LEVEL 1: WORD LEVEL

WORD LIST

wet drink kneel chaos

mud block switch tomb
bit jolt graph receipt
jab provide climax climb
fun global south knob

SENTENCES

1. Yesterday, I told my father that I wanted to go to the US to celebrate my

birthday.
2. The telephone operator’s failed attempts to connect to her husband‘s
office number discouraged her tremendously.
3. Romeo and Juliet fell in love with each other, so they arranged a secret
wedding to fulfill their dreams to unite.
4. Her hair was like gravy, running brown off her head and clumping up on
her shoulder.
5. They plan to attend the party in the social hall, and, since it is a costume
party, they can hide their identity and can roam around undetected.

LEVEL 2: SENTENCE LEVEL

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LEVEL 3: PARAGRAPH LEVEL

PARAGRAPH

Inferring is a reading skill that is done by making an opinion based on

given facts. It can help us understand what we read even better. When
we infer, we use things we already know, what we read in the text, and
our own thoughts to make an educated guess about something that is
not specifically written in the text. Inferring helps us connect what we
read to our own experiences, making it easier for us to comprehend the
text on a deeper level. It also helps us think smartly and make
predictions about what might happen next in a story. To get better at
inferring, it is important to pay close attention to the details in the text
and use your own background knowledge and experiences to make
connections. You can practice by asking yourself questions like "Why did
the author include this detail?" or "What might happen next based on
what I've read?" In general, inferring is an essential skill that can help us
become better readers and thinkers. With more practice, we can get
even better at inferring to understand stories even more deeply.

187 words, Grade 9

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 LEVELS 4-5: STORY LEVEL & STORY +
COMPREHENSION LEVEL

STORY

My Very First Flight

by Sid Arada

I can never forget that ecstatic jolt of excitement when I finally arrived at my
seat. Scanning the aisle that led to more seats at the back, I cautiously
positioned myself by the window—stiff, anxious, and apprehensive about what
would come right after I settled in.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now ready for take-off."
I immediately clutched to my seat as I closed my eyes—it was a mixture of
excitement and apprehension. As the plane slowly ascended, I took one of the
deepest breaths I could and held it for a few seconds longer. It was an ecstatic
moment.
"Hang in there, Sid. Hang in there..."
The deafening noise did not last long; it gradually subsided.
“Ding!”
"Ladies and gentlemen, the seatbelt sign has been deactivated. You may
now unfasten your seatbelts."

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 I then slowly released my breath and opened my eyes, unfolding the blinds. My
eyes were filled with wonder as I gently moved my gaze out the window, captivated by
the blinding, spectacular vista of the sky. It was a wonder to behold!
I was in awe from my seat, watching the clouds softly drift and dance as we flew
through the skies. I had never considered how small people appeared from above
until I observed the expansive view of the blue water sweeping over the islands.
And, like a child at a theme park, I broke into one of the biggest, brightest smiles I'd
ever had, my eyes gleaming like diamonds, as if they had just witnessed the most
beautiful treasure ever discovered. This was my very first flight experience, with all
expenses paid for, so one can imagine how happy I was with such a rare lifetime
opportunity.
It was a wonderful and breathtaking experience—another item crossed off my
long bucket list.

301 words, Grade 9

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 COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. I gently moved my gaze out the window. What does the word gaze mean? A.
attention
B. goggle
C. peer
D. sight

2. I immediately clutched to my seat as I turned my eyes shut. The word clutched

in the sentence refers to ______________.
A. holding on to something tightly
B. a transmission system in a vehicle
C. achieving success at a critical moment
D. a group of eggs fertilized at the same time

3. Whose experience is the journal entry about?

A. crew
B. kid
C. lady
D. Sid

4. How was the sky described in the text?

A. vast and blue
B. big and sparkling
C. amazing and exciting
D. stunning and magnificent

5. Who are the “ladies and gentlemen” the crew was referring to?
A. the readers
B. the audience
C. the passengers
D. the pilot and co-pilot

6. Where was the main character in the story?

A. in a car
B. on a bench
C. at the beach
D. on an airplane

7. How can you describe the character’s overall experience from the ride? A.
enticing
B. exciting
C. inviting
D. persuading

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 LEVELS -67: LOCAL MATERIAL LEVEL & LOCAL MATERIAL
+ COMPREHENSION LEVEL

LOCAL TEXT MATERIAL

The Hand-woven Iloko Identity

by Sid Arada

Native art can give a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of a country. The
richness of each region in the Philippines can also be seen in its hand-woven
fabrics. These fabrics come in many colors and designs. As one of the many
prides of the Ilocos region, the Inabel weaving has been a part of its culture
for centuries. It has been preserved for many years and is still living up to its
historical value.
The term Inabel came from the Iloko word abel which means weave. This
hand-woven cotton fabric is used in clothing, but it has also become popular
as a blanket because it is thick and very durable. In Ilocos, it is common to
use Inabel as a home essential, such as curtains, table cloths, bath towels,
bed covers and bags. Due to its minimalist design feature, the textile is in high
demand in fashion for its structure that can adapt to the modern demands of
design.
Inabel, like any other textile in the Philippines, offers a wide range of colors
and designs. What they call Binandera is the simplest that has a striped
pattern. Binakul, on the other hand, is another design that has a seemingly
optical illusion which looks like a whirlpool. Ancient tribes use it as protection,
having thought that its complex design can ward off evil spirits. Pinilian is the
most detailed of all its designs. The fabric is hand-woven with various
geometric

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figures and patterns such as horses and birds. It is often used as a ritual blanket. It
has a symbolic use of animal patterns that roots to tales and myths. One way
Ilocanos show their strong identity is through the use of Inabel fabric. However,
apart from being recognized, it is important to help the locals that sourced and
preserve these cultural textiles for the next generations.

307 words, Grade 9

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. Native art can give a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of a country. What
does the word glimpse mean?
A. behold
B. glance
C. sparkle
D. stare

2. Its complex design can ward off evil spirits. Ward off in the sentence is used
to mean
A. evicting
B. guarding
C. protecting
D. watching

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 3. The Ilocano ancestors believed that the __________ design can ward off evil
spirits.
A. Binandera
B. Binakul
C. Pinilian
D. Inabel

4. Based on the text, what does the Iloko word abel mean?
A. design
B. fabric
C. hand
D. weave

5. The abel production can be found in

A. La Union
B. Cotabato
C. Davao
D. Cebu

6. How are the Binakul and Pinilian designs similar?

A. They both are used for protective garments.
B. They both are made with simple patterns.
C. They both use optical illusions.
D. They both are used for rituals.

7. This selection is mainly providing

A. a description of the Inabel fabric.
B. the process of weaving in the Ilocos region.
C. explanation on the problems of Ilocano weavers.
D. the causes and effects of confusing fabric designs.

LEVELS 8-9: ACADEMIC TEXT LEVEL & ACADEMIC TEXT

+
COMPREHENSION LEVEL

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 ACADEMIC TEXT MATERIAL

There are more bullying cases in the Philippines than in any other country.
This is based on the most recent study done by the World Health
Organization and the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics. This means
that at least seven out of every ten kids in public schools are bullied. The
survey also showed that bullying happens in middle school. This is alarming
given that the Philippines ranks second to last in reading, math, and science.
Bullying can happen in many ways like through physical or mental harm.
According to the survey, this kind of violence is regular and widespread in the
Philippines. Bullying hurts students' self-esteem and their ability to learn.
Studies show that when students are bullied, their math scores tend to go
down, which makes them do badly in school.
Even though a law against bullying went into force in 2013, bullying has
gotten worse. This is because there are more stories about bullying,
especially in schools. Sadly, people who are bullied still don't tell anyone
because they are afraid of retaliation.
The Department of Education aims to set up ways for students to report
bullying as a way to solve the problem. For example, the agency is making a
scheme where students can report crimes through tele-safe centers. By doing
something about bullying in schools, students can feel safe and at ease in a
place that builds trust and learning skills.
In short, bullying is a major problem in this country that affects a lot of
students. The government is making it easier for kids to report bullying by
giving them new ways to do so. In this manner, school children are given the
assurance to move freely in schools. This will help the government to make
sure that all kids have a safe place to learn.
305 words, Grade 9

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

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1. Bullying hurts students' self-esteem and their ability to learn. What does the word
self-esteem mean?
A. It refers to an individual's overall evaluation or perception of their self-
worth or value as a person.
B. It can be understood as abilities, achievements, and character traits.
C. It is the extent to which an individual feel accepted, respected.
D. It can also be seen as the right to happiness and success.

2. They are making a scheme where students can report crimes through tele-safe
centers. In the context of the previous sentence, what does the word scheme
mean?
A. measure
B. plan
C. plot
D. trick

3. According to the passage, what is the ratio of public-school students in the

Philippines experiencing bullying?
A. 3 out of 10
B. 5 out of 10
C. 7 out of 10
D. 9 out of 10

4. What is the aim of the Department of Education in relation to bullying in schools?

A. to punish the bullies
B. to educate students about bullying
C. to prevent bullying from happening
D. to make it easier for students to report bullying

5. How does bullying affect students' academic performance according to the

passage?
A. It has no effect on their academic performance
B. It makes them more confident and focused
C. It tends to lower their math scores
D. It improves their math scores

6. Why are students unable to report cases of bullying despite the government's
effort to provide ways to report them?
A. They are not aware of the new reporting methods
B. They don't care about the issue
C. They are afraid of retaliation
D. They enjoy being bullied

7. As stated in the text, which is NOT a reason why bullying has increased in the
Philippines despite the implementation of law against it?
A. Lack of awareness and education about bullying
B. Insufficient programs that support anti-bullying
C. Ineffective implementation of the law
D. Poor enforcement of school policies

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