Testing Reading Power (Grade 9)

BOOK III No.
1
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Time Started Time Finished Time Consumed Speed Rate Grade
TAJ MAHAL: IMMORTAL MONUMENT TO AN EMPEROR’S LOVE
In Agra, India, stands an immortal monument to an emperor’s love. It was built by Emperor’s Shah Jahan for
his third wife, the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal. It is called the TAJ MAHAL.
Mumtaz, the Queen, was born in 1593. She was married to the prince, Shah Jahan, who later became an emperor. He
was a good emperor and he ruled wisely. During his reign, magnificent buildings and palaces were built. He has a goldsmith
built in an elaborate throne of rare gems. It was a long, low couch with golden legs. A canopy which rested on twelve emerald
pillars was over the throne. A tree of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and pearls stood beside it.
Then in 1631, Queen Mumtaz Mahal died in childbirth. The emperor was grief-stricken. He forbade music in his
court. He gave up wearing the colored, imperial robes and wore only white for mourning.
A sepulcher was built for her. Twenty thousand workers labored to complete it. The best artisans, sculptures,
designers and carvers in India and nearby countries were employed under the most renowned architect of those days, Usted
Ahmad.
The monument was made of precious stones and valuable materials. The glorious white marble used came from India;
garnets and lapis lazuli came from Ceylon. All in all more than forty varieties of precious stones were used, including
turquoise mined in Tibet. On the north side of the great highway leading to the sepulchre, a tall gateway, 80 feet high, guarded
the entrance. The gateway doors were of silver studded with semi-precious stones.
No less beautiful are the surroundings of the sepulchre. In the waters of the famous reflecting pool, the image of the
tall dome floats eternally in blue. Everything around the place is made to draw the eyes to the central figure of the immortal
monument to an emperor’s Love, the TAJ MAHAL.
Choose the letter of the correct answer:
1. Taj Mahal is a (a. palace b. big house c. sepulchre d. park)

2. It is found in (a. Abra b. India c. Thailand d. Malaysia)
3. It was built by emperor Jahan for his (a. first b. secondc. third d. fourth) wife.
4. Her name was (a. Mahal b. Mumtaz Mahal c. Moonyeen d. Taj Mahal)
5. She died of` (a. cancer b. childbirth` c. lung ailment d. heart attack)
6. Because Shah Jahan was grief-stricken, he gave up wearing his colored imperial robes and wore only
(a. blue b. black c. green d. white) for mourning.
7. The Taj Mahal was completed within (a. a year b. twenty years c. two years d. ten years).
8. Its architect was (a. Shah Jahan b. Usted Ahmad c. Muhmmad Ali d. Ahmed).
9. The monument was made of (a. finest wood b. steel c. gold d. precious stones and valuable materials).
10. A (a. mirror b. reflecting pool c. fountain d.lake) is found surrounding the sepulcher.
300 WORDS
BOOK III No. 2
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THE ODYSSEY OF A VICAR OF CHRIST
Pope Paul VI, the 262nd Vicar of Christ, is the most widely traveled pope in history. He visited the Holy Land, India,
Turkey, Colombia, Portugal, Switzerland and Uganda. His Asian odyssey included the Philippines, Pago-Pago, Australia and
Hongkong.
St. Peter, the first Vicar of Christ, made visits to Samaria, Lydda, Caesaria and Rome. He knew the Holy Land and the
fringes of the Mediterranean. Later-day Popes limited their visitations to cities near Rome, and occasionally to the capitals of
European empires when called upon to crown Kings or Emperors.
In 1964 when Pope Paul VI left the Vatican to travel as a pilgrim to the Holy Land, he became the first pontiff to go
beyond Italy in 150 years. He spent two days in the Holy Land visiting scenes familiar to Christian history. He gave the
crowds that followed him a rare emotional uplift.
Three years later, Pope Paul visited the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, which according to legend was where the
Blessed Virgin Mary lived at the close of her life. The call at Ephesus served not only as a journey into the past but also
provided a bridge into the future. In Turkey, the Pope met and held cordial conversations with the Patriarch of Constantinople,
the head of the Greek Orthodox (Christian) Church. It was Pope Paul’s way of saying that the time has come to promote
Christian unity with members and communities of other Christian churches
He visited the Philippines, Pago-Pago, Australia and Hongkong. He was enthusiastically welcomed wherever he went.
He traveled as the Pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and not as the Chief of the Vatican State. No fleets
accompanied him. He had no royal entourage. Religious services were held in the open and hundreds of thousands kneel for
pontifical blessings. Everywhere he went, he proclaimed his messages of peace and love: “No more war!”
Filipinos will always remember Pope Paul VI as the first Pope to come to the Philippines.
Answer with True or False:

1. This selection is all about Pope Paul VI’s travels.
2. Pope Paul VI is a much traveled Pope.
3. The first Vicar of Christ was St. John.
4. All popes travel a lot not only to the cities near Rome but all over the world.
5. Pope Paul VI traveled as a state visitor to the Holy Land.
6. The Popes are called upon to crowned beauty queens.
7. Ephesus, according to legend, was the place where Virgin Mary lived at the close of her life.
8. Pope Paul VI met the Patriarch of Constantinople who was also the head of the Greek Orthodox Church.
9. Pope Paul VI was partial to the Catholics and he disregarded other religions.
10. Pope Paul VI was the first Pope to come to the Philippines.
343 WORDS
BOOK III No. 3
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HANNIBAL, THE GREAT
Carthage, a great city-state in North Africa had grown into power. She had extensive colonies in the African
continent, conquered Spain and was in constant warfare in the Roman Empire and its satellite cities. The war which has been
going on between Rome and Carthage for nearly a century had been undeceive, the Carthaginians having lost and won as
many battles as the Romans.
In Carthage, there arose a general, Hannibal who almost destroyed the Roman Empire. No general had ever beaten the
famed Roman army in as many battles as Hannibal had, and no army had caused so much fear and so much destruction as
Hannibal’s army did.
Hannibal conceived in attacking the Romans in Italy. It was a feat never before made or even dared by any army. He
began his invasion with 90,000 foot soldiers, 12,000 horsemen and 40 elephants. He reached the foot of the Alps and crossed
these mountains in nine days. Then, he met the roman armies.
By swift maneuvers, Hannibal managed to meet the Roman armies one by one.. The sight of the giant elephants
charging them brought terror to the Roman Cavalry. They fled from the fight and were easily defeated. On one occasion,
Hannibal found himself completely surrounded. He ordered his army to fasten burning torches on the cattle horns. At
midnight, he drove the animals toward a heavily defended enemy front. The terrible sight frightened the Romans. Hannibal
easily forced his way into the Roman ranks and destroyed them completely.
In many of these battles, Hannibal’s forces were often outnumbered, but his elephant juggernaut, the swiftness of his
movements and his brilliant command gave him victory.
For sixteen years, Hannibal roamed the Italian peninsula, defeating all the armies sent against him. Finally, he was
only a few miles from Rome.
Meanwhile, Powerful Roman forces had been sent to Carthage. However, his forces had been decimated in the Italian
campaign.
At Zama, near Carthage, the powerful roman army met Hannibal’s forces. Here Hannibal met his defeat with a loss of
20,000 men. When peace was concluded, the Romans demanded Hannibal’s surrender to Rome.
To escape, Hannibal committed suicide.

1. Hannibal was a (a. Greek b. Roman c. African d. Carthaginian).
2. Carthage was a great city-state in ( a. France b. Italy c. north Africa d. Portugal ).
3. The war between Carthage and ( a. Greece b. Rome c. Athens d. Sparta) had been going on for nearly a century.
4. Hannibal made used of (a. Lions b. elephants c. tigers d. doves) to scare the Roman army.
5. In his army were ( a. 40 elephants b. 40 horses c. 40 lions d. 40 tigers).
6. He easily defeated the Roman army. (a. yes b. no c. maybe d. does not tell).
7. In many battles, Hannibal won (a. because they outnumbered the enemies’ b. although they were outnumbered by the
enemies’ c. because their enemies were weak d. because his men were brave).
8. For (a. 12 b. 100 c. 16 d. 1,000) years, Hannibal roamed Italy defeating all armies sent against him.
9. Hannibal never suffered defeat. (a.. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
10. Hannibal (a. died of cancer b. had a heart attack c. committed suicide d. killed at Zama).
366 WORDS
BOOK III No. 4
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THE LION IS DYING
The Lion is the largest and the most celebrated of the cat tribe. It has an apparently large-sized head because of the
great mane which covers its head, neck and shoulders. By the time the Lion is five or six years old, it can weigh more than
500 lbs. and can be over 91/2 feet long from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail.
The Lion has the reputation of being fearless. But it is more accurate to describe it as sly. Its instinct are like those of a
house cat and it hunts like a cat. It quietly stalks its prey, then making a short, quick bound, lands on it. It mauls and bites the
head of its victim until its neck is broken, and its veins and arteries are torn out open.
The Lion will eat anything it can find. While in the prime of its strength, it will hunt all sizes of deer, zebra and even
buffaloes. However, as it grows older, it may live on rodents, scorpions and tiny creatures, even rotting meat.
The Lion was at one time known as the King of the jungle. The jungles of Africa, Asia Minor and India were once the
lion’s domain. But man has bee slowly but surely exterminating the species. The lion has disappeared in Asia Minor, Iran and
even in many parts of Africa. The remnants of the lion family in Asia are now con fined in north western India’s GIR forest’s,
are reservation. There, some 160 lions remain a pathetic remnant of a ones prolific species.
However, even in hits sanctuary, the Lions are losing their natural prey of deer and wild buffalos because men have
encroached on the sanctuary and have domesticated the buffalos. The lions are forced to slaughter and feed on domesticated
buffalos and the herds men retaliate by killing the lions.
The king of the jungle is fast becoming extinct. Unless man would give the lions a place where they can live and
multiply peacefully, and where their natural diet of deer and other animals can also live, many may never see a lion again
except in Museum or in picture books.
1. To what family does the lion belong? ( a. cat b. Canine c. sheep d. buffalo )
2. Is the lions head really big? ( a. yes b. no c. maybe d. does not tell )
3. What makes the lions head appear so? ( a. its mane b. its face c. its whishers d. its ear )
4. Is the lion really fearless? ( a. yes b. no c. maybe d. does not tell )
5. What does the lion like to feed on? ( a. big animals b. fresh meat c. small animalsd. anything )
6. What has become of the lion? ( a. diminishing b. increasing c. hiding d. hibernating )
7. What has man done with the buffalos? ( a. exterminated b. domesticated c. cultivated d. expatriated)
8. What should be done to the remaining lions? ( a. totally exterminated b. conserved
c. domesticated d. left alone)
9. Do you think lions could be domesticated? ( a. yesb. no c. maybe d. does not tell)
10. Should lions be conserved? ( a. yes b. no c. maybe d. does not tell )
373 WORDS
BOOK III No. 5
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THE SMALLEST FISH IN THE WORLD
Before 1925, the “Tabios” was thought to have been the smallest fish in the world. A full-grown “tabios” measured a
fraction over 11 millimeters. The “tabios” are found in the lake Buhi, in Bicol region of the island Luzon.
In 1925, Dr. Albert Herre, and ichthyologist was assigned by the American government to identify and describe
Philippine fishes. From a collection of the Philippine National museum, he found the prototypes of a still smaller type of fish.
There were 75 of the tiny fish which he named “Pandaka Pygmae “ in a bottle. They were so small that the tabios appeared
big by comparison.
When Dr. Herre went back to the United States, he sent a few specimens to the Standford National Science Museum.
Dr. Herre’s findings were doubted because this fish remained a rarity. No one had ever seen a live specimen of the fish that
Dr. Herre claimed was a smallest fish in the world.
On February 28, 1951, Ricardo Esguerra, one of the marine biologists working in the salt water experiments station
of the Bureau of Fisheries in Malabon, Rizal excitedly called up the Bureau’s main office and announced that he had found
live specimen of the Pandaka.
Inocencio Ronquillo, an expert of the bureau, hurried to the experiment station and studied the tiny fish which had
eluded scientists for many years. He measured and weighed them. To confirm his findings, Ronquillo wrote to the curator of
Stanford University Museum of Natural Science and ask for specimen of the fish that Dr. Herre had taken before. Finally, Dr.
Leonard Schulz, the museum’s representative pronounced that they were one and the same type. Thus, after 25 years, the
Philippines could at last claimed to have the world’s smallest fish. The Pandaka has now been found in the various parts of the
Philippines.
The smallest fish is known under the scientific name of Pandaka Pygmae Herre. Samples have been sent to museums
and aquariums of the cities all over the world.
The Pandaka’s average length when full-grown is 9.66 millimeters or about the size of a grain of rice. It has a
moderately elongated body that is wedge shaped viewed from above. Its head is large in proportion to its size. It has two rows
of teeth and the either side of the jaw, the outer teeth being larger and more widely set than the inner row.
1. The tabios is the smallest fish in the world today. (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell)
2. It is found (a. all over the Philippines b. in Lake Buhi c. in lakes and rivers d. in seas and ponds )
3. (a. Dr. Herre b. Ignacio Ronquillo c. Ricardo Esguerra d. Leonard Schulzs) was the first to discover the smallest
fish in the world.
4. It was (a. bigger than b. smaller than c. as big as d. larger than) the tabios.
5. An Ichthyologist is a person who studies about ( a. animals b. itches c. fish and marine animals
d. kinds of land form. )
6. Dr. Herre’s finding were (a. doubted b. laughed at c. believed d. rejected)
7. In 1951, live specimen of the Pandaka were found by ( a. Dr. Herre b. Ricardo Esguerra c. Inocencio Ronquillo d.
Dr. Leonard Schulzs ).
8. The Pandaka pygmae gas been confirmed as the smallest fish in the world. (a. True b. False
c. Maybe d. Does not tell )
9. It is about the size of the grain of (a. rice b. salt c. corn d. oatmeal )
10. It has now been found in the various parts of the Philippines. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
399 WORDS
BOOK III No. 6
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THE JELLYFISH
Our oceans, seas, gulfs and bays teem with jellyfish. They are found near the shores, especially during the hot summer
months. Most common are the transparent jellyfish which are hardly seen in the water. They have an umbrella-shaped body,
convex and smooth when seen from above. From the underside hang four to twenty tentacles with small cup-shaped disks
used by the jellyfish to catch its prey of tiny fish, crustaceans or planktons.
Most of the jellyfish found in Philippine waters are harmless. Some species however, those that have darker shaded
bodies, can produce severe itching. Others can cause painful welts when their tentacles attached themselves to the human
body.
Found in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean oceans are a deadly species of the giant jellyfish, called the Man- of –
War. A smaller variety is found in the Pacific Ocean. Occasionally, some of these deadly Man- of – War are carried to our
shores by the winds in the sea currents.
The giant Man- of- War as well as the smaller variety have the same convex body as the common jellyfish. Atop the
body however, is a crescent-shaped, hallow bladder filled with air serving as a balloon float buoying the jellyfish on top of the
water. Trailing away fishing tentacles that slowly writhe and reach for prey as long as a hundred feet below the surface of the
water. These deadly fishing lines are studded with thousands of stinging cells that contain poison almost as powerful as a
cobra’s venom. Studies made have identified the poison as “neurotoxia” – a protein substance that deranges the nervous
system. To small fishes this poison means instant death. So deadly is the poison that even a dried Man- of- War stranded on
the beach when stepped on can cause extreme pain. The venom of this jellyfish can be stored for as long as six years without
losing its potency.
To a man in the water, the venom acts with incredible speed. The victim writhes in pain and his breathing becomes
difficult. He lapses into shock and his pulse becomes rapid and feeble. There is no known human antidote for the Man-of –
War’s venom, but common rubbing alcohol seems to neutralize the poison. Natives of the Atlantic shores wash the infected
area with strong detergent. If none is handy, they use urine.
So when out to sea, when wading or swimming, beware of a balloon-like half-moon floating on the water. It is maybe
the dangerous jellyfish which might have come in the tide, the Man-of-War.
1. Jellyfish is a shaped like (a. an umbrella b. a star c. a fish d. a fruit).

2. It catches its prey with its (a. a claws b. tentacles c. feet d. hands).
3. Most of the jellyfish found in Philippine waters are (a. useful b. harmless c. harmful d. eaten).
4. Darker shaded bodied jellyfish can produce (a. headache b. itching c. stomach ache d. heart ache ).
5. The “Man-of-war” is a (a. dwarf b. ordinary c. giant d. big) jellyfish.
6. The tentacles of the giant jellyfish has stinging cells that contain (a. medicine b. poison c. food
d. vitamins).
7. The “neurotoxia” is a protein substance that deranges (a. nervous system b. stomach
c. heart d. lungs).
8. The venom of this jellyfish can be stored for as long as (a. one year b. six years
c. three years d. four years) without losing its potency.
9. Even the dead “Man-of-War” can cause extreme pain (a. true b. false c. maybe
d. does not tell).
10. (a. rubbing alcohol b. water c. sea water d. gasoline) can neutralize the jellyfish poison.
409 WORDS
BOOK III No. 7
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THE OLYMPIC GAMES
People all over the world are thrilled when athletic meets are held in various parts of the globe. World sports bring
together athletes from the world over. Do you know when and how this Olympic Games came about?
The first Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece. These games were first held during the Pan-Hellenic
celebrations. Every four years, patriotic and religious games were held during the celebrations. The year 776 B.C. marked the
first of such recorded festival. The Greeks then began to keep their calendar by “Olympiads “from this date or by the four-year
span between the games.
Simplicity marked the first Olympic Games. It was said that the first consisted of only a foot race of about 200 yards
on the plain near the small city of Olympia. As years passed the kinds of games were increased and led to competitions that
brought forward national pride and unity. The competitions were based on fair rules of sportsmanship and justice. However, at
first, only Greek citizens were allowed to take part in the games. The winners were crowned with laurel, and awarded wild
olive and palm wreaths. Winners were also given many special privileges in their respective communities.
During the reign of the Roman rulers this games went down to the level of carnivals and circuses. Theodosius, one of
the Roman emperors, prohibited the holding of the games in 394 B.C. For almost 2300 years. No Olympic games were held.
Then in 1894, a French educator, Baron Pierre de Courbeti, planned to revive the games. He invited many countries to
participate in the athletic meets. The French Baron believed that many means of the youth’s love of sports, international
understanding would develop.
In 1896, Baron Pierre de Courbetin was able to enlist nine nations to send their athletes to the first modern Olympics.
This marked the beginning of the participation of thousands of athletes representing nearly all nations, to compete in this
Olympic Games which are held every four years in different countries.
The Olympic Games is instrumental in bringing together athletes from many nations. Representatives of the different
countries compete with each other in games of skill and sportsmanship. The athletes get to know each other very well and
learned that all races love the same ideals for fair play, courage, understanding and friendliness. When the athletes returned to
their respective countries they are better world citizens after having participated in activities that demand the practice of
understanding and brotherhood.
Direction: Write the correct word on your paper.
1. People are (thrilled, lonely, afraid) when athletic meets are held. ____________
2. The first Olympic games originated from ancient (Spain, Iran, Greece). ____________
3. Athletic festivals were held every (three, four, five) years which were combinations of patriotic and
religious festivals. ____________
4. (Prompt, Simplicity, Elegance) marked the first Olympic games. ____________
5. Games were increased and led to (single games, competitions, races) that show national pride
and unity. ____________
6. The first games consisted only of a (foot race, running race, high jump). ___________
7. It was held on the plain of (Rome, Olympia, Athens). ____________
8. Only (American, Greek, Roman) citizens were allowed to take part
in the game. ____________
9. A (Frenchman, Canadian, Englishman) planned to revive the games. ____________
10. When the athletes return to their respective countries, they are better
World (athletes, citizens, brotherhood ). ____________
411 WORDS
BOOK III No. 8
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THE CORNERSTONE OF DEMOCRACY
We often hear that the family is the cornerstone of democracy. It’s not only in society but also in churches and schools
that democracy is practiced. However, most families feigning to live the democratic way of life are still only giving lip service
to the ideals of democratic living. Many parents would be surprised at themselves if they sit down and analyze their family set
up in the light of what we believe is democracy. It is quite expected of family members to possess open mindedness, critical
thinking, diplomacy, self-control and even statesmanship. In most cases, it is most difficult for children to question parental
opinion on occasions and for parents far easier to give orders and see that they are carried out than to submit these to objective
family discussions.
To teach children how to live as members in a democracy, parents must begin by accepting the contributions that their
children make towards the general family plan and to have them participate in everyday situations as they come up. Family
counsels contribute much to make sound decisions, for example a family is planning in outing on a Sunday, that children may
suggest the place, the food they make take with them, some friends whom they like to invite to their outing and how the work
maybe divided among the family. Very often, parents discover points of view that are hitherto unknown to them when they
listen to and consider their children’s suggestions. Under this atmosphere, it will be quite easy for the children to accept their
parents’ reasons and decisions more readily for they have taken part in the deliberations. Parents who have had opportunities
to test this kind of family living in which each member is given a chance to express his opinion at the appropriate time often
find their children alert and flexible.
Family unity is a must in democratic living. It is especially valuable when crisis or misfortune must be faced. Parents
cannot forever shield their children from the cruel aspects of life. Thus, if the children are prepared by their parents to live the
democratic way, they will be able to cope with difficulties which may come their way.
It is therefore necessary that in this business of living and growing in a family, there must be deep understanding and
enjoyment of the things that the individual members do together. Thus, a close relationship will be established among family
members welding them closer together. Under this set-up, the family will truly be a cornerstone of democracy.
Direction: Answer the following questions with Yes or No.
1. Is the family considered as the cornerstone of democracy only in the home? ______
2. Do all families live the democratic way of life? ______
3. Is it difficult to achieve a truly democratic way of life? ______
4. Is it easier to give orders than to question one opinion’s at times? ______
5. Must parents begin accepting contributions that their children have to make
toward the general family plan? ______
6. Should parents never listen or consider their children’s suggestions? ______
7. Do parents often find their children alert and flexible when each member of the
family is given a chance to express his opinion? ______
8. In a democratic way of life, should members of the family have their way in all
things? _______
9. Can parents forever shield their children against unfair and cruel aspects of life? _______
10. Must deep understanding and enjoyment prevail among members of the family? _______
422 WORDS
BOOK III No. 9
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THE SECRET OF THE “KIDOTAI”
Demonstrations, rallies and riots have become universal. It does not happen only in the Philippines but in some
countries in the different parts of the world as well.
It is recorded that in 1968, dissident students clashed with the police in 1,500 occasions throughout Japan, and
average of 4 classes a day. In 1969, the violence and scope of disorders were intensified. But in the 18 years of frequent and
often massive encounters between demonstrators and police only two police officers and four students suffered fatal injuries.
The injuries among the students were not, as a matter of fact, traceable to police actions. A girl was trampled to death
in a melee of fleeing rioters; another demonstrator was run over by a police vehicle driven by a student-rioter who was trying
to steal it; and one young man was accidentally hit by a gasoline bomb thrown by a fellow students.
Riots in other countries, as in the Philippines, have resulted in great number of fatalities and a great number of injuries
from gunshot wounds. The police have been accused by the demonstrators, and even by the media of unwarranted brutality.
What, then, is the secret of “KIDOTAI”?
“KIDOTAI” is Japan’s elite riot police. It is small in number, but its men are skillful and well- trained.
Let us take a look and its standard riot equipment. The riot policeman in Japan wears a hard plastic helmet with flexi-
glass visor. Plates of duralumin, a light but tough alloy, protect his arms and shins. Heavy gauntlets cover his hands, and he
carries a shield four feet by 18 inches. He looks like a knight in armor. His goal is keeping peace by avoiding violence. He
carries no firearm; his only weapon is a wooden truncheon which he does not use unless ordered by his superior officer to do
so.
One reason the unarmed kidotai is effective is because there are no unlicensed firearm in Japan. Civilians are not
allowed to own hand guns. Thus, police are not exposed to possible hostile gunfire.
The riot police officers and men are taught not to overact no matter what the provocation. They must not incite further
violence with violence of their own. The kidotai is charged by law not only of policing, but also of protecting those who
demonstrate. The police step in only when demonstrations turn into disorder and life and property are threatened.
The kidotai’s mission when demonstration goes out of hand and becomes violent is to arrest the ringleaders and to
have the courts deal with them justly and peacefully.
Answer with True or False:
1. Riots happen not only in the Philippines but in the different parts of the world as well. ______
2. Japan has an average of four classes a day. ______
3. Riots have been going in Japan for 18 years and yet very few have suffered fatal
injuries. ______
4. The “Kidotai” is Japan’s elite riot police. ______
5. They are many in number and very well trained, too. ______
6. The riot policemen wear helmets made of steel. ______
7. They are trained to keep peace by shooting the rioters. ______
8. The riot policemen carry no firearms but wooden truncheons. ______
9. Japanese civilians are not allowed to own hand guns. ______
10. The “Kidotai” only arrest ringleaders but let the courts deal with them. ______
428 WORDS
BOOK III No. 10
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RAMIE, THE WONDER PLANT
For thousands of years, man has known ramie as ideal material for cloth, yarn, rope, rugs, almost any kind of woven
or spun products. Ramie, the wonder fiber, is as lustrous as silk. It is cooler than linen and more absorbent; it needs no
bleaching for it is naturally white. It is as easily laundered as cotton, with the advantage that it has none of cottons lint. It will
not shrink, stretch or discolor with age. It is stronger than hemp and even stronger than nylon.
But this marvelous fiber- ramie, or China grass or Swatow grass- is too expensive. It comes from the bark of a weedy
perennial plant which grows up to six feet in two months, if given rich soil, a warm climate and plenty of rain. It is easy and
cheap to grow. But harvesting the plant, tearing off the tough bark and separating the fibers from the sticky gum which
surrounds them has always been a laborious hand process. Even when produced in India and China by the world’s cheapest
labor, ramie has been too costly to complete with other fibers, except for special uses.
The awakened interest in ramie is due mainly to the effort of Gilbert Brereton, a Canadian, who invented a successful
ramie harvester, decorticator and degummer. He was in London during the war, and one day during a blitz or bomb attack, he
noticed a peculiar-looking fire host which was withstanding terrific pressure. Brereton investigated and found out it was
woven of ramie, which was actually stronger when wet that when dry. He resolved to devise a machine which could render
the fiber cheaply.
Many men before him had tried unsuccessfully. As early as 1869, the British government had offered a $25,000 prize
for a successful ramie decorticator. Nobody won the prize although more than 1,000 patents for ramie machines have been
filed. None was successful in reducing the staggering costs.
Brereton traveled all over the world’s studying the growing and harvesting of the weed. Finally, after two years of
unceasing labor, he was able to build the harvester-decorticator- degummer machine which helped greatly in reducing the
staggering cost of ramie production.
Ramie is ideal for naval cordage, fire host and parachute cords. The tensile strength of ramie is four times that of
linen, three times that of hemp and eight times that of cotton. Ramie garments have been on the market for several years.
Ramie work short, summer suiting, slack, sport shirt have been produce in quantities.
It was found out, too, that Egyptians mummies were wrapped in cloth which has lasted 4,000 years and which are still
strong and white. The cloth is made of ramie.
One manufacturer has remarked. “The trouble with ramie is that it is too good. We’ll, have to mix it with cotton so
that at least some thread will wear out.”
Today, ramie has come of age!

1. Ramie is a kind of (a. animal b. bird c. fiber d. building material).
2. It is as lustrous as (a. silk b. nylon c. cotton d. hemp).
3. Ramie is too (a. cheap b. expensive c. soft d. heavy).
4. It comes from the (a. leaf b. root c. stem d. bark).
5. Ramie is (a. stronger b. weaker c. the same d. lighter).
6. It took Brereton (a. one b. two c. three d. ten) years to create the machine needed.
7. Ramie is (a. Stronger b. lighter c. thinner d. weaker) than linen or nylon.
8. Egyptian mummies were said to be wrapped in cloth made of (a. ramie b. linen c. nylon d. cotton).
9. Manufacturers mix (a. nylon b. cotton c. hemp d. linen) with linen so that ramie thread will wear out.
10. Ramie is useful only for clothing purposes. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
476 WORDS
BOOK III No. 11
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THE UNHAPPIEST WOMEN IN THE WORLD
Compared with the women of other countries in the civilized world, the Japanese women are said to be the unhappiest
women of the world. These graceful, pretty women, who resemble butterflies in their brilliantly colored kimonos, always
looked happy.
The smile masks their emotions. To them, the highest achievement is to bear sorrow with a smile.
From childhood, the Japanese woman is trained in this decorative surface happiness. Each movement of the head or of
the hand is artificial, but it is learned so early in life it becomes second nature.
The Japanese custom requires that a wife shall know the family duties, etiquette, flower arrangement, and shall have
graceful manners. She does not need to be intelligent, but she must be obedient to all her husband’s wishes. A girl’s entire
education starts on the assumption that she is inferior to man, with no rights of her own.
There are only two careers open to an average Japanese woman: marriage or being a geisha. She has no legal status in
marriage. She cannot divorce her husband, but he can divorce her at will by sending her back to her family. If she is divorced
because she is childless, she becomes an outcast.
Whether rich or poor, the Japanese wife is a slave to her husband. She is the first to arise in the morning and the last to
retire at night. When her husband comes home, she is obliged to greet him kneeling humbly at the doorway. Even in the
wealthiest families, the wife serves her husband his breakfast, and scrubs his back. She may not sit in a cushion in his
presence. When walking with him she always follows at a distance, carrying his bundles.
When it is cold, the husband does not take off his coat to cover his wife; instead, the wife takes off her shawl and
covers her husband. It offends the man’s dignity if he were to hold his wife’s coat or carry her bag, or show her the slightest
courtesy.
Even a mother’s pleasure on her children is restricted because according to law they belong to the husband. The
Japanese world belongs completely to the man, the wife has no place in it except to serve him and bear his children.
The only woman who has a certain degree of freedom is the geisha. It is an old Japanese custom for a man to keep a
geisha even immediately after his marriage. He makes her his comrade, and discusses his business with her, a companionship
which is denied to his wife. The wife must accept her existence, and is forced to adopt her children.
The Japanese woman’s only release is suicide. Even in killing herself she is restricted. She may drown herself or leap
into a volcano, but she is not worthy to commit hara-kiri. This honorable death is reserved only for the Japanese man.
Choose the letter of the best answer:

1. Considered the unhappiest woman in the world are the (a. Chinese b. Filipinos c. Japanese)
2. In their kimonos, Japanese women resemble (a. butterflies b. dragonflies c. lizards d. birds).
3. The Japanese woman is trained in decorative surface happiness (a. at the age of sixteen
b. from early childhood c. since birth d. when they are old enough).
4. A Japanese girl is taught to believe that she (a. is superior to men b. is inferior to men
c. can do whatever she likes d. is free to do anything).
5. There are (a. no b. only two c. few d. many) careers open to an average Japanese woman.
6. A Japanese wife is (a. a slave b. equal to c. as powerful as d. as strong as) her husband.
7. A geisha has greater freedom than the Japanese wife. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
8. According to Japanese law, children belong to the (a. state b. mother c. father d. parents).
9. Many Japanese women commit suicide. (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
10. Even in killing herself the Japanese woman (a. can commit suicide anyway she likes it
b. has restricted choice c. has no choice d. is punished).
481 WORDS
BOOK III No. 12

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THE SLAVE GIRL
Lord Luchow was governor of the six districts of the Yellow River, China, during the time when trouble plagued the
Tang Dynasty. In his household there was a slave girl named Hung-shien which means “Red Cord’ although she was only a
slave, she was well-read in the classics, and was a most refined and intelligent girl.
One day, a feast was held in the camp of the lord. The stirring throbs of the sentinel’s kettledrums could be heard in
the dense night. “I discern a note of sadness in the kettledrummer’s beats tonight” said Hung-shien to her master. “What could
be troubling the man’s heart?”
The lord immediately asked that the kettledrummer be brought in. He asked the man, “ What is troubling your heart,
man? Speak!”
“Indeed, my Lord! Answer the kettledrummer”. I received sad news of the death of my wife tonight and I would not
dare to ask for a leave of absence.”
The Lord said kindly, “Go, thou tonight and bear your wife.” At the same time, he was amazed at the intelligence of
his slave girl.
On the other side of the river lay the territory of a powerful rival, the proud Lord of Weipu. He had raised a new army
with the intention of wresting away the domain of the Lord of Luchow.
Lord Luchow could not sleep that night. He paced nervously in the night thinking of the coming attack of his rival.
Hung-shien watched her old Lord through the door and said, “I need to do something to help my good master and I
must do it quickly.”
She went quietly to her chamber slipped into a short dark garment and tied her raven tresses into knot. Then, she took
her magic sword from the wooden chest which was engraved with mysterious dragon-lions.
After mumbling a few magic words she flew into the black night and wind straight to the enemy’s camp.
High up in the air she could see the enemy camp fires. The soldiers were all asleep even the sentries were sleeping in
their post.
She alighted on the ground and with sword in hand walk noisily into the tent were Lord Weipu slept. Hung-shien did
not touch him but only talk a golden canister lying on the table by the bed. Then mumbling her magic words she flew back oh
his master’s camp.
She went straight to the old lord and falling on her knees said, “My Lord, I took this golden canister as a pledge from
the enemy camp tonight. Tomorrow, send it back by a fleet messenger and I promise you everything will turn out well”.
The next day when Lord Weipu received the canister, he was both surprised and touched. The enemy had walked into
his tent but did not harm him. Wherefore, he gave up his evil design.
Thenceforth, Lord Luchow treasured treasure his little slave girl all the more – nothing could really compare with his
Hung-shien.

1. What was Lord Luchow? (a. President b. Governor c. Emperor d. Tsao).
2. Who was Hung- Shien? (a. princess b. his daughter c. his wife d. a slave girl).
3. Why was the kettledrummer troubled? (a. He lost his job b. He was fired c. His wife died d. He was sick).
4. How did the girl amaze Luchow? (a. She guessed why the man was sad. b. She restored his wife back to life.
c. She lied to him. d. She performed miracles.)
5. What was troubling Luchow? (a. His illness. b. His death. c. His enemies. d. His sins.).
6. How did Hung-Shien help him? (a. She killed his enemies. b. She cured him out of his illness.
c. She left him. d. She went away.)
7. What did Hung-Shien possess? (a. witchcrafts b. magic powers c. miraculous powers d. intellectual powers).
8. What did she take from the enemy’s tent? (a. magic powers b. a canister c. a rifle d. a sword).
9. How did Luchow feel towards Hung-Shien? (a. He treasured her. b. He was mad at her. c. He was sorry for her.
d. He was pleased at her.)
10. What kind of a girl was hung-Shien? (a. loyal b. foolish c. helpful d. simple minded)
493 WORDS
BOOK III No. 13

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE NATIVES OF MINDORO
When Mindoro is mentioned, it brings to mind two things namely, the Mangyans and the Tamaraws. This is so
because both of them are natives of the island.
There are two distinct groups of Mangyans, the Northern and the Southern. The Northern group is more primitive and
live like Negritoes. They hunt and fish for food with their bows and arrows. Their bodies are covered only with G-strings
made of the beaten bark of trees.
The southern are more civilized and more advanced culturally. They live in permanent homes made of nipa and
bamboo, and they raise crops. The men wear garments made of rattan, and the women wear brassieres and skirts made of
twine. They also have a system of writing using an alphabet with 48 characters. They write on sections of bamboo or banana
stalks.
If the government does not do anything to help them, both will be facing extinction. Remember our Mangyan
brothers, who are shy and timid but industrious. They have been pushed back by the more aggressive Christians to the
mountainous interior. Their number which decreases year after year is caused by their lack of education, malnutrition, disease
and poverty.
Long before settlers came to Mindoro, the fertile lowlands were occupied by the Mangyans for generations. They took
turns clearing the forest of giant trees. By dint of hard work and perseverance they were able to convert the forest into open
fields. All along they believe that the land gratefully belong to them since they were the once who made the kaingin and
clearings. But due to their ignorance, they did not bother to get titles to the land.
Immigrants from Luzon and Visayas began pouring in and the Mangyans could not prove that the land they tilled was
theirs; they had no papers to prove that they were owners of the land. The land is still government land and the irony of it is
that the land was being awarded by the government to those who applied for homestead. Many of whom were absentees.
The Mangyans did not apply for ownership because they thought it was not necessary inasmuch as they believed the
land already belonged to them. And they would not know how to go about it even if they are told to make the claims.
Thus, the poor Mangyans had to abandon their settlements and go to the hills. Little by little, the Mangyans are dying.
Diseases take toll of them everyday. Children with bloated bellies die of malnutrition while almost all of them are affected
with some skin diseases. Many die of beriberi, malaria and tuberculosis. Perhaps, after some hundred years they will become
extinct if nothing is done to educate them.
Another native of Mindoro which is fast disappearing is the Tamaraw. Tamaraw’s were plentiful many years ago.
They could be seen roaming around even in the outskirts of Calapan. But because this animal was considered a prize game,
many hunters came to Mindoro just to hunt them. It is estimated that only about 200 of them are left. Unless something be
done, future generations may never see a live tamaraw again.
1. What is the story mainly about? (a. The ignorance of the Mangyans b. Tamaraws and Mangyans
c. The importance of the tamaraws d. What the government does for them). _______
2. What province is mentioned in the story? (a. Marinduque b. Mindanao c. Mindoro d. Masbate). _______
3. What may happen to the Mangyans? (a. They may become extinct. b. They will multiply. _______
c. They will be killed. d. They may be exiled).
4. Where have the Mangyans gone? (a. To the hills. b. To the cities. c. Abroad d. To the other provinces). ______
5. Why have they not claimed titles for their lands? (a. They were not interested b. They were lazy. ______
c. They were ignorant. d. They waited for land reform.)
6. Who owns the land that the Mangyans occupied? (a. The immigrants. b. The government. ______
c. The settlers. d. Mangyans.)
7. Why did not the Mangyans apply for ownership? (a. They thought it was not necessary. b. They forgot
c. They were not told d. They were fooled). ______
8. What do they need most? (a. shelter b. clothing c. education d. money). ______
9. What animal is fast disappearing in Mindoro? (a. wild birds b. Carabaos c. Elephants d. Tamaraws). ______
10. What should be done to this animal? (a. Conserved b. Exterminated c. Caged d. Domesticated
505 WORDS
BOOK III No. 14

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
HOW THE DAM WAS SAVED
It was raining very hard when Jaime jumped out of the school bus. Julia, his sister, got off behind him. They gasped as
the driving rain struck their faces.
After the bus had moved on, Jaime and Julia looked about him. Their family car was nowhere to be seen. In front of
them was a two - kilometer stretched of road climbing toward their home near the dam.
It was getting dark and they could hardly see the road. The storm was getting worse now, so Jaime and Julia started
walking. As they walk along the road, they noticed the rushing water and both of them were afraid there might be a flood.
Jaime and Julia plodded on the rain until they saw lights in the darkness. The lights came from their nearest neighbors,
the Gomezes.
“Come in, you two,” Mr. Gomez said through the rain. “Your father and mother called and left word that you may
spend the night with us. They were held up by the storm in town.”
Julia was glad to be in Mrs. Gomez’s warm kitchen after coming from the cold outside. But Jaime was not as happy.
He had wanted to go home for he had promised his friend, Alberto, that he would call him up from their telephone.. But he
decided that he would not call him that night.
Then they heard a knock at the door. It was the guard at the dam. He asked Mr. Gomez if he may use their phone.
“Sorry, but our phone is out of order,” Mr. Gomez said.
“How in the world can I get word in town in time? The rain is filling up the reservoir. If I can’t get a crew of men to
bank it upright away water will be running over the dam before morning.
Mr. Gomez was astounded. If the water reservoir overflowed and the dam gave way, the water would come flooding
down in a destructive wave and sweep everything in its path.
“The road down is washed out and a car can’t get down. I need to warn people living I the low ground to evacuate as
fast as possible. You are quite safe here, Mr. Gomez, the dam guard said.
But Jaime and interrupted. He told the security guard that he would call for help and sent every able-bodied men to
help in the dam.
Jaime took a flashlight and started racing toward his home. He found the key and turned the light. His hands were
shaking as he turned the switches and the dials to call Alberto. He told the story of the threatening flood and the need
immediate help to his friend.
Alberto put in long distance calls to the Flood Control Service in the city. Later, Jaime saw men working in the dam.
Through the darkness, Jaime plodded on to Mr. Gomez’s home. A warm glow filled his heart and took all the aches from his
tired legs and cold body. He and his friend, Alberto, had saved the dam.
Direction: Copy the correct answer on your paper.
_________1.Jaime’s and Julia’s homes was near a (. river, dam, sea).

_________2.( Father, Mother, Nobody) was waiting for them after they came down from the bus.
_________3. The (wind, rain, waves) increased in force as the two kids walk along.
_________4. The two kids were supposed to sleep in Mr. (Reyes’s, Santos’, Gomez’s) house for the night.
_________5. The rain was filling in the (river, dam, tank).
_________6. Jaime had promised to call up his friend in the (radio set, phone, telegraph).
_________7. If the water reservoir overflowed and the dam gave way, it would (sweep, pick, stop) everything on its path.
_________8. It was ( Jaime, Alberto and Jaime, Julia) who called for help.
_________9. The road down is (washed, repaired, carried) up so that a car can’t get down.
_________10. When dams overflow, it would be (safe, dangerous, wise) for people living near it to evacuate.
509 WORDS
BOOK III No. 15

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
SWITZERLAND, PROSPERITY THROUGH INGENUITY
What do we know of Switzerland? It is a small country nestling in the Alps, where people go for the vacation in the
fabulous resorts and where the rich go to deposit their wealth in Swiss banks which are considered the safest in the world.
It is a small country as far as size is concerned being less than one- third the area of Luzon. Embracing the highest and
most mountainous land on the continent of Europe, Switzerland has aptly been styled the Fortress of Europe. Those great
mountain ranges and the large number of easily blocked tunnels and passages make it practically impregnable.
The Swiss have none of the things that are essential to prosperity. Their country is more and overcrowded. They
haven’t enough arable land to feed half of its people. They have no coal, oil, iron, or other mineral ores. They have access to
the sea. Yet, the Swiss have maintained a high degree of prosperity, which is the highest in the world. In that country, poverty
is very rare.
An average dairy Swiss farmer has a small piece of land and the sides of the mountains were he raises pigs, cows, and
chickens. He mixes basketfuls of fertile soil with the rocky mountain soil to make a productive garden. The farm supplies him
with his daily food. The cash crop is milk. Hay is raised by the farmer through ingenious irrigation. In winter, this farmer and
his family go to work in the factory in the village, or work together as an independent manufacturing unit. The whole family
makes watch parts, utensils and others. The women usually engage themselves in waving and embroidering.
The Swiss family likes to work together. Yet, the family is not an isolated unit. Herds are pooled together, driven by
cowherds employed jointly by several farmers. The cheese factory belongs to the Cooperative, in which each farmer has joint
share and control in proportion to the amount he contributes to the pool. He shares in the management, and in the profits.
Participation in these cooperatives are, however, voluntary. By a combination of working for himself and cooperating with
others the farmers gets a decent living for his family.
What is true of the farmer of other Swiss workers? They make a good living in spite of their country’s dearth in
natural resources, through hard work and individual resourcefulness. They work longer hours and with fewer holidays than
most other people. And they work with great skill, because they take much pride in selling nothing short of “quality”. They
import raw materials which they convert into finished products that are so much better in quality than others could make them;
so much so, neighbors and other peoples as well prefer them to other brands manufactured elsewhere.
The Swiss always try to keep ahead of their neighbors in ingenuity. They are preoccupied in inventing new things and
new process.
In Switzerland, there is no wide gap between employer and employees. The workers do not receive large income, as a
result of which no great concentration of wealth exists. The Swiss believe in private, competitive industry but they are against
private monopoly, the government owns and controls it.
The Swiss want a world of stable currencies, a world of free trade in which individuals everywhere are free to buy and
sell with one another.
Such is Switzerland, the envy of the world in its stability and progress.
Select the best answer.
1. Switzerland has fabulous (a. women b. resorts c. climate d. government). ________

2. Rich people all over the world deposit their wealth in Swiss banks because they ( a. earn the highest interest rates b. are
the safest in the world c. own the biggest banks d. are very popular ). ________
3. Switzerland is (a. bigger than b. smaller than c. as big as d. as small as ) Luzon. ________
4. Switzerland has aptly been styled Fortress of Europe because of its ( a. great walls b. iron curtain c. high mountains d.
resorts ). ________
5. Swiss have (a. much b. none c. plenty d. enough ) of the things that are essential to prosperity. ________
6. Swiss prosperity is considered the (a. highest b. lowest c. poorest d. classiest) in the world. ________
7. The Swiss family likes to work (a. for themselves only b. together c. on weekdays only d. if the work is
profitable)._____
8. The Swiss farmer works longer hours with fewer holidays than most people do. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not
tell).
9. Swiss workers work with great skill because they like to sell (a. as much quantity of goods as they can b. with equality c.
with class d. their goods at a higher price).
10. The Swiss are constantly inventing new things (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
522 WORDS
BOOK III No. 16

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
GEN. EISENHOWER’S NARROW ESCAPE
It was late in 1944. The American forces under General Eisenhower had recaptured the greater part of France,
including Paris.
Just before Christmas day, Ike, as General Eisenhower was fondly called, and his field commanders held a conference
near Paris. It was growing dark when the conference ended, and left the place for his main headquarters, twenty miles away.
Hours passed but he had not arrived. His men were beginning to worry because he was long overdue. They traced his
route from the field headquarters to the main. On a crossroad along the route, a big olive-drab sedan with the whole front
blown away was found. It wasn’t Ike’s Cadillac, but in the dark it could be easily mistaken for Ike’s car. Upon inquiry, the
military intelligence found out that the Germans in American uniform had tossed three grenades into it, killing an American
colonel-aide of General Eisenhower and his driver. There were intelligence report to the effect that German suicide squads
had infiltrated the area in G.I. uniforms for the purpose of killing Eisenhower and his top officers.
The search for the General grew frantic. Every inch of the road from one headquarters to the other and the areas near
the road were searched. The searchers did not find anything. Ike was missing and the men grew very tense. Was Ike
kidnapped? Had he been killed and taken away?
At midnight, in the midst of tension and confusion, Ike walked in with his driver, escorted by a group of Military
Policemen. It had been four hours since the search began. His men laughed and patted each other’s shoulders. Ike looked
bewildered as he tried to figure out what was going on. But he got no answer. The M.P.’s then escorted Ike to his quarter.
“What happened?” the senior officer asked the driver as the latter was eating his late supper.
“It was Ike doing,” answered the driver. “About twelve miles outside of Paris, we saw an old couple sitting on the
road side. The old lady was crying. Ike made me stop to see what the trouble was. It turned out that they were trying to get to
Paris to see their daughter for a Christmas visit. They had walked all day long. In the cold and snow, and the old lady just
couldn’t go any further.
“Well, Ike had them get in and told me to drive back. He told our escort, his aide riding another car, to go on to main
HQ. We took the pair to Paris, but had a rather difficult time locating the daughter’s place Ike would not just leave them in
any place. Then the M.P.‘s found us and escorted us in our way here.”
“Did you pass the big junction eight miles from here, where the road turns off?” the officer asked.
“No we were two or three miles away from that junction,” answered the driver. “It’s Ike and his good deeds,” he
continued grumbling.
Should he had been selfish in extending help, he could have been killed. But Ike good deeds saved him from possible
death, an accident that could have prevented him from becoming a great American president.
1. Gen Eisenhower is (a. a German b. a French c. an American d. an Italian). ______

2. This incident happened in (a. America b. Paris c. Philippines d. Italy). ______
3. Gen. Eisenhower and his field commanders had just held a (a. dinner party b. bull session c. conference
d. mock battle). ______
4. Hours later when Ike failed to appear at the main headquarters, his men (a. waited until he came
b. traced his route from field headquarters to the main c. went to fetch him at the field headquarters
d. rejoiced for they had a secret dislike for Ike. ______
5. (a. A big olive-drab sedan b. A black Cadillac c. A station-wagon d. Green Mustang) with the whole
front blown away was found. ______
6. Ike’s car was a (a. Rolls Royce b. Mercury Sedan c. Cadillac d. Mustang).
7. There were intelligence reports that (a. Ike’s enemies b. G.I. men c. German suicide squads
d. Military police) had tried to kill Eisenhower. ______
8. Ike saw (a. an old lady b. an old couple c. his daughter d. his wife) sitting on the road side. ______
9. They were trying to get to Paris to see (a. their son b. Eisenhower c. their daughter
d. the city) at Christmas. _____
10. Ike was saved from possible death by his good deeds. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell). _____
528 WORDS
BOOK III No. 17

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE MAKING OF A SAILOR
No one knows the exact date of Columbus’ birth but it was believe to be somewhere between 1445 and 1451. as a
boy, he was tall for his age, fair-skinned and bright-eyed, much given to wandering down to the port to look at ships and
listened to sailors talk. Because he was found of hearing about travel and adventure, it came natural for him to like geography
and liking geography, and naturally liked maps.
When the chance to work for map maker came to him, he seized and eagerly. There were good maps in those days.
Very often, young Columbus looked at the maps and took imaginary voyages as many boys did. Work on maps developed in
him in geometry and astronomy. He enjoyed reading, and took interests in science and navigation.
One happy day, uncle Colombo, a sailor, and a relative of Columbus, asked him if he would like to take a sea trip.
However, young Columbus did not go as a passenger. He took his place with other ship boys of his own age or older. While
other boys had more sailing experience, young Columbus knew more about charts than they and that counted much. He could
tell a ships position with the use of instruments. He could read at chart; better yet, he could make one.
Young Columbus made many voyage with uncle Colombo and some without the latter. In those days, to be a sailor in
the Mediterranean was almost like being a soldier, too. Pirates lurked everywhere and nations were at war so that every ship
went armed and every man and boy had to be ready to fight.
One time, young Columbus was placed in charge of a ship which was sent to capture the galley Fernandino in the Bay
of Tunis. Columbus showed himself both brave and wise on this adventure.
But a later voyage ended less happily. Their vessel was burned after a terrible sea fight and Columbus was forced to
leap into the sea. He was lucky enough to find a drifting oar and with its help got safely to land to the city of Lisbon. Though
he arrived there only two accident, young Columbus wasted no time but turned to one of his many trades, this time that of a
map maker. There he was married. Although his earnings were small, he was able to sent a little money to his father to help
his younger brothers through school.
Columbus still made other journeys before the historical one across the Atlantic in 1492. He sailed back and forth
between Guinea and Africa and Portugal.
In 1491 Columbus went to Ferdinand and Isabela, the king and queen of Spain to tell them of his wish to go the west
and he showed them a map. It was a map he himself made. It did not show any land were America would be, but it showed
Greenland. He told the queen that he could find China by sailing to the west. The queen sold her jewels and give him the
money to buy three ships with which he discovered America. For the first time men believe the world was round.
What interested Columbus most? (a. fairy tales b. travel and adventure c. ghost stories d. pirates at sea).
2. As a young boy what was he interested in making? (a. sailboats b. paper boats c. pirates cap d. maps)
3. Who took him on his first sea trip? a. his father b. a friend c. his teacher
4. What makes sea travel dangerous in those days? A. wild oceans b. pirates c. sinking ships d. mutineers
5.What character trait did Columbus show? a. loyalty b. bravery c. ambition d. pride
6. How did Columbus save himself from their burning ship? A. He waited for the ship to sink
b. He leaped into the sea and held on a drifting oarc. He got a life boat d. His uncle saved him
7.What impressed the king and queen of Spain? A. Columbus courage b. Columbus’ map
c. Columbus’ heritage d. Columbus records
8. Did Columbus plan to discover America? A. No b. Yes c. Maybe d. does not tell
9. What did the queen sell to be able to buy ships for Columbus?
(a. her crown b. her jewels c. her palace d. herself)
10. What importance was Columbus’ discovery of America?
a. It proved that the earth is small b. It proved that the earth is round.
c. It proved that he was great d. It made Spain famous.
530 WORDS
BOOK III No. 18

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
WATER
Water is so plentiful around us that we take it for granted. Water is very important for without water there would be no life at all.
Do you that bodies of plants and animals contain more water than any other substance? Besides the air we breath, water place a big part in
our daily life. Aside from having water for our personal use, water is also use for power and transportation.
About 70% of the earth’s surface is water. It can alter the face of the earth by its movements. Climate is determined by water
current.. Water could be harnessed as electric power to drive machine of factories and homes. Because water runs downhill, it can create
a force that be harnessed as electric power.
Water provides a means of expensive transportation of commodities and materials to almost any place on earth. Water expands
about 1,700 times when converted into steam, thus creating a power that can drive a locomotive.
Water is a universal solvent. It dissolves many different compounds. From sea water, bromine, which is use in anti-knock
gasoline, could be produced. Potash used for fertilizer could be produced from inland waters.
Water is used in many engineering task because it is almost incompressible. Water has a higher specific heat than most substance
although it is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. Water gas been adopted as the standard of measurements of specific gravity and
specific heat.
Protoplasm. The fundamental source of life, is greatly made up of water. The sap of plants as well as the blood of man are
primarily water.
If ma is not able to drink water for 8 or 10 days, he would die. Man needs to drink a great deal of water. In fact man’s body is
made up more than 2/3rds water.
Water, generally, has some impurities in it except rain water and the water found in the ice fields around the north and south
poles. Sea water contains a great deal of salt in the form of sodium chloride, while mountain water contains large amounts of iron salts and
sulfides. These impurities maybe harmful and distasteful when use for drinking. They may even be harmful to equipments using water.
We hear of the term hard water which is generally applied to water containing large amounts of calcium and magnesium chlorides
and sulfates. The water is considered soft when these minerals are absent from water. The white scaly substance which appears on the
bottom of the tea kettle after a period of time is calcium carbonate found in water. A process known as deonization removes salt from the
solution through the use of certain chemicals.
Health centers were establish to test water and to study and recommended means to eliminate harmful impurities and water since
it is the fundamental substance of human life.
The city operates a purification plant design and established by engineers trained in this work in highly populated areas where
water is taken from rivers or lakes for home use.
The addition of chlorine to the water is the most practical one among the many purification method. Chlorination prevents
contamination of water in swimming pools rendering it safe.

1.What is the selection all about?
a. Importance of waterb. How water is distilledc. Kinds of water d. Purifying water
2. Why is water important?
a. It supports life b. It is hard to procure c. It is expensive d. It is tasteless
3. How many percent of the earth is water? a. 10% b. 50% c. 70% d. 30%
4. What happens to water when heated?
a. It contracts b. It expands c. It is lost d. it is used up
5. Why can water be harness as electric power?
a. It run uphill b. It runs downhill c. It is static d. It has wave currents
6. Why can it dissolved many compounds?
a. It is a solution. B. It is a solvent. c. It can be heated d. It expands.
7. What can be produced from sea water?
a. Bromine b. Bromsforn c. Buthane d. Borax
8. What is said to be the fundamental source of life?
a. Sap b. blood c. veins d. protoplasm
9. By what process can salt water be made unsalty?
a. distillation b. purification c. deorization d. sedimentation
10. What water is said to be pure water?
a. Rain water b. Water from the well c. sea water d. mountain water
533 WORDS
BOOK III No. 19

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE MANILA LIBERATION
Many Filipinos gave up their lives for their country’s freedom during World War II and most of them have unknown
in spite of the exceptional courage and valor they had shown. One of the courageous men was Manuel Colayco ,a fighting
journalist ,who sacrificed his life for the sake of freedom. He was a volunteer in World War II .He also led the American
forces in the liberation of 3,768 Allied prisoners in the Santo Tomas concentration camp.
Before the war, Colayco was active in the propagation of religious enlightment. He was then known as the Father of
the Holy Name Movement in the Philippines
and also served as its first president.
When he was editor of the Philippine Commonwealth, he waged war against injustice,ignorance and indecency.
He was called to active duty with the Philippine army shortly before infamous
Pearl Harbor. He served then as first Lieutenant of infantry in the Bataan Campaign and was cited for his heroic military
operation against the enemy on February 25, 1942.He was taken along with the other soldiers as prisoner of war following the
fall of Bataan and was one of the victims of Death March to the concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac ,
Until his release on June 30, 1942.
But he did not lead a civilian life .Instead ,he preferred to join the underground intelligence of the Allied Intelligence
Bureau when he returned to Manila .He helped in the propaganda work by editing the Collaborator through which he ridiculed
the Japanese-sponsored government in the Philippines.
Colayco acted as the commanding officer of the AIB Manila unit and at the same time liaison officer with the first
Cavalry Division. He gave the American forces data on the enemy defenses in Manila. He contacted the advancing First
Cavalry Division composed of 30 G.I’s in jeep and six Sherman tanks from the 44fh Battalion coming in from the north at
Balintawak. On February 3,1945 when they reached the main gate of the University of Sto. Tomas, the troops disembarked
while Colayco and Captain Jesse Walters and five other companions approached silently at the right side of the gate .As
Colayco was giving the American troops the details of the Japanese defenses within the UST compound ,a Japanese sentry
threw a hand grenade over the gate which exploded in the center of Colayco’s group.
Colayco was immediately taken to the hospital. The doctors discovered that the sharpnels had penetrated and
punctured his intestines in three different spots. He sensed that his wounds would cause his death sooner or later so he
remarked. ’I am happy even if II die now. People die every day, but it is seldom that one is given the privilege to die for his
country.’
Early in the morning of February 10, he died at the field hospital without seeing his wife, Dr. Clemencia Joven and
their seven children.
Colayco was awarded posthumously for his heroism by the United States Army. He was given a Bronze Medal for his
Bataan exploits and a Model of Freedom for contributing to the Allied cause in World War II in the Philippines. The
Philippine Army gave him a Distinguished Conduct Star.
Select the letter of the correct answer:

____1. When did this story happen? (a. Filipino- American War b. World War II c. World War I d. Spanish-American War)
____2. What was Colayco before he volunteered in that war? (a. A doctor b .A veteran c. A PMA graduate d. A journalist)
____3. What newspaper was he editor of?
(a. La Solidaridad b. Diariong Pilipino c. Philippine Commonwelt d. The Chronicle)
____4. Where was he taken along with other soldiers as prisoners or war?
(a. Camp Crame b.Capas,Tarlac c.Fort Santiago d.Dapitan )
____5. What did he do after he was released from prison. ( a. He led a civilian life
b. He joined the underground forces c.He practiced law. d. He did in the province/ ridicule)
____6.what he did he ridicule? (a.The Spanish government b.The American government c.The
Japanese-sponsored government d.The Filippinos)
____7.What felled Colayco while he was giving details of the Japanese defenses to the Americans?
a.A hand granade b.A Karate chop c.Heart attact d.A rifle bullet
____8.Was he happy to die for his country? a.Yes b.No c.Maybe d. Cannot tell
____9.Can Colayco be considered a hero ? a.Yes b.No c.Maybe d.Cannot tell
____10.What is a posthumous award ? a. Award given after the death of a hero b. A novel
prize c. Bronze Medal d.Silver Star
534 WORDS
BOOK III No. 20

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE STONECUTTER
Once, there lived a stonecutter who was so skilled a workman that there was always plenty for him to do. He was
happy and contented. He hewed slabs from the mountainside and polished them smooth for houses.
One day when he brought a finely polished block of stone to a rich man’s house, he saw all sorts of beautiful things
and he wished he had such beautiful things.
A mountain spirit heard his wish so when he reached home I the mountains instead of the little hut he had left he
found a wonderful palace full of beautiful furniture like those in the rich man’s house.
That night, he slept on a bed soft as cotton with silk coverlet. His house has silk curtains with silk tassels. He decided
not to work anymore. As he peeped out of his window he saw a beautiful carriage with a prince sitting in the carriage. The
mountain spirit granted his wish again. He became a prince, and for a while he was happy.
When he took a walk on his garden one day, he saw that the sun was drying the grass., so he wish to be the sun. He
was changed into the sun and he left proud and mighty, so mighty and yellow high up in the sky. He burned the rich fields,
scorched the rich and the poor folks alike. But one day, a cloud passed by and covered his face. Once more he left
discontented.
“I would be a cloud!” he shouted. The mountain spirit changed him into a cloud and he felt contented while he lay
between the sun and the earth. He caught the sun beams and would not release them; he sent rain to the earth and all the
flowers bloom.. But this did not make him happy. He made the rain poor down for days until the rivers overflowed and all the
crops destroyed. He made the rain wash away whole towns and villages but there was one thing he could he could not move,
the great rocks on the mountainside.
“If the mountains is stronger than I, then I would be the great mountain of stone,” he cried angrily.
All at once the mountain spirit changed him into a gigantic rock. For many years he stood proudly over the cliffs, not
feeling the hot sun neither was he moved by the storms that passed by.
One day, he heard a sharp tap, tap, tap at his feet and as he looked he saw a stonecutter, working with his sharp tools
and driving them into the mountainside. There was strong quaking at his heart and when he looked, a great slab of rock came
off and was held in the stonecutter’s hand.
“I would be that man if he was stronger than I,” cried the mountain.
Once more he became a man- a poor stonecutter as he was at the beginning. He lived in the hut, slept on a hard bed at
night and toiled from morning till night with neither a golden carriage nor great cities. Still he was very happy and contented
for the preferred than being the sun, the cloud or the mountain. Now, he found out that it is better to work for one’s daily
bread.
Direction :Write R if the statement is right: W, if wrong .

1.The stonecutter hewed slabs of rock from the mountainside and polished them smooth.
2.He was a skilled workman and was happy and contented .
3.It was a fairy in the mountain who granted him his wishes .
4.He wished to be a sun for he discovered that it is mightier than a prince.
5.He was contented to be a sun and remained a sun all his life.
6. He got angry with the cloud because it covered his sun-face .
7.When he became a cloud he maid the rain pour down continuously and swept
away houses and villages.
8. He was able to move away the rocks of mountains so he was contented.
9.The stonecutter found was not able to cut a slab of rock from the mountain.
10.The woodcutter found out that a man is happiest when he works for his daily bread.
553 WORDS
BOOK III No. 21

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Mrs. Cruz looked very tired as she slumped in the gray sofa.. When her son Garry saw her he asked , “Did you get a lot of names
on the petition, Mother?”
“I’ve got only twenty, answered Mrs. Cruz. I am afraid we are not making much progress. Come along, I’ll walk with you to the
schoolhouse.”
As they neared the schoolhouse Gary saw his teacher Mr. Leynes talking to a group of boys.
“Good morning, Mrs. Cruz,” greeted Mr. Leynes. “What can I do fro you?”
“Mother is taking a petition around, explained Gary.
“A petition for what?”
“Don’t you know that a factory is to built just across the marketplace? That place is used for the playground by our children. Our
petition is to keep it so.”
“I agree with you,” said Mr. Leynes. “I will sign that petition.”
“Here is a chance for you to find out how democracy works, Mr. Leynes said
turning to the group of boys.
“In this country, the Council represents the people.” Mr. Leynes began. “The Council has given the permit to a Chinese to build
his factory across the marketplace. But if enough people do not like the decision, they can try to make the Council change it.”
“What can we do to help?” asked the boys.
“Let us make many copies of the petition,” Mr. Leynes said. “Then you can go about the town and stop at each house and make
the grown-ups sign the petition.
The boys were eager to go around for it seemed like fun but they felt strange when they knocked at houses and request people to
sign. They thought about Mr. Leynes said.
“You boys will help make history by helping to get enough names so the Council will change its decision.”
Once Gary had succeeded in making a woman sign the petition, and asked her husband to sign, too. He found out that it was not
so bad after all.
The list of names on her paper grew and Gary rubbed his face with the sleeves of his jacket many times. But he was not scared
anymore. He was almost at the end of the block he was supposed to cover, when he reached a big house on the corner.
When Gary knocked at the door, a big man opened it. He roared, “What do you want this time of the day?”
Gary thrust the petition toward the man.
“A petition?” the man boomed. “Are you the voice of the people?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Gary. “this is the voice of the people. Many, many of them aren’t in favor of the Council’s decision to permit
a Chinese to build his factory in our place. And I am sure, the Council will be willing to change their decision, too. We have faith in the
way democracy works here in our country.”
“Well, I will put on my glasses and look this over.”
After reading the petition he nodded thoughtfully and said, “There’s a good point here. I am afraid we did not give proper
consideration to the playground when we decided on this.”
He turned back and signed the petition.
“There,” he said. “how’s that?”
Gary looked at the signature.
Tirso Rizal, the mayor himself.
“Thanks, Mr. Mayor,” Gary gulped.
“Thank you, young man. You are doing a fine job. I like to see young people interested in the way their town is run.”
Gary felt important. And why not? After all not every fellow has a chance to be the voice of the people
590 WORDS
Direction : Write the letter of the correct answer .
_________1.Who was the first to bring the petition around the town? (a. Gary’s mother b. Gary’s father c. Gary’s teacher).
_________2.What was the petition about? (a. against the teacher b. against the principal c. against the factory to be built).
_________3.Who represents the people in our community? (a. the teachers b. the council c. students).
_________4.Who gave the Chinese the permit to build the factory in the playground? (a. the council b. the President c. the principal)
_________5. How does democracy work in this particular case?
a. people can request the council to change decision b. people can fight against the government c. people can change the decision
_________ 6. How can the boys help? A. they can play b. ask grown ups to sign the petition c. sign the petition
__________7. What was the meaning of the petition? A. voice of the council b. voice of the people c. voice of the officials
__________8. Did the big man sign the petition? A. no b. maybe c. yes
__________9. Who was Tirso Rizal? A. Councilor b. Mayor c. President
_________10. What was he happy about? A. the decision b. young people interested in the way their
Town is run c. the playground
BOOK III No. 22

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
HOW PEOPLE COMMUNICATED LONG AGO
A long time ago, people did not have a system of writing. They were uncivilized, lived in caves and used skins of animals as
clothing. They hunted and fished and ate wild fruits in the forests.
Those primitive men managed to sent word to each other although they did not know how to write. Sometimes they had to warn
other groups about dangerous animals in the forests r some enemy tribes nearby. Let us see what these primitive men used as means of
communication.
These men used smoke signals, tom-toms and stick messages as chief means of communication. The other party to whom the
smoke signals are sent read the messages coming up from the source of the signals. Short columns of smoke coming up one after another
may mean danger.
Signals made by tom-toms was done by beating drums usually made from the skins of wild animals. Different groups of men
within hearing distance of each other beat these primitive drums according certain signals known to them. They could tell each other about
danger, war and even about the visit of one of their leaders or chiefs. They could announce marriages, deaths or births, or other interesting
events.
Stick messages were also used as means of communication by people of long ago. Different kinds of sticks meant different
messages and the receiver could read these “stick messages”.
The first form of writing developed by wise men from the east was a great help to the people. People began writing letters to their
relatives and friends. It lead to the organization of the first mail service. It was carried on by runner or horsemen who carried letters from
place to place.
The King of Persia, known as Darius the Great organized the first letter post office. He had conquered many countries, and
formed a great kingdom. Darius formed groups of fast horsemen to deliver his messages throughout his great kingdom which stretched
from India in Asia down to Egypt in Africa.
Darius’ system was followed by Chinese Emperors and rulers of European countries like the Kings of Rome.
Some royal families made use of their slaves and servants to send their letters. These slaves delivered the letters of their masters
to the persons they were meant for. However, sending letters through travelers was not always reliable because they sometimes got killed
in their journeys or lost the letters as they traveled from one place to place.
However, only kings, queens and princesses, lords and other state officials could send letters to one another. The poor people
could not afford to send letters.
Later, the government of different countries established their own postal system. Royal messengers of queens and kings of
England, France and Spain were allowed to carry private letters. A postmaster in England established a postal service between different
countries. This system of carrying mail from country to country was enlarged. European countries were include and later America.
Different inventions resulted in faster communications for mankind. Among these were the steam engines for trains and
steamship and gas engines for the airplane. These better means of transportation resulted in faster ways of sending letters to all people.
The new age for sending letter at last came about. Today, anybody could send a properly stamped letter to anyone in any other
part of the world just by dropping it in the mailbox. People could communicate faster than they had ever dreamed of. They were brought
much closer to each other, and this has contributed to the progress of nations all over the world.
Choose the letter of the correct answer.

____1. How did the people of long ago communicate with one another?a. Through letter
b. Through love notes c. Through smoke signals and stick messages d. Through papyrus
____2. Which of these could be used more effectively during night time?
a. smoke signals b. Tom-toms c. stick messages d. stone messages
____3. What are tom-toms made of? a. Animal skin b. Bark c. Cloth d. Leaves
____4. Who developed the first system of writing? A. Wire men from the East b. American
c. Indian d. Filipinos
____5. Who organize the first letter post office? A. Napoleon the great b. Dariusc. Chinese d. Caesar
____6. Who carried the messages of the Royal families? A. Messengers b. Salve c. Pigeons d. Mail carriers
____7. What accelerated the progress in communication? A. Inventions b. Roads and Bridges
c. Royal coaches d. Footmen
____8. Is the modern means of postal service more expensive than the primitive one?
a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
____9. What is needed for a mail to be delivered? A. Stamps b. Correct address
c. Sender’s address d. Correct address and stamps
____10. What has better means of communication done? A. Better transportation
b. Smaller and closed world c. Richer peopled. More books]
592 WORDS
BOOK III No. 23

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
During the Civil War in America half a century ago their lived a little back boy in a Southern plantation. Early one
morning as he woke up he heard his mother praying. She prayed that someday the blacks might be freed.
Not many months passed when all the slaves in the plantation were called to the “big house” where there master lived.
All through the night the black folks whispered together and wondered why they are forbidden to come to the big house.
The little black boy, Booker, went with his mother, brother and sister to the big house. They found his master and his
family in the veranda. A tall man with a blue coat with his brass buttons steeped forward and read a long paper. Booker
learned afterwards that this was the emancipation telling them that they were free. Not long after, Booker’s stepfather sent for
them to come to West Virginia.
This little black boy had wanted so much to go to school ever since he caught a glimpse of a school of a school room
where boys and girls are studying. He was lucky enough to have an old spelling book which his mother was able to obtain for
him. He learned His alphabet from his spelling book. When school opened he was greatly disappointed for his stepfather did
not permit him to go to school. He wanted him to work to help support the family. But Booker did not give up. He worked the
whole day and studied in the evening. He was permitted to go to school a while provided he got up early in the morning and
worked until nine. When he could no longer go to school by day, he studied at night at hi teacher’s home.
When he heard of a school in Hampton, Virginia, he wished he could go there and learn a trade. He set off five
hundred miles away fro home with only fifty cents in his pockets. He was not sure whether he would be permitted in that
school. For his entrance examination, he was asked to sweep the recitation room. When he had finished, the head teacher
rubbed her handkerchief over the tables and on the walls. When she looked at her handkerchief and saw that it was clean, he
was admitted. For part time work, he was assigned as janitor. This gave him a chance to work his way through his duties. It
was not an easy job for he had to get up at four in the morning. But he was happy.
He learned much from books. And he had found out also that working with the hands was never disgraceful and work
well done was something to be proud of.
After his graduation, he went straight to West Virginia and began to teach his own people in the villages. He taught
young children during the day and older people in the evening. He taught in Sunday schools, too. He helped established a
reading room society. He helped as much as he could without thinking of payment. Because of his efforts, he was
recommended as principal of a Norman School in Tuskagee, Albania. He found the building in ruins so he decided to repair it.
With the help of the people of Tuskagee, both white and colored, a new building was put up.
Booker T. Washington’s work was recognized both in America and in Europe. He was welcomed in the shanties as
well as in the noblest palaces of Europe. Everyone respected and admired him. He had no enemies for he was enemy of no
one. He had helped much in educating his own people.
Write the letter of the best answer on your paper.
1. When did this story happen? a. During the Filipino- American war b. During the Civil War in America
c. During the Revolutionary War d. During World War I
2. What proclamation set the Negroes free? a. Proclamation of Independence b. Presidential decree 1081
c. Emancipation proclamation d. Land Reform Law
3. How did he learn his alphabet? a. Through picture books b. By building blocks
c. Through an old spelling books d. By playing school
4. Who did not want him to attend school? a. His mother b. His father c. His brothers and sisters
d. His teacher
5. Why did he not want him to attend school? a. He wanted him to work to help support the family
b. He was only a stepson c. His mother didn’t care at all d. He was mentally retarded
6. How did he pass the entrance examination at Virginia? a. By cramming b. By cleaning the room well
c. By courting the teacher d. By cheating
7. What part-time job did he get while studying? A. Clerk b. Messenger c. Janitor d. Helper
8. What did he say about work? A. Work is tiring b. Work is disgraceful c. Work is hard
d. Work is not disgraceful
9. What did he become after graduation?A. a farmer b. A lawyer c. A doctor d. A teacher
10. What did the stay imply? a. Black people succeed b. Black people are poor
c. Blacks have less chance of success d. Color of the skin cannot hinder success
608 WORDS
BOOK III No. 24

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN A HUNGRY WORLD
We are aware that the countries of the world are passing through a critical period of history. There is an uneasiness in
this generation when old symbols and ways of life must be developed to take the place of values that have become obsolete.
We cannot deny that there is general disorientation on the new generation. There must really be urgent solutions to the
pressing problems of human destiny.
The dramatic situation imposes on present and coming generations the duty of carrying out a struggle against
universal hunger; that we can break the viscous circle of low productivity and help raise the economic patterns of areas that
used to be unproductive.
Can this task be accomplished? Or is it impossible to increase world food production fast enough to take care of the
needs of population in its rapid expansion?
Those weak of heart feel alarmed in the fact that everyday, the world has 60,000 additional mouths to feed. They
forget that for every mouth that cries for food there are two arms to produce. They also forget that the world has sufficient soil
resources to multiply present food production several times.
On all sides, we see men of goodwill who give themselves to the big task of creating a better understanding in the
world. Outstanding among these are the youth who are always more interested in giving than in receiving, in living that in
making money. It is clear that the action of these men of good will depend to a large extent on the support they meet on the
conscience of the people. Clarification should be made to the causes of the present social; unrest so that something may be
done to eliminate it. It is not enough to attempt to feed, clothe and house the underdeveloped populations of the world. It must
be explained to them why they live in a regime of hunger and misery, and what they must do to help.
As a result of poverty and economic misery, two-thirds of the population of the world still live in a climate of
economic starvation. This is the cause of the inferiority of the poorer groups of the rich, healthy and well-fed groups. Chronic
hunger and the consequent lack of energy and capacity of work is one f the principal reasons why the productivity of the
Asian farmers was estimated to be only 1/3 of the productivity of the American farmer. It is necessary to re-establish an
economic balance in the world and fill the great gap between the well-developed and the underdeveloped countries of the
world. According to statistics, the 19 richest countries with only 16% of the world’s population enjoy more than 70% of world
income. At the other extreme, in 15 poorest countries live 75% of humanity but they receive less than 10% of world income.
The extreme economic inequality is the primary cause of a great many kinds of inequality. Life expectancy is underdeveloped
regions is down to 30 years against 65 and well-developed regions. The same factor is critical for a baby’s survival in the
world of the poor and world of the rich.
However, according to FAO (Food and agriculture Organization ) of the United Nation, world food production has
been increasing since 1951. This destroys the theories of natural hunger as something unavoidable. Food should be distributed
to each according to this needs.
The struggle against hunger, the expected victory over universal hunger should provide a reason for mobilizing the
will of the youth and the efforts of national and international youth organizations throughout the world. Only the young
masters of the world with their fresh strong hands and the will to act can free this new world from hunger and misery.
Direction: Write R if the sentence is right; W if it is wrong.
_____________1. The countries of today are passing through a critical period of history.
_____________2. The youths of today are clamoring for change to take the place of old values that they consider obsolete.
_____________3. There is a general disorientation among the new generation.
_____________4. There is no need for urgent solutions to the pressing problems of human destiny.
_____________5. The most pressing problem that beset the world is universal hunger.
_____________6. It is quite impossible to increase world production fast enough to take care of the needs of
rapid expansion of population.
_____________7. The world has no sufficient soil resources to multiply present food production.
_____________8. The theory of hunger as something unavoidable is right.
_____________9. Economic misery and poverty results in the regime of economic starvation of almost two-
thirds of the world.
____________10. The mobilization of the youth and efforts of national and international organizations may
solve the problem of universal hunger.
637 WORDS
BOOK III No. 25

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE STORY OF OEDIPUS
Queen Jocasta was pregnant so she and her husband, king Laius of Thebes, consulted the oracle at Delphi. The oracle told the
royal couple that the child Queen Jocasta was carrying would kill his father and marry his own mother when he became a young man.
A soon as the child was delivered, King Laius ordered a shepherd to kill the child in deep woods. But the shepherd only pierced
the child’s foot and left him by the seaside where he was found by another shepherd. Recognizing the baby, he took the child to King
Polybus of Corinth and his queen who had no children of their own.
The royal couple was very happy when they saw the handsome baby boy. They took care of him and loved him very much. They
called the baby “ Oedipus or Swollen foot”. He grew up happily in the palace and learned to love his foster parents not knowing that he
was only adopted.
One day, Oedipus went to Delphi to consult the Delphian oracle. “I’ll find out what the oracle says about the future.”
The oracle was the one his real parents King Laius and Queen Jocasta had heard many years ago. He was destined to kill his
father and marry his mother.
Upon learning what the oracle said, Oedipus left Corinth. “It is better that I leave my loving parents than commit a crime.”
He fled to the mountain and upon coming to a narrow mountain pass that connected Corinth with Thebes, he saw a chariot
passing. King Laius was in the chariot. The charioteer asked Oedipus to give way but Oedipus resented his remark. So he fought with the
charioteer. During the struggle, the charioteer escaped but the King was killed while trying to stop the fight. Oedipus rode on the chariot
and drove and drove it to the city of Thebes.
When he arrived at Thebes, Oedipus found the seven gates of Thebes closed. Nobody could enter the palace gates for it was
guarded by the sphinx who sat on the cliff. Only those who could solve her riddle could pass safely into the city. No one has succeeded as
yet and the monster was surrounded by the bones of all those who failed.
When the sphinx saw Oedipus, she growled at him. “What creature it is that walks on four feet in the morning, on two at noon and
on three in the evening?”
“Man,” answered Oedipus. “because in childhood, he creeps on hands and knees. When he is big and grown up, he walks erect,
and in his old age he walks with a staff.”
The monster screamed and fell dead on the rock because the riddle was finally solved. Because the power of the sphinx was gone
forever the gates of Thebes burst open.
The people of Thebes proclaimed Oedipus a hero and they made him a King. When he saw Queen Jocasta, he fell in love with
her. She still looked young and beautiful due to a magic necklace she wore which made her forever young. They were married and the
prediction of the oracle came true. Oedipus killed his father and married his mother.
Oedipus was a good King and the people loved him. But the charioteer was the shepherd ordered by king Laius to kill Oedipus.
When he saw Oedipus, he told the Queen that Oedipus had killed King Laius.
When Queen Jocasta heard this, she went to her room and committed suicide by hanging herself with the magic necklace. When
Oedipus saw his mother dead, he struck his eyes with the magic necklace which his mother used. He left Thebes and wandered from place
to place, a broken-hearted man. He died in Athens a poor, old man.
Copy the letter of the correct answer.

______ 1. Who was the King of Thebes? A. King Polybus b. Queen Jocasta c. King Laius
______ 2. What was the Oracle of Delphi? A. It could predict what will happen in the future
b. It could tell what will happen in the past c. It could tell what was happening
______ 3. What does the name “Oedipus” mean? a. flat b. swollen c. foot d. big foot
______ 4. What was the oracle’s prediction? a. Oedipus would be poor b. Oedipus would kill his
own father and marry his own mother c. Oedipus would be great
______ 5. What guarded the palace gates? a. The King’s guards b. A monster c. The shepherd
______ 6. How did the Sphinx look like? A. Half man and half woman b. Half man and half lion
c. Half woman and half lion
______ 7. What was the riddle of the Sphinx? A. man b. life c. eternity
______ 8. How did Oedipus kill the Sphinx? a. By a sword b. By a bow and arrow c. By solving the riddle
______ 9. How did Jocasta manage to stay young? A. By wearing make up b. By wearing a magic necklace
c. By slimming and dieting
______10. What kind of a story is this? A. A comedy b. A satire c. A tragedy
660 WORDS
BOOK III No. 26

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
GLASS
Have you ever asked yourself whence glass came to be?

We consider glass as one of the wonders of civilization, but because we see it often, we usually take it for granted.
Glass in our windows today is so well made that we never stop to think that it is there. We notice it only when we look
through it to see the objects beyond.
No one knows when, where and how glass came about but somebody somewhere happened upon the process of
making glass. This somebody found that by melting sand and sodium salt together, a curiously new and different substance
could be obtained. Pliny, an old Roman writer, told a story that glass was made first by some Tyrian sailors on the shores of
the Mediterranean Sea, although others considered this only a legend. The sailors, as the story goes, landed and prepare to
cook their food. They propped up their kettles with rocks. When they put out the fire, they discovered that the sand of the
beach had melted with the sodium rock and formed a transparent substance- it was the first glass. These were used to
embellish objects made of other materials.
The first objects produced entirely of glass appeared during the 18 th dynasty of the ancient Egypt between 1580 and
1358 B.C. These objects, mostly glass vessels, were made by applying a layer of molten glass over a fragile core. After the
glass had hardened the core was removed. Similar glass vessels were produced in Mesopotamia at about the same time so that
some authorities believe that glassmaking techniques originated in Mesopotamia. Molded glass and cut-glass items were made
there in the 7th and 8th centuries B.C. Afterwards, a major glass industry developed in the near East and on the Eastern
Mediterranean coast.
The technique of glass blowing was developed in Phoenicia in the last years of the 1 st century B.C. This made possible
new commercial applications of glass and resulted in the creation of magnificently decorated pieces of high quality. By the
end of 1st century A.D., many of the techniques now used in glassmaking had already been invented. It was at about this time
that window glass was first used and that the curving of glass cameos was perfected in the Roman Empire. By this time also,
glass was being produced in some parts of the Roman Empire as in England, France, Germany and Spain.
In the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., after the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the craft of glassmaking also waned
in the West. However, the industry continued to thrive in the near East and in Islamic Lands. There was a revival of
glassmaking in Europe by the middle of the 12th century with the development of stained glass windows for cathedral and
monasteries. However, a flourishing glass industry did not develop in Europe until the end of the 13 th century when Venice
became a major glassmaking center. By the 16 th centuries, Venice had attained a dominant position in Europe’s glass industry.
Venetian glass was noted for the brilliance of its materials and its light, imaginative forms.
The ability of lead glass to bend light rays at different angles made lenses for eyeglasses, microscopes, and telescopes
possible. This was discovered by the Englishman, George Ravenscroft late in the 17 th century.. The 17th also opened the glass
manufacture in the United States. The availability of raw materials and transportation boasted further the craft of glassmaking
in the United States. Constant improvements had seen then been made in the mechanical methods used to formed and decorate
glass.
Many things surround us are made of glass. They are even made into glass blocks of different colors used as walls,
partitions, and parts of wall decors. Whenever we see an object made of glass, we do not have wonder anymore for we now
have a knowledge of the when and the where and a little bit of the how of the making of glass.
Direction: Copy the right word on your paper.

_______ 1. Who should be given credit for the discovery of the glassmaking?
( Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, ancient Tyrian)
_______ 2. What is considered as one of the wonders of civilization? ( glass, Rome,, Sailors)
_______ 3. What goes together with melted sand to form a new different substance, glass? ( rock, sand, sodium, salt)
_______ 4. Was the story about glass by Pliny true?( true, maybe, no)
_______ 5. When did glass manufacture start in the United States? ( 12 th century, 17th century, 18th century)
_______ 6. When was Venice the center of the glass industry? ( dark ages, 16th century, 215th century)
______ 7. Where was the technique of glass blowing developed? ( Phoenicia, Egypt, Mesopotamia)
______ 8. What kind of glass is used for lenses of eyeglasses , telescopes and other precision instruments?
( concave glass, lead glass, plate glass)
______ 9. What method is used to form and decorate glass? ( mechanical method, technical method, glassblowing)
_____ 10. Who was considered to have made the first glass? ( Greek sailors, Roman sailors, Tyrian sailors)
666 WORDS
BOOK III No. 27

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
THE HERO OF TIRAD PASS
One of the youngest of Filipino heroes in the Philippine revolt against Spanish domination, and later in the Filipino-
American war, was General Gregorio del Pilar.
He was born on November 14, 1875 in Bulacan, Bulacan. From early childhood he witnessed the abuses to which his
country and his neighbors were subjected. In 1889, he entered Ateneo. He stayed with an uncle , Deodato Agbayani, who was
then in charge of the distribution of Liberty Propaganda. Gregorio, was only 14 then, became the messengers of the
Propagandists. Because of his youth, the Spaniards did not suspect him. He became adept in this line of work. He succeeded
in substituting propaganda materials in the booklets distributed after the mass by the priest in Bulacan by removing the
original contents of the booklet and inserting the Filipino Propaganda.
In 1896, Gregorio joined the Filipino troops. He became an expert in ambushing the guards of the Spanish priests, and
led well-time assaults in Spanish garrisons. Through his efforts many guns and needed ammunition were captured for the use
of Philippine Army.
When the Filipino-Spanish was ceased temporarily with the signing of the pact of Biak-na-Bat, Del Pilar went to
Hongkong with Aguinaldo. They returned to the islands when the Spanish American waas broke out. The fight against the
Spaniards was resumed by the mid-year of 1898, the Filipinos had driven the Spaniards out of most town of Luzon. A new
republic was born.
But it was destined to be short-lived. War with the Americans soon broke out. Battles were fought. The superiors arms
and disciplined of thr American Army, and the decimation of the Filipino forces brought about by te war with Spain,
contributed to the defeat of the natives in many battles. The Filipino troops were pushed back into the mountains, and finally,
Aguinaldo was in full retreat.
Del Pilar volunteered to the post protecting General Aguinaldo’s rear. When Aguinaldo’s forces fled to Northern
Luzon, the Americans pursued them. To capture them, the Americans had to go through a mountain pass called Tirad.
Del Pilar suggested that in order to halt the Americans even temporarily, he would stay behind and make a last stand
at the Pass. Such a battle would give Aguinaldo sufficient time to widen the distance between him and the pursuers.
Aguinaldo agred to Del Pilar’s suggestion with much regret.
Pasong Tirad was 4,500 feet high and commanded a good view for miles around. The trial leading to it was soon
narrow only one man at a time clamber up the hill. Del Pilar ordered his 60 men to build trenches on both shoulders of the
pass were they would see the movement of the enemy below.
The Americans under Major March pursued Aguinaldo relentlessly. In the morning of December 2, March proceeded
with his men, about 300 strong, against Pasong Tirad. From atop the Pass, the Filipino defenders fired at the advancing
enemy, who had not so far pinpointed the exact position of the Filipinos. Through Januario Galut, a Christian Igorot, the
Americans found a secret trail to the top, and using it to advantage surprise Del Pilar and his men. It was about 11:30 in the
morning and the sun mercilessly beating down upon the bodies if the dead and the wounded. In a matter of minutes, the
Filipino defenders were overcome by the enemy.
Del Pilar, wounded in the shoulder ordered the remaining men to escape. Then he strove to escape by a narrow trail,
but as he mounted his white horse, a shot felled him with a bullet that passed through his neck.
On his diary which Major March found, Del Pilar had written:
“General Aguinaldo has given me the pick of all the men and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible
task has been given me. And yet I fell that this is the most glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved
country. No sacrifice can be too great.”
Answer with true or false:

______ 1. Gregorio del Pilar was a general during the Filipino-Japanese War.
______2. At fourteen he become the messenger of the propaganda movement.
______ 3. The Filipino- Spanish War ceased temporarily with the signing of the pact of Biak- na – Bato.
______ 4. Del Pilar volunteered to protect Aguinaldo’s rear.
______ 5. Tirad is a narrow mountain pass.
______6. Gregorio del Pilar’s men could have won the battle if it were not for Januario Galut.
______ 7. Galut was loyal to the Filipinos.
______ 8. The American found a secret trail to the top of Tirad Pass.
______ 9. Gregorio del Pilar died for the sake of his country.
668 WORDS
BOOK III No. 28

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
DICK WITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
Long ago, in a small country village in England lived an orphaned boy named Dick Wittington. The people of the village were
themselves poor and had nothing to spare for an orphan. Dick had a hard time getting along and never knew what it was to have enough to
eat. However, in spite of his poverty Dick was a happy boy dreaming nice dreams of a fine life of when he should grew up to be a man. He
enjoyed most listening to stories of post boys and wagoners about the wonderful life in London and they told him, too, that the London
roads were paved with gold.
Dick decide to walk to London and pick up enough gold to buy him food and warm clothes.
One day, after a hard winter, he was able to hitch a ride in a wagon bound for London. Great was his disappointment for when he
reached London he found dirty streets and people looking more ragged and miserable than he.
At last, hungry and wretched, he curled himself in a dark corner and cried himself to sleep. All day, he had tried to get work to do
but no one would take him, he looked so small and pale. The following morning, he was so weak with hunger, he could hardly stand. As he
staggered along a street lined with fine houses. He asked the cook if she could take him in as a helper but the cook would not have
anything to do with him.
Just then her master, Mr. Fitzwarren, came out and saw Dick’s plight. He took him into the house, gave him a good breakfast and
told him to stay and help the cook.
The cook was very cross and Dick had a hard time with her. One day, Alice Fitzwarren came into the kitchen and found the cook
beating Dick for no reason at all. She told her father about the cooks cruelty and Mr. Fitzwarren warned her that it was never occurred
again. But the cook housed him in an attic that was overrun with mice and rats and Dick found it impossible to sleep. He bought himself a
cat and carried it to his attic to live with him.
One day, Mr. Fitzwarren’s ship the “Unicorn” was set to sail for foreign lands. He asked their servants if they had something of
their own to be traded and sold. All the servants sent something and Dick was force to send his dear, cat Tabby.
Dick decided to run away when the cook continued tormenting him. While it was still dark, he took his small bundle of clothes
and set off. As he sat on a big rock that to this day is called “Whittington’s rock” to rest, he heard the bells of the Bow Church ring. It
seemed to say:
“Turned again, Whittington
Thrice Lord Mayor of London
Turned again, Whittington
Thrice Lord Mayor of London”
Dick turned back to the house but wondered hoe he could be Mayor of London.
When the “Unicorn” returned, the captain had bags of gold and silver for Dick in exchange for his cat. It turned out that the
palace of the King and Queen of Barbary had been pestered by rats, and the king promise half of his wealth to get rid of them; Tabby was
the answer.
Dick gave everyone, from the captain to the cook, a handsome present.
Dick went to school after this. He grow to be a young man and married Alice Fitzwarren whom he had loved all these years. He
was sheriff of London and was Thrice Lord Mayor.
Mr. Whittington and his lady live in great splendor, but he never forgot that he owed his great fortune to the bells of Bow Church
and a simple, old cat named Tabby.
Direction: Write only the letter of the correct answer on your paper.
1. Which would be another good title for the selection? A. How to get a Pet cat
b. The cat who brought a fortune c. The cruel cook
2. How did Dick live in the little village? A. happily b. affluently c. miserably
3. Why did he want to go to London? A. he heard about the good life there
b. he wanted adventure c. he wanted to be adopted
4. Who took him into his house?A. the cook b. the Wagoner c. Mr. Fitzwarren
5. How did the cook treat him? A. kindly b. cruelly c. affectionately
6.Whom did he consider his best friend? A. the cook b. Mr. Fitzwarren c.Tabby
7. What did he receive in exchange for his cat? A. a nice warm suit b. sacks of gold and silver c. food
8. What did the bells of Bow Church seem to tell him? A. He’ll be thrice Mayor of London
b. He’ll be king c. He’ll be captain of the ship
9. Whom did he marry? A. girl from the village b. Alice Fitzwarren c. a London girl
10. To whom did he owe his good fortune? A. to the bells of the Bow Church and a cat
b. to Mr. Fitzwarren and Alice c. to the cook
673 WORDS
BOOK III No. 29

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
APO PANDAY
Apo Panday came to an off-shore village called Bolinao in Pangasinan long before the Spaniards came to the Islands. He did not
tell of his ancestors to anyone in the village. All that he said was that he came from a place called Damascus. He came by ship, and that he
was left behind when his ship sailed away.
The village accepted him because he was a polite and peaceful man. Five times a day he would lay down whatever he was doing,
face the direction of the setting sun, and in strange tongue, call upon Allah. They did not understand this, but because he seemed so
harmless, he was left alone in his queer ways.
He was called Apo Panday; Apo because he was growing old and he was well –respected, and Panday, because he was a
blacksmith. The villagers often brought him metals from which he fashioned sharp and strong bolos and knives which are useful in their
work.
One day , a foreign ship was wrecked near the village. The villagers gathered all the metals they could find. Apo Panday gathered
a big stock of some black stoned-like material which he called “carbon” (coal) and stored them near his hut. He was thereafter seen making
hot fire in an oven like structure in which he placed the coal, with a pump-like contraption. This was the first blacksmith forge in the
village.
Soon Apo Panday askedthe villagers to bring him the iron they had gathered from the sunken ship. Apo Panday fashioned them
into long bladed sharp bolos which they called kampilan. He also fashioned sharp, pointed tips for the villager’s spears. He likewise made
metal sheets to cover their bamboo shields.
With this arms, far superior to those possessed by the neighboring villages, the once peaceful village now felt confident. They felt
far stronger than their neighbors who were armed only with short bolos and spears with only wooden, fire-hardened tips, and bamboo
shields.
Where conflicts and misunderstandings used to be settled in peaceful talks, the villagers arrogantly imposed there wills and other
villages. Wars took place between Bolinao and neighboring villages. Bolinao often won on this battles, but Apo Panday was disheartened.
He was a peaceful man at heart, and he began to regret having made weapons for his friends. He was saddened, too, because in spite of
their victory , his old friends were brought home dead on the shields he made for them. Now he had to do something to bring back peace.
He had a long talk with the village chief. The later, too had become tired of waging wars. There were too many widowed mothers
and orphaned children in his village. Finally, Apo Panday suggested a plan. The chief agreed to the plan.
The chief ordered all the villages to bring to Apo Panday all the iron and other metals in the village. He also ordered all the men
to keep away from Apo Panday until called for.
Panday worked his forged, his anvils rang far into the night. He worked on his projects for weeks. The store of metals began to
disappear. At last the last piece of iron was melted, forged and shaped. And he had accomplished another useable device.
Panday called on the chief and asked him to call the men together, and to take along a carabao with him. The chief and his men
gathered around Panday’s hut. At last Panday came out holding in his hands a big piece of iron attached a series of ropes to the carabao
and had the chief lead the animal along a straight line, dragging along the ground Panday’s work, with Panday firmly holding on to the
wooden frame, the iron point dug into the ground. It was the village’s first plow.
Panday explained how it work; how they could increase their produce of rice, corn, and other products with it. They did not have
to dig the ground with their hands and bolos. With the plow they could do the work easier and faster. They could still wider fields, plant
more crops and increase the animal production.
The villagers were successful in their next harvest. Soon the news spread to the nearby villages. They wanted plows, too. Panday
was only too glad to help them.
Peace reigned once more among the villages. Apo Panday was happier than ever.
____1. Bolinao is a village of, a. Pampangga b. Pangasinan c. Bulacan d. Quezon
___ 2. Apoo Panday claimed he came from , a. heaven b. Damascus c. Portugal d. Mecca
____3. His God was, a. Bathala b. Buddha c. Allah d. Jesus Christ
____4. Apo Panday was a, a. blacksmith b. goldsmith c. tinsmith d. coppersmith
____5. He fashioned the metals gathered from a sunken ship into, a. guns and rifles
b. spears and kampilan c. bolo d. bows and arrows
____6. Apo Panday became ( a. happy b. disheartened c. obsessed with power d. drunk with ambition )
when the people of Bolinao won the battles.
____7. To end the conflicts Apo Panday made the first ( a. metal bell b. plow c. bridge d. tractor).
____8. With it, the villagers were able to ( a. win more wars b. plant better and harvest more
c. get what they like d. defeat the people of other villages).
____9. Panday made plows for other people of the other villages. a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell
____10. The story suggests that peace is better than war. a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell
741 WORDS
BOOK III No. 30

___________ _____________ ______________ _________ _______
A NIGHTGOWN FOR A QUEEN
Roberto was ten going on eleven when his mother fell sick of rheumatism and had to stay n bed. The family maid was off on
vacation so Roberto had to take care of his mother as she had always done for him when he was ill. He also wanted very much to help her.
It was vacation time and he did not have to go to school.
Roberto attended to the little chores in the house. He did not have to prepare their meals. His father brought these home from a
restaurant near his place of work.
One day, Roberto’s mother said, “Bobby, will you do something for me?”
“Oh. Yes, Mama” he answered. “ what is it?”
“It is something hard for a littler boy to do. Perhaps you will be shy,” said his mother.
“I am not a little boy anymore. I’ve grown up. I’ll do anything, Mama. I wish you would go to a department store and select one
for me. You can charge it to Papa’s account.”
Roberto backed away slowly, sat down, worried and silent. “Mama,” he said after a few moments. “I would be very, very nervous
to go to the women’s department a buy a nightgown. I would not know how to select one. I’d do anything Mama, but please don’t ask me
to buy a nightgown.”
His mother sighed, leaned back and shut her eyes. “all right, Bobby,” she mind, son.”
Roberto was very unhappy and ashamed. His mother had asked him to do a very simple thing yet he couldn’t obey her.
Roberto went out telling his mother that he would be just around the corner. Their house was in the commercial area and a
department store was only three blocks away. He walked past Rustan’s once, and peak at the mysterious pink and white articles at the
window. He looked up and down the street, and then walked in. around him were women’s pants, skirts and other feminine wear.
“can I do something for you?” a pretty girl at the counter asked.
“I would like …a…night…gown,” he stammered. “That is, Mama wants a nightgown. She is sick.”
The salesgirl drew a gown from a large box and held it out full length against herself. “do you like this?” she asked.
A neighbor towing her son along was approaching. Her son was Roberto’s classmate and captain of his class football team.
Roberto dashed behind the counter and behind the girl. Roberto’s classmate did not see him. They passed.
“What’s the matter?’ asked the girl smiling.
“Nothing, Roberto replied hastily.
The girl was looking for another box. “What size is your mother?” she asked.
“Size?’ Roberto did not know. She is not big, but not small,” he said. “About your size. But she is a little bigger in front.”
“Would your mother wish a simple gown? Or something wonderful, with lace and all?” the girl asked.
“Yes, yes. That’s it. Something with lace and everything. My mother- she is a queen!” he replied eagerly.
She took a blue nightgown, one with bows and lace, so thin that when she held it before her, Roberto could see her through the
material.
“That’s the one. That’s it1” he exclaimed. “Please charge it.” Roberto gave her his father’s name, and she wrapped the gown.
When her mother opened the box, her eyes became as big as bright as big marbles. “What a wonderful thing! How did you
happen to choose this?” she asked.
“Well,” he explained. “This nightgown is for a queen. Papa always calls you his queen. And in my story books, queens always
wore gowns and lacy things.
Roberto saw a tear trembling in his mother’s eyes.
“Is there something wrong, Mama?” he asked.
“Nothing, my son. Nothing wrong. The tear is for happiness.”
768 WORDS

1. Roberto’s ( a. sister b. mother c. father d. maid) was sick.
2. Mother wanted Roberto to buy her a new ( a. pair of shoes b. nightgown c. dress d. pair of shoes).
3. Roberto wanted to please her so he obeyed her at once. a. True b. False c. maybe d. Does not tell
4. Mother’s nightgown were stained with ( a. blood b. oil c. medicine d. liniment).
5. Their house was situated in a ( a. residential b. commercial c. rural d. school) area.
6. Rustan’s is a ( a. department store b. drug store c. restaurant d. market stall).
7.He bought a ( a. red b. blue c. black d. white) nightgown.
8. Roberto’s ( a. classmate b. father c. auntie c. teacher) could have seen him but he quickly hid.

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BOOK III No.

TAJ MAHAL: IMMORTAL MONUMENT TO AN EMPEROR’S LOVE

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

1. Taj Mahal is a (a. palace b. big house c. sepulchre d. park)

THE ODYSSEY OF A VICAR OF CHRIST

Answer with True or False:

HANNIBAL, THE GREAT

To escape, Hannibal committed suicide.

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

THE LION IS DYING

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

THE SMALLEST FISH IN THE WORLD

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

1. Jellyfish is a shaped like (a. an umbrella b. a star c. a fish d. a fruit).

THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Direction: Write the correct word on your paper.

THE CORNERSTONE OF DEMOCRACY

Direction: Answer the following questions with Yes or No.

THE SECRET OF THE “KIDOTAI”

What, then, is the secret of “KIDOTAI”?

Answer with True or False:

RAMIE, THE WONDER PLANT

Today, ramie has come of age!

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

THE UNHAPPIEST WOMEN IN THE WORLD

Choose the letter of the best answer:

BOOK III No. 12

THE SLAVE GIRL

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

BOOK III No. 13

THE NATIVES OF MINDORO

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

BOOK III No. 14

HOW THE DAM WAS SAVED

Direction: Copy the correct answer on your paper.

_________1.Jaime’s and Julia’s homes was near a (. river, dam, sea).

BOOK III No. 15

SWITZERLAND, PROSPERITY THROUGH INGENUITY

Select the best answer.

1. Switzerland has fabulous (a. women b. resorts c. climate d. government). ________

BOOK III No. 16

GEN. EISENHOWER’S NARROW ESCAPE

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

1. Gen Eisenhower is (a. a German b. a French c. an American d. an Italian). ______

BOOK III No. 17

THE MAKING OF A SAILOR

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

BOOK III No. 18

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

BOOK III No. 19

THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE MANILA LIBERATION

Select the letter of the correct answer:

BOOK III No. 20

Direction :Write R if the statement is right: W, if wrong .

BOOK III No. 21

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

BOOK III No. 22

HOW PEOPLE COMMUNICATED LONG AGO

Choose the letter of the correct answer.

BOOK III No. 23

BOOK III No. 24

THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN A HUNGRY WORLD