Magsaysay's legacy of service and reform

BOOK I No.
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MAGSAYSAY IS MY GUY
Ramon Magsaysay was the best-loved president of the common tao.
He was best remembered as “the man who broke the backbone of communism in the Philippines.” He was a
man of lively temperament, quick in speech, in movement and in decisions. One of his marked characteristics was
his great indignation against any form of injustice and oppression. He was much at home with people of all walks
of life, with the great as well as the lowly, with the wealthy as well as the poorest man on the street. He had
identified himself with the masses- the common tao. He was always himself—friendly, frank and without shame.
As president, Magsaysay opened the gates of the Malacañang to the common people. He also went out to all
parts of the islands, even to the remotest barrios to find out for himself what the people needed and he tried to solve
their problems as best as he could. He went by plane, by car, by jeep and even walking long distances just to be
with the people he wished to serve. But his term as president was short-lived. He died in a plane crash and the
entire nation mourned his death.
Behind him he left a brilliant record, a good name, an unfulfilled ambition for the poor people he loved so
much and a legacy of thoughts and ideas which succeeding generations would find fruitful to emulate.
Answer with True or False:
_______ 1. Magsaysay was best loved by the masses.
_______ 2. He broke the backbone of democracy in the Philippines.
_______ 3. He disliked any form of injustice and oppression.
_______ 4. Magsaysay was at home only with the rich people.
_______ 5. He only pretended to like the common tao.
_______ 6. He opened the gates of Malacañang to the common people.
_______ 7. He never really tried to help the people nor solve their problems.
_______ 8. His term as a president was short- lived.
_______ 9. He died of a heart attack and the nation mourned his death.
_______ 10. Magsaysay’s record as a president was brilliant.
235 WORDS
BOOK I No. 2
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HAWAII, THE ALOHA STATE
Hawaii, the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in the Pacific, is the fiftieth state of the United States
of America.
The spirit of Aloha pervades over Hawaii. It is the spirit of welcome, of caring and sharing, and of
respecting the rights of others. The Aloha in parting does not really mean farewell; but rather, it is said in a till-we-
meet-again spirit.
Hawaii is a melting pot but the spirit of harmony in Hawaii extends to all people of all races. Children,
regardless of race, study and play together in the public schools and universities. Their parents share common
membership in businesses, professions, clubs, trades and labor organizations. There has never been a race riot in
the islands. Intermarriage is allowed in Hawaii.
Hawaii is the world’s foremost florist. Jet transport has enabled people from all over the world to enjoy the
carnation, the orchids and other exotic flowers of Hawaii.
Pineapple grows so well in Hawaii that it is sometimes called “pineapple islands”. Hawaii furnishes the
world with forty per cent of its canned pineapple juice.
Hawaii is also called the “sweet land.” Twenty per cent of the land is planted to sugar cane, the product
which brings prosperity to the state.
Best of all, Hawaii is a vacation spot. It has many breath-taking beaches with white sand and blue waters.
The rich and poor alike can share the sun together. It is a playground where anybody may spend and enjoy the
weekends.
Choose the letter of the correct answer:
1. Hawaii is a group of islands in the (a. Indian Ocean b. Pacific Ocean c. Atlantic Ocean
d. Antartic Ocean).
2. Aloha means (a. Good morning b. Hello c. Goodbye d. Till we meet again
3. The spirit of harmony extends to
(a. some b. selected c. all d. few) people of different races.
4. There has never been a race riot in Hawaii
(a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Sometimes)
5. Intermarriage is allowed in Hawaii. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Sometimes
6. Hawaii is the world’s foremost florist because it has plenty of
(a. floors b. flowers c. flour d. plants)
7. Hawaii grows plenty of (a. banana b. pineapple c. apple d. oranges)
8. Twenty per cent of Hawaii’s land is planted to sugar that is why Hawaii is sometimes called
(a. sugar land b. sugarbowl c. sweetland d. candy land)
9. Hawaii is prosperous. (a. true b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
10. Many people go to Hawaii to enjoy its (a.flowers b. pineapples c. sugar
d. beaches).
244 WORDS
BOOK 1 No.3
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IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY
May happens to be harvest time in most of the provinces in the Philippines. It is also the month of
colorful Santacrusan and Mayflower celebrations wherein fresh flowers, leis or bouquets are offered to the Virgin
Mother every afternoon for the whole month.
In Lucban, Atimunan, Gumaca and other Pacific coastal towns in Quezon Province, a different
observance takes place every 15th of May. The whole population celebrates a fiesta to thank San Isidro Labrador, the
patron saint of the harvest, for the bountiful crops.
Everybody prepares for the event which is always a whole day affair. All farmers from even the remotest
barrio turn out on the feast day of San Isidro. The celebration, also called “pahiyas” starts with a morning mass.
Every house is decorated with everything produced from the earth, such as vegetables, fruits and delicacies. Native
town products like straw bags, buntal huts, bolos, mats and brooms are also displayed as ornaments.
Fences and gates decked with “palaspas” or palm fronds. Windows and outside walls are decked with
“kiping” (tasteless, crisp), corn stalks, young coconuts, bunches of ripe bananas, sugar cane stalks and rice puffs in
cellophane wrappers.
In the afternoon, a religious procession is held. Perceded by a brass band, the image of San Isidro, borne
on Palaquin, is paraded along the decorated streets. Right after the procession, the townspeople scramble for the
goodies, fruits and other decorations suspended from the windows of bamboo trellises. Young and old a like view
with one another, all in the sprit of good and clean fun.
Chose the later of the correct answer:
1. May happens to be (a. planting b. harvest c. singing d. contest) time in most provinces in the
Philippines.
2. This selection tells of a particular celebration in the province of
(a. Luzon b. Quezon c. Gumaca d. Atimunan)
3. The observance takes place every
(a. twelfth b. first c. fifth d. fifteenth) of May.
4. (a. Sanfrancisco b. San Isidro Labrador c. the Virgin Marry d. San Salvador)
is the patron saint of the harvests.
5. The celebration starts with a morning
(a. parade b. procession c. mass d. flag ceremony).
6. Every house in the town is decorated with everything produced from the earth.
(a. True b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
7. The “Palaspas” is made from the leaves of
(a. bananas b. palms c. any tree d. abaca).
8. In the afternoon (a. an evening mass b. procession c. a parade d. retreat) is held.
9. The image of the patron saint is borne on a (a. carriage b. palanquin c. float d. motorcade).
10. The celebration is a whole day affair.
(a. True b. False c. Maybe d. does not tell).
270 WORDS
BOOK 1 No.4
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“GLAD TIDINGS TO ALL MEN”
Christmas reminds people of the child who was born in a stable. This is the season of gift-giving, of Christmas trees,
of feasting and merrymaking. This, too, is the best time to visit the “Ninong” and the “Ninang” to remind them of their
“papasko”.
It was Christmas Eve. The knight was cool, damp and sticky. Two orphans, Dan and Carling elbowed their way into
the church which was full of people kneeling and praying earnestly. Old and young, rich and poor regally or shabbily dressed
were gathered together supplicating for divine love and happiness. Their prayers, some audible, others inaudible, mingled with
the sweet sound of the organ and the soft chant of the choir.
Soon, Dan and Carling trudged home to a small nipa shack in the slum area. The air was foul, and the earth exuded the
smell of garbage, filth and disease. But Dan and Carling were full of enthusiasm for although they were poor in resources, they
were rich in Christmas spirit. It did not matter to them that they could not celebrate the coming of the savior properly. But they
could feel the “glad tiding all men” as they walked past the brightly lighted lanterns on the windows. While the bells pealed
merrily and people everywhere drunk their toast and ate their sumptuous Christmas Eve feast, the boys continued walking
with their arms folded across their breasts to keep warm.
Earlier that evening, they were seen searching in the dumps for the discarded toys of the rich. Dan and Carling
celebrated their Christmas Eve in misery and want in their nipa house but in their hearts, the Christmas message of hope for a
brighter tomorrow keeps burning.
Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. When did the story happen?

a. Christmas Eve b. Christmas Day c. Christmas Season d. Any day of the year
2. What is the story about?

a. Two rich boys b. Two orphans c. Two girls d. A boy and a girl
3. How were the people in the church dressed? a. Regally b. Shabbily c. Differently d. Elegantly
4. What musical instruments accompanied the chant of the choir?

a. Orchestra b. Organ c. Guitar d. Piano
5. What of boys were Carling and Dan? a. Poor b. Rich c. Obedient d. Well-to-do
6. In what kind of a house do they live? a. Mansion b. Flat c. Nipa shack d. Bungalow
7. How did they feel as they trudged home? a. Depressed b. Enthusiastic c. Disappointed d. Happy
8. Where did they search for toys?

a. In the department store b. In the dump c. In the nearby store d. In the novelty store
9. How did they spend their Christmas?

a. In misery and want b. In grandiose style c. In vain d. In the orphanage
10. Have they lost hope and faith in their hearts?

a. Yes b. no c. maybe d. does not say
288 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 5
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MOTHER MARIA TERESA
Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India was one of the Asia’s most remarkable women. She
was born in Yugoslavia in 1910. She became a novice in 1928. For twenty years, she taught in a convent school in Calcutta. In
1948 she was granted permission to live outside the cloister and work in the slums. In 1950, she founded Missionaries of
Charity to help the poor, the sick and dying. The mission has spread to 25 Indian cities in Ceylon, in Tanzania, in Venezuela
and Rome
Mother Teresa and the Sisters looked after schools and dispensaries. They took care of unwanted babies. They picked
up people dying in the street and treat them or put them in a place where they can die with someone looking after them.
Mother Teresa and her missionaries have never refused children. Some of them were pickups from the streets or from
hospitals where their mothers had left them. Some were born of parents serving jail sentences.
Mother Teresa was endowed with limitless capacity for new ideas to help those who are in her charge .Once, bought
her lepers a printing press so that they could earn a little money by printing pamphlets and leaflets .Her enthusiasm was so
infectious .She was able to persuade high-caste Indian ladies to help in her work.
The Mission relied on money supplied by outsiders. Whenever necessary, Mother Teresa even went begging for aid
herself.
Mother Teresa believed that there is one thing which science nor medicine could never fill. “Being unwanted,” she
believed, “is the worst disease that man could ever experience. Unless there are willing hands to serve, and a loving heart to
love, this disease could never be cured”
Direction: choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is this story about?

a. A nun b. A mother c. A social worker d. A philantrophist
2. Where was she born?
a. Yugoslavia b. Calcutta c. Ceylon d. Rome
3. What is her nationality?
a Yugoslav b. Hindu c. Ceylonese d. Roman
4. What had she founded? .
a. A new country b. A mission c. Anew invention d. A school
5. What word describes her best?
a. Charitable b. Honorable c. Respectable d. Enviable
6. Whom did she look after?
a. the children of the wealthy b. The dying c. Leper, the aged and poor children
7. How did the mission survive?
a. By donation b. by institutional help c. by government aid d. By civic club
8. What did Mother Teresa do for the mission?
a. She begged for aid b. She give her riches c. She left the mission d. She forgot the mission
9. What could science nor medicine never fill?
a. cancer b. TB c. Diabetes d. Being unwanted
10. What is being unwanted?
a. not loved b. Loved but not like c. Liked but not loved d. Being an orphan
290 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 6
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LIFE FILLS THE EARTH
The earth full of living things: the animals that run about its surface, the fish that dwell in the waters, and the birds of
the air. The giant mango tree is also a living thing so is the tiny blade of grass, the showy fragrant, flowering plant, and so are
the many small plants animals which are too small to be seen by the naked eye but which fill the earth, too.
All living things contain protoplasm in their cells. Protoplasm is a jelly-like substance made of certain chemical
elements including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur. When the protoplasm dies the cell body dies; when all the
cells of a living body die, the body dies.
Living things take nourishment, while non-living things do not. In taking nourishment, the living animal or plant takes
in certain material from its surroundings and change them into body building substance. There is a continuing symbiotic
relationship that exists between plants and animals. The process boes on constantly until the animals or plant die.
Throughout their lives, the living things are able to replace the dead cells in their bodies with new cells that perform
the function of the old. When more new cells are produced than those which have died, plant or animals growth, is the result.
Living things can also reproduce from their mown bodies new members of the species or particular group to which
they belong. The plant produces seeds which grow up into plants that resemble the original or parent plant. The young of
animals mature into animals that are replicas of the parents.
Plants and animals fill the earth. Each one is as useful as the other, each one dependent on the other.
Direction: Answer with true or false
1. The earth is full living and non-living things.
2. All things on earth have life.
3. All plants and animals could be seen by our naked eye.
4. Only living things can take in nourishment.
5. Living things can change materials from the surroundings into body building substances.
6. Not all animals need plant
.7. Living things have the power to replace dead cell with new cell that can perform the function of the old.
8. When more cells than needed are produce, the body grows.
9. Living things can reproduce new member that resemble parents.
10. Animals need plants but plants no need for animal.
295 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 7
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THE EARTHWORM-UNDERGROUND WONDER
The earthworm lives in scented gardens, towering mountains or tropical forests. Buried alive, it makes our world
secure by eating its parts. It eats leaves, grass and herbage every 24 hours, digs the soil for minerals and fertilizers and aids
plant growth and soil drainage wherever it is found.
There are about 2,000 species of earthworms. There are 12-foot giants in Australia. There are very, tiny species,
too. The most fantastic earthworm is the common four or five-inch variety which most of us know. It has five pairs of hearts.
Its feet are hooked bristles, eight on each body’s 120 segments. Cut off its tail and it can grow one in no time at all. Cut off its
head and it may or may not grow another. It has no lungs but breathes through its skin. It is the creature of the dark places and
spends its time burrowing into the ground. As it digs, it swallows the earth, and nourishes itself on the earth’s organic matter.
It aerates the soil permitting the passage of water and air and enabling the plants to spread their roots more easily.
The earthworm is omnivorous; It will nibble everything from dead insects to dried twigs. As a soil chemist, It has
few equals. It churns the earth into rich topsoil by blending in vegetable matter from the surface into the ground below and by
bringing mineral-rich subsoil, up to the earth’s surface where plants can use it.
The earthworm is a hermaphrodite—all earthworms possess both male and female organs. But it needs two
earthworms to mate with one another.
Next time you unearth a worm with your garden hoe, return it gently to the soil. The life you save will surely help
your own. You won’t lose anything.
Chose the letter of the correct answer:

1. Earthworms are found ( a. in the water b. in the air c. everywhere d. in the soil
2. There are about ( a. 500 b. 2,000 c. 5,000 d. 200 ) species of earthworms.
3. The 12-foot giants are found in ( a. Australia b. Africa c. in the Philippines d. America
4. The tiny earthworms can be found. ( a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
5. The common earthworm has ( a. three b. two c. four d. fine ) pairs of hearts.
6. Its body has ( a. 5 b. 100 c. 80 d. 120 ) segments.
7. When an earthworms tail are in cut off, the earthworm ( a. will grow another tail b. will die
c. cannot grow another tail d. will get sick)
8. The earthworm dies when it swallows earth. ( a. Tue b. False c. Maybe d. does not tell ).
9. The earthworm is a hermaphrodite. ( a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell ).
10. Earthworm are useful. ( a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell ).
310 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 8
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ANGELS OF MERCY
During peace time there is a lack of doctors, nurses and medicine in Vietnam even. The war in Vietnam had
aggravated the need because the trained health personnel were taken into the army leaving the civilian population to their own
resources in the treatment of war injuries.
Many countries not directly involved in the Vietnam War sent medical teams to Vietnam. The Philippines had its
Operation Brotherhood. West Germany sent a hospital-ship, The “Helgoland.” The ship was run by the West German Red
Cross. It was a beacon of hope to the sick and the injured.
The “Helgoland” was stationed in the bay near Saigon in 1966-67, then it was moved to Danang where it was
most needed. Everyone on board the “Helgoland” was a volunteer. There were eight doctors and twenty-two nurses. The
Red Cross personnel and technicians numbered 32 and the other 32 crew members of the ship doubled as hospital attendants.
There was also a staff of 70 trained Vietnamese amog whom were 18 nurses and a number of attendants, drivers and
interpreters.
Officially the 3000-ton “Helgoland” had 150 beds but the bed patients were never less than 180 at any one time.
The doctors, nurses and attendants normally worked about 70 hours a week, more or less.
The hospital-ship mean task was surgical treatment. The doctors had to treat the victims of napalm burns,
shrapnel wounds, bonbing,shelling and rocket injuries. Everywhere in the ship were patients with crutches of patients having
their wounds dressed. Many out-patients, too, come everyday.
The hospital-ship’s wards were light, spotless, large and magnificiently equipped. Medical supplies were sent
from West Germany by air or by sea. Young and old alike respond bravely to the administration of the hospital personnel.
The “Helgoland” returned to Germany early in 1970. a 240-bed hospital has been built in Danang to take its place.
But the “Helgoland” with its Angels of Mercy will be longed remembered in Vietnam.
Choose the letter of the correct answer.:

1. Vietnam has ( a, lack of b. a good supply of c. enough d. more) doctors and nurses even during peace time.
2. Countries not directly involved in the Vietnam war sent (a. more armies b. nothing c. medical teams to Vietnam.
3. The Philippines sent its (a. Operation Tulungan b. Surgical Operation Team c. Operation Brotherhood
d. Operation Quick Count).
4. Helgoland was a hospital ship from (a. England b. Russia c. East Germany d. West Germany).
5. It was run by the ( a. German Police b. East German Red Cross c. West German Red Cross d. Vietnam Red Cross).
6. Every member of the Helgoland was a volunteer. (a. true b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell
7. Officially the Helgoland had (a. 150 b. 180 c. 120 d. 140 heads
8. The patients were (a. always more than b. never less than c. never more than d. less than The number of beds)
9. Out patients are welcomed for treatment in the Helgoland. ( a. True b. False c. Maybe d. does not tell)
0. The Helgoland is still in Vietnam today. ( a. True b. False c. Maybe d. does not tell).
325 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 9
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THE MOSQUITO
Since earliest times, mosquitoes have been considered insect-pests of man. They live and grow in wet climate all
over the world. They are found even in the swampy tundra during Arctic summers. There are more than 2000 kinds and most
are blood-sucking. They are carriers of dangerous diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever.
In the tropics, yellow fever, is spread by the Aedes mosquito. Some kinds, like the common Culex species, do not
carry diseases but produce itchy spots on the skin of humans and domestic animals.
The male mosquito has small mouth parts which they use for eating plant juices. The female eats by inserting its
proboscis into the skin or deeper into the blood capillary tissues, the pumps out a small amount of its own saliva to keep the
wound open.
A female mosquito seeks a body of water in which ti lay eggs. A small amount of water in waste cans or in
crotches is sufficient to harbor its floating eggs and to furnish an aquarium for the worm-like larvae. A week or two later, the
aquatic pupae are formed. A month later, they become adult and they take to the air.
Measures have been developed as early as 1990’s to control mosquitoes. Biologist have finally developed
formulas of oil and phenol to kill larvae in swamps. Since the 1940’s new chemicals such as the DDT have been used to
destroy larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes.
Also to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs, standing water and canals should be cleaned and made to flow.
Waste should either be burned or buried. Low places with standing water should be filled with soil. A person should sleep
under a mosquito net to protect himself from mosquito bites. Also, a kind of oil when applied on arms and legs could help
prevent mosquito bites.
Many scientists have made names for themselves largely through their efforts in the extermination of mosquitoes.
Notable among them were Carlus Finly, Robert Koch and Walter Reed.
Answer with True or False:
1. Are mosquitoes considered insect pests of man since the earliest times?
2. Are more than 2,000 kinds of these blood-sucking pests?
3. Do mosquitoes like to stay in warm places all over the world?
4. Is yellow fever spread by the Aedes mosquito?
5. Do the Aedes mosquitoes produce itchy spots on skin punctures?
6. Does the female mosquito have small mouth-parts useful only for eating plant juices?
7. Are small amounts of water in waste cans enough to harbor the floating eggs for the worm-like larvae?
8. Can the newly hatched adults take into the air after a week’s time?
9. Have new chemicals such as DDT been used to destroy larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes?
10. Was Robert Koch among the renowned scientists known through their work against mosquitoes?
336 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 10
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LAPU-LAPU
Near the small island of Mactan lies the big island of Cebu where lived a powerful native chief named Humabon.
He received and welcomed Magellan and his soldiers. Clad in shining breastplates and gleaming helmets. Magellan and his
troop were met by Humabon and his court near the Cebu shores under a big tree. Magellan gave an exhibition of how well his
men could fight, and that no weapon could cut through his armor.
Humabon was greatly impressed and was soon converted to Christianity. His wife followed suit, and so with his
court. Magellan sent messages to other chiefs to honor Humabon and kiss his hand. He also asked them to pay tribute to the
Spanish king.
Many of the chiefs of nearby villages complied. Lapu-lapu, chief of Mactan island was the only chief who defied
the demand. ”I am no Humabon’s slave that I should kiss his hand. And who is this Spanish king that he should command
Lapu-Lapu and demand tribute?” he asked.
Magellan was very angry on learning of Lapu-Lapu’s answer. He sent another messenger commanding him to
submit, or else taste the edge of Spanish swords and the sharp point of their lances.
Again, Lapu-Lapu refused. Early the following morning Magellan and his men crossed the channel and landed at
Mactan. With burning torches they set afire all the homes of the natives.
The natives shouted the alarm. Lapu-Lapu and his men, armed with spears and their sharp kampilans met the
Spaniards along the shores of Mactan. The fight lasted two hours; the crafty Lapu-Lapu and his warriors, remembering what
they saw at the exhibition in Humabon’s court, did not aim their sword’s edges and the tips of their spears at the armor or
helmet. Instead they thrust their spears at the weak opening of the armor, and slashed the Spaniards’ unprotected arms and
legs with their kampilans. Magellan fell and the rest of his men fled to their boats. Lapu-Lapu, brave chief and lover of his
native soil, remained chief of the island of Mactan.
“Lapu-Lapu” stands for bravery, courage and love of country.
Select the letter of the correct answer:
1. Mactan lies near the big island of (a. Samar b. Cebu c. Luzon d. Negros)
2. (a.Humabon b. Magellan c. Lapu-Lapu d. Soliman was the chief of Cebu

3. Which of the following is true:
a. Humabon was impressed by Magellan and his men’s armor.
b. Humabon did not welcome Magellan c. Humabon fought Magellan
d. Magellan killed Humabon
4. Humabon was converted to Christianity. (a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
5. Lapu-Lapu ( a. laughed at b. obeyed c. defied d.made fun of) Magellan’s order.
6. Magellan and his men burned (a. the churches b.Lapu-Lapu’s palace c. Humabon’s place
d. the houses of the natives)
7. Lapu-Lapu met Magellan and his men at the shores of (a. Mactan b. Cebu c. Samar d.Bohol
8. Lapu-Lapu’s men used (a. guns and armors b. Bolos and knives c. spears and kampilans
d. helmet and armor
9. lapu-Lapu’s men thrust their spears at the (a. heads b. breast c. unprotected arms and legs d.armor) of the Spaniards.
10. Lapu-Lapu (a. was defeated b. was killed by Magellan c. was speared by Magellan d. remained the chief of
Mactan).
350 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 11
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ASTRONOMY
Astronomy is the study of heavenly bodies. It is one of the oldest sciences and it has the most interesting and
exciting future. The sun, moon, planets, stars, meteors, comets and the outer space are the objects of the study of astronomers.
Many years ago, men believed that the earth was flat and that the sky was a large dome or bowl that fitted over the
earth. The sun, moon and stars were lamps hanging inside the dome. Later, when it was discovered that the earth is round,
men thought that the earth was the center of the universe and that the heavenly bodies revolved around it.
The earliest men on earth observed the moon and the beautiful patterns of the stars at night. During the day, they
were aware of the large light in the sky, the sun, which was the necessity to life on earth. They wondered what caused day and
night and the regular changes of the seasons.
With more powerful and accurate telescopes, astronomers began to acquire a more accurate view and true
understanding of the universe. They gained more knowledge of the heavens and of the limits of space.
The making of clocks and calendars to measure time was the earliest practical application of the study of the skies.
Early farmers needed a calendar to know when to plant their seeds so their crops would thrive. Because of their ability to
predict the seasons, the men who studied the stars were considered very wise. People believed that they could predict and
explain all kinds of happenings scientifically or unscientifically. Attempts to interpret man’s past and predict his future by the
stars was later known as astrology and some people still believe in it.
Today, it is believed that the sun is just one of the billions of stars and that there are nine known planets revolving
around the sun: Mercury, Venus, the Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The sun, the stars and the
planets compose the Solar System. Future astronomers may discover that there are still other solar systems, perhaps with
some kind of life in them.
Fill in the blank of each sentence with the correct answer.
1. Astronomy is the study of _________. ( heavenly bodies, gases, celestial bodies)
2. Astronomy is one of the oldest _______. ( cultures, sciences, astrology)

3. The earliest men saw the beautiful patterns of the stars at _________ (day, night, twilight)
4. A necessity to life on earth is the ________. ( moon, stars, sun)
5. The early farmers needed _______to know when to plant their seeds. (clocks, calendars, balance)
6. Some people still believe in ________( astrology, astronomy, atmosphere)
7. Many years ago, man believed that the earth was ( round, flat, square).
8. Today, it is known that the ________ is just one of the billions of stars that are in the universe.
( stars, sun, moon).
9. The sun and the planets that revolve around it are called the ________ (planets, solar system, gravity
10. There are __________ known planets revolving around the sun. (ten, eleven, nine)
356 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 12
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BAMBOO
The bamboo is not a tree. It is a species of grass. It can be found in the tropical and subtropical parts of the
American continents, particularly in the Andes mountains in South America.
The rootstock of the bamboo go very deep into the ground. The stems which are usually straight and erect grow
without branches until the full height is reached. Bamboos grow very rapidly; they can attain a height of 20 feet in two
months or even less. Some specimens of the giant bamboo attain a height of 120 feet and a girth or circumference of three
feet.
Philippine bamboos are of several species. Some are sturdy and thick-walled with thick heavy joints. In many
places, particularly in the barrios, the bamboo are used for house posts, rafters, and flooring material. Many houses in the
remote places are principally made of bamboo with the pieces tied up with heavy rattan, and thatched with nipa. Split
bamboo, or bamboo strips woven into sawali are used mainly as walls or petitions. Great care is taken in the choice of
which bamboo to cut and use. Only matured bamboo are cut in the right season. Houses built of bamboo which are “taga-
sa-panahon” are very durable and can last for generations.
The uses of these plants rival those of the coconut palms. The young bamboo shoots, “labong”, either boiled or
pickled are used for food. Some of the spiny species are planted as hedges for defense against intrusion of foes, animals
and human. Many species are cultivated for ornamental purposes. Various species can be utilized for different purposes.
The light, elastic hard stems are used for bridges, masts, poles, joists, fighting rods, and many others. When the partitions
are removed from the hollow bamboo stems, they may be used as water pipes or made into pails for hauling and
containing water. Bamboo stems can be made into cooking utensils, life preservers, outriggers or “katig” for fishing
boats, bows and arrows, walking canes and fish traps. They are also used in making bags, baskets, trunks, placemats,
figurines and other native products.

1. The bamboo is a (a. tree b. grass c. bush d. herb)
2. It is found abundantly in ( a. Australia b. Africa c. America d. Asia)
3. Bamboos can attain a height of 20 feet within (a. a month b. a year c. two months
d. six months
4. Philippine bamboos are of ( a. a few species b. several species c. a thousand species

d. five species
5. Bamboos for housing purposes could be cut anytime. (a. True b. False c. Maybe
d. sometimes
6. Houses built of mature bamboos ( a. are durable b. easily destroyed c. are ugly
d. cannot last for generations
7. The uses of bamboo rival that of the ( a. coconut b. corn c. kapok d. narra)
8. Bamboo shoots could be eaten. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. does not tell
9. Bamboos can be used in making (a. shoes b. slippers c. clothes d. bags and baskets)
10. Bamboos are very useful. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Sometimes
358 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 13
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SANTACRUSAN
Along, long time ago when Christianity was still young, the Roman empire was divided into two territories, each
part ruled by an emperor, one in Rome and another in Greece. The rulers of these two half-empires believed in and
idolized pagan gods. They persecuted the Christians by throwing them into the arena with wild beast or by burning them
on the cross.
One of the early converts to Christianity was Helena, the Queen of the Grecian half of the empire. Her husband
was not converted to Christianity, and when he died, he was succeeded by his son, Constantine. Constantine also believed
in the pagan gods, but he respected his mother’s faith in God.
The emperor in Rome wanted to annex the other half of the empire now ruled by Constantine. He gathered a huge
army and set out for the conquest.
Meanwhile, young Constantine raised his own army to fight the invaders. One night, Constantine was encamped
in the fields. He could not sleep, so he left his tent and went out into the night. He gazed up into the heavens praying for
an omen. Far, far away he saw a group of glowing stars grouped in the form of a cross. Then across his vision flashed the
words: “IN HOC SIGNO VINCIS” which meant “ By This Sign You Shall Conquer”. He remembered his mother,
Queen Helena who was then on a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Perhaps the vision was the result of her
prayers to her God. Although he did not believe in her God, he knew there was nothing to lose if he followed his vision.
So Constantine ordered the Cross be emblazoned in all the banners of his army. Then he went forth and led the
fight against the enemies. His forces were victorious in succeeding battles against the pagan hordes. Constantine
regarded this as a sign that the one Christian god was more powerful than all the pagan gods and idols put together.
Constantine was converted to Christianity. He was the first emperor. He saved many Christians from further
persecution during his reign.
Today, when we hold a Santacrusan, we are reminded of Queen Helena and her son Constantine.
Answer True or False:
1. This story happened before Christ was born.
2. The Roman empire has divided into two, each part ruled by a king.
3. The rulers of these two half empires believe in pagan gods.
4. Queen Helena was a Christian convert.

5. Her son Constantine does not believe in pagan gods.
6. The emperor in Rome wanted to annex the empire ruled by Constantine.
7. Constantine saw a vision of the Cross.
8. He ordered that the Cross be emblazoned in all the banners of the army.
9. Constantine won in his battles against pagan hordes.
10. The Santacrusan reminds us of Queen Helena and her son Constantine.
370 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 14
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THE ROLE OF THE FILIPINO WOMEN DURING THE EARLY DAYS
During the early days the Filipino woman was highly respected and her position in the home was both dignified
and important. She was spoken of as the “lady of the house” and her consent was needed in family affairs. She shared
with her husband the duties and responsibilities expected of her as the lady of the house and exercised authority over the
children.
The Filipino women of yesteryear had the sole right to name her child. If the baby was a boy and promised to
have a robust body he was named Malakas. If it was a baby girl and she was pretty she was named Maganda. The
barangay law designated the mother as the teacher of her children. The mother taught her daughter home chores and sex
hygiene to prepare her for the motherhood.
During the early days, a woman neglected her appearance after her marriage for her husband believed she had
no more business making herself pretty.
A woman during the early days had long hair, tied into a knot at the nape of her neck. Men looked down on
women who had stylish hairdos.
A suitor had to get the permission of the girl’s mother before he could visit the girl.
Titles were granted to women royal blood as in the Sultanate of Sulu. This practice is still retained to the present
time. An example of this is Princess Tarhata Kiram of Jolo. The wife of the Sultan was called Pan Quien or queen and
the daughter Dayang-dayang or princess. On the other hand, a woman whose parents were both datus called Putti
meaning lesser princess.
During the early days, it was considered a crime to insult a woman especially if he belonged to the nobility, and
this offense was punishable by death.
There were more priestesses than priest during the early times. The priestesses solemnized weddings, attended
funerals and worked for the recovery of the sick through dancing, singing and incantations.
Since the earliest times, women who have the right to inherit property. They also engaged in trade and industry.
In the absence of a son when an old datu died, the daughter inherited the datuship. Women enjoyed high prestige and men
considered them their equal during the early times.
1. Whose position was dignified and highly important during the early days?
a. woman b. man c. children d. the aged
2. How was she spoken of?
a. babaylanb. queen of the house c/ sultan d. first lady
3. Who had the sole right to name the newly born baby?
a. mother b. father c. priest d. grand parents
4. Who designated the mother to teach her children?
a. priest b. sultan c. barangay law d. in-laws
5. From whom did the man ask permission to visit a woman?
a. from a priest b. from the mother c. to the sultan d. the woman herself
6. Who had the title of Dayang-dayang?
a. wife of the sultan b. teacher of the barangay c. daughter of the sultan
d. most beautiful girl in the village
7. What did Putti mean? a. princess b. slave c. prince d. wife
8. What punishment was given to a peron who had insulted a woman?
a. death b. flogging c. paying fines d. imprisonment
9. Who had the right to solemnized weddings and attend funerals?
a. priest b. priestess c. sultans d. datus
10. Was there a law during that time prohibiting a woman to rule a barangay?
a. yes b. no c. maybe d. does not tell
377 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 15
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ALUMINUM HAS COME OF AGE
Aluminum is one of the elements of which the earth is made. It is as old as the world. The world has always had
more aluminum than any other metal. But it was only a little over hundred years ago that man was able to isolate and
make use of it. Extracting aluminum from the other elements had always been hard and costly. It was always combined
with oxygen and other elements in clay or rock.
However, in 1886, a young Frenchman, Paul Heroult, by a process called “electrolysis” was able to separate
aluminum from oxygen in aluminum oxide, thus discovering the comparatively cheap way of isolating aluminum. Since
then this metal has found its way in man’s homes, factories, business and almost anywhere.
The transportation industry is the largest user of aluminum. Trains with gleaming bodies streak along highways;
aluminum pleasure boats skim over lakes, rivers and the high seas; aluminum-equipped ocean liners sail the big oceans.
In the air, planes built largely of aluminum carry passengers and cargo to all parts of the globe. Finally, rocket ships of
aluminum had traveled in outer space_ to the moon and back.
The aluminum is used extensively in the electrical industry. Aluminum bars are used to carry heavy electric loads
in buildings, power stations and skyscrapers. More and more aluminum is used in telephone exchange cables.
The more colorful use of aluminum in the packaging industry, grocery stores are full of containers using aluminum
tins and foils; at home, tools and equipments made of aluminum save much work because they are easier to lift.
Aluminum is popular because it is light. It is easy to blend aluminum with other metals and produce alloys which
are stronger than ordinary steel. That is why aluminum is of various important uses.
Aluminum can withstand any kind of weather and can resist attacks by many chemicals. Its ability to carry heat
swiftly and evenly explains why it is used in manufacturing cooking utensils. Aluminum is safe to use with almost any
kind of food, drinks and medicine.
Aluminum is easy to shape and form; it can be worked by forging, casting or machining, and pieces can be joined
together by riveting or welding.

1. Aluminum is (a. younger than b. as old as c. as new as
d. older than) the earth.
2. Separating aluminum from its compounds had always been ( a. cheap b. easy
c. hard and costly d. impossible).
3. Paul Heroult was able to separate aluminum from oxygen in aluminum oxide by a process called
(a.electrification b. electrolysis c. electroplating).
d. electricpleating).
4. The (a. canning b. electrical c. transportationd. packaging) industry is the largest user of
aluminum.
5. Aluminum is (a. light b. heavy c. medium d. very heavy) in weight.
6. Aluminum is a kind of ( a. mineral b. metal c. glass d. plastic).
7. Aluminum when blended with other metals can produce alloys stronger than
(a. iron b. steel c. tin d. cement).
8. Aluminum has many uses. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell
9. Aluminum can resist attacks by many (a. animals b. chemicals
c. minerals d. metals).
10. It is a good conductor of (a. heat b. music c. traffic d. fluids).
380 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 16
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PHILIPPINE BIRDS
There are many kinds of birds in our country. They are of different sizes and beautiful varied colors. Among
these are the brown mayas , the green and red parrot, white herons, blue kingfishers, black crows, grey snipers and others
with various shades and color combinations. Their sizes vary from the tiny pipit to the big monkey eating eagle. Some birds
give out sweet music like the martines and culasisisi; however, the hawks and the crows can only give out hoarse, shrieking
sounds.
People in the Philippines are familiar with the maya called by the tagalong “mayang pula”. These birds fly in big
flocks often from 200 to 300 in number. They are a beautiful sight to behold when they fly in flocks but at rice harvest time
they are very destructive. They alight on the heavily laden stalks and consume a considerable quantity of rice grains. as they
perch themselves on the rice stalks, many rice grains drop to the ground.
Farmers put up devices to drive them away. Some farmers put up scarecrows, while others string empty cans and
lay the strings out across the rice fields. These devices scare the mayas and they take to the air for a while; but afterwards they
settle back on the rice plants again.
At night, the mayas usually stay in the sugarcane field if there is any around. Very often they are seen perched on
the top branches of the bamboos causing the bamboos to bend when they are on bog numbers.
The people catch the mayas at night with nets. They try to find out where the mayas gather at night, mark the
places in sugarcane fields and throw their nets over them. Hundreds are caught at a time.
Another bird, which is usually seen at harvest time, is the quail. It has no tail and looks incomplete. It pops up
from the grasses into the air but it does not fly high and far. It can walk very fast on the ground and weaves in and out among
the clumps of grass.
Quails are small but they are fat and juicy so many people catch them for food. However, quails eat insects, slugs,
bugs and weed seeds. People then should refrain from killing them.
1. What is the selection about? a. Wild birds b. Game birds c. Common birds d. Birds of prey
2. What sounds do martines and culasisi make?a. Sweet music b. Shrieking c. Noisy d. Loud
3. What other name is the maya called? a. Mayang puti b. Mayang pula c. Mayang costa d. Maya-maya
4. Are Mayas destructive? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
5. What do farmers do to drive them away? a. Hound them with brooms. b. Build scarecrows.
c. Shoot them. d. Refrain from farming.
6. What do farmers do to catch mayas? a. Slingshot b. Nets c. Rifles d. Shotguns
7. Are quails palay eaters too? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
8. What makes the quail queer? a. Its feathers b. Its beaks c. Its tail d. Its wings
9. Why quails cannot fly high? a. Its wings are small. b. Its body is big.
c. Its feathers are heavy. d. It has no tail.
10. What are quails used for? a. Its edible birds nest b. For food c. For decoration d. For hunting
386 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 17
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MOHAMMEDANISM, THE ISLAM FAITH

Have you ever wondered why our Muslim brothers in Mindanao have a different religion than ours? For a time,
Mohammedanism, or the Muslim religion, threatened all Asia and even a great part of Europe. Here’s how Mohammedanism
came about.
The Mohammedan religion was founded by Mohammed and for a time was considered the most powerful religion
in the world. There are still two hundred thirty million believers of the Mohammedan faith in Asia, Africa and a group in the
Philippines, in Mindanao.
Mohammed, the founder of this religion, was born in Mecca in the year 1570. His parents were poor and he
received very little education. While still a young boy he worked as a shepherd. On his twenty-fifth birthday, he married a
rich widow older than himself.
When he was about forty years old, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him in one of his prayers. The Angel declared
him as the prophet of God and told him to preach the true religion.
Mohammed began to preach. His work was slow. He had only forty followers after four years of preaching but he
continued his work. He wrote verse telling about the divinity of God and how mercy could be gained through prayers, fasting
and alms-giving. These verses could be found at the beginning of the Koran, the sacred book of the Mohammedans.
Mohammed was ever patient and never grew tired of his religion. He saw to it that his followers did not eat certain
food. Later, he prohibited them from drinking wine, gambling and indulging in usury. His followers lived by raiding caravans
in the deserts and very often they were successful. Many people of Mecca jointed the band of Mohammed.
In addition, there came the years of misunderstanding and strife. War broke out between the followers of
Mohammed and the people of Mecca who did not believe in him. Mohammed and his followers attacked Mecca and captured
the city in 630 A.D. The people rejoiced and honored him after his victory. They considered him a prince of God’s prophet
on earth. He made many conquests after this. His followers swept towards Asia and Africa and for a time it was feared that
Mohammedanism will succeed to engulf the whole world.
However, Christianity triumphed in many places, and only some countries Mohammedans including the Muslims
in Mindanao.
Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false.
1. There are about 230 million believers of the Mohammedan faith.

2. Mohammed came from the noble parentage thus he was educated properly.
3. The Angel Gabriel appeared to him in one of his prayers and declared him as the prophet of God.
4. He was married to a widow very much younger than himself.
5. Mohammedanism is considered one of the most powerful religions.
6. Mohammed wrote verses about the unity of God and how mercy could be had through prayers, fasting and alms-
giving.
7. Mohammed grew tired teaching his religion because he had few followers.
8. He prohibited his followers to eat certain food, to drink wine and gamble.
9. The people did not like him when he attacked Mecca and captured it.
10. The followers of Mohammed swept towards Asia and Africa
394 words
BOOK 1 No.18
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MABINI, A CONTEMPORARY
Apolinario Mabini chose exile rather than swear allegiance to the American flag. He experienced great
loneliness in his exile in Guam. For some time he resisted his desire to come back to his native land. But his
longing buried in his native land forced him to subject himself to his final humiliation, that of pledging allegiance to
the American flag.
Mabini had no sooner landed on his native soil when the Americans as well as his countrymen heaped on
him a tribute to his ideals.
He was honored for his fidelity to his ideals that few Filipinos could imitate. He was worshipped for his
faith that many Filipinos, who had fought, had abandoned. He was revered for his courage, and cherished for his
fighting spirit which other Filipinos had lost.
Now, our youths are embarking on an enterprise which, though peaceful, echoes the battle cry of the
Revolution. With the revival of nationalism so courageously espoused by people today, we dare to hope and pray
that Mabini’s heritage, his desire for a social regeneration, may inspire in our efforts a new vigor and a direction.
Let this be impressed upon the minds of our young people that in spite of Mabini’s affliction which labeled
him the “Sublime Paralytic” he was able to uphold his principles.
Although Mabini was superior in intellect and integrity, he never once blamed his people for the failure in
their struggle. Again and again, he made it clear that if the people had seemingly abandoned the fight, it was
because they had lost their faith in some of the leaders. It was not because many were not responsible men but
because of the selfishness of a few; not the ignorance of the masses but the cleverness of the rich.
Mabini is the most contemporary of our heroes because the age we live in has the general characteristic of a
revolution. Even our leaders echo the phrases of 1896. There is no longer any doubt that the face of our society is
changing so rapidly. It will not be long and there will be a social upheaval. The question lies in who will benefit
from the change, the masses or the few rich?
Write True if the statement is true; False if it is false.
1. Mabini preferred to be exiled rather than swear allegiance to the American flag.
2. He enjoyed his stay in Guam that he forgot his native land altogether.
3. He considered it humiliating to give in when he returned home and pledge allegiance to the foreign flag.
4. He was given tribute by his countrymen and foreigners alike for being true to his ideals.
5. The youth of today ridicules Mabini’s desire of a social generation.
7. Mabini’s affliction hindered from service to his countrymen.
8. Mabini never once blamed his people for their failure.
9. The people continued their fight because they had faith on their leaders.
10. It is still a belief that with social upheaval the beneficiary will also be rich.
390 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 19
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HOBBIES AND WORLD UNDERSTANDING
What is a hobby? It pertains to a person’s occupation on which he spend his time and effort for the pleasure that it
gives him because of his interest in it.
Different people have different hobbies. Many boys and girls collect coins and stamps. Some girls crochet or knit.
Some collect pictures of stars. Some boys and girls specialized in taking pictures and in collecting them.
Hobbies can be interesting and educational too. Many hobbies can lead to international understanding and friendship.
Stamp collecting can lead to international understanding and friendship. It has been called the king of hobbies. No
hobby in the world today enjoys greater patronage than stamp collecting. Stamps tell the history of the countries that they
represent. Famous events, prominent men and women, places and buildings are pictured in the stamps representing a country.
Through the stamps, a stamp collector learns many things about other countries. Friendship is often started when stamp
collectors of a country correspond with those of other countries. Friendships are strengthened with the mutual exchange of
stamps and knowledge of each other’s countries.
Building world understanding is also accomplished by the collection of coins or paper bills of different countries.
Hobbies like collection of dolls, handicrafts, fans, statues, old pictures have the same results. Collection becomes expensive if
articles are bought. But many boys and girls ask help from their relatives and friends. Those who collect dolls learn the
costumes of other people so they sew or make clothes for their own doll collections.
Hobbies, whatever they are, lead to wise use of leisure hours. Many boys and girls spend worthwhile hours working
on their hobbies. This develops creativity. Worthwhile hobbies sometimes develop into a vocation and eventually into a sort
of home industry wherein all members of the family get involved. Of course boys and girls should be discriminating in their
choice of hobbies.
A hobby is not indulged in just for the sake of having one. It must be something that generates pleasure and self
satisfaction. Boys and girls select hobbies that are interesting to them, hence what seem to be just a pastime in the beginning
soon develops into a real honest-to-goodness activity wherein time and money are needed.
A hobby, therefore, is a worthwhile way to spend leisure time and should be encouraged. Try to cultivate a
worthwhile hobby.
Direction: Select which of these statements are correct. Put check mark on the number of the correct statements.
1. Stamps help to tell the history of the countries they represent.
2. A hobby may be anything a boy or girl is interested in.
3. The exchange of stamps can serve to strengthen the friendships and knowledge of other countries.
4. World understanding may also be accomplished through the collection of coins or money bills of other countries.
5. One should avoid collecting dolls where costumes represent different countries for this is an expensive hobby.
6. Hobbies can be interesting and educational.
7. Stamp collection is a waste of time and money so it should be discouraged.
8. A hobby is often done because of lack of something to do.
9. Some hobbies are expensive.
10. A stamp collector learns to know much about other countries through the stamps he collects.
392 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 20
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THE IFUGAO IGOROT
The Ifugaos inhabiting the Mountain Province of Northern Luzon are among the most interesting in the Far East.
They are the direct descendants of the earliest Malay invaders of the Philippines. They have constructed one of the world’s
wonders.
Ifugao men wear clouts or G-strings; the women wear shorts skirts reaching from the waist to the knees. Men and
women alike wear ornaments of gold, beads, brass armlets and leglets. They build small but strong thatched houses.
The Ifugaos have many interesting costumes. Once a girl reaches the age of puberty, she is allowed to spend the
nights with other girls in the house of some spinster or widow called ”ayamang” (ulag in Bontoc). Young men come to the
ayamang at night to express their love. The suitors are rejected or admitted to the “ayamang” depending upon the reactions of
the young maidens.
Trial marriage is practiced in the “ayamang”. A girl can live with the man she prefers. When she is about to become
a mother, arrangements are made between their parents for their marriage.
Divorce may be had any time by either party on the condition that the dissatisfied party pays a fine to the family of
the other. All the property of the divorced spouses go to their children.
Ifugao customs and traditions abound in taboos. It is taboo for a pregnant woman to wear ornaments forming a circle.
It is believed that such ornaments will make child delivery difficult.
People from one village cannot pass through another village during rice harvest time. A stranger is not allowed to
enter a village during its rest day celebration. Anyone is prohibited to enter an Ifugao house when the owner is absent. A
person doing so is considered a thief even if he has not taken anything from the house.
The Ifugaos are lovers of law and order. Trial by ordeal-by hot water or the hot bolo test- is practiced in trials for
criminal offenses. The trial is a punishment in itself. As a result, there are few crimes in Ifugao land.
Fine are assessed in accordance with the wealth of the offending party. In this manner a poor man would not be
required to pay a fine he cannot afford.
We have always thought of the Ifugaos as uncivilized. In the light of their practices, could we still consider them as
such?
Answer with True or False.

1. The Ifugaos are the direct descendants of the earliest Malay invaders of the Philippines.
2. They do not wear ornaments on their body.
3. Adolescents girls are allowed to spend the night in the house of a spinster or widow called “ayamang”.
4. Ifugao boys can express their love on the street or in the houses of the girls.
5. Ifugaos do not believe in divorce.
6. They believe that child delivery will be difficult if a pregnant women wears rounded ornaments.
7. There is no law and order in Ifugao land.
8. Trial by ordeal – by hot water or hot bolo test – is practiced by the Ifugaos.
9. Plenty of crimes are committed in Ifugao land.
10. The Ifugaos are still uncivilized.
400 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 21
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PLANT THIEVES
Most plants with green leaves earn their own living. They do not need help from other plants in as much as they
gather from the soil and air the materials on which they live. Their roots extend deep into the soil seeking out water and the
substances the soil supplies. Moreover their leaves get carbon dioxide from the air. With the help of sunshine they are able to
manufacture their own food. These plants do not destroy other plants or animals or steal from them to obtain their food.
These self-supporting plants live and let other plants live.
But some plants are dependent on the other plants. They also try to obtain all the food they could live by robbing their
innocent victims. These plants have no Greenleaf substances and could not make food for themselves. Such plants are
supported entirely by their victims. These plants have no green leaf substances and could not make food forthemselves. Such
plants are supported entirely by the victim or hosts as they are usually called.
There are plant thieves that steal from their hosts as much as they can but they have green leaves, they could
manufacture little food for themselves.
Like all thieves, plant robbers have sneaking ways.
They have different ways of attacking their victims. The dodder is a plant thief and this is how it attacks. The dodder
is a plant that has a tangle of yellow threads. In season, these yellow threads can be seen to bear many clusters of white
flowers which in time from numerous small seeds. The yellow threads are vine-like stems twining about the branches of the
host plant. The dodder has a bad reputation as a plant thief in the plant world. It has no roots nor leaves. Instead there are
minute scales. With no roots nor eaves, the dodder grows very well and bears flowers and seeds.
The secret of its food supply is the slender vines. These thin thread - like stems are firmly fastened by rows of little
suckers to the stems and branches of the host plant. The suckers adhere to the host. The dodder sends minute branches right
through the bark of its victim into the part where the sap flows. This way, it robs the host of its hard-earned reaches to supply
itself with food for its vigorous growth and for the formation of its clusters of flowers which it shamelessly unfolds over the
branches of its victim. The flowers, of course, from abundant seeds to start a new crop of robbers for the next season.
Copy the best answer on your paper.

1. Most plants which can manufacture their own food are plant with (green, brown, yellow, white) leaves.
2. Their roots extend deep into the soil seeking out (air, worms, water, sun) and other substances.
3. There are plants that do not hesitate to (eat, drink, steal) food from their neighbors
4. Plant robbers have (green leaf substance, soil water substance, air-sun substance, scales).
5. Plant thieves are supported entirely by their (friends, hosts, enemies, parasites).
6. Plants with (scanty, many, some, few) green leaves can manufacture little food for their own.
7. One of the known offenders is the (rose, dodder, kucharita, cactus).
8. The yellow threads are vine-like stems (peeping, twining, climbing, growing) the branches of the plant supporting it.
9. The dodder is a (plant thief, a useful vine, an ornamental plant, a welcome parasite).
10. The flowers of the plant robbers from abundant (pods, leaves, seeds, stems) to start a new crop of robbers.
404 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 22
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HOW A DOG’S LIFE WAS SAVED

Bernie, a police dog, loves Boy Scouts and he really has a very good reason for doing so. He would have died were it
not for a training of two boy scouts who knew how to make a tourniquet. Thee two boys who are twins are members of the
Narra troop number 64.
The two boys were on their way home from school. They were busy talking about the Boy Scout Jamboree to be held
in Japan. They were lucky to be among the Boy Scouts to represent the Philippines in Japan.
“Look!” cried Nick, one of the twins. “See the blood trail on the sidewalk”.
Because Boy scouts are trained to be of help in time of trouble, they followed the trail. It lead them to the backyard of
a certain Mr.Gana. They heard a feeble whine. Behind the pile of boxes they found Mr. Gana’s dog, Bernie. He seemed very
weak due to loss of blood and looked completely exhausted as he lay.
Bernie greeted the two boys with a feeble wag of his tail. The two boys had hopes of saving his life. If only they
could stop the bleeding of his wounded foot.
“I will get my handkerchief,” said Pete reaching into his pocket.”Do you have something to bind it with, Nick?’’
The boys did not waste any time. Nick pulled a lead pencil out of his pocket. Pete tore a strip about two or three inches
wide from the handkerchief. He folded it over and over three or four times making a strong narrow band. Pete tied the two
ends together while Nick held Bernie. Then Pete slipped the band over the dog’s injured foot. Bernie bore the pain without
wincing as the two boys tightened the tourniquet.
Direction: Copy the letter of the correct answer

1. What was Bernie? (a. a police dog b. a poodle c. a great Dane d. Doberman pincher)
2. Who were Pete and Nick? (a. friends b. classmates c. twins d. neighbors )
3. What did they see on the side walk?
a. a trail of sand b. a trail of blood c. a trail of grass d. a muddy trail
4. Who were trained to help introubles?
a. Boy Scouts b. dogs c. Boys
5. Why was Bernie weak?
a. He had no appitite b. He had lost blood c. He had lost in strength d. He had not
eaten for a long time
6. The dog belonged to
a. Mr. Tan b. Mr. Gomes c. Mr. Gana d. the boy scouts
7. What did the boys do to stop the flow of blood from Bernie’s legs?
a. They tied a tourniquet b. They stuck a stick c. They tied a gauge d. They cuts its foot
8. What cause Bernie’s accident?
a. jagged rock b. broken plate c. broken bottle d. fallen debris
9. What did the boys want to find out?
a. the trail of blood b. cause of Bernie’s accident c. the trip d. the cause of the
accident
10. Whom did Bernie learn to love?
a. Boy Scouts b. boys c. his master d. other dogs
414 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 23
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE CREATURE ON EARTH
The rat is probably the cleverest yet the most destructive animal on the earth. This animal can survive anywhere. It has
also threatened man’s life, rat-born diseases having killed more people than all the wars in history.
Most of the 550 species of rats live in forest, fields and jungles. But a few species try to link their destinies with men.
They go where men go, live where they live, eat what they eat and learn their ways.
There are two species of common house rats—the brown rat and the black rat. The brown rat has the small ears and a
thick tail that is shorter than it’s body. It may weigh as much as one-half kilogram and measure nine inches in length, minus its
tail. The brown rat is a burrower. It can squeeze through small holes, swim through the sewers for miles and enter a man’s
home through the plumbing.
The black rat is very much smaller than the brown rat. It has an average weight of one-fourth kilogram. It has large
eyes and a tail longer than its body. The black rat clumber up walls ropes and wires.
Rats are social animals and live in colonies of rats, war against other; and an “outsider” is killed by torture known only
to rats.
The average life of the rats is nine months, although some may live up to two years. They are very prolific. It has been
estimated that a pair of rats, if allowed to multiply unmolested, could produce up to 350 million descendants in three years.
Everywhere the rat goes, it spreads contamination. It is a continuing health menace. Rats carry as many as 35 different
diseases. Their fleas spread bubonic plague and typhus. These two diseases have killed more than 200 million people in four
centuries.
The rat’s habits take him from sewer to warehouse to home, spreading disease germs every inch of the way. He leaves
droppings everywhere he goes, and contaminates everything because in his blood and intestines are organisms that cause
dysentery, tularemia, rabies and many other contagious killer diseases.
Nature has endowed the rat with special characteristics to help him survive. He avoids poison bait after one or two
members had felt its effects. It leaves its urine on everything that is poison-tented as a “keep-off” sign to other rats.
But there is one way rats become useful to man: man make use of rats in his studies of drugs, medicine and treatment
of man’s diseases.
Direction: Answer with true or false:
1. Rats are very destructive and can survive almost anywhere.__________

2. There are 500 species of rats that live in forests, fields and jungles.___________
3. Common house rats are the gray and the black rats.____________
4. Black rats are usually bigger than brown rats._______________
5. Like ants, rats lie in colonies.______________
6. The average life of a rat is five months.___________
7. Rat fleas cause bubonic plague and typhus.______________
8. Rats can avoid poison bait after another rat had felt its effects.____________
9. Rats leave its urine everything that has poison as a danger sign to other rats.___________
10 Rats could be helpful to man, too._________________
419 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 24
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE COCONUT, THE TREE OF LIFE
The coconut is a tropical palm. It provides man with almost everything: food, clothing, shelter, home furnishings, fuel
and many others. On the product of the coconut tree, one can subsist almost fully.
The coconut grows a palm leaf every month. Each leaf bears a cluster of flowers which mature into a cluster of fruits.
High at the top of the crown of leaves is the coconut heart or bud. If the heart or bud is removed, the tree dies. The heart itself
makes a tasty treat, a “millionaire’s salad”.
The unopened flowers are protected by a tough sheath that looks like burlap. From this sheath maybe fashioned out
shoes, caps and even a kind of helmet.
Sugar maybe obtained from the sap of the unopened flowers. A gallon of sap may be gathered and boiled to good
syrup which can be crystallized into rich, dark sugar. Or if left standing, the sap ferments quickly into a robust beer-like drink
called “tuba” in the Philippines, “toddy” in India, “tuwak” in Indonesia. If left alone for a few weeks, the sap becomes fine
vinegar.
The nut itself is covered by a thick, packed mass of fibers called coir which can be woven into strong twine or rope.
Coir is also used in padding upholstery. The shell of the coconut is a hard, fine-grained substance which can be carved into all
kinds of objects: cups, ashtrays, buttons, buckles and many others. The charcoal from shells are used as air filters I gas masks,
submarines and cigarette tips.
Coconut water contains sugar, minerals and vitamins. The nut-meat is eaten raw or made into salad: coconut milk is
used in cooking food. Heated, it yields oil for cooking, lamp fuel, lotions, pomades or soaps.
Grated nut-meats are made into candies, cakes and pies. Dried coconut meat or “copra” is processed for oil and the
residue is made into animal food.
There are myriad uses of the coconut oil. It is used in shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, lotion, lubricants, hydraulic fluid,
paints synthetic, rubber, ice creams, plastics and others. It is also found in breakfast tables-“margarine” as a substitute for
butter with all the needed nutrients and vitamins.
There are plenty of uses for the rest of the tree. The fronds are woven into mats and house furnishing, the mid-ribs
made into brooms and brushes. Even the roots can be made into a dye.
No tree in earth is as useful, and so lovely as the coconut.
Answer with true or false:

___________1. The coconut is a tropical palm.
___________2. Everything about the coconut, from its root to the tip of its leaves, is very useful.
___________3. Only the sap of the coconut is useless.
___________4. Oil is made from dried coconut meat or “copra”.
___________5. Once a coconut heart is removed or cut, the tree dies.
___________6. Sugar can be obtained from the coconut sap.
___________7. When left standing, coconut sap may ferment into a beer-like drink called “tuba”.
___________8. Coconut meat and water contain vitamins and minerals.
___________9. Coconut fibers or “coir” are used in clothe making.
___________10. From the coconut roots, dyes could be made.
420 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 25
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
PRISON WITHOUT WALLS
In 1904, the Iwahig Penal Colony was built. It was a kind of prison wherein long-term prisoners, most of them life-
termers, serve their sentences with comparative freedom. The Colony was originally designed to houise an overflow of
convicts from Manila’s old Bilibid Prison. Its basic purpose was to reform and rehabilitate criminals rather than punish them.
It is under the supervision of the superintendent of Prisons.
The settlement site was once a 34-square mile of a virgin jungle. The first prisoners hacked out roads, prepared the
fields and planted coconuts and other fruit-bearing trees. Through the years the colony has expanded to cover 160 square miles
of cultivated land.
Only prisoners with comparatively long sentences are assigned at the Iwahig Penal Colony. Newly arrived inmates are
quartered in a disciplinary barracks for at least six months. They do not have the same privileges as the old-time colonist.
Later, when they are fully indoctrinated with the rules and reglations of the colony as well as their duties and obligations, they
are assigned to various projects where they can put their special skills to good use.
Illiterate inmates
The inmates sleep in spacious barrack-rooms with no barred windows to prevent them from breaking out. They are
free to marry, but must have the permission of the Director of Prisons to do so. If married, arrangements could be made for
their families to live in the settlement. They are free to go about within the 160-square mile limits of the Penal Colony.
Like their free compatriots, the inmates work for a living earning from 10.00 to 40.00 a month by farming, fishing,
forestry, animal husbandry, construction, jobs in the coconut and coffee industries and handicrafts. The colony’s extensive
forests provide them with wood which they can sell. They can fish in the coastal waters or raise poultry and meat animals for
their consumption. But as inmates, they have to work for the prison industries, too, for certain hours and days of the week.
The atmosphere in the Colony is such that some convicts prefer to stay there permanently even when their sentences
expired. Deserving ex-convicts who choose to stay in the colony permanently are granted small plots of land for their use.
Thus, social derelicts are turned into useful citizens.
__________1. The Iwahig Penal Colony is just like any other prison.
__________2. It is a prison with walls made out only of bamboo and nipa.
__________3. Any prisoner could be sent to the colony.
__________4. Newly arrived inmates have the same privileges as the old time colonists.
__________5. Adult education classes are handled by teachers who are fellow convicts.
__________6. The inmates are free to marry but must have the permission of the Director of Prisoners.
__________7. Families are free to visit the inmates but are not allowed to live with them in the settlement.
__________8. Most prisoners of the colony work for a living by farming, fishing and other means.
__________9. As inmates, they are required to work for the prison industries, too.
__________10. Most inmates prefer to stay in the colony even after they have served their terms.
421 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 26
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
A MOTHER’S WISDOM
Barbara was ten when she found her first real “pal” among the girls in school. Their friendship became all-important to Barbara,
and being of a possessive nature, she found herself violently jealous of her friend’s interests which did not include Barbara. She couldn’t
conceal this attitude until her friend became annoyed with her possessiveness.
Barbara’s mother understood what was happening. She waited for an occasion to talk to Barbara about it without hurting her.
One day, Barbara and her mother were admiring some baby chicks. Barbara picked up one and held it so tightly that it almost
smothered. It struggled to escape from Barbara’s hold. Casually her mother said, “If you hold a chick too tightly, it wants only to get away.
Try holding one gently.”
The next chick nestled quietly in Barbara’s open palm. Her mother said, “You know, dear, people are the same as chicks. If we
hold those whom we love too closely to us, they’ll struggle for freedom. Hold them with open hands and they won’t feel smothered.”
Barbara understood the message in her mother’s words. Whenever she felt jealous of her friend’s attention to others, she always
pictured the contented chick nestled in her open palm.
Joseph, Barbara’s brother was eight. Being young and mischievous he used to get into jams and then run to his mother for help to
get him out of trouble. But mother never interfered. She would let him untangle his troubles by himself. Joseph never understood why
mother always declined to help him with his problems.
One day, Joseph saw a cocoon of a moth throbbing and heaving. Squealing with anticipation, Joseph began to open the cocoon
with his pocket knife to allow the moth to emerge more easily. His disappointment, the moth did not fly; it fell off from the twig on which
the cocoon hung, then died that very same moment.
Joseph’s mother shook him on the shoulders and said, “Son, the struggle of the moth inside the cocoon was for a purpose, to
enable it to gain strength to rise above its surroundings. You did not allow it to mature fully, and when you forcibly opened the cocoon, it
can neither walk nor fly. It’s the same with children. When a boy like you always has somebody to solve his problems for him, he has no
chance to develop. Each of the struggles that we go through on our own, builds up our strength to meet the next.
Barbara and Joseph never forgot the lessons they learned from their mother.

1. How old was Barbara when she met her first real pal? (a. eleven b. ten c. eight d. eighteen)
2. What was Barbara’s nature? (a. cheerful b. friendly c. possessive d. kind)
3. What lesson did she learn from the chicks? (a. If a chick held tightly, it will full asleep. b. If a chick is held gently, it will not struggle
away. c. Baby chicks hate people. d. Baby chicks don’t like to be touched.)
4. What did Barbara do whenever she felt jealous of her friend’s attention to others?
(a. She remembered the baby chick. b. She sulked I a corner c. She tried to find another friend d. She got angry with her friend)
5. Who is Joseph? (a. Barbara’s younger brother b. Barbara’s elder brother c. Barbara’s twin
d. Barbara’s classmate)
6. What does mother do to Joseph whenever he got into trouble? (a. Mother leaves him alone b. Mother helps him solve his problem c.
Mother scolds his enemies d. Mother get angry with the boys’ mother too.)
7. What did Joseph see one day? (a. A worm fighting another worm b. A cocoon of a moth
c. Two lizards fighting d. A caterpillar on the tree.)
8. What did he do with it? (a. He opened it with a knife b. He cut off its head
c. He left it on the twig d. He threw it on the trash can.)
9. What happened to it?(a. It flew away b.It fell off and died c.It walks slowly d. It jumped with joy) 10. What lesson did Joseph learned
from it? (a. Always depend on others b. Try to solve problems alone c. Always asked the help of others d. Always run to mother for help.)
430 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 27
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
BIRDS OF PREY
There are many kinds of birds all over the world. One kind is the bird of prey. The birds of prey kill and eat other
animals. Some of these birds pursue and capture their victims alive. Some rob other birds or animals of their catch while
others feed on dead creatures including human beings. The vultures, falcons, hawk, eagles and owls are examples of birds of
prey.
These birds are the most heated and feared members of the bird family. However not all of them are harmful. They are
helpful to man because they eat small harmful animals such as the mice and the rats. Bodies of deadd animals which otherwise
might decay are disposed of by the birds of prey.
These birds have very powerful feet with sharp curved claws. Their hooked beaks in able them to kill and tear their
victims apart. They, too, have powerful wings which help them chase their prey at great speed or to soar high in the sky while
searching the ground for their prey.
Birds of have very sharp eyes and can see in two ways. At one sweep of their eyes they can see the whole country
beneath them and at the same time they can also see a small part of it as if they were looking through the telescope. That is
why they can keep their prey in sharp focus as they fly. Now you know why they can spot a chick even if they are very high
up in the air.
Birds of prey like the eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures, hunt during the day while owls hunt at night.
The eagle has a noble dignified looked and presents an appearance of great strength symbolizing power, courage and
freedom. That is why it is pictured as the national emblem of the United States. The bold eagle eats fish mainly so it lives
nears the water.
Falcons are pretty to look at. They are often trained for hunting for they are brave birds and will attack prey larger
than themselves.
Some hawks do much damage eating useful birds like chickens but there are others that eat small harmful animals,
too.
Among the birds of prey, the owls are very helpful. They eat harmful mice, rats, moles, blackbirds, sparrows and
frogs. Some eat rabbits and squirrels. Because of their large eyes they can see their prey at night. Like hawks, they eat the
flesh, bones, fur, scales and feather of their prey.
The vulture is the most fearful of all the birds of prey. They feed mainly on dead creatures because their claws are
fairly weak to carry off a live prey.
Answer the following questions with True or False:

1. Birds of prey are so-called because they kill and eat other animals and feed on dead creatures.
2. These birds are the most hated and feared members of the bird family.
3. All birds of prey are harmful to man.
4. Their powerful feet and sharp claws enable them to kill and tear their victims apart.
5. Their eyes are weak especially at night because they have powerful eyes that see in the dark.
7. The eagle is the national emblem of the United States because it symbolizes power, courage and freedom.
8. Falcons are often trained by men to hunt their prey.
9. Among the birds of prey, the owls are the most fearful and harmful.
10. Their eyes can see a small part of a place as if they’re looking through the telescope.
434 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 28
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE MIRACLES OF THE FIRE
During the time of Elias, many of the children of the Israel honored false Gods and false prophets.
One day, Elias said to the Jews, “Call together all the people of Israel to Mount Carmel. Bring also the prophets of
Baal.” (Baal was the God of pagans.)
When all the people gathered together, Elias said, “If the Lord is God, follow Him. If Baal is God follow Him.”
The people did not say a word. Elias continued, “I am the only prophet of the Lord. Baal has four hundred and fifty
prophets. Now, let us see who is God. Let the prophets of Baal Prepare a sacrifice. We shall dress the animals and put
unlighted wood under them. Let the prophets of Baal call upon their God. I shall call on my Lord. God shall answer by fire.”
The people all agreed.
“O Baal, hear us.” This was the prayer of the prophets of Baal. But their prayers were not answered.
Then Elias prayed to the one true God. Fire came down from heaven. The people feel on their faces. They said “The
Lord is God!”
The Lord was always with Elias. Elias talked to the children of Israel. He wanted them to remember the Lord. Their
God.
One day the Lord said to Elias. “You shall make Eliseus a prophet.”
Elias found Eliseus in the field. Eliseus left his father and father and followed Elias. Eliseus was very kind to Elias.
Her served him and helped him. Elias and Eliseus went from place to place reminding the people of the one true God.
One day Eliseus and Elias were talking together. A fiery chariot drawn by a fiery horse came between them. A strong
wind carried Elias up to heaven. Eliseus watched until he could see Elias no more.
After Elias was brought to heaven in a chariot of fire, his spirit rested upon Eliseus.
The sons of the prophets at Jericho came to meet Eliseus and bowed down before him. Nevertheless, they organized a
searching party of fifty men to look for Elias’ body on the valleys and mountains but failed to find him. They returned to
Jericho to see Eliseus and they decided to remain there to fertilize the soil and purify the waters for drinking.
Eliseus performed a miracle by using water for healing.
One day, Eliseus was leaving Jericho for Bethel when a group of children came out of the city and mocked him.
Eliseus turned back and cursed them in the name of the Lord. Suddenly, two bears came out to the wilderness and tore the
forty-two boys apart.
Select the best answer:

______1. What of a story is this?
a. Fiction b. Biblical c. Adventure d. Romantic
______2. What did the Israelites honor?
a. false prophets b. Baal c. God d. Elias
______3. Who was Baal?
a. God of gods b. God of pagans c. God of mercy d. God almighty
______4. How did Elias prove that his God was the true God?
a. Miracle of water b. Miracle of roses c. Miracle of fire d. Miracle of miracles
______5. What did Elias make out of Eliseus?
a. A god b. A mockery c. An impostor Prophet
______6. What carried to heaven?
a. A golden chariot b. A fiery chariot c. A silver chariot d. A white cloud
______7. What did Eliseus use for healing?
a. Miraculous water b. Herbs c. magic d. Witchcraft
______8. How did God punish the children who mocked Eliseus?
a. Two bears tore them apart b. Lightning struck them c. A river overflowed of them
d. An earthquake shocked them.
______9. Was Elias’ body found again?
a. No b. Yes c. Does not tell d. Maybe
_____10. What did the story prove?
a. God is merciful b. God is powerful c. God is everywhere d. God is in the heavens.
436 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 29
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
LIGHTNING AND THUNDER
Lightning is the same thing as light in an electric bulb. It is electricity. a flash of lightning has twenty times as much
electricity as the world uses in 24 hours.
Electricity is always preset in the air. When moisture in the air condenses on a tiny grain of dust, the little drop
becomes charged with electricity. Then when the air gets cold and the drops go together to make raindrops, some of the
electricity, cannot stay on the drops of water are pushing off little bits of electricity, it all goes together and make one big flash
of lightning.
Flashes of lightning usually go from one cloud to another; they sometimes hit the ground. Lightning is hot. When it
hits a house, the latter gets burned. When it strikes a tree, the heat turns the tree’s sap into steam which must escape quickly,
and thus the tree is split open. It may hit a wire fence and lightning travels along the wire just as electricity travels along a wire
to a lamp.
To protect tall buildings from lightning, lightning rods are put up on the roofs. These rods are connected to a wire that
runs into the ground at the side of the building. People use to think that the rod attracts the lightning and when it strikes the
rod, the rod carries the lightning through the wire into the ground. Actually, the rod helps to make the lightning strikes
somewhere else. The rod allows the ground electricity to come up slowly through the rod and into the air. Lightning does not
strike in a place where other electricity comes out slowly.
The safest place during a thunderstorm is in the house. Open windows do not attract lightning as people use to think.
Out of doors, it is not safe to stay under a tree for trees are often struck by lightning. In open fields, the safest thing to do
during a thunderstorm is to lie on the ground.
Lightning does not make any sound. It makes a big flash like a million lamps put together. Along the flash comes a
long roll of noise which we call thunder. It is sometimes so far off that it is just a faint mutter; other times it is so close over
head that it sounds like cannons firing.
Thunder sometimes frightens people although it could not do any harm. When lightning strikes, air becomes heated so
quickly that it explodes into thunder.
Lightning and thunder seldom all damage. There is no reason for people to be afraid of them.

1. A flash of lightning has twenty times as much electricity as the world uses in
(a. 1 hour b. 2 hours c. 12 hours d. 24 hours)
2. Electricity is (a. always b. sometimes c. never d. often) present in the air.
3. Millions of drop of water pushing off little bit of electricity make one big .
(a. rainful b. lightning c. thunder d. storm)
4. Lightning is hot (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
5. To protect tall buildings from lightning,
(a. steeples b. chimney c. lightning rods d. awnings) are put up on the roofs.
6. The lightning rod (a. attracts lightning b. carries lightning through the wire into the ground
c. helps to make the lightning strike somewhere else d. keeps lightning away)
7. The safest place during a thunderstorm is (a. in the house b. under trees c. in open fields
d. in motor vehicles)
8. Lightning doses not make any sound, (a. True b. false c. Maybe d. does not tell)
9. When a lightning strikes, air becomes heated so quickly that it explodes into
(a. rainfall b. thunder c. lightning d. rainbow)
10. People should be afraid of thunder and lightning, (a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
440 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 30
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE BANANA
The banana is a democratic fruit. From early times to these modern days, it has continued to grace the banquet tables
of the rich and the powerful; it has also graced the lowly “papag” of the poor in huts and hovels.
The fruit has a very agreeable flavor and taste. It contains a large amount of starch and sugar, fats and proteins in
desirable proportions, and is therefore of great nutritive value. Aside from the use of the fruit in the raw, it maybe used to
greater advantages as a cooked vegetable or as an ingredient in fruit salads.
The banana is a native of the East Indies and the Malay Archipelago but has transmigrated to Central and South
America where it is now extensively grown. In the Philippines, it grows extensively and has become a staple food in family
tables.
The banana plant is characterized by an underground root stalk where buds grow out and up, forming as new aerial
portion called sucker. The banana plant does not possess a true stem above the ground, but the false stem consists of the basal
portions of the leaf stalks which overlap one another and are tightly pressed together so that a trunk from 8 to 15 inches in
diameter when matured, is produce. When the plant is fully matured, a bud form at the root stalks grows up through the center
of these mass of leaf stalks, and finally emerges from the center of the crown of leaves. The bud is in the form of a “heart”.
The bud gradually unfolds and a large number of clusters open up. Each of these clusters is protected by a thick, overlapping
bract. Only the upper clusters of flowers are fertilized and produce fruit, the lower ones wither and fall away. the number of
clusters developing fruit is variable, generally running from 6 to 14. Each cluster is known as a hand, and the individual fruits
in each cluster, as fingers. There are 8 to 16 fingers in each cluster. The fruit is never allowed to ripen on the plant so the
bunch is cut when the fruit is nearing full maturity. Each plant produces only a single bunch. Replanting is not necessary as
suckers take the place of the old plants. As each plant produces, an oversupply of suckers, the weaker and undesirable ones are
pruned off.
In the Philippines a species of the banana does not bear edible fruits; however, from its stalks can be obtained a kind
of strong white fibers or hemp from which cordage is produced. “Manila hemp” or abaca is known throughout the world for
its strength and resistance to rot.

1. The banana is a democratic fruit. It means that banana is (a. freedom-loving b. for the
democratic people c. liked by everyday d. eaten by free people only).
2. It contains starch, fats and proteins, therefore it is (a. useful b. useless c. nutritive d.
expensive.)
3. It is said to be native of (a. Central America b. the East Indies c. the Philippines d. South America.)
4. The heart of the banana is the (a. leaf b. bud c. flower d. crown.)
5. A cluster is also known as a (a. hand b. head c. heart d. finger.)
6. The individual fruits in a cluster are known as (a. toes b. fingers c. hands d. heads.)
7. Each banana plant produces (a. many b. only one c. two d. ten.)
8. Young banana plant are called (a. suckers b. seedlings c. nurseries d. baby plants.)
9. All species of banana bear edible fruits (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell.)
10. Abaca fibers are taken from the (a. roots b. leaves c. buds d. stalks.)
445 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 31
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
GIMO AND HIS CARABAO
Gimo live in a little house made of bamboo and of nipa palms woven together. It had a high thatched roof and a floor
of shiny bamboo splits. Underneath the house, pigs and chickens were kept. The house was built among the trees and by a
shallow, winding stream.
Gimo had a lazy carabao which liked to stay in the river. It would sometimes move slowly up the bank to only for a
little while in the shade of the house or graze among the tall grasses. Whenever it did, everyone would run from the place
because Gimo’s carabao was ferocious and the most dangerous one in the whole countryside.
There were many other carabaos in the river. The children would climed on their backs and drive them to work. But
Gimo’s carabao did not like to leave the coolness of the water. Whenever it was spoken to, it would shake its horns angrily.
This made Gimo’s father angry. He could not make the carabao pull his heavy cart into town on market day. Even if
he shouted at the bank of the river, the carabao would not budge. Whenever Gimo’s father applied his whip, the carabao
became more angry.
When Gimo was old enough to help father in his work, his father said, “You may have the carabao for your own,
Gimo. Find a way to tame it.”
Gimo went to the edge of the river. He thought: “That big carabao should be working now instead of sleeping. I will
try to be kind to him.”
Gimo took a small boat and paddled it with a long pole until he reached the place where the carabao was. He reached
out and patted the carabao gently as it rear, talking in a soft voice. His hands move along the carabao’s back, to its neck. Then
he gently rubbed its ears.
“I am sorry for you,” Gimo said softly. “I know you are a lonely beast. everybody treats you like an enemy. But I will
treat your kindly, you are my carabao now.”
“Come now,” Gimo said as he gently tugged at the rope tied around its neck. “Raise yourself and come with me to the
shore.”
The carabao rose slowly, his body black with mud. Gimo stepped lightly on the animal’s back. He was careful to keep
his hold on the rope as they move along.
The great animal walked through the water slowly while Gimo guided it with gentle tugs.
Meanwhile in he bank of the river Gimo’s father, mother, his uncle with all his friends watched in wonder. It seemed
impossible to see the wicked carabao obeyng his new master.
Fill in the blanks of each sentence with the correct answer.

1. The story is about a _______( boy and a carabao, boy and his father, nipa sack, life in the farm.)
2. People would run from the place because they were _________(afraid, angry, friendly, haunted.)
3. The family’s house was built beside a ________(shallow river, rice paddies, marketplace, valley.)
4. Whose carabao did not like to leave the shallow river? ____(the children’s, Gimo’s, the
neighbors, mother’s.)
5. Gimo’s father needed the carabao to pull his_________(nipa house, heavy cart, bales of grass, plow his fields.)
6. When Gimo was old enough his father gave him the__________(nipa house, carabao, cart, farm to till.)
7. Everybody has treated the carabao________(kindly, cruelly, satisfactorily, lovingly.)
8. The big beast was ________according to Gimo. (happy, lonely, afraid, scared.)
9. Gimo guided the carabao with ________(a whip, gentle tugs, kicks, a wand.)
10. The family on the bank of the river watched in _________when they saw Gimo riding on the carabao’s back.
(anger, pride, wonder, despair.)
457 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 32
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE GREAT CHINESE TEACHER

Confucius’ teaching had left and indelible mark in the lives of the millions of Chinese.
Thousands of years ago in a flowery kingdom in the state of Lu lived a soldier known as Kung, the tall. He was so-
called because he was seven feet tall.
When he reached his seventieth birthday he reflected sorrowfully over his life. He had nine children and all of them
were girls. He had no son to carry on his family name and to perform the rites and ceremonies of ancestor worship. This was
practiced by the Chinese throughout the centuries to show their reverence to their forefathers. Kung, the Tall came from a
noble lineage and he would not want to break this tradition.
Two years before his death, a son was born to him. His Son, named Confucius, Became known as a great sage and
philosopher to China and to the world beyond China. His words and wisdom have had such a vast influence on the thoughts
and on the ways of life of the Chinese throughout five centuries. He was called Master Kung.
They already lived in beautiful houses with fine furniture, grew crops, and used agricultural implements and spun silk
for their clothing. They used coins, mark time by the moon and had develop cooking to a fine taste. They already had law
court and schools where history, music and literature were taught. They wrote books by hand on bamboo and they bound the
pages together with thongs.
Master Kung was a scholar in school. He had two special interests; one, how people should live and conduct
themselves, and second, how the state should be governed. When he grew up to manhood he traveled all over the civilized
world with a band of disciples. Two or three times, he was given position of importance in the government but he never stayed
in such a position for a long time. The officers in the government resented Master Kung’s honesty. Confucius continued
teaching and little did he know that his ideas were to be passed on from generation to generation, that thousands of books were
to be written about hi and his sayings, that he was to become one of the most beloved and revered men in many nations.
He preached the importance of courtesy, orderliness, loyalty, justice and devotion to one’s parents. He emphasized the
government should governed by men who possessed these virtues. He stressed the importance of happiness in family life and
of endurance and of consideration for one’s neighbors.
These beautiful thoughts had become part of the national character of the Chinese people. They were thought that
happiness can be found in cultivating the art of living and in calm and settled existence.
Confucius greatest influence in Chinese life was family reverence and bonds of family life. He always believed that
reverence for one’s ancestors were important and desirable.
Fill in the blanks and copy the correct answer on your paper:
1. The teaching of Confucius had left and indelible mark in the lives of millions of
(Asians, Chinese, Mongols).
2. His father was known as (Kung, the Tall, Flowery Kingdom, Lu, Wung).
3. Kung, the Tall came from (peasant ancestry, a noble lineage, an average family, an unknown
parentage).
4. Kung’s son was known throughout the civilized world as (Master Kung, Kung, the Tall, Flowery
Kingdom).
5. Master Kung was (Kung, the Tall, Confucius, Lu, a karate expert).
6. Confucius never stayed long in government service because he was (lazy, very young, disliked by the
officers, unefficient).
7. Master Kung was a__________ during his school life (servant, scholar, soldier, truant).
8. The world owes knowledge of his (brothers, disciples, friends, written books).
9. He stressed happiness in (office, family life, the government, married life).
10. Confucius’ greatest influence in Chinese life was (bonds of friends, bonds of relatives, bonds of family
life, commercial bonds and surety).
483 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 33
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
JOSE RIZAL’S BOYHOOD
Jose Rizal was the seventh child of Francisco Mercado Rizal, a prosperous sugar planter of Calamba, and Teodora
Alonzo, a prominent family of Biñan. They were strict parents. They disliked outward display of emotions and were careful in
their speech. Display of temper was not allowed among the children. Despite this restriction the family was closely united.
Jose’s birth was a difficult one for his mother because he had an undersized body with an unusually large head.
Noticing the unusual size of Jose’s head, the friendly priest who baptized him warned his mother, “Take good care of this
child,” he said. “Someday, he will be a great man.”
Jose, even as a boy, was always conscious of how small and weak he was. He became obsessed with the idea of
strength. When he was six, an uncle who was an exponent of physical culture came and stayed with the family for sometime.
He interested Jose in taking exercises regularly particularly in swimming, horseback riding and taking long walks. From his
uncle, Jose learned a valuable lesson: that even a frail body can be developed through physical discipline.
At his early age, Rizal had shown great interest in books. At three, he was thought by his mother how to recite the
alphabet. And at the age of five, he was already reading Spanish bible.
At seven he was sent to a Calamba school but after a few weeks he came home and announced calmly that he had
learned all the teacher could teach. At first his father was sternly angry at him for making such a statement, but subsequent
inquiry from the teacher confirm that what Jose said was true.
When Jose was nine and a half years old he was sent to Beñan to study in a Latin school. His teacher was one who
used the rod more often than he used his books. After only a few months, his parents decided that it would be best for Jose to
stay at home with a private tutor until he could be sent to college in Manila.
At eleven, Jose entered the Jesuit school, Ateneo de Manila. He was almost refused admission because he was small
for his age. Jose’s parents wanted him to enter Ateneo because although a sectarian school, it was unlike other schools run by
friars. The Jesuit were more enthusiastic teachers with modern scientific thought and liberal, broad-minded education. It was
admirably suited to Jose’s inquiring mind.
In Ateneo, Jose proved a brilliant scholar and showed natural traits of leadership. Time and again he was chosen by
the boys to be their chairman, leader or spokesman.
Then he transferred to University of Sto. Tomas run by Dominican fathers to pursue farther studies. His mother was
against this. She said “Jose knows enough for his own good. If he goes on to learn more, it will only lead him to being
beheaded”.
Jose’s mother’s prophecy came true later!
Choose the letter of the best answer:
_____1. This selection is entirely about Jose Rizal’s (a. biography b. accomplishments c. boyhood
d. adventures).
_____2. Jose’s mother had a difficult time when Jose was (a. studying b. delivered c. still an infant
d. about 4 years old).
_____3. At birth Jose’s head was (a. proportional to b. bigger than c. smaller than d. as big as) his body.
_____4. His body was (a. undersized b. proportional c. strong and robust d. muscular).
_____5. His (a. mother b. father c. uncle d. classmate) interested Jose in taking exercises regularly.
_____6. Jose could recite the alphabet at the age of (a. four b. two c. three d. five).
_____7. He begun composing long sentences in Tagalog and Spanish at the age of (a.two b.five c.six d.four)
_____8. His father scolded him one day after coming home from school because (a. he told his father that he had
learned everything that the teacher could teach b. he did not know the lesson c. he made the teacher angry d. he
quarreled with other boys in school).
_____9. At eleven, Jose entered the Ateneo de Manila but he was almost refused admission because (a. he belong to a poor
family b. he was a Catholic c. he was small for his age d. he was too intelligent for the teachers).
_____10. Jose’s (a. mother b. father c. uncle d. teachers) prophesied the if he goes on to learned more, it might lead him to
be beheaded.
BOOK 1 No. 34
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
Over a hundred years ago near Worcester, Massachusetts, a baby girl was born to the Barton family. They called her
Clara and she became the pet of the family although there were two older brothers and two older sisters.
David, Clara’s big brother was fond of horses and he was an expert rider. He taught Clara how to ride on colts in the
Barton farm. He was very proud of his little sister.
Clara could ride wild horses like a little cowboy at the early age of five. Soon, she could ride horses better than any
other boy in the neighborhood. Instead of playing dolls as other little girls do, she played with the pet animals. She had a
flower garden of her own, too.
When Clara was eleven years old, her brother David, met with an accident. While he was walking along the rafters of
their old barn, the board broke and he fell to the ground. He was so seriously hurt that he had to be bedridden for two years.
Clara nursed him and finally, David got well.
After graduation from high school, Clara taught in school. Then later she became an employee in the Patent office in
Washington. There, she helped record inventions.
Then came the Civil War in the United States. Many of the young men who had been Miss Barton’s students were
now soldiers. Clara became “a mother to an army and a sister to the soldier.” She went where the fighting was going on. She
tented the soldier’s wounds. She read to them and comforted them. Through her, people sent money; jams, preserves and other
little things that they thought would bring comfort to the soldiers. She always tried to make them happy. Once, she baked a
custard pie upon the request of a soldier who was wounded seriously at the battle of Antistam. The custard pie reminded him
of his childhood.
Miss Barton worked at the war front for four long years. She rode in freight cars but most often she went on
horseback. She kept track of the names of soldiers who were hurt or lost in the war and informed their relatives about them.
After the war, she went to Scotland, traveled through France, then to Switzerland. The Swiss who had heard of her
wonderful work in the battlefields of America came to see her and informed her about the International Red Cross. The Red
Cross is an organization that helps the wounded in time of war.
Clara Barton became interested in the Red Cross. When she returned to America, she spent ten years telling her people
about it. But the Americans thought there was no need for the Red Cross for there would never be another war. But Miss
Barton explained that the Red Cross was not for the wounded soldiers alone but also for the victims of natural calamities such
as floods, fire and sickness. Finally, the American National Red Cross was organized and the President of the United States
made Clara Barton the first President of the American Red Cross.
Choose the right answer:

1. (A baby horse, A baby girl, A baby boy) was born to the Barton family.
2. (David, Clara’s father, Clara’s mother, Barton family) was very fond of horses and was an expert
rider.
3. Clara could ride horses like a cowboy at the early age of (three, two, six, five).
4. Clara nursed David for (three, two, six, five) years.
5. After Clara’s graduation, she (taught school, continued studying, stopped schooling, got married)
6. Clara became a (mother, sister, brother, nurse) to the soldiers.
7. Clara Barton volunteered to go where the (teachers, fighting, play, show) is going on.
8. She spent more years after the war hunting for (missing, old, young, her sweetheart) soldiers.
9. Clara Barton came to know about the (Patent office, Red father, Red Cross, Scotland) in Switzerland.
10. She was made the (second, third, first, last) president of the American Red Cross.
512 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 35
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
BATHING — ITS EFFECTS
Bathing has always been part of man’s life from the time of the ancients to the present. To the ancient Egyptians and
the modern Mohammedans, it is a part of their religious services. Among the early Hebrews, bathing was prescribed by the
law of Moses as part of the purifications rituals.
The earliest and most common form of bathing was swimming in the rivers. Then the use of oils and perfume became
customary. The Greeks and the Romans became so addicted with bathing that they built luxurious pools and public baths, and
the wealthy vied with each other in constructing large and elaborate bath houses. Bathing has been indulged in by most people
not only because of the pleasurable sensations they derived from the bath, but because of the principles of cleanliness upon
which the good health of a person vitally depends.
There are several kinds of baths, all of which are pleasurable and healthful, but there are occasions in which some
kinds should not be indulged in.
The cold bath — The cold taken at a temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, produces an instant effect, a
shock to the nerves of the skin. Then instant effect is followed by a reaction in which the blood flows to the skin, the blood
vessels relax, and pleasant sensation of glow is experienced. Cold bath should be short. It is not suitable for the old and the
delicate. The most suitable time for a cold bath is in the early part of the day. Persons habituated to the use of the cold bath are
less susceptible to colds.
Tepid Bath — The water temperature is between 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It produces neither depression nor
excitement and is suited for all. It is best when prolonged immersion is desired, or in the treatment of nervous diseases.
Warm Bath — The water temperature is between 95 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. It is particularly serviceable in
removing feelings of fatigue. It quickens circulation and brings blood to the skin, thus removing the tired feeling from
exhausted muscle.
The Hot Bath — The water temperature is between 102 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It acts in a more pronounced way
upon the heart and nervous system that the warm bath. If very hot, it excites the heart. The prolonged use of hot baths is
weakening and he strain to the heart maybe harmful to many. It should last for not more than 20 minutes, or less if oppression
is felt. It should be concluded with a tepid douche or shower. The hot bath should not be taken in the morning or early part of
the day, or at any time except before going to bed.
Sea Bathing — Ordinary sea bathing is of course cold and produces the stimulating effect of the cold bath. It is
however, not suitable for everyone. It is taken much too indiscriminately and without precaution. It is a very common error for
persons to remain in the sea too long, resulting in shivering, blueness of the skin, difficulty in recovering warmth and
headache. Persons who are anemic or who are suffering from any internal complaint should refrain from sea bathing. It should
not be indulged in immediately after a meal, nor after an active exercise when the body is perspiring.

___________1. Bathing has always been a part of man’s life.
___________2. The Greeks and Romans built luxurious pools and the wealthy vied with each other in
constructing the largest and most elaborate bath houses.
___________3. The good health of a person depends much on cleanliness.
___________4. The cold bath is suitable for everybody and is taken anytime of the day.
___________5. Persons habituated to cold bath often catch colds.
___________6. Tepid bath is desirable for the treatment of nervous diseases.
___________7. The hot bath is weakening and strains the heart.
___________8. The most profitable of all baths is sea bathing and could be indulged in by anybody.
___________9. The best time for sea bathing is in the morning.
___________10. It is not advisable to go swimming after a meal.
570 WORDS
BOOK 1
No. 36
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
WHY THE ELEPHANTS HAVE LONG NOSES
According to Rudyard Kipling’s story, elephants did not have long trunks a long time ago. During that time they had
only short bulgy noses which they use for squirming from left to right. But they considered their noses too short for picking up
things.
It happened that there was a new baby elephant named Bobby. He was a curious young animal and never stopped
asking questions. One time he asked his aunt, the ostrich, why her tail feathers were very short. But his aunt did not like the
question so she spanked him hard with her heavy foot. Then he asked his uncle the giraffe why he had a spotty skin. Like the
aunt, He did not like the question so he, too, spanked him.
Everyday, the young elephant continued asking questions but he always received a spanking. Yet he never stopped.
He asked about everything that he saw, touch and felt. He received spanking every time he asked a question because nobody
liked his curiosity. Yet this did not stop Bobby.
One day Bobby asked what a crocodile was eating for dinner. After his question, the animal gave him a spanking
which last many minutes. It was the longest spanking he had ever received.
But Bobby did not give up his new question. He asked the same question when he saw a bird up in a tree.
The bird told him to ask the question to himself near the Limpapo River.
So the next morning Bobby got ready to go to Limpapo River. He brought with him a hundred pounds of bananas, a
hundred pounds of sugar cane and seventeen large melons to eat on the way.
He bade goodbye to his friends and set out to see what a crocodile eat for dinner. Off he went and kept on eating along
the way.
When he reached the Limpapo River he saw a python on the bank. He asked the python if he had seen a crocodile
around.
The python said “There’s a crocodile around. What is your second question?”
When Bobby asked what a crocodile eats for dinner, the python uncoiled himself and with all his might spanked
Bobby.
Bobby continued his journey and soon came to the edge of the Limpapo River. He saw something the looked like a
log but was really the crocodile itself.
“Have you seen a crocodile?” asked bobby.
“Why are you interested in one?” asked the crocodile.
Bobby told him it was the newest of his many questions.
The crocodile asked Bobby to come nearer and whispered, “I think I will have a baby elephant for dinner.”
The crocodile grabbed Bobby by his thick pudgy nose. Bobby shouted in pain through his now closed nose.
The python shouted at Bobby to pull his nose away. Bobby pulled and pulled and the python helped him pull away.
But the crocodile pulled and pulled also. Bobby and the python pulled while the crocodile pulled too. Suddenly the crocodile
let go. Bobby was happy to be free but his nose had grown very long.
Bobby learned the hard way what the crocodile has for dinner but his nose was not as it used to be.
When Bobby reached home he told his story to his fellow elephants. They, too, went to Limpapo River to have their
noses lengthened.
From that time on the elephants had long trunks for their noses.
Choose the best answer and write it down on your paper:

1. Along time ago, elephants have (long, wide, pointed, short bulgy) noses.
2. Bobby is the name of (an elephant, a boy, a toy, a friend)
3. He was a (wise, witty, curious, dumb) animal who was always asking question.
4. Every time he asked a question from any animal he received a (spanking, slapping, kick, reward).
5. He received the longest spanking when he was asked what a (python, crocodile, giraffe, lion) eats.
6. The bird told Bobby to make a journey to the (Limcaco, Limpapo, Linapo, Limaco) river.
7. All the way to the river, Bobby kept on (eating, sleeping, drinking, thinking).
8. The crocodile spanked Bobby with his long (snout, body, horns, tail).
9. As Bobby pulled and pulled away his nose (grew bigger, grew bulgy, stretched, was shortened).
10. Since then, the elephants have had long trunks for (tails, nose, ears, legs).
593 WORDS
BOOK 1 No. 37
___________ ______________ ______________ _____________ _____________
ANNE’S CHRISTMAS LANTERN
There once lived a woodcutter near the forest. Everyday, he would go to the woods to cut firewood to sell. He used to
work all day regardless of the weather. He had an only daughter named Anne. Although she was only a child, she was a great
help to both her father and mother. She worked in their garden and was very friendly even with the fairies who lived in the
woods near their house. Her father often came home late in the evening. To help him get home easily, Anne would hang a
lighted lantern on one of the branches of the fir tree marked the place where the house stood among the trees in the woods.
This guided the woodcutter no matter how late he was in coming home.
One day before Christmas, the woodcutter’s wife got sick. To have some money for her medicine, he had to cut wood
as usual.
“I’m going out, Anne,” the woodcutter told his daughter. “Take care of your mother. Be sure not to leave the house for
the weather is cold. I wish I could give you a real Christmas celebration but we have nothing. You know your mother is sick.
Perhaps we may have better luck next Christmas.” With these parting words, the woodcutter left his child at the garden site.
“Don’t you worry, father, I will take good care of mother,” replied Anne as she waved to her father. Then she went to
the kitchen to cook broth for her mother.
That afternoon, Anne went to their garden and saw snow falling on the fir tree where she always hung her tiny light to
guide her father home. She brushed the snow away from the branch where the lantern was set and took the lantern into the
house to prepare the light. She trimmed the wick and wiped the lamp till it shone brightly. Then she lighted it as the sun was
already setting. She turned up the wick so that it will give a brighter light.
Anne’s father had gone deeper into the forest because he wanted to cut more firewood. He worked until late in the
night. He tied the pieces of wood and strapped them in his cart. He pushed his cart fast but soon he saw that he was lost.
“Please, God, don’t let me lose my way,” The woodcutter cried.
Meanwhile, Anne and her mother were waiting for the woodcutter. “Eat your supper, Mother,” Anne said. “I shall
wait for father to arrive.”
After eating supper, she made her mother go to sleep. Then she went to the garden to see if her lantern was still
burning. She returned to the house and was soon fast sleep, too.
Anne’s friends, the fairies, saw that the woodcutter had lost his way.
“Let’s help Anne’s father,” they said.
The woodcutter saw a tree with many twinkling lights. He walked towards it. He walked to the next tree until he came
to another bight tree farther on. Soon he recognized the fir tree in their garden with Anne’s lantern burning brightly on one of
each branches. He turned around but the bright trees that made a bright pathway for him were gone.
“Thank you fairies,” he said. “Now, I’m home.”
Anne got up when she heard her father’s knock.
“Look at your fir tree, Anne. It looks bright enough for Christmas,” said the father.
“Thank God, you are home, Father. I baked a cake for our Christmas celebration.”
Then she woke up her mother.
“I feel well now. I will eat supper with you,” mother said.
As the clock chimed the our of midnight, they were eating their humble Christmas Eve dinner.
The tree shone on until Christmas morning.
Select the best answer in the parenthesis:

1. Who lived near the forest? (A hunter, A woodcutter, A fisherman , A refugee)
2. What did Anne use to hung on one of the branches of the tree (a lantern, a kite, a bulb, a candle)
3. What was Anne to this man? (wife, daughter, niece, aunt)
4. What marked the place of the house from among the trees? (a lighted bulb, a lighted lantern, a fir tree, an oak tree)
5. Why was there a need for the man to cut more wood one day? (To have money for medicine, To be able to buy food, To
spend Christmas with Anne)
6. Who took care of the sick wife? (the fairies, the daughter, the husband, a nurse)
7. On what tree did Anne hung her lantern? (a holly, a fir, a pine, an apple tree)
8. What guided the woodcutter to his house? (a star, a lighted lantern, lighted trees, the moon)
9. Who showed the way to the woodcutter’s home? (Anne, his instincts, fairies, wife)
10. How long did the tree shine? (up to the night, until Christmas morning, all afternoon, all throughout the Christmas season)
631 WORDS

Magsaysay's legacy of service and reform

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Magsaysay's legacy of service and reform

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BOOK I No.

____________ ____________ _____________ __________ __________

Ramon Magsaysay was the best-loved president of the common tao.

Answer with True or False:

_______ 1. Magsaysay was best loved by the masses.

_______ 2. He broke the backbone of democracy in the Philippines.

_______ 3. He disliked any form of injustice and oppression.

_______ 4. Magsaysay was at home only with the rich people.

_______ 5. He only pretended to like the common tao.

_______ 6. He opened the gates of Malacañang to the common people.

_______ 8. His term as a president was short- lived.

_______ 10. Magsaysay’s record as a president was brilliant.

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

“GLAD TIDINGS TO ALL MEN”

Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. When did the story happen?

2. What is the story about?

4. What musical instruments accompanied the chant of the choir?

8. Where did they search for toys?

9. How did they spend their Christmas?

10. Have they lost hope and faith in their hearts?

MOTHER MARIA TERESA

Direction: choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is this story about?

LIFE FILLS THE EARTH

Direction: Answer with true or false

1. The earth is full living and non-living things.

2. All things on earth have life.

3. All plants and animals could be seen by our naked eye.

4. Only living things can take in nourishment.

6. Not all animals need plant

9. Living things can reproduce new member that resemble parents.

10. Animals need plants but plants no need for animal.

THE EARTHWORM-UNDERGROUND WONDER

Chose the letter of the correct answer:

Choose the letter of the correct answer.:

Answer with True or False:

2. Are more than 2,000 kinds of these blood-sucking pests?

3. Do mosquitoes like to stay in warm places all over the world?

4. Is yellow fever spread by the Aedes mosquito?

5. Do the Aedes mosquitoes produce itchy spots on skin punctures?

Select the letter of the correct answer:

2. (a.Humabon b. Magellan c. Lapu-Lapu d. Soliman was the chief of Cebu

5. Lapu-Lapu ( a. laughed at b. obeyed c. defied d.made fun of) Magellan’s order.

Fill in the blank of each sentence with the correct answer.

1. Astronomy is the study of _________. ( heavenly bodies, gases, celestial bodies)

2. Astronomy is one of the oldest _______. ( cultures, sciences, astrology)

4. A necessity to life on earth is the ________. ( moon, stars, sun)

6. Some people still believe in ________( astrology, astronomy, atmosphere)

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

2. It is found abundantly in ( a. Australia b. Africa c. America d. Asia)

4. Philippine bamboos are of ( a. a few species b. several species c. a thousand species

Answer True or False:

1. This story happened before Christ was born.

3. The rulers of these two half empires believe in pagan gods.

4. Queen Helena was a Christian convert.

6. The emperor in Rome wanted to annex the empire ruled by Constantine.

7. Constantine saw a vision of the Cross.

9. Constantine won in his battles against pagan hordes.

THE ROLE OF THE FILIPINO WOMEN DURING THE EARLY DAYS

ALUMINUM HAS COME OF AGE

Choose the letter of the correct answer.

______ _ ______