sources about a specific topic. It requires proper research, organization, and citation.
Parts of a Research Paper:
Title Page
Title of paper, your name, date, school name
Introduction
Hook, background information, thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
Main points with evidence and explanations
Conclusion
Summary, restate thesis, final thoughts
Bibliography/References
List of all sources used in alphabetical order
The Research Process:
- 1. Choose a topic - Pick something interesting and researchable
- 2. Gather sources - Books, websites, articles, interviews
- 3. Take notes - Write down important facts and quotes
- 4. Create an outline - Organize your main points
- 5. Write the draft - Put your ideas into paragraphs
- 6. Cite sources - Give credit to where you got information
- 7. Revise and edit - Check for errors and improve writing
Citing Sources:
Always give credit to avoid plagiarism (copying without permission).
Book: Author Last, First. Title. Publisher, Year.
Website: "Article Title." Website Name, URL, Date accessed.
2. Active and Passive Voice
Voice in grammar refers to whether the subject of a sentence performs the action (active) or receives the action (passive).
Active Voice
The subject performs the action.
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
"Maria wrote the letter."
"The dog chased the cat."
"Students completed the project."
Passive Voice
The subject receives the action.
Structure: Object + was/were + Verb + by Subject
"The letter was written by Maria."
"The cat was chased by the dog."
"The project was completed by students."
| Tense | Active | Passive |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | She writes a story. | A story is written by her. |
| Simple Past | She wrote a story. | A story was written by her. |
| Future | She will write a story. | A story will be written by her. |
| Present Perfect | She has written a story. | A story has been written by her. |
When to Use:
- Active voice: Preferred for most writing - clearer, more direct
- Passive voice: Use when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or you want to emphasize the action/object
3. Direct and Indirect Speech
When we report what someone said, we can use direct speech (exact words) or indirect speech (reported words).
Direct Speech
The exact words spoken, enclosed in quotation marks.
Maria said, "I am going to school."
He asked, "Where is the library?"
Mom said, "Clean your room!"
Indirect Speech
Reported in your own words, no quotation marks.
Maria said that she was going to school.
He asked where the library was.
Mom told me to clean my room.
Changes When Converting to Indirect Speech:
Pronoun Changes:
- I → he/she
- we → they
- my → his/her
- you → I/he/she/they
Tense Changes:
- am/is → was
- are → were
- will → would
- can → could
Time/Place Changes:
| Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|
| now | then |
| today | that day |
| tomorrow | the next day |
| yesterday | the day before |
| here | there |
| this | that |
4. Literary Elements Review
Literary elements are the components that make up a story or literary work. Understanding these helps us analyze and appreciate literature better.
Plot
The sequence of events in a story.
1. Exposition - Introduction of characters and setting
2. Rising Action - Events leading to the conflict
3. Climax - The turning point (most exciting part)
4. Falling Action - Events after the climax
5. Resolution - How the story ends
Types of Conflict
Person vs. Person
Character against another character
Person vs. Self
Internal struggle within a character
Person vs. Nature
Character against forces of nature
Person vs. Society
Character against social norms/rules
Character Types
Protagonist
Main character (usually the "hero")
Antagonist
Character who opposes the protagonist
Round Character
Complex, fully developed, realistic
Flat Character
One-dimensional, simple traits
Theme
The central message or lesson of the story.
Common themes: Love, friendship, courage, good vs. evil, coming of age, sacrifice, perseverance
5. Formal vs. Informal Writing
Different situations require different writing styles. Knowing when to use formal or informal writing is an important skill.
Formal Writing
Used in academic and professional settings.
- * Complete sentences and paragraphs
- * No contractions (use "do not" not "don't")
- * Third person (avoid "I" and "you")
- * Complex vocabulary
- * Follows strict grammar rules
- * Objective tone
Use for:
Research papers, business letters, reports, essays, applications
Informal Writing
Used in casual, personal communication.
- * Shorter sentences, fragments okay
- * Contractions allowed (don't, can't, won't)
- * First and second person (I, you, we)
- * Simple, everyday vocabulary
- * More relaxed grammar
- * Personal, friendly tone
Use for:
Personal letters, text messages, emails to friends, journal entries
Examples:
Formal
"The study demonstrates that regular exercise significantly improves mental health."
Informal
"Working out really helps you feel better mentally!"
6. Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to agree with your opinion or take a specific action. It uses logical arguments and emotional appeals.
Elements of Persuasion (Rhetorical Appeals):
Ethos (Ethics)
Credibility - Why should the reader trust you?
"As a doctor with 20 years of experience..."
Logos (Logic)
Reasoning - Facts, statistics, evidence
"Studies show that 80% of students..."
Pathos (Emotion)
Feelings - Appeal to emotions
"Imagine a world where children go hungry..."
Structure of a Persuasive Essay:
- 1. Introduction - Hook, background, clear claim/thesis
- 2. Body Paragraphs - Reasons supporting your claim with evidence
- 3. Counterargument - Address and refute opposing views
- 4. Conclusion - Restate claim, call to action
Persuasive Techniques:
- Repetition - Repeating key words or phrases for emphasis
- Rhetorical Questions - Questions that make the reader think
- Power Words - Words that evoke emotion (amazing, dangerous, vital)
- Anecdotes - Personal stories to connect with reader
- Facts & Statistics - Numbers and data to prove your point
7. Text Structures
Text structure refers to how information is organized in a piece of writing. Recognizing the structure helps you understand and remember what you read.
Chronological/Sequence
Events in order of time.
Signal words: first, then, next, finally, after, before, during
Used in: historical texts, instructions, biographies
Compare and Contrast
Shows similarities and differences between things.
Signal words: similarly, however, on the other hand, both, unlike, whereas
Used in: analytical essays, reviews, debates
Cause and Effect
Explains why something happened and its results.
Signal words: because, therefore, as a result, consequently, due to, since
Used in: science articles, news reports, historical analysis
Problem and Solution
Presents a problem and proposes solutions.
Signal words: the problem is, one solution, to solve this, resolved by
Used in: persuasive essays, proposals, editorials
Description
Provides detailed information about a topic.
Signal words: for example, characteristics include, such as, specifically
Used in: encyclopedias, textbooks, reports
8. Critical Reading and Analysis
Critical reading means actively engaging with a text - questioning, analyzing, and evaluating rather than just accepting everything at face value.
Questions to Ask While Reading:
- What is the main idea? - Central message or thesis
- Who is the author? - What is their background/bias?
- What is the purpose? - To inform, persuade, entertain?
- Who is the audience? - Who is this written for?
- What evidence is used? - Facts, opinions, examples?
- Is the argument logical? - Are there flaws in reasoning?
Fact vs. Opinion:
Fact
Can be proven true or false
"The Philippines has 7,641 islands."
Opinion
Personal belief or judgment
"The Philippines is the most beautiful country."
Making Inferences:
An inference is a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning (reading between the lines).
Text: "Maria grabbed her umbrella before leaving the house."
Inference: It was probably raining or about to rain.
Author's Purpose:
📚
Inform
Give information
📢
Persuade
Convince the reader
🎭
Entertain
Amuse or engage
Key Takeaways
Research Writing
- * 5 parts: Title, Intro, Body, Conclusion, Bibliography
- * Always cite sources to avoid plagiarism
- * Follow the research process
Voice & Speech
- * Active: subject does action
- * Passive: subject receives action
- * Direct: exact words in quotes
- * Indirect: reported without quotes
Literary Elements
- * Plot: exposition → climax → resolution
- * Conflict: person vs. person/self/nature/society
- * Theme: central message of story
Critical Reading
- * Question author's purpose and bias
- * Distinguish fact from opinion
- * Make inferences from evidence