Foreword

Time runs fast.
Finally, I’m done with ENGLCOM.
I mean, with the formal classes where you get to beg for chips during recitation and cram for your essays. I will never ever forget the things I learned from my ENGLCOM class. I had a great time, though it gave me headaches at times. Well, I guess it’s part of the package. You learn, enjoy and suffer at the same time. Hahaha! Anyway, this is my portfolio and it is a requirement for ENGLCOM. Failure to submit will mean a grade of O.O(FAILED). So, I decided to give time and effort for this.

This portfolio is composed of the essays I wrote not so long ago. I don’t really write essays when I was in High School( not unless it is required for school ) because I don’t know how and I get irritated whenever I’m having a hard time organizing my thoughts and putting it into words. But than GOD! There is ENGLCOM to help me out. Well, I am proud to say that all of my essays are easy to understand. I don’t use very unfamiliar and deep words. My static description essay is about my wonderful vacation in Guam. I am very very sure that you will be amazed of the beauty of Guam. I wrote an essay that will teach you how to make a graham cake. Also, an essay that will make you understand about the truth behind heartbreaks. You will learn more as you go through this portfolio.

I decided to improve my extended definition essay as regards to education. Honestly, I wasn’t really satisfied about it. So I planned to edit and improve it as far as I can. This has been Kaye and have a great time.

Improved Essay

Education

I was on the busy roads of Coastal when a street child knocked on our car’s window and begged for coins. To my surprise, my 7 - year old cousin asked me, “Why do we have to go to school and he doesn’t? “ I was shocked and couldn’t help but wonder on how this kid came to that kind of question. For a couple of seconds, I thought of making a simple answer like “We have to go to school for us to have a good future“. Until now I don’t know if he understood what I said.

Education plays important roles in people’s lives. It is the ultimate road to success. In Encyclopedia Americana, Education is a process, either formal or informal, by which an individual gains knowledge. It aims to develop intellectual abilities, values and sensory motor skills. A formal learning process can be made possible by a teacher, priest or adult family members like parents. A teacher uses lesson plans, learning devices such as videos, audiovisuals, books and the like in transmitting knowledge to students. While one learns from a priest through listening to mass sermons and any form of preaching. However, parents are given responsibilities to teach their children at home. For instance, Informal learning process occurs through the used of books, magazines and technological devices such as computer, radio, television etc. For cultural purposes, values are preserved and maintained. Knowledge acquired from the past are transferred to every new generation. According to www.babeled.com, Education came from the Latin word “educare” – a combination of the word ex and ducere. “Ex” is a Latin preposition that means “from with in”. In the everyday communication “e” was used instead of “ex”. For the Romans, they put the “e” in front of words to change the meaning. While “ducere” means to draw out from with in. When “ex” was prefixed to “ducere”, “-ere” changes to “-are” and that leads to the formation of “educare”.

Several systems of formal education were stated in www.wikipedia.org such as primary education, secondary education, higher education, adult education, and alternative education. To start with, primary education is also known as elementary education that occurs at the age of 5 or 6. Primary schools are institutions that provide primary education and are divided into infant schools and junior schools. It is the first stage to mandatory education and comes after pre-school education. Primary education aims to develop basic literary and numerical skills of students and would prepare them for secondary education. In the Philippines, elementary education curriculum is from grade one until grade six. Though, there are some schools that reach up to grade seven or eight. Afterwards, when primary education is completed, secondary education or high school education follows. It is the last stage of mandatory education and occurs during adolescence period. It is meant to give knowledge and prepare students for higher education like college. In the US, secondary education is consist of grade nine until twelve. However, in the Philippines, it is first year through fourth year. After High school, one has an option to pursue college education based on financial capability and interest to become a professional. College education is also known as higher education. It includes undergraduate and post graduate degree programs and are provided by universities and colleges. These programs involve different fields of engineering, liberal arts, sciences, education, business, law, music or computer studies. In the Philippines, college education is the key to the formation of competent and efficient citizens. Additionally, adult education is the process of educating adults. It is voluntary and very much differ from educating children. Adults have already acquired knowledge that improves their learning experience. This course may be offered at folk high schools or other learning centers. In the Philippines, it is composed of programs that are focused on socio – economic and citizenship training. Lastly, is the alternative education or non-traditional education that includes charter schools, home-based learning and emphasize a small class population. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is a program in the Philippines that gives trainings for citizens who wants to be skilled in vocational and technical courses.


In the Philippines, education is deviced after the American system and the medium of instruction is English. Schools run by the governmet are called public schools while a non – government is called private schools. The Philippines has indeed a high standard when it comes to education. They had produce millions of competitive, world class professionals. In various countries like USA, Saudi Arabia, Australia, they are mostly hiring Filipina nurses. They truly believed on the ability of the Filipinos. Philippine education is truly remarkable. They have produce world class universities such as the big four, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University Manila, University of Sto. Thomas.

Education is vital in the human society. It is a way of shaping one’s future. The lack of quality education is one of the factors to why global financial crisis and other economical problems arises. A nation needs education if they aim to achieve growth for their country. Nowadays, if one is to find a job, the one thing that employees look for is the educational background of the applicant. In this case, an uneducated person has less chances of getting a good or high-paying job. That is how important education is to people. As Maulana Khan said, a person is not in his proper sensation if he is uneducated. It is through education that a man is able to acquire knowledge and learns things that helps and improves the way he copes with his environment. Without education, a man is stuck in a room where he can’t open the door towards the outside world. To sum up, education is the key to making this world a better place. So whatever it takes, one must learn, strive hard for the best of his future.

Sources:
Education. In the Encyclopedia Americana ( Vol. 9, pp. 643 ). USA: Grolier Incorporated
Khan, M.W. The Importance of Education. Retrieved August 13, 2009, from http://www.alrisala.org/
Education. Retrieved August 11, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/
Word Power: Education. Retrieved August 11, 2009, from http://www.babeled.com/
Primary Education. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/
Secondary Education. Retrieved August 13, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/
Adult Education. Retrieved August 14, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/
Alternative Education. Retrieved August 14, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/
Education. Retrieved August 30, 2009, from http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/gov/

Extended definition essay

Education

I was on the busy roads of Coastal when a street child knocked on our car’s window and begged for coins. To my surprise, my 7 - year old cousin asked me, “Why do we have to go to school and he doesn’t? “ I was shocked and couldn’t help but wonder on how this kid came to that kind of question. For a couple of seconds, I thought of making a simple answer like “We have to go to school for us to have a good future“. Until now I don’t know if he understood what I said.

Education plays important roles in people’s lives. It is the ultimate road to success. In Encyclopedia Americana, Education is a process, either formal or informal, by which an individual gains knowledge. It aims to develop intellectual abilities, values and sensory motor skills. A formal learning process can be made possible by a teacher, priest or adult family members like parents. A teacher uses lesson plans, learning devices such as videos, audiovisuals, books and the like in transmitting knowledge to students. While one learns from a priest through listening to mass sermons and any form of preaching. However, parents are given responsibilities to teach their children at home. For instance, Informal learning process occurs through the used of books, magazines and technological devices such as computer, radio, television etc. For cultural purposes, values are preserved and maintained. Knowledge acquired from the past are transferred to every new generation. According to www.babeled.com, Education came from the Latin word “educare” – a combination of the word ex and ducere. “Ex” is a Latin preposition that means “from with in”. In the everyday communication “e” was used instead of “ex”. For the Romans, they put the “e” in front of words to change the meaning. While “ducere” means to draw out from with in. When “ex” was prefixed to “ducere”, “-ere” changes to “-are” and that leads to the formation of “educare”.

Several systems of formal education were stated in www.wikipedia.org such as primary education, secondary education, higher education, adult education, and alternative education. To start with, primary education is also known as elementary education that occurs at the age of 5 or 6. Primary schools are institutions that provide primary education and are divided into infant schools and junior schools. It is the first stage to mandatory education and comes after pre-school education. Primary education aims to develop basic literary and numerical skills of students and would prepare them for secondary education. In the Philippines, elementary education curriculum is from grade one until grade six. Though, there are some schools that reach up to grade seven or eight. Afterwards, when primary education is completed, secondary education or high school education follows. It is the last stage of mandatory education and occurs during adolescence period. It is meant to give knowledge and prepare students for higher education like college. In the US, secondary education is consist of grade nine until twelve. However, in the Philippines, it is first year through fourth year. After High school, one has an option to pursue college education based on financial capability and interest to become a professional. College education is also known as higher education. It includes undergraduate and post graduate degree programs and are provided by universities and colleges. These programs involve different fields of engineering, liberal arts, sciences, education, business, law, music or computer studies. In the Philippines, college education is the key to the formation of competent and efficient citizens. Additionally, adult education is the process of educating adults. It is voluntary and very much differ from educating children. Adults have already acquired knowledge that improves their learning experience. This course may be offered at folk high schools or other learning centers. In the Philippines, it is composed of programs that are focused on socio – economic and citizenship training. Lastly, is the alternative education or non-traditional education that includes charter schools, home-based learning and emphasize a small class population. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is a program in the Philippines that gives trainings for citizens who wants to be skilled in vocational and technical courses.

Education is vital in the human society. It is a way of shaping one’s future. The lack of quality education is one of the factors to why global financial crisis and other economical problems arises. A nation needs education if they aim to achieve growth for their country. Nowadays, if one is to find a job, the one thing that employees look for is the educational background of the applicant. In this case, an uneducated person has less chances of getting a good or high-paying job. That is how important education is to people. As Maulana Khan said, a person is not in his proper sensation if he is uneducated. It is through education that a man is able to acquire knowledge and learns things that helps and improves the way he copes with his environment. Without education, a man is stuck in a room where he can’t open the door towards the outside world. To sum up, education is the key to making this world a better place. So whatever it takes, one must learn, strive hard for the best of his future.

Sources:

Education. In the Encyclopedia Americana ( Vol. 9, pp. 643 ). USA: Grolier Incorporated

Khan, M.W. The Importance of Education. Retrieved August 13, 2009, from http://www.alrisala.org/

Education. Retrieved August 11, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/

Word Power: Education. Retrieved August 11, 2009, from http://www.babeled.com/

Primary Education. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/

Secondary Education. Retrieved August 13, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/

Adult Education. Retrieved August 14, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/

Alternative Education. Retrieved August 14, 2009, from http://wikipedia.com/

Hi kaye

Based on your essay, you’ve 95/100 due to the following

Despite some of the glitches, this is one solid piece. Congratulations!

Please refer to your work for additional comments

Best,

Sir Potch

Argumentative Essay

Martial Law

Martial law is the temporary imposition of military rule in times of war or serious national emergencies. As of now, countries such as Egypt, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Russia are under the rule of martial law. In the Philippine History, it was September 21, 1972 when the life of every Filipino changed and for some turned into darkness. President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos signed the Proclamation No. 1081 and declared that the entire Republic of the Philippines is under martial law. Nowadays, news are spread all over the country that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo nearly declared martial law.

Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia once said that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will declare martial law if they were unable to get at least three-fourths vote to approve the constitution. He also told that during the siege of Peninsula Manila back in November 2007, Arroyo nearly imposed martial law. Later then, he said that it was also part of the plan to impose martial law during the height of the “ Hello Garci scandal “ back in 2005. ( Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2009) For some, they believed that it should not be implemented once again, but for others it should be.

During the Marcos regime, a lot of rules and regulations were implemented. A curfew of twelve midnight until four in the morning was imposed. Everyone was prohibited to stay outside his residence during these hours. Anyone who violates will be arrested and be brought to the nearest military camp. He will be released before 12 noon the next day and if reasons were found for him to stay longer, he will be taken to the nearest prison camp. Rallies and any form of group actions were banned. Anyone who violates will be arrested and will not be released until the president has ordered. However, reviews regarding professionals and education, seminars, civic and business meetings, simple religious ceremonies or other similar activities are allowed. Everyone is prohibited to bring firearms and deadly weapons outside his residence. Thus, these must be kept at home. Travel abroad was banned and only government officials, employees, scholars with important business outside the country are exempted. Vehicles with tinted glass windows and windshield are not allowed. Jeep, six-by-six trucks, weapons carriers, power wagons, armored trucks should not be painted with military colors. Even military colors such as army olive green, pc buff, navy gray, air forces royal blue are prohibited. Also, the used of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, dome lights are not allowed. Possession of subversive reading materials and other anti-government materials is punishable with all days of imprisonment. Spreading of falls information that may threaten people is strictly forbidden. Violators will be punished by imprisonment.

Nowadays, the Philippines is indeed suffering from global financial crisis and economical issues. Filipinos are bothered if the 2010 elections will be push through or President Arroyo will still stay longer in her position. There are a lot of rallies and protest against the Arroyo administration. Would this give the government a reason to implement martial law once more? A respondent said that martial law should be implemented in the Philippines for most of the people now do not pay respect to the government. They keep on protesting and blaming the government for all crisis that they are suffering. Constitution section 18 states that the president may suspend the writ of habeas corpus for a term not exceeding sixty days if there are rebellions or invasions happening and the public safety needs it. Martial law is just one way to stop the continuous bombings in Mindanao and threats that Manila will be the next target. During the time of martial law, there was a big silence on the streets and people are more cautious of their actions. For every mistake that they did would be equivalent to a certain punishment. The government will have an easier way of arresting the criminals. During the Marcos regime, once you are doubted to be involved in any subversive activities, you will be arrested even without warrant of arrest.

Progressive country like Singapore is under dictatorship form of government. People in Singapore are disciplined, even the simplest rule is being followed and that what makes their country progressive. It was said to be the world’s best place to do business due to its economic performance. Singapore is the Asia’s 3^rd most “ network ready” country. It was said to be the best in foreign trade and investment.

According to Press secretary Cerge Remonde, President Arroyo has no reason to declare martial law. The people will be against it for they know that martial law violates human rights. The bill of rights states that every citizen has the right to fulfill his basic needs. He has the right to secure himself and his personal belongings. He has the freedom to speak and express himself. He must be informed of the public matters happening around him. If he is under investigation, he has the right to remain silent and to protect himself. Any form of torture, violence, threats shall not be used against him. Hidden detention places or solitary are strictly prohibited. He shall not be constrained to be a witness against himself. At the time of Marcos, anyone who is found against the government will be punished. There was a common occurrence of police brutality. A lot of people were tortured, some were buried alive, were beheaded and poisoned with acid. During the period of 1976-1980, a number of 21 persons died.

Martial law is run by a dictator. The life of the people will be controlled only by one person. Some say that the Philippines is under an unannounced martial law. It is due to the several deaths of media men and other public officials. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that imposing martial law again will just add fuel to the anger of the people. They make sure that there will be no other president that will repeat the martial law. In bulatlat.com, it was said that there is a division among the military and police forces. Some officers attempts to withdraw from the Arroyo government.

Martial law should not be implemented again in the Philippines for every Filipino has the right to express himself. Martial law violates human rights and is not necessary to be implied again. It will just add up fuel to the anger of the people and will not make the country united.

Sources:

Vizmanos, D. (2003). Martial Law Diary

Can Arroyo Regime Afford to Declare Martial law. retrieved August 23,2009 from www.bulatlat.com

No Reasons for GMA to Declare Martial law. retrieved August 23,2009 from www.philstar.com

Declaration State Rebellion Legal Superfluity. retrieved August 24, 2009 from www.jlp-law.com

Arroyo Nearly Declared Martial Law. retrieved August 22,2009 from www.newsinfo.inquirer.net

Singapore Rankings. Retrieved August 26,2009 from www.edb.gov.sg

L.M. Guerrero(1975). Today Began Yesterday; A historical approach

Hi Kaye

Your argumentative essay earned a rating of 95/100 for the following reasons:

Despite some of the glitches, this is one solid piece. Congratulations!

Please refer to the attachment for comments

Now that you’re done, I personally would like to thank you for a job well done and it’s been a pleasure working with you. I wish you the best in the years to come

Best,

Paolo “Potch” Valdez, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of English and Applied Linguistics

College of Education, DLSU-Manila

Post test

I had a very productive time in ENGLCOM. I had fun and learned a lot from Sir Potch. My English speaking and writing skills were improved. Several activities and exercises helped me in improving my skills. I can now speak and write better English. Before, I don’t even know how to write an essay. I had a hard time organizing my thoughts and putting it to words. I was frustrated but I never stop dreaming that one day I will be able to write even just a simple essay.

The first essay that I wrote for ENGLCOM is the pre-test. It is about my expectations for the subject and the skills I wanted to improve. I was not satisfied but I kept in mind that ENGLCOM is there to help me achieve my goals. Until one day, I was totally surprised that I got a good rating for my static description essay. In 2007, I would always try to write blog entry about my vacation in Guam but sad to say, I can’t. That is why I was so happy that I was able to write an essay about it.

The days have passed and we were tasked to write more essays and luckily I got good grades. There are times that I find it easy to write an essay but sometimes it gives me headache. I really had a hard time with the cause and effect because I am not really used to writing in a formal style. Finally, I was able to hone my skills through writing more essays. For me, the most difficult essay is the argumentative. Martial law was my topic and I had to read a lot of books so I wasn’t able to give it my very best due to the short period of time.

ENGLCOM taught me a lot of things. It is when you read that you learn. It is when you are organized that you don’t get a lot of problems. It is when you listen very well to Sir Potch that you don’t incur deductions. Now I am on my way to achieving my dream as a writer. Particularly in a magazine or news paper. I had a great time in ENGLCOM and looking forward to ENGLRES.

Pre - test

English is the most common language in the world. It is used in most countries. And, I do believe that one way of improving one’s English communication skills is by using the language in our daily conversations. It also helps to read a lot for it can expand your vocabulary and writing can also help us become good English speakers.

At home, we usually use the Filipino language as our medium. Although, I wasn’t really exposed to English speakers, still, I can speak the right English but not the best of it. I just encounter English in most of my classes in school and other forms of media. When it comes to reading, I often encounter minimal problems like words that I don’t really understand. Sometimes I have a hard time analyzing very deep context. So one thing that needs improvement is my vocabulary, perhaps to widen it and I believe that it will also help me improve my analyzing skills. One more thing that needs improvement is my writing. It is my ultimate frustration. I usually have a problem in organizing my thoughts and finding the right word to use. I am so much in need of a writing training. I know I have the potential to become a good writer someday but I lack training. I expect this class to be as fun as it can be. To be able to turn my frustration into a profession. To be able to express my ideas the better way. Most of all, I expect this class to help me become a good English communicator and writer someday. I believe that ENGLCOM will help me achieve my goals. Perhaps, to be able to speak well, write well may be of help to become successful. I also believe that this course will help me in achieving my biggest dream which is to touch the lives of other people by being a good writer someday.

Comparison-contrast essay

Mulder and Scully

“Tooms” is an episode of an American science fiction T.V. series called “ X-files “. The episode was entitled after the genetic mutant serial killer Eugene Victor Tooms. The character who killed a lot of people by ripping off the liver of the victim with bare hands. The series was aired from 1993 till 2002. “ X - files “ are cases left unsolved by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI. In this series, Gillian Anderson played the role of Dana Katherine Scully, a doctor and an FBI agent who was assigned to investigate cases involving supernatural phenomena. She would always have her partner Fox Mulder (portrayed by David Duchovny) to work with her. FBI agents Mulder and Scully have different characteristics, beliefs and styles of solving problems.

The two main characters have a big difference when it comes to physical traits. Mulder and Scully both have pointed nose and white complexion. However, Mulder is taller than Scully. He has a medium built body while Scully is slim. If you look at them together, you will notice that they both fit as partners for the investigation. As partners, they incorporate both their beliefs and perceptions for the investigation. As a doctor, Scully believes in scientific phenomena and facts. While Mulder believes in his own instincts and unidentified flying objects. When it comes to solving problems, Mulder examines and relates past evidences to the present. This was shown when Mulder claimed that Eugene Tooms was over a hundred years old due to the appearance of his fingerprints at the murder scenes since 1903. He also believed that Tooms hibernates for 30 years and the human liver he ingests helped him survived for a span of time. On the other hand Scully research and examine scientific evidences. During their investigation for the unsolved crimes Scully would always ask for scientific explanation and conclusive evidences. Her background in Science lead her to working with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mulder is said to be spooky, aggressive and has weird thoughts. Most of the FBI agents don’t believe his thoughts. There was a time when Tooms was on a polygraph test and Mulder questioned him if he was over 100 years old and others agents thought it was a stupid question. On the other hand, Scully is known to be skeptic, smart, respected and determined.

The two FBI agents are really different from each other. As partners, they have chemistry, oneness and both determined to accomplish their goals. They never let each other be left behind. Their uniqueness helped them accomplish and solve the problems they encountered.

Sources:

“ X- files”; From Http://www.wikipedia.org

“ Dana Scully “; From Http://www.wikipedia.org

“ Fox Mulder “; From Http://www.wikipedia.org

“ Tooms “; From Http://www.wikipedia.org

Hi Kaye

After a review of your comparison and contrast essay, you rated 56/60 based on the following:

Your writing would pass as a sci-fi magazine editor because the development and language of this piece definitely addresses the demands of the audience. Though there were so stumbles in some parts of the essay, this is a great read!

Please refer to the attachment for your comments

Warm Regards,

Paolo Nino M. Valdez, PhD

Assistant Professor, DEAL

College of Education

De La Salle University