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Exercise 1
RULES TO FOLLOW
The Grade Six pupils decided to make their room clean, orderly and beautiful. Here are some of
the rules everyone needs to follow:
Wipe your shoes on the doormat before entering the room.
Put the wastepaper, fruit peelings and candy wrappers in the wastebasket.
Keep the walls, desks and tables free from pencil and chalk marks and scratches.
Put the cleaning materials in a box.
Arrange the furniture properly.
Put away your pencils, books, notebooks after using them.
Hang umbrellas and raincoats in one corner of the room.
Keep books clean and well- covered.
1. What do animals ask in general? 6. Are they asking their master to let them free?
a. that we make them sleep a. Yes
b. that we be more kind to them b. No
c. that we ask them to dine with us c. Does not say
2. How long do animals serve us? 7. When do the animals work as their master’s
a. a few years servant?
b. for some time a. early and late
c. as long as they live b. non-stop
3. What do animals consider a silly dream? c. only at night
a. to be able to talk 8. How much needs do animals have?
b. to be able to hear a. Many
c. to be able to serve b. None
4. What do they beg of us? c. Few
a. shelter for them 9. What are the animals doomed to remain?
b. kindness to them a. mute
c. clothing for them b. sensitive
5. Which of these statements is true? c. untrainable
a. Giving food to dumb 10. What three things can the animals do?
creatures is enough. a. feel, hear, see
b. We need to be more kind to b. see, hear, speak
dumb creatures. c. hear, speak, feel
c. We must not consider
dumb creatures as our friends.
Exercise 21
A LETTER OF INVITATION
26 del Pilar Street
Sampaloc, Manila
March 15, 2004
Dear Nina,
My parents are going to give a party on the evening of my graduation, March 29. It will be held
in our house on del Pilar Street. Please come and bring along your brother, Milo, and your sister, Ester.
My father has prepared some very exciting parlor games which I am sure you and your sister and
brother will enjoy. There will also be a program prepared by my elder sister, Nora. The party starts at six
o’clock. You can go home at nine so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the party. We are hoping to
see you all.
Your friend,
Gina
1. What was the author’s advice to Johnny? 6. Will you be afraid to tell what you have done
a. not to play if you have ruined you clothes?
b. not to enter the house a. Yes
c. not to be afraid to confess the truth b. No
2. What happens if one waits longer? c. Maybe
a. it will be hard to begin. 7. What does one need to tell the truth?
b. it will be easy to begin. a. fear
c. it will be foolish to begin. b. courage
3. How does a boy appear if he has a confession c. shyness
to make? 8. How will one feel if he confesses the truth?
a. He has a pitiful face. a. happy
b. He has a brave face. b. afraid
c. He has a happy face. c. timid
4. How does a mother feel when her little boy 9. Is it always easy to tell the truth?
has been naughty? a. Yes
a. She is sad. b. No
b. She is proud. c. Maybe
c. She is very happy. 10. What is the best trait one must possess to
5. What will you do when you have something be able to confess?
to confess? a. fear
a. Try to hide it. b. pride
b. Try to forget it. c. courage
c. Face the truth like a man.
Exercise 34
THE LEGEND OF LAKE BUHI
Grandmother was relating the story of Lake Buhi to her grandchildren. According to her, Buhi
was a town at the bottom of the lake.
Once upon a time the people of this enchanted town lived in abundance. But as the people
became wealthy they forgot all about God and so God punished them. Their town sank beneath the
earth overnight and in its place there rose a beautiful lake.
When the weather was warm and clear and the surface of the lake is as clear as a mirror, it is
said that one can look down into the bottom of the lake. The people can be seen doing their everyday
tasks. Some are cultivating their lands, others are building houses and smoke can be seen coming from
the kitchen as women cook the family meals.
It is also said that the tiniest fish in the world, found in Lake Buhi, are trimmings of abaca fiber as
the people in the lake continue to make hats out of abaca for which the town was once famous.
Exercise 1
A skilled worker earns P1,800 a week; and unskilled worker earns P 1,000 a week. How much is
the difference in their earnings in a year or in 52 weeks?
Exercise 2
The children in a Grade Six class had an experiment. They boiled water in a kettle until the steam
came out. They put a tray in a place where the steam could reach it. They noticed the water vapor was
collected around the tray. Then they placed cracked ice on the tray. They observed that drops of water
fell underneath the tray.
From the experiment, the class formed some conclusions: When water is heated by the sun, it
evaporates and goes up into the air. When this water vapor becomes cool (because temperature at very
high altitudes is very low), it condenses and becomes water. Theses droplets of water become clouds.
When they become very heavy, they fall as rain.
Exercise 4
William Howard Taft, and American Governor-General, felt that the Filipinos should own and
develop the natural resources of their country, and use them for themselves and their children. He
started the policy of “The Philippines for the Filipinos”.
Under Governor Taft, the government bought the friar lands, subdivided them into lots and sold
these to the tenants. The Bureau of Lands was established to distribute public lands and to see that
these were used properly. The Homestead Law allowed Filipinos to own and cultivate at least 25
hectares of land. Foreigners could own land if they comply with certain requirements.
Exercise 6
For over three hundred years, the Filipinos had suffered the cruelties of the Spaniards. They
were not free to do anything in their own country. A group of patriots formed the Katipunan with
Andres Bonifacio as the head. They fought for their country’s freedom.
The Katipuneros came from all over Manila and the nearby provinces on August 26, 1896. Their
meeting-place was in Balintawak. Only a few of them had guns but many of them had bolos. Others
came with weapons made from sharpened bamboos. They tore their cedulas to pieces angrily shouting,
“Long live the Katipunan! Long live the Philippines! Down with the tyrants!”
These words were the opening salvo of the First Cry of Balintawak.
Exercise 8
Located at the south of Manila, just about an hour ride away, is Tagaytay. It is located atop of
ridge some 2,000 feet above sea level. Tourists can view from this ridge the fascinating Taal Volcano and
Taal Lake. Because of its delightfully cool climate, many Filipinos and tourists from other countries visit
the place. There is a government hotel there built especially for tourists. First class accommodations can
be had in this resort. It has all the modern facilities that a tourist can ask for. When you go to Cavite, do
not miss to see this beautiful spot. It is one of the most beautiful spot in our country.
Exercise 10
Flowers are a beauty. Fortunately, the Philippine climate is favorable to the growth of various
species of these wonderful beauties of nature. As one travels around the islands, one comes across all
sorts of flowers. They are abundant especially in the months of March, April and from trees, bushes,
herbs, vines and water plants. Each species has its own distinct beauty. While children in the cities enjoy
them in flower shops, botanical gardens and parks, the children in the barrios see them on the fields,
gardens, forests, swamps and river banks. However, their beauty remains wherever they may be.
Exercise 12
“Why, I have never seen our town so clean!” cried Lyn as she alighted from the tricycle. “Not a
single trash around.”
“Don’t you know that every citizen in our town helps to make our town clean?” said Dennis, her
brother. “Anyone caught throwing rubbish around will be punished accordingly.”
“It can really be don’t,” said Lyn. “We can really make our town clean if we want to.”
“Yes,” answered Dennis.
Exercise 14
We hear of cottage industries. These are industries that people engage in at home. Our
government and civic organizations are helping to promote cottage industries. These are encouraged
because they help the people in the following ways:
They provide work for the jobless.
They increase man’s usefulness through creative and useful activities.
They increase the family income.
They develop neighborliness and cooperation among the people in a community.
1. Which word best describe what Mother thinks about our present society?
a. fearful
b. peaceful
c. same as before
2. Which of these statements is true?
a. Citizen fear for their lives.
b. Citizen cannot rest easily.
c. Citizen are not afraid anymore.
3. What is expected of every citizen who possesses firearms without license?
a. to keep it
b. to fight with it
c. to surrender it
Exercise 16
You read advertisements of various medicines in newspapers and magazines and hear them
over the radio. Unfortunately, many people believe all these advertisements. Large amounts of money
are spent in this country each year for health “cures” and medicine.
When people are in pain, they are often tempted to take almost any kind of medicine that can
be quickly purchased at the corner drug store. Such medicine often contains pain-killing drugs so the
pain seems to disappear. Then people would think that that medicine is good. What they do not realize
is that pain is only a symptom, a danger signal that something is wrong. Meanwhile, a serious condition
in the body – a condition that needs a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment – may be neglected.
Exercise 18
You have always thought that good sportsmanship is true only in sports or athletic contests.
Good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play is limited not only to games and sports. There is also a great
need for sportsmanship at home, in the classroom, and in group work. Sportsmanship is very much like
courtesy. It means showing consideration for other people and treating them the way you would like to
be treated. It also means respecting other people’s rights, feelings and believing they are just as
important as you are. Be a good loser; don’t get angry or sulk or make excuses when you lose. On the
other hand, if you win, do not belittle the loser: show sympathy for their defeat.
Exercise 20
The Filipino Flag is rectangular in shape with a white triangle, a broad blue field on top of a
broad red field. The blue stands for hope, loyalty, patriotism and honor. The red stands for courage, the
courage of the Filipino in time of war. A sun with eight rays is in the middle of the white triangle. There
is a star in each corner of the triangle. These represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The white triangle
stands for equality of all under the law.
Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo made the first Filipino national flag in Hong Kong. It was raised by
General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. Later, this flag was again raised at the first
Philippine Congress in Malolos. The Filipino flag is the symbol of our country.
Exercise 22
Corregidor made history during the last World War. It is an island located at the mouth of
Manila Bay. The United States Army made its last stand against the Japanese soldiers on this island.
Corregidor became sacred with the blood of Filipinos and Americans who fought bravely against the
Japanese.
President Manuel L. Quezon established his established his government in Corregidor before he
retreated to Australia.
Corregidor is now a national shrine. It is open to the public. It can be reached by boat. Buses are
ready to take visitors to the different places of interest within the island. It is indeed a worthwhile
experience to see Corregidor.
Exercise 24
Most of the articles in the newspaper may not be of interest to some boys and girls. However, if
you develop the habit of reading the daily newspaper at your home, you will always find something of
interest and value. Some people, though, spend too much time reading the newspaper. A reason for this
is that they have not learned how to select articles that are really worth reading. They do not know how
to choose between materials which contain valuable information or provide experience that enriches
one’s life and articles that are merely for filling up spaces. It is important therefore that you develop
proper reading interest and taste now while you are young.
Exercise 26
Gil wanted to buy a pair of roller skates that costs P 420.00. His father promised to pay half the
cost of the skates if Gil would pay the other half.
Gil was given a daily allowance of P 50.00. He listed his needs and budgeted the amount he
spent for each item like school supplies, bus fare, snacks, and a little amount for recreation.
Gil was able to set aside a part of his allowance for his share in the cost of the roller skates. By
saving a little amount each week, he finally saved enough for the roller skates.
Gil triumphantly showed his father the P 210.00 for his roller skates. That evening, Father had
Gil’s roller skates when he came home.
Exercise 28
King Solomon was known as a just king. One night, he dreamed that God was asking him what
he wished most. He requested God to give him an understanding heart. This, he was granted.
One day two women came to see King Solomon. The first woman said, “O King! This woman
took my baby. While I was asleep, she took my baby and substitutes him with her dead baby.”
“That is not true,” cried the other woman. “This baby is mine.”
King Solomon asked a soldier to get a sword. “Cut the child into half,” he said. “Give half of the
baby to the first woman and other half to the other woman.”
“Good!” exclaimed the other woman. “That’s far and just decision.”
“Wait!” cried the first woman. “Please let this woman keep the baby. I don’t want the baby
hurt.”
“Soldier,” said King Solomon, “give the baby to the first woman. She is the real mother.”
Exercise 30
As Ed passed y his neighbor’s yard, he saw Tiger, his neighbor’s dog, stumble and fall across the
live fallen electric wire. Tiger gave one wild yell of pain and lay on the ground, kicking and struggling to
set himself loose from the wire.
Ed stopped his neighbor’s two sons from going near the dog. He saw one of the boys rush
towards the dog, crying. He ran to prevent the boy from touching the dog.
“Oh, poor Tiger!” Ed said with tears in his eyes as he saw Tiger, helplessly freeing himself. Then
he turned to the boys and shouted, “Keep back there or that wire will kill you, too.”
“Run home quickly and call up the Electrical Company,” Ed told one of the brothers. “Tell them a
live wire has killed a dog and may kill others too if they don’t hurry. Give the address. Run!”
Exercise 32
Not all great deeds are done in time of war. Here is the story of a man whose greatness was
achieved in time of peace. He was Thomas Alva Edison. He was the greatest inventor that ever lived. He
invented the talking machine and the electric light. He made instruments to measure the heat of far-off
stars. He invented hundreds of things that gave comfort to the lives of millions of people. From
childhood he showed an inquiring mind. He looked closely at things around him. His mind looked for
causes and reasons. His mother had to answer and explain things to him. But Thomas was no contented.
He tried to find out about things himself. So, he began performing experiments one after another.
Exercise 34
King Metabus was a cruel king. His daughter Camilla was still a baby when the people burned his
palace, killed the queen and drove Metabus into the forest.
He ran away. He held Camilla in his left arm and carried a mighty spear on his right hand. His
enemies were coming and he had to cross a deep stream. He tied his baby daughter to the handle of the
spear and sprint to a rock on the edge of the stream. He lifted his spear and asked Diana, the goddess of
the forest, to save his daughter.
With a careful aim, he hurled the spear which landed safely on the opposite shore. Metabus
safely swam across the stream, untied his daughter and went to a faraway country.
He lived there with his daughter Camilla who became attached to the Goddess Diana as she
grew into womanhood.
Exercise 36
Bread is one of the most important food items. The word bread comes from the word “bray”
which means to pound. During the ancient times, grains used in baking bread were pounded between
two stones.
Bread can be made from various grains – wheat, rye, corn, buckwheat and oats. However, when
we speak of bread, we generally think of the kind made from wheat because bread from wheat grains is
the best in texture and in taste.
Exercise 38
A good-looking boy lived with his wise grandmother. The boy loved to talk about himself and
boasted to his friends that he was best. His grandmother knew that people did not like him for his
boastfulness. So one day, she took the boy to the ricefields. “Do you see the heads of palay?”
Grandmother asked. “They are full of big ripening grains of palay. See how humbly they bowed their
heads to the ground.”
“Look over on the other side,” Grandmother pointed to the other part of the ricefield. “The
palay heads are thin for they are still empty, yet they all stand very proundly.”
“These palay plants are like boastful persons,” continued Grandmother. “The empty headed
ones are boastful while the wise ones are silent and humble. Learn a lesson from the full heads of
palay.”
Adapted
1. How did the fox feel when he saw where the stork served dinner?
a. He was angry.
b. He was happy.
c. The story does not say.
2. What do you think happened?
a. The fox thanked the stork.
b. The fox went away satisfied.
c. The fox went away as hungry as when he came.
3. Was the stork right in what she did?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Maybe
Exercise 2
PETE’S CATCH
Pete considered himself a fine fisherman. He stood on the riverbank as he held his fishing line
with the patience only a fisherman knew. His heart beat faster as he felt a tug on the line. He was
excited as he planted his feet firmly on the ground. He gave a big pull expecting to find a big fish at the
hook of his fishing line. Disappointment clouded his face as he stared at his catch.
Exercise 4
THE GRADUATION GIFT
“Thank you! O thank you, Father!” cried Jun embracing his father tightly. “This is the best gift I
have received in my whole life. I have prayed and longed to own one and my prayer has been
answered.”
“I am very glad about that,” Father said putting his arms around his son. “I waited for your
graduation to buy one.”
“I am not very happy about the bicycle,” put in Mother. “I hope it will not be a source of
trouble.”
“You don’t know it, Mother, but I have been riding Rene’s bike every now and then,” said Jun. “I
can ride very well now.”
One afternoon as Mother was tending her garden, she saw Jun passed by on his bicycle.
Suddenly there was a crash! People were looking at the direction where Jun has turned on a curb.
1. Since when do you think, was the bird been Noel’s pet?
a. just a few days ago
b. about a month ago
c. since the bird was a birdling
2. What do you think did the bird want to do when it flew to a brook nearby?
a. It wanted to look for Noel.
b. It wanted to call its mother.
c. It wanted to dip its body in the water, hoping to remove the paper from its feet.
3. Do you think the bird was finally able to remove the sticky paper from its feet?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Maybe
Exercise 6
BOUND FOR A NEW HOUSE
As the Bicol Express sped on its way from the Paco Station, Raul peeped out of the train
window.
“Look! Mother,” Raul called to his mother who was sitting beside him. I can see the streets and
the houses from here. I can have a good view of Makati now.”
“Yes,” answered a woman who was sitting across them. “Almost all of the squatters’ shanties
have been demolished by the government men.”
“That is for the good of squatters themselves,” put in an old woman. “They were relocated and
given lands on which to build their houses. Many of them were sent to their own provinces with a little
money for transportation and for their basic needs.”
Raul’s mother sighed as she looked at the bundle of clothes under their seat, their only
possession. Were she and her son not among those that these people were talking about? Could they
really have a home of their own now?
1. Did Mang Jose give Mang Ambo some pointers on how to raise fruits and vegetables?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Maybe
2. What do you think will happen to Mang Ambo if he continues with his project?
a. Someday he will drive a jeepney.
b. Someday he will take his daughters and sons to market.
c. Someday he will market his own fruits and vegetables.
3. Do you think Mang Ambo will also harvest plenty of fruits and vegetables?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Never
Exercise 8
WHAT HAPPENED
As dawn came, Dante felt very cold so he wrapped himself with his blanket. He could hear the
splashing of water somewhere and he thought he was dreaming. Suddenly he heard his father’s voice
shouting to his mother. “Wake Dante up!” He heard as in a dream. Then he heard tried to open his eyes
but he could not. He felt someone shaking him so he tried to sit up on his bed.
“Come, Dante,” his mother said. “Put some of your clothes in a bag. Don’t forget to include a
blanket and a sweater.” Before Dante could ask a question, he saw Father row a banca at the foot of the
stairs. Dante stared. Overnight, the fields around their house had turned into a vast sea.
Exercise 10
A CHANGE
“Why are you back so soon?” asked Mother as she saw Rex coming. “Where is your Father?”
“He is out driving his jeep, Mother,” answered Rex.
“Why would he be driving his jeep without his license?” asked Mother worriedly. “He will be
doubly fined when he gets caught. Didn’t you go out with your Father to get back his license? What
happened? Didn’t he get back his license?”
“Easy, Mother,” said Rex laughing. “It did not take Father an hour to get back his license. We
didn’t have to wait long. He had no case. That is the reason why we are back soon. The employee from
whom Father got his license attended to him at once.”
Exercise 12
A BETTER DRIVER
“Your father is here now,” Mother said. “You may set the table, Sonia. He must be very hungry.”
“Father looks very happy, Mother,” observed Sonia as she saw her father park the jeep in front
of their yard.
“Maybe he has good news,” Mother answered.
“I have many passengers today,” Father said as he was coming in. “And still better news is that I
was not caught for any traffic violations.”
“That’s really good news. You have become a law abiding driver,” Mother remarked happily.
1. What happens when jeepney drivers do not follow traffic rules and regulations?
a. The drivers fight back.
b. The drivers earn more.
c. The drivers are arrested and fined.
2. Why had Sonia’s father become a better driver?
a. He repaired his jeep.
b. He earned little for many days.
c. He obeyed traffic rules and regulations.
3. Do good drivers help the community?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Never
Exercise 13
YOU AND YOUR SAFETY
Not long agoo, a group of Grade Six boys and girls kept a careful record of all cuts, bumps, falls
and other accidents that happened to them for a period of three months. A study of their accident
record showed many of the accidents took place in school. Some of these accidents occurred in the
classrooms and in the halls of school buildings. But more injuries took place in school shops and on
playgrounds.
Exercise 14
WAIT TILL THEY ARE BIG ENOUGH
Mike and Johnny were taking their vacation on their Uncle Joe’s farm. One morning the two
boys were sitting on the riverbank as they dipped their hook and line in the water.
“Let’s make a bet,” Mike suggested. “Let’s see who will have the first catch. Ah! I spoke too
soon, here it comes.” Mike pulled up his line. True enough there was a fish at the end of the hook.
“Ha! Ha!” laughed Johnny. “Don’t tell me you will bring home that tiny fish.”
“No, I will set it free,” Mike said. “We don’t catch little fish. Some people catch fish that are still
very small.
Just then they saw a fisherman pull up his net. It was full of fish. But they were all stll very small.
So Mike and Johnny approached him.
Exercise 16
ROOTS
The root is the part of the plant that sinks into the soil it gets water and minerals from the soil
and also holds the plant in position. Roots that grow from the primary roots are called secondary roots.
Roots that are large and can be easily seen do not gather much water but are more of a support for the
plant. Water and minerals are gathered for the plant by tiny root hairs on the young root. Roots may be
fleshy as in carrots, sweet potatoes and turnips. These vegetables are rootcrops. Some are fibrous like
those of grass, corn and other cereal grains.
Exercise 18
A LITTLE SEEDLING’S STORY
Once there was a little seedling seen by a farmer. He dug the little seedling and planted it in his
backyard. The soft soil held its roots firmly to the ground so that it stood erect towards the blue sky.
At sunset that day, the farmer’s wife came to look at the new plant in their backyard. “I wonder
if this little tree will bear oranges,” she said to herself.
The seedling heard her and promised to give the farmer’s wife oranges if the sun and rain would
help her. The sun and the gentle rain heard her and helped the little seedling. Soon the farmer’s wife
saw some shoots on it. “I am sure it will give me some oranges in a few years.”
“It is not old enough to bear oranges yet,” the farmer said laughing.
“You shall have some oranges after some years,” said the little seedling softly.
1. Why do you think did the bird not eat the pieces of bread on the window sill?
a. It was afraid.
b. It was not hungry yet.
c. It brought the pieces of bread to her baby birds.
2. What do you think will happen if birds do not migrate to warmer places during winter?
a. Many of them will die.
b. They will have no place to live in.
c. They will bury themselves in the ground.
3. When do you need to provide food for birds?
a. during winter
b. during summer
c. during autumn
Exercise 20
COURTESY PAYS
“Good morning, can I help you?” asked a policeman as he was approaching Father who had just
finished tinkering on the engine of his jeep.
“Good morning,” answered Father looking embarrassed. “I thought something was wrong with
my jeep gasoline. We came from the province and I am taking my wife and daughter downtown to shop
for our little store.”
“I will help you push your jeep to the side of the street,” volunteered the policeman. “There is a
gasoline station not far from here where you can buy gasoline. You can ask for a can where to put your
gasoline.
Father and the policemen pushed the jeep to one side of the street. “Thank you,” Father said.
The policeman smiled, “You’re welcome.”
Mother and I smiled at the policeman and thanked him, too.
1. Do you think the policeman was just doing his duty when he helped Father push the jeep?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Maybe
2. Why do you think it was necessary to push the jeep on the side of the road?
a. because it was not nice to look at
b. because it was against the law
c. so that it would not obstruct traffic
3. How should a cop behave in dealing with people?
a. A cop should always frighten people.
b. A policeman should only be ready to catch criminals.
c. A policeman should always be polite and ready to help.
Exercise 21
PATRONIZE YOU OWN
Mother was sweeping the yard when her daughter arrived almost breathless.
“You know, Mother,” Maria said, “we will not go far anymore to buy things. There is a store
being built near our place.”
“Where?” asked Mother.
“Just three houses from ours.” Digna, another daughter, explained. “It is located on the vacant
lot which was formerly a dumping ground.”
“Is Aling Petra the owner of the store?” asked Mother again.
“Yes, Mother,” said Maria, “she owns the store. Isn’t it nice, Mother? We will have a store near
our place and we can buy things much cheaper than those at Chinese stores.”
Exercise 22
BABY FISH LOOKS AT LAND
“Mother, what is a land?” Baby Fish asked Mother Fish. “May I go and find out?”
But his mother would not let him go. Baby Fish was very much disappointed. He did not like to
eat and play. Mother Fish was afraid Baby Fish might die so she allowed him to go. Baby Fish was very
happy, but his Mother was very sad. Baby Fish swam and swam. Soon he became hungry. He saw one
live shrimp. He caught the shrimp and was about to swallow it when he felt a tug in his mouth. He
tightened his bite on the shrimp. But he felt he was pulled upward and fast.
“This shrimp must be very strong,” thought Baby Fish. He was not frightened. He opened his
mouth to let the shrimp set himself free but the pull upward was strong. Then he felt himself being lifted
outside of the water and being tossed to the land.
1. If all will plant vegetables in their backyards, what good will this do to all of us?
a. We will have enough food.
b. We will make ourselves beautiful.
c. We will have plenty of time to play.
2. What do you think will happen to a family with good income?
a. It will lack food.
b. It will go hungry.
c. It will have enough in life.
3. If all people eat balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, what will happen?
a. Sickness will spread.
b. People will be healthy.
c. Death rate will increase.
Exercise 24
MIKE’S LESSON
In a little village lived a boy named Mike Diaz. He was fond of setting traps for little animals that
greatly abound in the woods near his village.
One early morning, he went into the woods to look at his two traps. As he came near the first
one, he saw a squirrel had been caught. The poor frightened creature was struggling to escape.
Mike ran towards the trap. Suddenly his food slipped and was gripped with a snap. Down he
went to the ground. He knew what had happened. He was caught in the other trap. He was not
frightened at first because he thought he could set himself free but the chain would not let him go no
matter how hard he tried.
Just out of his reach lay the squirrel panting with pain and terror. For the first time in his life,
Mike understood what he was doing.
1. Why do you think did Jay clean the butcher’s stall early?
a. The market opens early.
b. The market opens at noontime.
c. Market goers come in the afternoon.
2. What could be Jay’s reason in cleaning the butcher’s stall?
a. He wanted to earn money.
b. He wanted to see the market.
c. He wants to ask for some meat.
3. From the story, do you think Jay went back to school?
a. Yes
b. Maybe
c. No
Exercise 26
INDUSTRY AND PERSEVERANCE
Mang Toribio was very poor and had many children. One night he told his wife that his friend,
Katindig, had asked him if he wanted to join in putting up a slipper store. His wife encouraged him to do
so. With a little capital, Mang Toribio and Kantindig put up a little slipper store. At first they made a few
pairs of slippers. Then more orders came in. The two friends were very happy when the slippers sold
fast. Time came when they included shoes in their store. The store prospered until the owners became
millionaires. Mang Toribio became known as Don Toribio of Ang Tibay shoes.
1. Why do you think did Father have a good harvest last year?
a. He planted many seeds.
b. He had many palay plants.
c. The seeds of palay he planted were selected.
2. Why do you think will Father select the seeds for next year’s planting?
a. to have a good harvest
b. to share the seeds with his friends
c. to have plenty of seeds to give away to his neighbors.
3. What kind of grains will selected seeds bear?
a. big and full grains
b. small round grains
c. long and thin grains
Exercise 28
LINO’S REWARD
One day, Lino was passing by a clump of bamboo trees on his way home from school when he
heard the meowing of a cat. He was about to walk pass but the meowing continued as if in pain. He put
his bag down and went to the bamboo clumps. He found a cat whose paw was caught between bamboo
stumps. He freed the cat, but still it lay moaning painfully. Lino tried to soothe the cat’s injured food
when all of a sudden Lino jumped and cried in pain.
1. Why do you think do pili nuts grow well in the Bicol region?
a. because of its people
b. because of its climate
c. because of its weather
2. Do you think pili tree farming is profitable?
a. Maybe.
b. No, it is hard to grow pili nuts.
c. Yes, it can mean more income.
3. Why do you think do the people like pili nuts?
a. They are rare.
b. They are costly.
c. They are tasty and can be prepared in many ways.
Exercise 30
TRUE TO A PROMISE
Jose Rizal stayed at the house of Governr Carnicero when he was exile to Dapitan. The governor
treated him like a guest and not like a prisoner. Jose Rizal was free to come and go and visit anybody
who needed a doctor. But Rizal wanted a home of his own. Governor Carnicero agreed to this but he
made Rizal promise not to escape. “I promise,” was Rizal’s answer to Carnicero.
One time Rizal was tempted to break his promise. Doctor Pio Valenzuela visited him in Dapitan.
He told Rizal about the revolution and how the Katipunan planned to set him free. But Rizal shook his
head. “I have promised the governor, I will not escape.”
Another chance came for Rizal to escape he was aboard a ship that brought him back to Manila.
Bonifacio had sent some men on the ship to help him escape.
Exercise 31
THE DESERT
You would think a desert queer if you live in a place where there are flowers, trees, and green
grass throughout the summer. Almost all the deserts found in the United States are caused by lack of
rain. In these places, there is this time, the earth seems to have been baked. Only plants like cactus can
grow on the desert. The cactus has a thick body and its leaves store moisture. These plants have painful
thorns to keep of the creatures who might rob them for their moisture, Yes, the desert is truly a queer
place.
Exercise 34
SAVING WILD LIFE
Saving our wild plants is a great concern of the government. Some of our wild orchids and
ornamental plants are rare and command a high price. If they are properly conserved the cultivated,
they will add to our country’s wealth. Wild orchids, roses and lilies are a joy to look at. They make our
homes beautiful and help cheer us up. They make beautiful decorations. Plants take in carbon dioxide
and give off oxygen which men and animals use in order to live.
1. Why do you think were Rajah Soliman and his men defeated despite having superior arms than what
the Spaniards had?
a. They were afraid of the Spaniards.
b. They were awed by the Spaniards.
c. They were fewer in number than the Spaniards.
2. Why did Legazpi call for Panday Pira?
a. He wanted Pira to succeed Rajah Soliman.
b. He wanted Pira to surrender all the cannons.
c. He wanted Pira to make cannons for the Spanish army.
3. If you were Panday Pira, would you have accepted Legazpi’s offer?
a. Maybe, out of fear for my life.
b. Yes, I would only be too glad to work for the Spaniards.
c. No, I would not accept the offer and even if it meant my death.
Exercise 36
MORE FOOD FROM THE SEA
Our country relies mainly on fish as a source of protein. The daily diet of the Filipinos consists of
seafood with rice. It is said that fishing grounds around centers of population as Manila Bay and
Lingayen Gulf do not give fish as much as before. From 1965 to 1969, the Philippines imported no less
that 50 million pesos worth of fish and other fish products due to our increasing population. This is the
very reason for us to conserve our marine resources. Laws have been passed to prohibit the use of
dynamite to protect fry and fish eggs and to prevent exploitation of fish.
1. Why do you think are Manila Bay and Lingayen Gulf getting short of fish?
a. There are plenty of fishes.
b. Even small fishes are caught.
c. Too much fish is caught so very little fish is left.
2. Why do we have to import fish?
a. We need dollars.
b. We need plenty of fishes.
c. We lack fish for our increasing population.
3. What may happen if we don’t conserve our sea resources?
a. We may have no fish to eat.
b. We may have to eat more fish.
c. We may have to import all the fishes we want.
Exercise 37
THE ARROW AND THE SONG
I shot an arrow into the air
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.
Longfellow
Exercise 38
THOMAS EDISON, THE INVENTOR
There was a time when Thomas Edison wandered in the great city of New York. He had no
friends and had very little money. His clothes were shabby and he was very hungry. For three weeks he
walked through the streets to find work.
One day he went into an office to apply for work. It so happened that the telegraph machine
was out of order. No one knew what the trouble was. Edison volunteered to make it work.
They laughed at him but they allowed him to try. After a little while, the machine worked again.
Exercise 40
“My! What a nice car,” said Rene as he saw his Cousin Mel riding in his toy car.
“My father bought this yesterday,” answered Mel proudly. “Want to try it?”
“Why, yes, thank you,” Rene said as Mel got off his car. “It is just like a real car,” he said as he
tried the wheel. After a short drive, he stopped the car. “Your father is very good,” he observed. “He
buys you many nice things.”
“That is right,” answered Mel. “Father works hard so he can buy us things. You know very well
we have a big poultry. All of us work together to make our poultry produce more. Last week, we were
able to gather about a thousand eggs.”
1. Why do you think could Mel’s father buy nice things for the family?
a. Mel’s father was proud.
b. Mel’s father had a big salary.
c. Their poultry brought in much money.
2. Do you think one is sure to have nice things by working hard?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Maybe
3. Which of these does Mel’s father involve himself in?
a. self-help projects
b. Green Revolution
c. cottage industry
SKILL D
Exercise 1
THE EARTHWORM
Have you seen an earthworm? Children are afraid of the earthworm. It lives in moist soil. It has
no head and it breathes through its skin. If you cut an earthworm in two, the parts will still live.
The earthworm is harmless. It helps the farmers and plant growers. The earthworm bores many
holes in the soil. This way the soil becomes soft and well-mixed. Then more air goes into the soil. Soft,
well-mixed and airy soil is good for the plants. Earthworms help the plants grow well.
3. Write the word that tells where the earthworm breathes through.
Exercise 2
RIZAL AND THE FILIPINO YOUTH
Jose Rizal loved his people especially the youth.
Jose Rizal believed in the young people of his country. He wrote a patriotic poem entitled, “To
The Filipino Youth”, dedicated to his countrymen. In this poem, he called the young Filipino the “fair
hope of his fatherland”.
Rizal also wrote “Noli Me Tangere”. In this novel, he called on the youth to serve their country.
He called on them to study harder and do the best they could to achieve peace and progress for the
Philippines.
4. Copy the word that describes what kind of poem “To The Filipino Youth” is.
1. Write the name of the holiday that the children were preparing for.
2. What did the children do before going to bed? Copy the answer.
3. Copy the phrase that tells what the family would do.
a. go to bed
b. go to a party
c. go to the movies
5. Write the name of the boy who pinned his stockings on the curtain of his bedroom.
Exercise 4
HINTS FOR KEEPING FRIENDS
To have friends, you must genuinely like people and consider their feelings. Here are some hints
for keeping friends:
Be true to your word. Get out of your way to be friendly and help others. Be a good listener.
Avoid talking about people behind their backs. Avoid laughing at the mistakes of others and going
around correcting people. Do your share of the work – don’t be lazy. Be neat and clean. Don’t insist on
having your way. Don’t feel that you are better than others, and be careful not to give that impression.
Treat others as you, yourself, would like to be treated.
2. What should one avoid? Draw a circle around the letter of the correct answer.
a. Avoid talking to people.
b. Avoid participating in a conversation.
c. Avoid taking about people behind their backs.
4. Write the sentence that tells what you should not do.
a. Do your share of the work.
b. Be friendly and help others.
c. Laugh at mistakes of others.
5. Should you always insist on having your way? Write your answer.
a. No
b. Yes
c. Maybe
Exercise 5
WALLY’S KITE
It was Saturday morning and Wally was getting ready to fly his kite. Soon his friends Dennis and
Berto came along. Together they went to the field. They tossed their kits up to the air. The kites flew up
into the sky until they look like birds. They boys had a fine time. Suddenly the kite flew way up to the
sky. He ran fast to follow his kite. Dennis ran to follow Wally. At last Wally’s kite landed on a treetop.
Wally and Dennis reached the tree where the kite landed. Wally climbed the tree and brought his kite
down, but it could not fly anymore. Its wings and tail were broken.
2. Write the words that tell who came along while Wally was flying his kite.
3. Which of these phrases tell what the boys had. Copy the phrase.
a. had a fine time
b. had a bad time
c. had an accident
Exercise 6
NEW PRICES
Norma arrived in their house in the barrio tired but happy. She had just come from town and
her basket was full of things she bought from the market. Now, they will have enough food for one
whole week. Her father can have meat in his binalot when he goes to the field. She put out the list of
thngs she bought. Norma was sure her mother would be sad whe she shows her list. Pork meat cost her
P 110.00 a kilo; beef, P 160.00 a kilo; sugar, P 28.00 a kilo; coffee, P 40.50 for one small glass; canned
goods like milk, sausages including butter cost higher than before.
1. Write the answer that tells how much is the difference between the cost of beef and pork.
a. P 50.00 b. P 18.00 c. P 24.00
2. Copy the answer that tells how much a kilo of sugar costs.
a. P 8.35 b. P 14.00 c. P 28.00
3. Copy the answer that tells the cost of one glass of coffee.
a. P 40.50 b. P 39.00 c. P 75.00
4. Write the word that tells where Norma bought the things in her basket.
a. supermarket b. market c. store
5. Write the word that tells what father takes with him to the field.
Exercise 7
THE TINY PIGEON
A pretty little pigeon built her nest high in the attic of an old barn. After some days, she had five
little white eggs. How proud Mrs. Pigeon was! She kept the eggs warm under her soft wings. After about
three weeks four fuzzy young pigeons broke through their shells and peeped out to take a look at the
world. Mother Pigeon looked anxiously at one tiny egg that was still unhatched. Father pleaded for
some more days for the egg to hatch. Three days passed and Mother Pigeon heard a weak chirp from
the egg and a tiny pigeon poked its head out of the shell.
1. If the five little eggs were white, draw a circle, if not, draw a cross.
2. Copy the phrase that tells where Mother Pigeon kept her eggs warm.
4. Did the remaining egg stay unhatched? Answer with yes or no.
5. Copy the word that tells where Father Pigeon wanted the tiny egg to be pushed out. Choose the word
from the following and underline it.
from the attic from the cave
from the nest from the house
Exercise 8
HOG-RAISING
Hog-raising is profitable for the family. Hogs can be raised in your backyards. A hog 8 to 10
months old is just right to start your piggery. If you can afford it, get a mestizo breed for this grows
faster than our native breed. Select hogs that are health with long body and short legs. They grow faster
ad give more meat. A hog’s growth and health depend upon how you take care of it. So you should feed
your hog well. Hogs love to eat. To avoid spending too much on feeds, raise and fatten your hog chiefly
on surplus garden products or meal scraps.
1. If hogs are not profitable to raise, draw a cross. If they are, put a check after number 1.
2. How old should the hog be to start a piggery? Write the number of months.
3. Write at least two phrases that describe the hog you will choose.
3. How did he cross the street? Draw a circle around the letter of the correct answer.
a. He walked very fast.
b. He ran hurriedly across the street.
c. He looked to his left and to his right.
4. Copy the words which describe how the children got off the bus.
5. Nilo went straight to the playground and played with his classmates. Answer this with true or false.
Exercise 10
WHERE WE CAN PLANT VEGETABLES
In line with the Green Revolution campaign, we can use every available space to plant
vegetables. Such places may be:
in backyards
in fronyards
in pots
on open spaces in vacant lots or on idle fields between rows of trees
on rice paddies (pilapil)
on vacant portions of land within compounds of health clinics or health centers
on unused land within school campuses
on farms for commercial scale production
2. Where can you plant vegetables, if there are rows of trees planted?
4. When there are no spaces available, where can you plant vegetables? Choose your answer.
pots beds chairs boxes
3. Is it important that you get enough nutritious food to meet your rapid growing needs? Answer with
Yes or No.
5. If enriched bread is an essential food, put a check after the number. If it is not, put a cross.
Exercise 12
NIÑO AND THE U.S NAVY
Niño’s uncle is in the U.S. Navy. Every now and then, his uncle sends him toys, chocolates,
candies, and articles from the United States. His school bag is made in U.S.A. His jacket, wristwatch and
pencil case are also “Stateside”.
Niño proudly shows off his “belongings” to his friends. He thinks his Stateside belongings are
better than the locally produced things that his classmates are using.
Niño always speaks highly of his uncle in the U.S. Navy. When he grows up, he wants to be like
his uncle and be a member of the U.S. Navy, too.
1. Which of the following do you think best describes Niño? Box your answer.
patriotic unpatriotic selfish
2. Which is true about Niño? Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
a. He likes Stateside articles.
b. He is fond of locally produced articles.
c. He feels proud of his country’s products.
4. Write what made Nori and her mother decide to travel by train.
5. Write the place chosen by Nori and her mother to visit. Put a square around your answer.
Exercise 14
APOLINARIO MABINI
Apolinario Mabini loved his mother very much. His mother was thrifty and hardworking. She did
all the work in the house and helped her husband tend their coffee trees. Mabini’s father and mother
knew that he was an intelligent boy. It was his mother who decided to help that they had no money to
support him, they sent Mabini to Manila to study Mabini worked his way through college. How hard his
parents worked to be able send him a few pesos! Mabini’s mother wanted him to be a priest but Mabini
knew he would be a good lawyer.
2. Write the word that ells what kind of a boy Mabini was. Put this inside the square.
3. Write the word that tells who decided to send Mabini to Manila. Write it in capital letters.
4. Copy the word that tells what Mabini’s mother wanted him to be.
5. What did his parents do to send him a few pesos? Underline the phrase.
worked hard gamble sold vegetables
Exercise 15
INCOMPARABLE RIZAL
We just wonder how Rizal in his short life learned so many things. He was only thirty-five years
old when he died, but he could speak about twenty-six languages. We know he was a doctor, a write, an
artist and a scientist. When he was exiled to Dapitan, he learned to be a farmer. He was a teacher and a
businessman. He was also a good swimmer, and an expert in fencing and boxing.
5. Copy all the words that tell what other things Rizal was good in.
swimming baseball fencing boxing
Exercise 16
A CONTEST
There is a contest for the cleanest and most beautiful barrio. How can our barrios be made
beautiful and clean? All the people in each barrio can help in this project. The first thing is to start with
the yard. Clean the yard and dispose the garbage properly. Fence the yard with bamboo or hedges. The
gumamela or bougainvilla can serve as fence. The backyard can be planted with vegetables. Flowering
plants can be planted in pots and placed on window sills. Keep the pigs and chicken out of the yard by
putting them in pens. There should be clean canals and good drainage to keep the surroundings clean.
2. Where is the contest being held? Write the word in capital letters.
5. Copy the word that tells what may be planted in the backyard.
fruit tress vegetables flowering plants
Exercise 17
A GAME WITH WORDS
The exercises below will help you recall your knowledge of important words used in
Mathematics. These will also help you understand words you do no know.
Exercise 18
ELECTRIC POWER
Electricity has become a servant and a messenger in the modern world. It lights homes, runs
machines in factories and makes distant people neighbors. Electricity has given us all the comforts in life
through electrical appliances used in our homes. Science has helped us in making the most out of
electricity. Work has become lighter with the advent of electricity.
2. Has electricity made our work lighter? Write your answer inside a circle.
3. Copy the phrase that tells what has brought comfort to our lives.
4. Copy the line in the stanza which tells why “it’s hard to explain what makes a friend.”
5. Write the line that tells where the writer found the things that make a friend.
Exercise 20
FISH CONSERVATION
Our country’s fishing resources are fast dwindling because of dynamite fishing. Using dynamite
in fishing kills thousands of fish. It is the chief cause of the rapid disappearance of fish stocks from our
lakes, rivers and seas. A stick of dynamite thrown into school of fish kills not that they could have
spawned. The mature ones are not only the ones killed. Fish, eggs, fries, and fingerlings within close
range of the blast are also destroyed. This is why dynamite fishing is prohibited.
3. What can cause death to thousands of fish and the countless generations of fish? Copy the phrase.
5. What step did the government take in connection with dynamite fishing?
Write your answer in one word.
Exercise 21
TAKING CARE OF DIFFERENT DOGS
Dogs like different kinds of food just as people do. A grown up dog that is at least twelve months
old should have only one full meal a day with a snack in the morning or at night. A mixture of cooked
meat, rice or dry bread crumbs is a good meal for a dog. He should never be given chicken bones for it
might do damage to his intestines. Instead, give him a large bone to gnaw. A dog should not be given
candies or highly seasoned foods. Walk or romp with your dog regularly to give him exercise.
1. What does a dog like just as people do? Draw a square around the letter of the correct answer.
a. a big house
b. lots of money
c. different kinds of food
4. Copy the phrase that tells what should always be near the dog.
5. Copy the answer that tells what should not be given to your dog.
a. rice
b. a big bone
c. seasoned foods
Exercise 22
THE EARLY FILIPINOS
When the Spaniards came to the Philippines, the Filipinos knew how to read and write. They had
their own alphabet.
They used two ways of writing. They wrote from top to bottom. They also wrote from left to
right. They wrote on bamboos, leaves of the coconut trees and barks of trees. They used pointed steel
or knife for writing.
During the early days, the Filipinos believed in Bathala as the creator of all things on Earth. They
worshipped Lalahon, the god of fire and harvest. They believed in Makaptan, god of sickness, and
Sidapa, god of death. They also believed in anitos.
3. Put a check after the sentence that tells what the early Filipinos believed in.
a. Sidapa is god of sickness.
b. Makaptan is god of death.
c. Bathala the creator of all things on Earth.
4. Write the phrase that tells who Lalahon was.
5. What other gods did they believe in? Write the names.
Exercise 23
OCEAN BOTTOM: A REAL PANTRY
Oceans, the Earth’s largest water reserve, occupy two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. The Earth is
air conditioned because the large amount of water cools hot air and warms u cold air. Seas and oceans
are full of mineral salts and vitamins that keep man healthy. Thousands of plants and sea animals like
fish, shellfish, mollusks and other feed us.
Under the ground beneath the ocean bottom, treasures such as oil and gas are found. Thus, the
ocean is a real pantry.
Seas and oceans that are so valuable for life on Earth are constantly mistreated by en through
pollution, thus causing the butchery of sea animals. We do not realize that if the ocean gets ill, we will,
too.
1. What is the selection about? Write the word and underline it.
5. If the oceans get ill, we get ill, too. Answer this with True or False.
Exercise 24
KILLING MOSQUITOES
We can do much to destroy mosquitoes. If they happen to get caught in our mosquito net, we
can of course kill them. We can drive them away from our houses by spraying them with insecticides.
We can protect ourselves from mosquitoes at night by sleeping under a mosquito net. But this method
protects us temporarily. We can kill them while they are still in larvae stage. This is true of mosquitoes
which breed in standing water, around our houses. Mosquitoes can be kept from breeding. Do not leave
around empty cans, coconut shells, or other containers which hold water where mosquitoes can breed.
If people are careful, no mosquitoes can breed near their house.
3. Write the phrase that tells how we can protect ourselves temporarily from mosquitoes.
3. Copy the word that tells who takes care of garbage collection.
people government agents
5. What may be eradicated or lessened in the future if garbage is disposed of properly? Draw your
answer.
Exercise 26
VACATION TIME
“It is vacation now!” shouted Ben happily. “I can take a swim in the river every day.”
“I will sell newspapers every morning and shine shoes in the afternoon,” said Luis. “I need to
save money so I can go to high school next June.”
“I will help Mother do home chores,” said Gloria. “I can cook and go to market.”
“I will plant vegetables in our backyard,” said Rene.
2. Who among the children in the story will spend his vacation earning money? Write his name.
4. Why is Ben happy? Draw a circle around the letter of the correct answer.
a. He can take a bath in the well.
b. He can take a bath in the river.
c. He can take a swim in the river.
2. Did he choose Tagalog because many Filipinos could read write it?
Answer with Yes or No.
3. Which phrase tells us what are found in the different Philippine dialects. Copy the phrase.
Tagalog words Bicolano words Visayan words
Exercise 28
HELP PRODUCE FOOD
The Grade Six pupils wanted to help in food production. One of their slogans was “Plant more
foodcrops”. Each of the boys cultivated home gardens in his backyard. All the boys planted vegetables
that are easy to grow. They planted fruit vegetables like patola, squash, eggplants, “sayote” and
tomatoes. Now they are looking forward to the day when they will harvest the vegetables from their
home gardens. Their products will help increase our food supply.
5. Where did they cultivate home gardens? Write the word and encircle it.
Exercise 29
ANIMAL BITES
Animal bites should not cause any alarm, but they should be treated promptly. There are safety
rules that may help.
Bites of dogs, cats, mice, rabbits and similar pets may be dangerous to human beings. Cats and
dogs, especially, are sometimes afflicted with rabbies. Their bite should not be taken for granted. The
best thing to do is to clean the wound with an anstiseptic such as a teaspoon of carbolic acid in a pint of
warm water. Cover the wound with sterile gauze and bind it carefully in order to keep it free from dust.
However, it is always advisable to see a doctor after applying the first aid treatment.
1. What disease common to cats and dogs is dangerous? Write the word in capital letters.
3. What first step should be done when bitten by a dog? Copy the letters of your answer.
a. Kill the dog immediately.
b. Clean the wound with antiseptic.
c. Apply ground guava leaves on the wound.
Exercise 30
TREE PLANTING
Tree planting is worthwhile. There is a wide variety of trees that are best suited for backyards,
along the streets, river banks or on open fields. Whether we use them for ornament, shelter or shade
for other plants, these trees can provide some of our daily needs. There are trees that can be used for
fuel, and when they grow older, as construction materials. Two or more of the followings trees – mango,
papaya, chico, banana, cacao, coconut, citrus trees, caimito, mabolo, orange – can be planted in our
backyards because they provide us with fruit, fuel and shade.
1. What is the selection about? Draw a circle around the letter of the correct answer.
a. tree planting c. garden planting
b. forest planting
2. Copy these words: ornament, shelter, shade, tree. Underline the word that is another name for
decoration.
4. Which one is a fruit tree as well as a shade tree? Draw a circle around the word.
a. mango b. coconut c. orange
2. Write the part of the plant from where the fibers are taken.
4. What does the abaca plant resemble? Draw a square around the correct answer.
pineapple plant banana plant palm plant
5. Select two words that describe the fiber from which cord and rope are made. Underline the words.
beautiful strongest long valuable light
Exercise 32
LEISURE TIME
The hours after school or work are called leisure time. Most people spend their leisure time in
different kinds of recreational activities. Recreation improves one’s mind and keeps the body fit after
the day’s work. However, recreation should be chosen wisely. Profitable recreational activities should
not necessarily be expensive. They should teach good lessons, develop good habits and keep one
physically and mentally fit. Children find amusement by themselves in gardening, crocheting and
painting. Artistic activities like music and dancing are good hobbies done during leisure time.
1. What does the selection tell us? Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
a. Leisure time is idle time.
b. Leisure time keeps one physically and mentally fit.
c. Leisure time is any hour between morning and noon.
2. Write the phrase that tells how people spend their leisure time.
3. Inside a square, write the phrase that tells what you call the hours after school or work.
2. Which of the following are to be driven into the spot where the house is to be built?
Copy the right answer.
goat cow sheep hen
3. Write the number of stones placed on the spot where the house is to be built.
4. What should be under one of the stones to show that the place is lucky?
Draw a circle under the word.
5. From the words given below, choose and copy the one that tells what the Serbians believe in:
a. folk tales b. superstitious c. proverbs
Exercise 34
SARDINES
There is a game called “sardines”. A player is chosen as the “It” and he hides himself in a roomy
place anywhere. Then the rest of the group search for him. When a player finds the “It”, he waits until
none of the players is watching and slips in with the “It”. This is continued until all the players are
packed like sardines in the hiding place. The first person who finds the “It” will be the one to hide next.
This is a good indoor game since it requires no running. Older children frequently play this game in the
dark in which case the player calls to each other. “Are you there, Tess?” When a child fails to answer,
the other players know he has found the “sardine” and is hidden with him.
2. Copy the word that tells how the first sardine is called.
a. “It” b. “He” c. “She”
4. Draw a circle around the place that tells where older children play:
roomy dark yard house
1. Write the name of the largest and cleanest houses in Mountain Province.
3. What materials are the floors made of? Copy the word.
wood split bamboo cogon
5. Inside a big square, draw how the women carry their jars on their heads.
Exercise 37
AWAKE
Awake! Awake!
Called the cock to the morn
The sun peeped out
A new day was born.
Awake! Awake!
Cried the sun in the sky
Every meadow flower
Opened a wonderful eye
Awake! Awake!
Chirped the birds in the tree
The tree stirred and said,
“Who’s calling me?”
Awake! Awake!
Rang the bells in the steeple
Awake! Awake!
All you sleeping people.
One by one
They yawned and arose
Thanking the good God
For the night’s repose.
3. Write the name of the objects that woke the people up.
a. bells
b. vestries
c. churches
5. Copy the phrase which tells what the people thanked God for.
a. early morn
b. night’s repose
c. meadow flower
Exercise 38
SILVER
Slowly, silently, now the moon
Walks the night in her silver shoon;
This way, and that, she peers and sees
Silver fruits upon silver trees;
One by one, the casements catch
The beams beneath the silvery thatch;
Crouched in his kennel like a dog
With paws of silver sleeps the dog;
From their shadowy cape the white breasts peep
Of doves and a silver-feather sleep;
A harvest mouse comes scampering by;
With silver claws and silver eye;
And moveless fish in water gleam
By silver reeds and silver stream.
By Walter de la Mare
2. Which phrase in the second line tells what the moon does? Write the phrase.
3. What color does the moon cast on the fruits and trees? Copy and encircle it.
a. black b. silver c. white
5. Write the animals mentioned in the order they appeared in the poem.
Exercise 39
THE RAILROAD
Everyday, trains go puffing down the long stretches of railroad tracks which crisscross in the
Philippines. These trains carry passengers and all sorts of cargoes for our daily needs. Railroads help
bring the needed products to storekeepers and to housewives. The railroads have helped make the
Philippines what it is today. With the coming of train, various towns and provinces were knitted more
closely than ever before. Large quantities of products from the Bicol provinces such as hogs, cattle, dried
fish, and vegetables are shipped to Manila through the railroad. Likewise, products come from the
Northern provinces through the railroad.
4. Can you go to Mindanao by means of this transportation? If your answer is “Yes”, draw a star; if “No”,
draw a quarter moon.
5. This is the safest and the fastest means of transportation. If you agree to this, write, “by all means”, if
not, write, “by no means”.
Exercise 40
LAUGHING SONG
When the green words laugh with the voice of joy
And the dimpling streams run laughing by;
When the air does laugh with our merry wit
And the green hills laugh with the noise in it.
Adapted
1. Inside a square write the word that tells what the song is all about.
Exercise 1
BETHLEHEM
Since the birth of Christ, there have been a number of beautiful carols sung all over the world.
One of it is the “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and it is the best loved of all Christmas carols.
Christians know that our Lord Jesus Christ was born in the little, quiet town of Bethlehem which
is not far from the city of Jerusalem. A long street leads to the Church of the Nativity. It is believed that
Jesus was born on his very spot. Every year thousands of people all over the word visit Bethlehem,
which is considered the most sacred place in the whole word. Beautiful gifts and offering have been
given to this famous Church of the Nativity.
Today, most people who come to Bethlehem are disappointed to see that it has greatly
changed. Bethlehem today seems to have lost its solemnity.
143 WORDS
Exercise 2
BIRDS OF PARADISE
No bird in the world has a brighter color that the birds of paradise. No one can guess from their
color that they belong to the crow family.
Most of the feathers of the birds of paradise have queer shapes. Some are used in making
beautiful plumes. The male birds have bright colored feathers while the females’ feathers are dull in
color. Some male birds of paradise do a great deal of dancing and strutting when they are courting.
There are about forty-five kinds of birds of paradise. They live mostly in the hot rainforest of the
island of New Guinea. A few kinds are found in Australia.
For a time, there was a danger that all birds of paradise would be killed for their feathers. But
now there are laws to protect them. So, we expect the species of the birds of paradise to be multiplied
in the future.
150 WORDS
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Exercise 3
BIRTHSTONES
Superstitions about the precious stones originated during the early times. Anyone who wore any
of these stones was supposed to become strong and brave. There were those who believed that when
worn, these stones protect the wearer from fire and lightning. Still many believed that they were
supposed to bring good luck and good fortune.
Our present beliefs about birthstone are believed on theses old superstitions. Wearing a
birthstone is believed to bring good fortune especially when it is given by somebody as present.
Almost everybody nowadays do appreciate wearing birthstones. Although not everyone agrees
on what particular birthstone is intended for each month, there is a grouping often followed in
connection with birthstones. There are calendars that include the different birthstones for each month.
We take interest in reading the meaning of the birthstones in our horoscopes. For who would not want
to be protected and helped by his particular birthstone.
151 WORDS
Exercise 4
APPLES
Apples are valuable fruits. They provide important minerals and vitamins to people’s diet.
The first settlers in America brought apple trees with them to plant in the New World. The
United States today grows more apples than any other country in the world.
Apple Trees can be grown from seeds as Johnny Appleseed or John Chapman in real life, did
when he spread the trees across the United States in the 1800s.
Today, most apple trees are grown by budding. Buds are cut from a healthy apple tree. Then
they are inserted into a slit in the bark near the roots of another tree.
The tree grows to about 40 feet high. The fragrant, pink, and white apple blossoms appear late
in the spring. The beauty and the taste of the fruit have made the apple one of the most popular fruits.
Apples have different beautiful colors, like dark red, yellow green, and green.
154 WORDS
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Exercise 5
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
King Arthur was a wise and good ruler. He brought together a band of brave knights who went
about correcting wrongs. In King Arthur’s castle, they sat for meals around a big round table so they
were called the Knights of the Round Table.
Lancelot was the bravest and most famous of all the Knights of the Round Table. Galahad was
the most pure in heart. The other knights were Gawaine, Tristan, Percival, Gareth, Gaheris, Bors,
Bedivere, Kay, Lamorak, and Geraint. They all fought many battles for their king and they had wonderful
adventures.
On the wall of a room in Winchester Castle in England, there hung for several hundred years the
top of the great round table. It is 18 feet in diameter and nearly 3 inches thick. On its edge are the
names of the knights of the Round Table. Their golden deeds never fail to impress people up to now.
171 WORDS
Exercise 6
THE VISIT
Juan Luna had just arrived from Paris. While he was there, he felt homesick for his native land.
He and his friends used to sing the beautiful kundiman of our country.
Not long after, he came back to the Philippines. He visited one of his lady friends and her sisters.
“I am sure you have seen all the wonderful things in Europe,” said his lady friend. “I do not know
what we can do to entertain you. Ah! I know, I will ask my sister to sing for you.”
“That will be nice,” answered Juan Luna.
“What would you like me to sing for you, Señor?” asked the woman’s sister.
“Please, sing a kundiman,” said Juan Luna.
“But Señor, I do not sing kundimans,” answered the woman’s sister. “Perhaps, if I call our
workers in the field they may sing a kundiman for you.”
“How disappointing!” Juan Luna said, “To think that I have come back from Paris to hear a
kundiman!”
Juan Luna bade them goodbye with a heavy heart.
171 WORDS
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Exercise 7
ROSES
We all love roses. Roses are the best-loved and the best-known of all garden flowers. The
interesting history of roses dates back to the ancient times. It is said that dried roses had been found in
ancient tombs. They have also been mentioned in the oldest known writings and manuscripts.
Roses are grown all year long in greenhouses. There are many different varieties and colors of
roses. New shades are constantly being developed.
Bedding roses are those that are grown for display in the garden. Climbing roses include those
with big flowers and those with small flowers in clusters. Shrub roses are planted the same way as lilacs.
Their flowers may be single of double.
Roses need good soil, fresh air, regular cultivation and plenty of water. Roses are often attacked
by insects and diseases but these can be controlled by spraying and dusting the plants. The simplest way
of propagating roses is by cuttings.
Roses, they be called by any other name, are sweet smelling. There are many rose lovers all over
the world. They cultivate rose gardens and hold regular exhibits. People cannot resist the beauty of
roses.
190 WORDS
Exercise 8
SMALLPOX ALIP
Datu Pua had a little boy who he fondly called Little Alip.
When the council of Datu Pua was in session, Little Alip would come in followed by his stout
yaya.
One day, Little Alip slipped from his yaya. He went into the kitchen and got plenty of dried meat
and cakes. These he gave to the three beggars at the palace gates. The beggars were very happy. They
patted the Little Alip’s cheecks.
That night Datu Pua’s palace was in gloom. Tiny red round sores had started to appear on Little
Alip’s body. It took several weeks before Little Alip’s fever was gone. But tiny round scars were left all
over his face and body.
We call this small pox but in Datu Pua’s palace, they call it “uwaton”.
When Little Alip grew up, he made a very good ruler and his people loved him.
Much later, the people called their place Alip. Afterwards, it became known as Alipuaton.
Alipuaton, a barrio in Silay, Misamis Oriental, is now a beautiful summer resort.
The people of Silay enjoy telling the story of little Smallpox Alip to the tourists who visit their
barrio.
191 WORDS
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Exercise 9
RUBBER
We have many things around us which are made of rubber. Rubber therefore, is very important.
Have you ever wondered where rubber comes from?
Rubber is the product of rubber tree. There are ten kinds of rubber trees. One of these is the
para rubber tree which grows well in our country. These rubber trees are grown in Zamboanga province,
Davao and Cotabato. A rubber tree gives about 106 kilos of rubber every year.
Let us see how this kind of rubber tree is grown. Para rubber trees are grown from seeds of
cuttings. The seed beds are placed under the sade. The seedlings are then planted after eight to fifteen
days.
Grown-up trees are tapped with downward cuts that should not be too deep. The cuttings
should stop about three feet from the ground. The sap that flows down from these cuts is made into
rubber. Some of the trees are cut down after six years. The trees that are left should be about nine
meters apart. This will enable the trees to grow bigger and give more rubber.
A rubber factory has been built by goodyear in Las Piñas, Rizal. This has made rubber-growing
industry more lucrative to our people.
203 WORDS
Exercise 10
THE CHILD AND THE SEED
One day, Mang Selo, a farmer, visited Mang Ambo, another farmer, in a nearby farm. He saw
Mang Ambo sorting out big healthy palay seeds from a big basket.
“Oh! I see you are now sorting out the big healthy palay seeds for your seedlings.” Mang Selo
said.
“Yes, Selo,” answered Mang Ambo. “This is the Masagana way of choosing seeds for planting.
Good rice stocks for good seedlings and good seedlings for good harvest. It is just like raising our
children.”
“Raising children?” Mang Selo asked. “What has that got to do with planting rice?”
“You know, Selo,” explained Mang Ambo. “”I raise my children just like the way I choose the
healthy seeds. I choose the traits such as faith in God, love for parents and fellowmen will help them to
be good citizens in the future.”
“That’s a good idea,” Mang Selo said, “because just as good seeds bring good harvest, so do
children who are raised properly grow up to be good and useful citizens.
Mang Selo believed what his friend Ambo said. Children should be trained to be good while still
young. They will carry the good training until they grow up.
208 WORDS
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Exercise 11
THE STORY OF A CENTAVO COIN
210 WORDS
Exercise 12
TIRSO’S OPINION
“Coward! Coward! Down with the coward!” the all boys yelled.
Crowded against the wall, Tirso looked helplessly at the angry boys around him. He was no
match to them. As they pounded on him, Tirso fought back trying to defend himself.
Because there were four against him, Tirso was overpowered. When he was about to pass out, a
strong arm pulled the attackers away from him. The man was tall, and in gray coat and trousers. The
attackers’ eyes widened as the man helped Tirso, for it was no other than Mr. Vic Gomez, a well-known
professor in the campus.
“You are all cowards,” shouted Mr. Gomez angrily.
“Tirso is a traitor to our cause, Mr. Gomez,” replied the boys angrily. “He does not believe in our
cause and he never joins any of our demonstrations. We don’t want him around the campus.”
“Four to one is a coward’s fight,” answered Mr. Gomez sternly. “Get going and leave him alone!”
After the boys were gone, Tirso looked at the kindly eyes of the professor. Mr. Gomez smiled at
him.
“I hope these boys will not bother you anymore,” the professor told Tirso.
“I do not join them, sir,” Tirso said, “because I don’t believe demonstrations will help solve our
present problems.”
“I appreciate your stand,” the professor said. “I hope the other boys of your age will realize that,
too.”
299 WORDS
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Exercise 13
FARM LIFE
On a sunny Saturday, Lisa and her brother, Cesar, went to visit their grandfather who lived on a
farm.
They noticed how beautiful the farm was. The sky was blue, the fields were green and te rice
stalks bent with the ripening golden grains. Cows and goats were grazing on the meadow. Young boys
on carabaos’ back were racing; plenty of watermelons and cantaloupes were growing along the farm
sides.
“Ah! There is Granpa’s farm,” cried Cesar, pointing to the place to Lisa.
“Yes, there is Grandpa waiting, answered Liza.
They kissed their grandfather’s hand.
“I will take you around the farm,” said Grandfather.
First, Grandfather took them to the big pigpen. They saw a big mother pig with ten piglets. Then,
they visited the barn. There were cows and calves in there. They went to the poultry house afterwards.
There were hundreds of white leghorns and many chicks, too.
“How nice it is to live on a farm!” Liza exclaimed.
“We can have all the fresh air and fresh food on the farm,” Cesar added.
“We prefer farm life, Grandfather,” both the children said.
“You may come whenever you want,” Grandfather told the children. “I am happy to have you
both here on the farm.”
“We will come, Grandfather,” said Liza.
“We will help you feed the chickens and the cows,” said Cesar.
After two days, the children kissed their grandfather goodbye.
232 WORDS
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Exercise 14
THE COW AND THE CARABAO
A muddy carabao slowly made its way to a grassy field. A cow was munching grass on a nearby
meadow.
“Look how dirty you are, friend carabao,” said the cow.
“What do you expect?” asked the carabao angrily, “Can you expect me to look clean after a
day’s work in the muddy fields? You should be ashamed of yourself instead, lazybone. While I work you
do nothing but eat and sleep the whole day. Of course, your body will not be soiled like mine.”
“You ought to be thankful for being useful on the field,” the cow said. “You will live much longer
than I.
“What do you mean by that?” asked the carabao.
“Our master wants you to live as long as possible,” explained the cow. “You are needed to plow
and harrow the fields. On the other hand, I eat and rest with little or nothing to do so I grow big and fat.
Our master will then sell me to the butcher to be slaughtered. All of us have our own destinies to fulfill.
So you see, it is useless to complain about life.”
The carabao understood what the cow said. He knew why the farmer took good care of him. He
was a great help to his work on the fields.
“Poor cow!” said the carabao. “I have always envied you for leading an easy life. Now, I do not
envy you anymore.
237 WORDS
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Exercise 15
OUR COUNTRY, THE BEAUTIFUL
Our country, the Philippines, known as the Pearl of Orient Seas, is composed of small islands
which look like a string of pearls on the map.
Our forefathers lived peacefully on these beautiful isles long before the coming of the Spaniards.
They enjoyed their freedom and the wealth of our country. When the Spaniards came, our forefathers
learned better ways of living but their freedom became limited. They longed to be free once more. They
hated to be under foreign rule. They fought and died for the freedom we enjoy. We still dream the
dreams they had, that we are Filipinos and that the Philippines belongs to the Filipinos.
Although we are divided into different regions, and people in each region speak different
dialects, we are united by a common national language, the Filipino language. We have the same
dreams and hopes for our country, too.
We are a lucky people. We are blessed with a country which also has rich natural resources. We
enjoy freedom of speech and of worship.
A popular tourist spot, the Philippines takes pride in her beautiful women. Our women, some of
whom are international beauty title holders, fashion models, Bayanihan, Barangay and Filipinescas
dancers, are touring the different parts of the world, promoting the rich curtural heritage of our country.
Do we in our own little way strive to make the Philippines known? We must, for the sake of our country,
the beautiful Pearl of Orient.
245 WORDS
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Exercise 16
THE GREAT IMITATOR
Rene and Lisa hurried home after classes. They knew that their beloved Jo was waiting.
When they reached home, they were surprised because there was no Jo to meet them. They
looked around and found him on a corner with his hand covering his face.
“What happened to Jo, Mother?” asked the children.
“I filled the pan with water and poured powdered soap in it. Somebody called me in the living
room. I was not gone long. When I came back, Jo had dumped all the clean clothes from the wash basket
into the pan full of soapsuds. There were soapsuds all over the kitchen. I was about to beat him when he
ran away.”
Just then Father entered the kitchen.
“What is the trouble?” he asked.
Mother related what Jo did with the clean clothes and soapsuds.
“Jo may be lots of fun,” Father said, “but we have to send him away if he causes more trouble.”
“But we all love him, Father,” said Rene as he placed Jo on his shoulder.
Father did not say anything but Rene and Lisa knew that Father meant what he said.
Since then, they saw to it that Jo did not come into any trouble. When they were in school, they
tied Jo to a branch of the mango tree where they played hide and seek. It broke their hearts to see Jo
chained to the tree but that was better than see him being sent away.
246 WORDS
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Exercise 17
GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES
Ching and Lu were brothers. They lived in a four-story building with many other families.
One early dawn in August 1968, the brothers were fast asleep in their room. Suddenly, they
were awakened by the strong shaking of the building. Both brothers knew instantly that there was a
strong earthquake. In a second, they found themselves buried under tons of bricks, cement and wood.
Ching and Lu could hardly move. “Come, Lu,” Ching said. “Let us try to get out.”
“How can I when I can hardly move?” whispered Lu.
“Try, dear brother, and pray,” Ching said.
But Lu did not move. On the other hand, Ching tried to get out of the mounds of rocks and
wood. He prayed to God for help. Later he touched the side of a wall. He got a piece of rock and tried to
pound on it with all his might.
“A miracle!” cried Ching as he heard someone pounding outside the wall. “They heard me at
last! I’ll be saved.”
After a long hourse of waiting, Ching saw a hole on the wall. Soon he felt strong hands drawing
him out of the wall. Ching was saved. But Lu could not be saved anymore. Help came to late for Lu. He
died along with hundreds of people who were buried in the building by the strong quake that August
dawn. Many people were saved. Like Ching, they believed that God would not forsake them if they
helped themselves. God helped them indeed.
249 WORDS
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Exercise 18
A MASTERPIECE IN NATIONALISM
Young as he was, Francisco Balagtas knew that his countrymen were unhappy. This was so
because they were oppressed by their enemy in their own native land. His young mind could not fully
understand why this was so.
Years later, he came to understand the injustices suffered by his countrymen when he was
imprisoned by his rich rival. The injustices he saw served as his inspiration in writing his poems, the most
noted of which is “Florante at Laura”. Most of the scenes in this epic poem were pictures of sufferings of
his countrymen which were true not only during his time but for generations more to come. An example
of this was Balagtas’ portrayal of Florante’s sufferings in the wilderness of Albania as the injustice
suffered by his countrymen in the hands of the enemy. He projected, too, the feelings of his countrymen
through the principal characters.
During Balagtas’ time, it was considered treason to criticize the government. Freedom was
unknown, but Balagtas succeeded in his mission by making Albania the setting of his poem. He also used
foreign names for his characters who in reality were his own countrymen. This is why “Florante at
Laura” is considered a masterpiece in nationalism.
Every stanza is a figure of speech. “Florante at Laura” had been translated into different
languages. Translation had been done in English, in French, and in German. It is read by people almost
all over the world. It is considered one of the best epic poems ever written.
252 WORDS
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Exercise 19
THE FATHER OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM
Before the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 11898 in Kawit, Cavite, General
Emilio Aguinaldo said:
“We must have a national anthem to express the feelings of the Filipino people.”
A young man approached General Emilio Aguinaldo. He had a letter for the General from
General Mariano Trias.
“The bearer of this letter is a very young composer,” the letter said.
The young man brought the letter was Julian Felipe who also brought with him the musical
march piece he had composed.
“We want to hear your march piece,” the general and his companions told Julian Felipe.
Julian Felipe played the march selection on the piano. He played it many times. When he had
finished playing, the General and his companions clapped their hands.
“The melody inspires one to serve his country,” said one.
“It also arouses love for one’s country,” said another.
They agreed to call the march, the National Anthem.
When General Aguinaldo declared the Independence of the Philippines on June 12, 1898 in
Kawit, Cavite, the National Antem of Julian Felipe was played for the first time. The anthem was played
while the Filipino flag was being raised. Later, Jose Palma wrote the lyrics for the march.
Since then our National Anthem is sung whenever our flag is being raised. It is also sang and
played in most opening ceremonies. Filipinos going to foreign lands are required to know how to sing
our National Anthem. People sing it with feeling and ardor for truly, our National Anthem is a great and
beautiful musical masterpiece.
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Exercise 20
MOTHER GOAT’S KID
There was once a white mother goat who was lost from her herd. She became a wild goat. She
roamed around the forests. Then, one summer, she gave birth to a tiny brown kid. Mother goat was
proud of her kid and took care of it lovingly. Often she would hide it behind a big rock while she grazed
in a nearby patch of grass.
One evening, as she was about to get the kid from the big rock, a big black dog came speeding
towards them. With a fierce snort, the goat charged at the big dog to prevent it from going to her kid’s
hiding place. Mother goat and the dog began a savage battle that went into the night.
The big dog tried to attack Mother Goat with its sharp teeth, but Mother Goat gored it with her
horns. Mother goat, afraid for her young kid, tried all she could do to defend her young. Finally her
sharp horns pierced the ribs of the dog and the dog lay dead on the rocks.
Mother goat took her kid away from that place. She patiently and gently led her kid with her
horns. They continued on their journey resting only when she fed her kid.
They crossed forests, hills and mountains. The places they passed were open and dangerous for
her kid. The kid was tired but Mother Goat prodded it to go on. Finally, they found a small cave whose
mouth was covered with tall cogon grass. Mother Goat was sure that the cave would be safe for her kid
so she made it their home.
270 WORDS
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Exercise 21
ASHU
Ashu was thirteen-year-old daughter of the Jukons, once a mighty tribe of warriors and priests
in West Africa. Ashu was very proud of her nation and tribe.
Like all Jukon houses, Ashu’s house had a walled compound or yard. Around her house were a
number of small mud-walled and grass-thatched houses. There was also an entrance hut which was the
only way out from the compound to the street.
Ashu stood in her little mud hut with a tiny mirror on her hand. She was trying to see her whole
face on it. But she could only see a part of her face at a time. She felt disappointed because she wanted
to imagine how she would look with an orange headcloth tied around her head like a turban. She made
faces before the mirror.
Ashu, daughter of the Jukons, longed for a silk headcloth. She had seen a silk headcloth hanging
on one side of a trader’s store in the marketplace. She even looked at it with longing yesterday and the
day before that. It was a rich, tangerine, brocade – truly wonderful for a headcloth – which cost ten
shillings. However, she did not have the amount.
Ashu could not forget the silk headcloth. She was sure she would look beautiful in it. It would be
something to see n her mirror. But where could she get the ten shillings? Could she ask her father?
Could she have the courage to do so? Oh! How she longed for the silk headcloth. So she went to the
marketplace where the orange scurf hung. At least she could have the satisfaction of looking at it.
274 WORDS
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Exercise 22
LADY WITH THE LAMP
Do you know what served as an inspiration to the founder of the Red Cross Society?
Florence Nightingale, the founder, was born in Florence, Italy in 1820. She was raised by her
parents in an English countryside. While still a little girl, Florence showed her love for nursing by caring
for her dolls and sick animals. One time she saved the life of a dog named Cap. The dog happened to
have an infected paw and Florence treated the wound until it was cured.
She was presented to Queen Victoria when she was eighteen. He parents wanted her to lead a
gay and sociable life and to marry a well-to-do fellow. But Florence against her parents’ wishes trained
as a nurse.
People despised nursing during that time. But when the war broke out between Britain and
Russia, Florence, for the first time in history, took with her a staff of nurses to take care of the wounded
in the battlefields. After six months of heroic work, the rate of wounded soldiers dropped from 420 per
thousand to 20 per thousand.
Even during the night, Florence carrying a lamp, would go around visiting the wounded soldiers.
Thus, Florence Nightingale was known as the Lady with the Lamp. She probably saved more lives during
her lifetime than any woman in the history ever did.
There are now Red Cross Societies established all over the world through the inspiration of
Florence Nightingale. They do wonderful jobs in the battlefields. They help people who are victims of
fire, floods, earthquakes and other natural calamities. They also have blood banks for those who need
blood. All these we owe to Florence Nightingale.
276 WORDS
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Exercise 23
THE FIRST FIRECRACKER
In ancient times, the Chinese believed that there was a little demon that they called Shan-Shao.
The ancient Chinese feared this demon very much for they believed that any man attacked by him
would suffer fits of high fever and chill.
So they invented crackling bamboos in the fire to drive out the little demon. Later, whole groves
of bamboos were set on fire and bamboos exploded merrily like a string of firecrackers.
Then a Chinese discovered that mixing saltpeter, sulphur and pine charcoal produced
gunpowder.
During the Sung Dynasty, a man named Li Tien god the idea of exploding gunpowder instead of
crackling bamboos. He said, “If I can make the sound ten times the sound of exploding bamboos, this
will surely drive the little demon away.”
He carefully rolled a few pieces of paper around a pinch of gunpowder. He tied the two ends
tightly with strings. He attached a fuse on one end and lighted it. Lo! There was a great blast. This was
the beginning of the firecracker.
Do you know that what the Chinese believed to be a little demon and which they feared, was a
disease we now called malaria? The setting of bamboo groves afire drove the malaria-carrying
mosquitoes away from the place.
Firecrackers are now widely used during town fiestas and merry-making. The production of
firecrackers has greatly improved through the years. Fireworks which are wonderful to watch especially
at night are produced.
However, firecrackers can be very dangerous. Every year, on New Year’s Eve, hundreds are hurt
by exploding firecrackers. Laws had been passed prohibiting the exploding of bomb firecrackers, but
many people have not learned their lessons yet.
279 WORDS
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Exercise 24
LAN YING’S “GOOD RIVER”
All her life, Lan Ying had lived with her father and three younger brothers near a river. Because
the river helped them in many ways, they called it “The Good River” although its real name was
“Yangtze River”.
Lan Ying would often wonder as to the source of the Good River as she sat watching her father’s
fishnet. It seemed impossible for her to believe that it was a small stream somewhere tumbling down a
rocky cliff, for the river ran so wide, deep, and yellow at her feet below the great net spreading out in
the bamboo poles.
Almost throughout the day, Lan Ying would sit by the riverside, which it had come to have a
special meaning for her. Lan Ying’s father was a farmer. He planted rice and wheat on his land along the
riverbanks. The farm covers almost an acre and winds up where Lan Ying’s hamlet was. Lan Ying and her
family lived here with half dozen or so families.
The heads of the families were farmers like Lan Ying’s father. The children tended nets, and the
grandfathers, too, for they were too old to work on the fields. The fish they caught brought them extra
pennies. They used these for the holidays to buy incense to be burnt before their gods and to buy new
clothes.
At night, the families gathered by the bank of Lan Ying’s Good River. The grandfathers took turns
in telling stories about the “Good River”, which the children enjoyed very much. Sometimes the young
boys strung their bamboo instruments while the girls sang Chinese songs. Lan Ying’s family, with their
half dozen neighbors, lived simply but happily by the bank of their “Good River”.
286 WORDS
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Exercise 25
THE BELOVED OUTLAW
During the olden days in merry England, there lived a man named Robin Hood. He was an
outlaw by the king’s order. There was a price on his head because he had killed the king’s deer.
Although Robin Hood was an outlaw, he was loved by all England. Everyone who asked his help
got it. His mottoe was “Rob the rich and help the needy.” Poor men passing through Sherwood Forest
often found their pockets filled with gold which had been from a merchant’s purse.
Robin Hood had a hand of men who were ready to serve him even at the cost of their lives. They
vowed to do what Robin Hood bade then and to answer promptly the call of his hunting horn. They
were all dressed in green suits and each carried a stout bow. They were all excellent archers but Robin
Hood was the most skillful of them all.
The plowman, tinker, minstrel or yeoman traveled safely in Sherwood Forest. But rich men and
merchants with money bags trembled in fear when travelling near the outlaw’s domain.
One time, the king called him and offered him freedom provided he joined the king’s army. But
nothing of what the king said or did tempted Robin Hood. He lived in Greenwood for twenty-two years.
He was ever a faithful friend and was always kind to the poor.
Many more stories had been written about the heroic adventures of Robin Hood and his merry
men in Sherwood Forest. But whatever adventures he might have had, they prove to be interesting
readings to both adults and children. The name Robin Hood cannot fail to arouse the interest of the
readers. He has endeared himself to the hearts of the people.
289 WORDS
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Exercise 26
THE SICK LION
All the animals in the forest were happy because they heard that their cruel king was sick. The
lion did not come out of his cave as he usually did. He sent out a message to his subjects that he wanted
to bid them goodbye before he died.
“What does he want to see us for?” asked the deer. Maybe he will give each of us a share of his
wealth.”
All the animals went to see their King Lion except the fox. He sat on a tree and watched the
animals go inside the cave. He waited for them to come out, but no one did. Later that afternoon, the
King Lion appeared at the entrance of the cave. When he saw the fox, he said, “Why did you not come
to see me? Don’t you want to share with the other animals what I have given them?”
“I really want to visit you, my King,” said the fox. “But I am sure your home is crowded now. All
the animals have gone inside your cave and no one has come out yet.”
“Ha! Ha! Laughed the King Lion. “They all wanted to stay inside the cave. You will be staying
there for a long time, if you will wait for them to come out.”
“Never mind, my King,” said the fox. “I am a very patient animal after all.”
He went away happily because he was still well and alive. He knew well why not a single animal
came out of the cave. “Our King Lion thinks he is wise but he cannot deceive me with his tricks. He will
never catch me alive.”
The fox went away as fast as he could from the lion’s cave with the decision never to come back.
296 WORDS
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Exercise 27
RICE
Rice is a cereal which serves as the staple food in many parts of Asia including the Philippines.
This kind of cereal is native to Asia and Africa. Rice serves as the staple food of more than half of
the peoples of the world. The long-grained kind of rice found in America comes from Asiatic species.
The rice plant grows up to four feet tall. It has long jointed leaves and seeds with dense heads
on separate stalks. It needs more water than other types of grains in order to grow properly. This is the
reason for having irrigation pumps near ricefields.
Threshing rice in the Orient is done by flailing, treading or pounding the grains in a mortar. But
in Western countries, cutting and threshing are done by machinery. The threshed rice is covered with a
brown hull which is removed before marketing rice.
Brown rice with the bran layer has much food value while white polished rice is rich in starch
and low in protein and fat. In the Orient, the fine soft straw of the rice plant is used for weaving hats
while the broken grain is used in preparing distilled liquor such as sake or rice wine.
There is a kind of wild rice growing in Canada which is called Indian rice. It is found around the
lakes in Canada and the northwestern areas of the United States. This rice is different from the oriental
rice and is not cultivated.
In the Philippines, there is a National Rice Research Center located in Los Baños, Laguna. It has
discovered the so-called “miracle rice” which has helped increase rice production. However, just
recently a new variety has been discovered. This variety like the miracle rice will increase the yield per
hectare that is cultivated. This “miracle” variety has boosted our rice production.
305 WORDS
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Exercise 28
THE LITTLE HERDSBOY
There once lived a little herdsboy, named Ticoy in a barrio two kilometers away from town. One
morning as he was tending his carabaos near a ricefield, a car stopped near the road. The man in the car
steeped out and approached Ticoy.
“How far is the town from here?” asked the man.
“It’s about two kilometers, Sir,” answered Ticoy politely.
“Will you ride with me to town?” asked the man. I’m in a hurry and I can’t afford to lost my way.
I’ll pay you well, my boy.”
“I’m sorry, Sir,” said Ticoy. “But I cannot leave my carabaos. I’m responsible to my father for
these carabaos.”
“Then get someone to guide me to town,” said the man. “I’ll look after the carabaos for you.”
But Ticoy shood his head.
“Don’t you trust me, boy?” asked the man.
“How do I know that you will keep your word, Sir?”
Ticoy asked. “Didn’t you try to make me break my word to my father?”
The man laughed. Just then two men riding in a jeep came.
“There you are, Sir,” they said. “We thought you were lost.”
The man was a government official.
After some years, a man came to see Ticoy. He asked Ticoy to go with him. The government
official had sent for Ticoy. He offered Ticoy a job because he knew Ticoy could be trusted.
Ticoy worked for the man and was happy in his job. Never for once did he forget what he
believed in since he was still a little herdsboy of his father’s carabaos. He was always honest in whatever
he did and his employer trusted him.
Not long after, Ticoy was promoted as manager of the company he worked in. But he remained
trustworthy even when he already occupied a high position. This was the legacy he left to his children
when he was gone.
312 WORDS
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Exercise 29
THE STORY OF ST. VALENTINE
There once lived in Rome, during the time of Emperor Claudius, a Christian bishop named
Valentine. Many people loved him because Bishop Valentine was kind, loving, thoughtful, and generous.
He loved flowers and was especially fond of roses he tended in his garden. He sent some of his roses to
children who in turn placed them on their altars. On weddings in the villages, Valentine sends roses to
the brides. Likewise, he sent roses when somebody died in the neighborhood. He also sent little gifts to
children on their birthdays. Valentine also loved the poor and the sick. He gave cheer to people who
were unhappy. Because he was affectionate by nature, even the animals loved him.
Emperor Claudius was wicked as well as ambitious. To make the able-bodied men stay in his
army, he prohibited them from getting married.
Valentine believed that this was against God’s laws so he married couples secretly. When the
Emperor learned about this, he had Valentine arrested. Even in prison, Valentine never failed to send
letters to the poor and the sick whom he cheered and comforted. Children and animals flocked near his
prison cell to get a glimpse of their beloved bishop.
Valentine would ask them to pray with him and they would all kneel to follow their dear bishop.
He would advise them to be good, to pray every day and to help the poor and the needy whenever they
had a chance to do so. He taught them to be pure in heart and to spread love and cheer.
The children and adults as well never grew tired of listening to his words of love and wisdom.
Years later, Valentine died on February 14. However, his memory lives up to now for on the day
of his death, love message are exchanged to the world over to honor a man who was dedicated to love.
He was St. Valentine.
317 WORDS
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Exercise 30
MANMADE RAIN
Do you know that man can cause rain to fall on regions where it is urgently needed?
Today, scientists can cause rain to fall on regions needing moisture by a process called
rainmaking. Rainmaking is important for agriculture.
Primitive people believed that dances and other rituals could bring the needed rain. But we
know that dances or rituals cannot cause rain to fall. Rain is a physical process determined by natural
factors.
There must be water in gaseous form or water vapor present in the area over which rain is to
fall. It should be in sufficient quantity so that it can be condensed from the atmosphere as rain.
There are several methods to bring about condensation and the following precipitation. One
method that can be used is when there are great active masses of cumulus clouds. Large drops of water
are dropped into the clouds by a plane. The small droplets of water in the clouds will collect into larger
heavier drops and then fall as rain.
Another method is introduced dry ice or solid carbon dioxide into region of clouds. This causes
the formation of snow. The snow falls and when it reaches lower altitudes it becomes rain. Dry ice is
sown into the clouds by airplanes flying over the area where rain is needed.
Rainmaking has been successful; but it is not always possible to pinpoint the proper area where
rainmaking can take place. First, there must be humidity in the target area. Wind currents and changes
in temperature may affect the possibility of manmade rain.
Studies are now going to improve the rain-making process. The Weather Bureau, with its
experts, is busy with its experiments in trying to find ways and means of improving manmade rain. In the
future, it is hoped that areas which receive little rain will be greatly helped by the so-called manmade
rain. If this be made possible, rain may be caused to fall anytime and anywhere it is desired.
330 WORDS
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Exercise 31
WHERE GREATNESS LIES
The story of our country may well be told in the glorious lives of our famous men who have
contributed much to the birth of democracy in our country. To this long list of glorious names may be
added the names of our great Filipino women.
To mention only a few, we have Melchora Aquino, whom we know very well as Tandang Sora.
She helped the Katipuneros in their battle against the Spaniards. She was called the “Grand Old Lady of
the Katipunan”. Gabriela Silang took up the fight for our country’s freedom from her fallen husband,
Diego Silang. Teodora Alonzo was a gentle, loving and intelligent mother of our national hero Dr. Jose
Rizal. Margarita Roxas de Ayala did what many rich Filipinos would not think of doing, that of giving
away her riches to the poor.
We have Librada Avelino, the foremost educator of our times and Sofia de Veyra, a very efficient
social worker. Little is known about Olivia Salamanca but she was the first Filipino nurse and for her
service to her country she has a place in our history.
There is Josefa Llanes Escoda. She gave everything she could afford to help the guerillas in our
war against Japan. By doing so, she was able to serve the country she loved most.
We can name more women who, in our way or another, did their best to serve our country. But
while we honor our great women who have died, we also have at present countless women who are
serving our country. We have women judges, teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers and women of
different occupations who are rendering their services and are great in their own way. They do not seek
material rewards only but they, too, have dedicated their loves to be of valuable services to their
fellowmen.
We can also be of service to our country if we want to. By being a dutiful son or daughter, and
by being good citizens we can show our greatness.
335 WORDS
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Exercise 32
AUSTRALIA
Australia is the largest island in the world but it is the smallest of all the continents. Its area is
about 3,000,000 square miles or 1/6 less than that of the United States. It lies south of the equator and
south of Asia. It is completely surrounded by water being near the South Pacific Ocean and the
Southeast Indian Ocean. Australia is very far from other lands except Southeast Asia and South Pacific
Islands. Its native people or aborigines had a very primitive culture before the coming of the white man.
This is so because of the great distance between the natives and people from other continents.
Australia is a land of strange animals and plants which are not found anywhere in the world.
Example is the duckbill which is a small egg-laying aquatic mammal with a bill and webbed feet like a
duck’s, a tail like a beaver’s and fur like a mole’s. it provides its young with milk.
Australia is also best known for the kangaroo. There are many kinds of sizes of kangaroos. The
large kangaroos are found in zoos around the world.
Another animal native to Australia is the koala bear. The koala looks like a toy teddy bear given
to children in Europe and America. It grows to a height of slightly over two feet. The cub spends the first
six months of its life in its mother’s pouch. The koala eats the leaves of tender shoots of the eucalyptus
tree.
A famous tree native to Australia is the eucalyptus. It can live in dry lands where other plants
will die. The bottle tree is also unusual. Its trunk may hold up to 90 gallons of water during summer.
Australia has become a world leader in the production of raw materials. Gold, copper, zinc, oil,
lead and iron are only some of Australia’s source of wealth.
Other sources of her wealth are her sheep, cattle and farm products.
At least one-fourth of the world’s supply of wool comes from Australia. She also exports wheat
which is an important crop.
344 WORDS
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Exercise 33
HERCULES
Hercules was considered the strongest man who ever lived on earth. He was the son the
Alcomena, and his father was the immortal Jupiter, husband of the goddess Hera.
When Hercules was born in the palace of his stepfather, the King of Thebes, Hera wanted to kill
him. She hated all the children of Jupiter by a mortal mother. She sent two serpents into Hercules’
cradle but baby Hercules strangled them between his two fingers until they died. Hercules grew stronger
everyday but even as a young man he did not know that he had such great strength.
Alcomena, his mother and the King of Thebes wanted Hercules to study music and sculpture.
But he liked best to learn wrestling and archery. One day, while learning to play the lyre, he plucked the
wrong string. His music teacher scolded him. Hercules was embarrassed so be banged the lyre on his
teacher’s head. This killed the man instantly. The King of Thebes was so angry that he told Alcomena
that Hercules must sent to the forest. There he could use his great strength on the wild beasts.
While in the forest of Thebes, Hercules killed the wolves and the lions that roamed on the
countryside. He went back to Thebes and the king and the people welcomed him as a hero.
He was rewarded with Princess Megara’s hand in marriage. A big wedding was held which was
attended by the shepherds he had saved from the beasts.
Princess Megara bore him two beautiful children who became the pride of their grandparents.
When Hera, the wife of Jupiter, heard about this, she became envious. She used her power to remove
Hercules’ right senses. She turned him into a madman.
While Hercules was walking in the garden, his children quarreled. He, being out of his senses,
joined the quarrel strangling his children to death. It was at this point that Hera returned his right
senses. He was aggrieved upon knowing what he had done. He asked God for forgiveness. As a
punishment, be became a slave.
344 WORDS
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Exercise 34
AFRICA’S “THE GOOD ONE”
Over a hundred years ago, there was a young doctor named David Livingstone. He lived among
the savages in a South African village. He gave them medicine and preached them about God. Thus, he
gained many friends among the tribes.
David Livingstone, known as the missionary doctor toiled and traveled through thirty years in
the dark continent. When he went to Africa in 1840, the entire central portion was unknown to the
civilized world.
Livingstone had a burning desire and love for the black people of Africa. His work as a doctor
was important. He demonstrated to the blacks the use of quinine in treating malaria. He established a
mission center. With a group of native Africans, he went to the village of tribesmen who had never seen
a white man before. When he had accepted as a friend, he worked with them for weeks or even
months.
David Livingstone was married to the daughter of another English missionary. They had two
children. Because of the hardships they met in Africa, his wife and children were often plagued with
sickness. He decided to send his wife and children back to England. However, his wife returned to work
with her husband. She died on fever later on. Livingstone was heartbroken but he continued his
missionary work.
He preached the gospel in different African dialects. Although some savages did not understand
him at first, they knew he was the “Good One” and so the God he was talking about was good, too. They
believed in him. Because of his sincere efforts, the land of Africa were opened to peaceful settlement
and trade.
On May 1, 1873, Livingstone died of pneumonia. To the African natives their Good One was
gone. Thousands who believed in him paid their last respects. His body was embalmed by the tribesmen
and was sent to England for burial. But the natives removed his heart. They buried it lovingly in their
own soil where Livingstone belonged.
The great progress now seen in Africa is David Livingstone’s living monument against African
slavery and backwardness.
345 WORDS
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Exercise 35
FAITHFUL FRIEND
On his tenth birthday, Bert received the most exciting gift he ever had. That morning, his father
said, “Come with me, Bert.”
Bert followed his father to the garage. There he saw a cute puppy sleeping peacefully in a
basket. Bert loved the puppy at once.
“Thank you, Father,” Bert said as he took the puppy in his arms. “I will call him Pip.”
“Be good to your puppy, Bert, and you will never be without a friend,” said his father.
Bert and his father built a house for Pip. Bert and his pet spent many happy days together. They
played and romped around and grew fond of each other. Bert taught Pip many tricks and Pip learned
quickly. He was very intelligent and never forgot what he had learned. Pip grew up to be a beautiful dog
that many admired Bert’s friend. For five years, Pip was hardly separated from his master.
One afternoon as Bert and Pip were jogging merrily along the highway, Bert was attracted by a
beautiful bird. As he ran across the highway to follow the bird, he failed to notice an approaching car.
Screech! Bert himself was shoved sharply to one side. Then he heard a moan. Bert could hardly believe
his eyes! It was Pip lying in the middle of the road, bleeding profusely. Bert took Pip in his arms and
hugged him tightly.
“Pip! Oh! Pip!” cried Bert.
Pip made a feeble sound and tried to lift one of his paws to put on Bert’s arms. Then, he looked
at Bert with happy eyes. Yes, Pip was happy to save his friend. Pip’s body gave one strong shrug and
after staring at Bert as if to say goodbye, he closed his eyes. Bert’s tears rolled down his cheeks and fell
on the body of his beloved friend who served him up to his last breath.
The story of Faithful Pip is a good reminder to all of us. This shows how well a dog can serve his
master. Pip’s devotion to his master shows that a dog can be truly man’s best friend.
353 WORDS
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Exercise 36
THE CLOWN
The big tent was filled with people. Ric with his father and brother was in the crowd to see the
circus. They enjoyed watching the different animals. They loved the elephants, the tiger and the
monkey that made the people laugh and shout.
What Ric enjoyed most was the clown. He looked very funny with his baggy clothes, big, red
nose, drooping eyelids, think eyebrows and big, wide mouth. He seemed to be in every number of the
show and he made all the people in the circus laugh.
However, Ric made many funny, improper acts, just to make people laugh. He was often scolded
by his father and mother because he destroyed things in the house. He used his father’s things which he
should not touch. His teacher complained to his father and mother about their son’s dangerous tricks.
His classmates did not laugh at his jokes anymore.
Ric, the clown, was not making people happy. He made them miserable by making them victims
of his jokes.
At the close of the school year, the children would perform in an orphanage. Ric would be the
clown.
His father said, “Remember, Ric, there is a difference between making those children laugh and
making them unhappy. Laughing at others do not make everybody happy.”
Ric, danced, made faces and somersaults which the orphans enjoyed very much. He performed
one little trick. He pulled a string and out came a box full of old toys.
All the children laughed and clapped their hands. Ric handed each of them a toy. They danced
and were very happy. Ric, the clown, knew he had succeeded. He found out that there are different
kinds of clowns. Some clowns entertain people and make them really happy, yet there are also clowns
that bring unhappiness and embarrassment to people. Ric knew what kind of clown he would like to be
– a clown who would cheer up people and make them forget their problems.
362 WORDS
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Exercise 37
A COLT’S LESSON
Spitfire was a handsome colt whose spotted hide looked as if red flames were sprouting all over
his body. He lived in a coral with other colts and their mothers.
The favorite sport of the colts was a kind of boxing. They would stand up on their hind legs and
would paw each other with their forefeet. This kind of play made them surefooted and trained them in
defense.
One day Spitfire and his playmate, Blackfeet, escaped from corral. They want to see what was
behind the deep valley at the back of the corral. They had not gone far when they heard Spitfire’s
mother whining warning Spitfire to come back. But the two colts galloped on. Near the bank of the river,
they heard a sound. They whirled around and to their horror they saw a big world.
The two terrified colts started back to the corral. Blackfeet was able to run fast up the hill.
Spitfire was to follow when the wolf caught his left leg. Spitfire tried to free his hindleg but failed.
Spitfire lashed at the wolf with his heels to defend himself.
Spitfire was finally able to save his legs but he was badly smashed on his sides. He tried painfully
flee towards the wolf cornered him again. Just as the wolf was to throw himself forward. Spitfire leaped
high into the air.
The wolf waited for Spitfire to return his charge. He bared his fangs to attack the fleshy part of
colt’s body but pain gave Spitfire more courage. He leaped high again and turned back. Raising his two
hindlegs, he gave the wolf a vicious kick. But the wolf was too smart to be caught. He knew the colt
would be tired soon and would not be able to plunge into him again. With two fiery eyes, he watched
every move of Spitfire.
The wolf was so busy trying to catch Spitfire offguard, that he did not hear the coming of
pounding hoofs. It was Spitfire’s mother who suddenly attacked the wolf. The angry mother sunk her
teeth on the wolf’s hide. With a quick toss of her head, she threw the wolf into a clump of sharp-
thorned cactus. The wolf, although badly injured, went away limping. Spitfire’s mother turned to her
trembling colt and whined.
“There, my son,” Spitfire’s mother seemed to say, “I hope you learned your lesson.”
404 WORDS
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Exercise 38
THE BATTLE ROYALE
The moon was just beginning to come out when a line of brown ants filed out of their nests.
They had long spears at the tip of their bodies that could stab and poison at the same time. On both
sides of their mouths were powerful cutting tools which gave them an ugly appearance.
Each ant knew where it was going. It was not long before the ants reached an orange grove and
a beehive which the scout ant had discovered that morning. The army of ants saw a tiny crag big enough
for them to smell the honey.
The ants began scraping and chiseling the beehive with their sharp jaws. The bees inside were
asleep so soundly that they did not hear anything. And ants crept inside the beehive one after the other.
They saw the rich yellow honey. It was a delightful sight for the army of ants. But they also saw the
countless sleeping bees in the combs. The ants knew how to fight the bees. They moved forward to the
honey walls without making a sound. Closer and closer, they moved until a drone hanging outside of a
bee cluster moved in his sleep. He thought he was dreaming when he saw the dark waves of ants
moving near. He saw the feelers of the ants being thrashed into the air with great excitement.
The drone was frightened and he woke his sister up. The female bee charged at the ants and the
drone in turn flew to the top of the hive. His sister’s wings roared and her sting dripped poison but the
army of ants swarmed at her.
She kicked her enemies but they were too many for a single female bee. Soon, she was buried
under a mass of her attackers. She fell on the floor crippled and useless. Still, she kept on trumpeting to
wake the whole hive up.
The bees heard the call and rushed from every part of the beehive. They kicked and churned the
ants with their feet. But each ant that fell came up again until the bees became a struggling mass in
contrast with their enemies. The bees lost their legs and could not kick anymore. They were a mass of
living insects piled high that could neither crawl nor fly.
Hours passed. Honey dripped everywhere. The battle royale between the bees and ants raged
on. The last section of the hive was covered with ants. It was there that the queen bee lay hidden by her
ladies-in-waiting.
The ants attacked the queen bee. She, who was always well-cared for, felt her legs being ripped
from her body. A little later, no more cry for help could be heard from the queen. The bees knew their
queen was dead. One by one her sons and daughters stopped fighting, for it was only the queen who
gave them courage. The hive lay like a wrecked city after the battle. The ants could have all the honey,
and even the give. The bees no longer cared.
508 WORDS
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TIME STARTED TIME FINISHED TIME CONSUMED SPEED RATE GRADE
Exercise 39
A FAIRY TALE FROM JAPAN
Once upon a time there lived an old couple in one small village in Japan. They had no children so
they went from temple to temple to offer prayers to their gods so that they might be blessed with a
child. But their prayers were in vain.
One morning, after working in the garden, the couple sat down under a peach tree to rest. The
husband was telling his wife how much he wanted to have a son to help him in his garden when a very
big peach fell on his wife’s lap. She got the fruit and put it in her pocket.
After a while, they went home for breakfast. As the husband was about to cut the peach, he
heard a cry. “Let me out!” said the voice. When the wife looked into the fruit, she saw a child as big as
her little finger. The woman lifted the child and kissed him.
“I heard your prayers up there,” the child said, “So I came to be your son.”
“We will love you very much,” the couple said.
The couple called the tiny child Peaching. They devoted their time in making him happy. They
treated him like a real son. But Peaching did not grow big like other children. Yet he could help his father
plow the field by sitting on the right ear of the plow horse and directing him where to go. He could also
go marketing for his mother by carrying the coins in a small bag. He would sit in the market basket
carried by a dog.
He always did his marketing early to avoid curios people who might notice him. The couple
found a good helper in their tiny son. They loved him more each day.
One night as Peaching’s parents were sleeping, they both have similar dreams. They dreamed
that if they would dip their tiny son into the brook that was in their yard, he would grow up like other
children.
The next morning the happy parents told each other about their dreams
They tiptoed to their tiny son’s room. The husband carried the bed where their tiny son was
sleeping soundly. He immersed the bed with the tiny boy into the brook.
They were both surprised when the bed seemed to have disappeared from their hands. They
were so frightened that they began looking for it among the waterlilies near the bank of the brook.
They heard a merry laughter behind them. When they turned, the couple saw a young man
holding the tiny bed in his hands.
“Father, Mother, I am Peaching,” he said as he rushed and embraced the couple.
“A wicked fairy bewitched me and placed me inside a peach,” Peaching explained. “Because you
loved me and baptized me in this brook, the enchantment was broken. Now I will really be a son to
you.”
The more he became a great help to the couple. He loved his foster parents dearly. Not long
after, Peaching met a lass from another barrio. He fell in love with her and they were married.
The old couple lived happily with their dear son and his family ever after.
529 WORDS
____________ ____________ ______________ ___________ ___________
TIME STARTED TIME FINISHED TIME CONSUMED SPEED RATE GRADE
Exercise 40
A DREAM COMES TRUE
One hot afternoon, young Robert Fulton went fishing with his friend, Christopher. The two
worked hard to push the long pole into the bottom of the creek. The boat was heavy and hard to steer
because of the passengers and the equipment loaded in it.
“I think an engine could be used to move the boat,” Robert said.
“That is foolish,” said Christopher’s father who was with them. “An engine would surely sink the
boat.”
After a week, Christopher’s father wanted to go fishing again but he did not find his boat on the
bank of the creek. A sound coming from the creek attracted his attention to that direction and he saw
his boat approaching. He noticed something fastened on the sides of the boat.
As it was approaching the bank, Robert said to Christopher’s father, “I invented a way to move a
boat. Turn this crank to move the two paddles on the sides which will move the boat. You can try it, Sir.”
Christopher’s father stepped onto the boat. Christopher turned the boat while Robert worked
on the crank. The boat moved slowly but steadily upstream.
Robert’s invention was a great success. All the village boys wanted a ride. Ever evening, villagers
were delighted to watch the boat go upstream with the boys cranking the paddles.
But Robert did not forget his idea of boats run by steam, although he was excited by the success
of the boat.
When Robert became seventeen, he went abroad and studied arts in England. While he was
there, he heard of steam engines. Robert then, played with the idea of steam-runned boat. While in
France, he met a man who helped him build a steam-powered boat.
It was a small boat and had a very little space for passengers. People made fun of it. However,
they were amazed to see it running without paddles for several miles.
The initial success encouraged Robert Fulton, so he decided to go to the United States to build a
steam boat and had his new boat built in New York shipyard. He ordered engines from England. When
the boat was nearly finished, people who gathered to see it, made fun of it. They called the new
steamboat “Fulton’s Foolishness”. They believed it would never work.
By late summer of 1807, the first boat was ready. Fulton invited his friends to make the first trip
with him. The boat was expected to run a distance of one hundred fifty miles.
People flocked near the river bank to watch “Fulton’s Foolishness”. When all the passengers
were on the boat, the bell rang a signal for the engine to start. But the boat did not move. How the
people laughed and shouted!
Fulton was not discouraged. Something must be done on the engine. He inspected the engine
and corrected the trouble. After a few minutes the paddle wheels began to turn and the boat started to
move. The watchers were dumbfounded. Only the chug-chug of the engine could be heard. Then shouts
of joy echoed. The men tossed their hats into the air while the women and the children danced and
clapped their hands. All the passengers on the boat could hardly believe that their boat was finally
sailing. They all rushed to shake Fulton’s hands. There was a great excitement all around.
Robert Fulton was happy. Now, people could travel safely and cheaply. Not long after, other
steamboats were built to cross the oceans. Robert Fulton’s dream of a steam engine came true.
585 WORDS
TEST QUESTIONS
Exercise 1
BETHLEHEM
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. Which of the following is true about the Christmas carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”?
a. It is loved by a selected few.
b. It is the best loved of all Christmas carols.
c. It is the least known of all Christmas carols.
3. What marks now the very spot where Jesus was born?
a. a stable
b. a church
c. a museum
7. What could be the religion of the people who come to visit Bethlehem?
a. Hinduism
b. Christianity
c. Mohammedanism
9. How is Bethlehem known today? Write the phrase of your choice in capital letters.
a. the richest city
b. most modern city
c. most sacred place
Direction: Fill in the blanks in each sentence with the correct answer.
10. With the passage of laws protecting birds, we can expect them to __________.
a. become household pets.
b. multiply rapidly
c. disappear in no time at all
Exercise 3
BIRTHSTONES
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
7. In buying birthstones, the first thing one should consider in his __________.
a. birth month
b. favorite color
c. favorite design
8. As time goes by, do you think more and more people will believe in the good luck associated
with birthstones?
a. Yes
b. No
c. It depends
10. This selection as a whole tells us that good luck and birthstones ___________.
a. cannot be separated
b. are closely associated
c. has nothing to do with each other
Exercise 4
APPLES
Direction: Select the letter of your answer and write on your answer sheet.
10. Draw an apple. Inside your drawing, write how many feet high the apple trees grow.
Exercise 5
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
8. Why were the names and deeds of King Arthur’s men posted at the castle?
a. to serve as models
b. to serve as decoration
c. to serve as their punishment
9. What do you think will be the influences of King Arthur’s men to the youth who will read their
golden deeds?
a. They will just laugh.
b. They will just become bad.
c. They will become good.
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
8. How did the sister of Juan Luna’s friend regard our kundiman?
a. It’s a good song.
b. It’s a low class song.
c. It’s a hard-to-learn song.
Direction: Select and copy the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
8. Dried roses that had been found in ancient tombs prove that roses are used as a symbol of
___________.
a. love
b. purity
c. justice
9. Draw a rose flower with two zigzag leaves. Put thorns on its stem.
Direction: Choose the best answer and write it down on your paper.
4. The little boy slipped into the kitchen and got __________.
a. dried fish and rice
b. dried meat and cakes
c. dried apple and prunes
5. Which of these virtues or traits did Alip possess according to the story?
a. kindness
b. truthfulness
c. obedience
10. Write the word “Alipuaton”. Put a dash after it and then write the town and province where this
barrio can be found.
Exercise 9
RUBBER
Direction: Select and write the letter of the best answer on your answer sheet.
10. Draw a circle. Inside it, write about how many kilos of rubber can each rubber plant yield in one
year.
Exercise 10
THE CHILD AND THE SEED
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
9. What did Mang Selo think of what his friend Ambo said to him?
a. He hated him.
b. He believed him.
c. He was angry with him.
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
2. What did they do with the one-centavo coins that they chanced upon?
a. kept them
b. threw them away
c. gave them to beggars
5. How much did the children lack to buy the special offer?
a. P 0.05
b. P 0.10
c. P 0.01
10. What lesson will Marita and Mike learn from this experience>
a. A peso will not miss a centavo.
b. One-centavo coin are no longer useful.
c. A peso will not be a peso if it lacks a centavo.
Exercise 12
TIRSO’S OPINION
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
8. Tirso __________.
a. will repent on his decision
b. can easily be swayed by a barkada
c. has a firm stand on what he thinks is right or wrong
10. Write the activity which Tirso does not like to join. Underline it.
Exercise 13
FARM LIFE
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
10. Write the first three letters of the day when the visit was made.
Exercise 14
THE COW AND THE CARABAO
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
9. What do you think happened after the conversation between the cow and the carabao?
a. The carabao no longer wanted to work.
b. The carabao became more hardworking.
c. The carabao and the cow became mortal enemies.
Direction: Pick out the letter of the correct answer and write it on your answer sheet.
6. One bad effect of the coming of the Spaniards in the Philippines is ____________.
a. our Hispanization
b. or Christianization
c. our loss of freedom
8. The Philippines is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the __________.
a. West
b. East
c. South
9. Why does our government encourage our models and dancers to tour the different parts of the
world?
a. to show off
b. for their own cultural growth
c. to promote the rice cultural heritage of our country
10. How can you, in your own little way, make the Philippines known to other countries?
a. by being a good citizen
b. by being friendly to foreigners
c. by having pen pals from abroad
Exercise 16
THE GREAT IMITATOR
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
6. Most of the scenes in his poem were pictures of the sufferings of his __________.
a. wife
b. countrymen
c. children
9. Why did Balagtas use a foreign country as setting for his Florante at Laura?
a. to avoid being persecuted
b. to make the epic more interesting
c. The incidents really happened in a foreign country.
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
9. The National Anthem was played for the first time in ____________.
a. Manila
b. Kawit, Cavite
c. Barasoain
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
5. In the battle between the dog and the goat, the winner was ____________.
a. the dog
b. the goat
c. not any of them
Direction: Write the letter of the correct word or phrase that will best fill the blank.
2. The Jukons were the once mighty tribe of warriors and priests in ___________.
a. North America
b. West Africa
c. West Australia
4. Ashu had a prized possession, a very small one on which she was looking at her face,
which was a ____________.
a. new ribbon
b. small mirror
c. red comb
9. She could not dare to ask money from her father because he must be ___________.
a. dead
b. strict
c. very poor
10. Which of the words below is another name for a headcloth? Copy it in print.
a. hat
b. turban
c. shawl
Exercise 22
LADY WITH THE LAMP
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
6. To whom was she presented when she reached the age of eighteen?
a. to Queen Anne
b. to Queen Beatrix
c. to Queen Victoria
8. How did the people regard nursing during the nineteenth century?
a. They honored it.
b. They admired it.
c. They despised it.
Direction: On your answer sheet, copy the word that best completes each sentence
1. The Chinese used to believe that there was a little demon called __________.
a. Shan-Shao
b. Sio Pao
c. Sung-Sin
5. Later, they discovered that saltpeter, sulphur and pine charcoal mixed together produced
____________.
a. the cure for fever and chills
b. gunpowder
c. sparklers
7. The demons whom the Chinese believed to be causing their much dreaded disease were in
reality __________.
a. flies
b. mosquitoes
c. bats
8. That much dreaded disease of fever and chills is what we now call ___________.
a. flue
b. malaria
c. tuberculosis
10. Write the name of the man who invented firecrackers. Put a dash after his name and then write
his nationality.
Exercise 24
LAN YING’S “GOOD RIVER”
Direction: Read each question carefully and copy the letter of the correct answer.
7. For what did they use the money they earned in fishing?
a. For buying nets
b. For buying incense
c. For riding on bancas
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
3. The king offered a prize for his head because he killed the ____________.
a. King’s wife
b. King’s deer
c. King’s daughter
7. Robin Hood and his men always had a stout bow and were all dressed in ____________.
a. red
b. blue
c. green
8. Had Robin Hood accepted the King’s offer, he would be considered ____________.
a. a pirate
b. a vagabond
c. a law abiding citizen
9. In our present society, one who is helping the poor but robbing the rich is committing a crime
and is due for ___________.
a. forgiveness
b. punishment
c. sort of reward
10. The name Robin Hood is arousing the interest of the reader because of his ____________.
a. cruelty to the rich
b. kindness to the poor
c. interesting adventures
Exercise 26
THE SICK LION
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
7. What do you think happened to the animals that entered the lion’s cave?
a. They were imprisoned inside the cave.
b. They were all killed by the lion.
c. They were made to prepare food for the lion.
10. Draw a small cave. At its mouth, draw a cross signifying the death of the animals in the forest.
Exercise 27
RICE
8. Fine soft straw of the rice plant is used for weaving ____________.
a. clothes
b. hats and bags
c. mats and hats
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
3. The barrio where he lived was ____________ kilometers away from the town.
a. five
b. two
c. three
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
6. What did Bishop Valentine’s marrying couples secretly show in spite of the emperor’s
prohibitation?
a. disobedience
b. strong conviction
c. kindness
1. Man can cause rain to fall on regions needing rain because of the progress of ___________.
a. science
b. civilization
c. man
9. Draw some clouds. Above it, draw an airplane dropping dry ice among the clouds.
10. Once manmade rains become truly successful, the group of people who will benefit most are
the ___________.
a. scientist
b. fishermen
c. farmers
Exercise 31
WHERE GREATNESS LIES
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. The story of our country may well be told in the glorious lives of ___________.
a. our people
b. our ancestors
c. our famous men
5. The woman who shared her riches with the poor was ____________.
a. Doña Aurora
b. Librada Avelino
c. Margarita Roxas de Ayala
7. The first Filipino nurse who served our country was _____________.
a. Sofie de Veyra
b. Olivia Salamanca
c. Josefa Llanes Escoda
8. The woman who was considered a very efficient social worker was ____________.
a. Sofia de Veyra
b. Gabriela Silang
c. Melchora Aquino
9. She was of much help to the guerillas during our war against Japan. She was _____________.
a. Sofia de Veyra
b. Librada Avelino
c. Josefa Llanes Escoda
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
6. A strange plant found in Australia that can live in dry land where other plants cannot live is the
_____________.
a. cactus
b. eucalyptus
c. pine tree
7. Another strange plant that can hold up to 80 gallons of water in its trunk is the ___________.
a. bottle tree
b. pine tree
c. rubber tree
9. The fact that Australia supplies the world with raw materials indicates that she still lacks
_____________.
a. trade partner
b. other kinds of raw materials
c. the technological know-how in production
10. Invasion is quite impossible for Australia because it is located ___________ other islands.
a. near
b. very near
c. far from
Exercise 33
HERCULES
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. It is said that the strongest man that ever lived on earth was _____________.
a. Atlas
b. Hercules
c. Jupiter
3. This strongman’s father was a god but his mother was ______________.
a. an animal
b. a goddess
c. a mortal
4. A goddess sent serpents to kill the strongman when he was still a baby but the baby killed them
by _____________.
a. strangling
b. smashing
c. poisoning
10. In our present society, an insane person is not persecuted for he knows not what he is doing.
Along this line, if you think justice was done on Hercules, draw a flower, if injustice, draw a leaf.
Exercise 34
AFRICA’S “THE GOOD ONE”
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
6. David’s life was dedicated to the well-being and progress of the _____________.
a. African natives
b. Australian natives
c. American Negroes
9. In his chosen mission, David and his family had led ______________.
a. an easy life
b. a leisurely life
c. a hard life
10. The fact that he lived for many years and died in his chosen place of work showed that
____________.
a. he preferred to live there
b. he was forced to stay there
c. he was not accepted in other places
Exercise 35
FAITHFUL FRIEND
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. When did Bert receive the most exciting gift he ever had?
a. on his tenth birthday
b. on his twelfth birthday
c. on his thirteenth birthday
5. They played and romped together and loved each other as ____________.
a. brothers
b. friends
c. neighbors
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. It is all started when father brought Ric and his brother to a _____________.
a. fair
b. circus
c. movie
6. At the end of the year, Ric and his classmates were invited to perform tricks in ____________.
a. a hospital
b. an orphanage
c. another school
7. Finally Ric learned to make people really happy without hurtingor insulting them. Thanks to his
____________.
a. father
b. teacher
c. classmate
9. After the above performance, the possibility for Ric to be invited to perform is ___________.
a. great
b. small
c. none at all
10. Some clowns entertain and makes people really happy; others entertain and embarrass people .
if you prefer the first kind, write “Happy” on your answer sheet; if the second, write “Sad”.
Exercise 37
A COLT’S LESSON
5. One colt was able to run fast uphill and that was ____________.
a. Blackfeet
b. Spitfire
c. Swiftfeet
10. If mother horse did not come, young cold would eventually ____________.
a. win
b. escape
c. be killed
Exercise 38
BATTLE ROYALE
1. What filed out of their nests when the moon was just coming out?
a. a line of ants
b. a line of bees
c. a line of people
2. On both sides of the ant’s mouth were powerful cutting tools that gave them a ____________.
a. sweet look
b. terrible look
c. frightened look
4. The ants used their ____________ for scraping and chiseling the beehive.
a. ears
b. sharp jaws
c. long spears
8. The bees could not kick anymore for they have lost their ____________.
a. eyes
b. hands
c. legs
9. One by one the bees gave up their fight for they knew
a. they have lost
b. their queen was dead
c. there was no more honey
4. The child they saw was no bigger than the couple’s little ___________.
a. head
b. toes
c. fingers
7. One night, the couple dreamed that they should dip their tiny son into a ____________.
a. river
b. well
c. brook
9. The enchantment was broken because the couple _____________ the boy.
a. hated
b. loved
c. killed
10. The old couple lived ___________ with their dear son.
a. happily
b. sadly
c. poorly.
Exercise 40
A DREAM COME TRUE
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer on your answer sheet.
1. The two boys worked hard pushing the pole into the bottom of the ____________.
a. creek
b. sea
c. river
8. The people laughed in mockery and shouted when the boat ___________.
a. moved
b. rumbled
c. would not move