TESTING READING POWER (Grade 10) 2

BOOK IV No.
1
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Time Started Time Finished Time Consumed Speed Rate Grade
MAHATMA GANDHI
A young lawyer from India was traveling by a first class train across South Africa. At one point during the trip,
a European passenger got aboard the train. The first class compartment was half-empty, but when he saw the Indian
passenger in it, he stared angrily at him, called the conductor and demand the “coolie” be moved to the second class
where he, as a non-wife should belong.
The Indian gentleman produced his first class ticket and refused to go. After a bitter argument, he was thrown
off the train and was compelled to remain all night on a station platform shivering in the cold.
The blatant injustice so outrage him that he dedicated himself to a life-long struggle to deliberate the people of
India from domination of the European or “white” influenced. When Mohandas Gandhi was thrown of the train, a saint
was born who would alter the course of the world history.
Years afterward, Gandhi described the humiliating night as the most creative experience of his life. His active
non-violent protest then began.
Gandhi’s “satyagrahan” or resistance to evil through non-violence, was a new form of opposition to the bad
administration of the English rulers in the Indian Commonwealth. To accentuate his opposition to mal-administration
he fasted for long period; while seeking reforms for his country.
Gandhi’s objective was to change the prevailing situation in India through peaceful means. He urged his
countrymen to change themselves, to be more honest in their business transactions and to forget distinction in caste and
religion. He broke the caste system by bringing the high caste Hindus and the lowly untouchables together.
January 30, 1948 was a dark day for India. On that day, Gandhi was assassinated by a young man of the Hindu
extremist group who thought Gandhi was too partial to Muslims, which Gandhi was not.
308 WORDS
Choose the letter of the correct answer

1. From what country was Mahatma Gandhi? (a. America b. India c. Africa d. Europe).
2. How did he travel? (a. first class b. second class c. third class d. fourth class).
3. What was his profession? (a. teacher b. lawyer c. economist d. doctor ).
4. Was he thrown off the train? (a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
5. What did he want to do for the people of India? ( a. to make them free b. to liberate them from the European
domination c. to remain under the European domination d. to take them out of India).
6. Did Gandhi approved of the bad administration of the English rulers? ( a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell ).
7. What was the government of India then? ( a. parliamentary b. Commonwealth c. Republican d. Monarchy)
8. By what means did Gandhi want to change the prevailing situation in India? ( a. through wars and struggles b.
through peaceful means c. through revolutions d. through sacrifices).
9. Was he able to break the caste system in India? (a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
10. Gandhi died because of (a. heart attack b. assassination c. cancer d. paralysis).
BOOK IV No.2
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NAPOLEON’S WATERLOO
Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the little island of Corsica, south of France, of rather undistinguished parents.
He rose from obscurity and through his brilliant military campaigners and political maneuvers, became emperor of
France.
Not content with the extent of his empire, which then included the kingdom of Italy, he proceeded with the
conquest of the other lands. He fought undefeated combined armies of Austria, Bavaria and Spain and placed his
brothers as kings of these countries.
In 1812 however; he was unsuccessful in his invasion of Russia, using most of his men in a severe, freezing
winter of retreat. Early in 1813, although he defeated the armies of Prussia, Russia, England, and Sweden in many
battles, he lost so many of his men that he was forced to retreat to Paris. In the face of the advancing army of these
combined nations towards his capital, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne, and retired to the little island of Elba
still with the title of Emperor, but only of the little island. Louis XVIII took over the throne of France.
However, in March 1815, with an escort of 1,000 of his old guard, he left Elba and returned to France.
Whenever he went, his old soldiers joined him. Marshall New, a former field commander of Napoleon then in full
command of the army of emperor Louis XVIII, was sent to stop him. But on seeing his old commander, Marshall New
embraced and with his men, joined Napoleon’s army. Louis was driven from his throne without a shot having been
fired. Napoleon was again emperor of France. He tried to make peace with many enemy nations but his propositions
were turned down.
With 130,000 men, Napoleon set out to meet the forces of the English under the duke of Willington, and of the
Prussians, under Blucher. They met at Waterloo on June 18, 1815. Here Napoleon’s army was completely crushed. The
allied forces went onto Paris without opposition. Napoleon again abdicated his throne and surrendered to the British.
Napoleon was banished to the island of Saint Helena where he died of stomach cancer in May 1821.
Since then Waterloo has come to mean one thing-complete, ignominious defeat.
309 WORDS
Choose the letter of the correct answer:

1. Napoleon Bonaparte was ( a. an Italian b. a French man c. a Greek d. Roman).
2. He was born of ( a. poor b. rich c. undistinguished d. wealthy) parents.
3. He conquered other lands and placed his ( a. brothers b. leaders c. friends d. cousins) as Kings of these
countries.
4. When Napoleon abdicated his throne he retired to the little island of ( a. Alba b. Elba c. Elbow d. Oslo).
5. With an escort of 1,000 men, Napoleon returned to ( a. Italy b. France c. Russia d. Rome ).
6. The emperor of France at that time was ( a. Louis XIII b. Marshall New c. Louis XVIII d. Duke of Willington).
7. Napoleon tried to make peace with many enemy nations but his propositions were (a. accepted b. turned down
c. ignored d. thrown away ).
8. The Duke of Willington is the leader of the (a. English b. Prussians c. Italian d. Roman).
9. Blucher was the leader of the ( a. English b. Prussians c. Italians d. Romans).
10 Napoleon met his defeat at (a. Elba b. Waterloo c. Paris d. Saint Helena).
BOOK IV No.3
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GIBRALTAR, THE SPECTACULAR ROCK
Gibraltar is commonly called the “Rock”. There is nothing like it either in grandeur or in each historical
association. Through the ages, it was always been a fortress whose impregnability made it the most coveted of all
military prizes.
The Rock guards the most strategic highway, the 15-mile strait which separates Europe and Africa. Ships
passing between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean oceans must pass beneath each towering crags. Gibraltar awes the
beholder- a great cathedral or rock- with the sea founding angrily at each base.
The Rock is barely 3 miles long and 1 mile wide with a narrow strip connecting it with Spain. It is the only
English colony in Europe, and it is a prosperous one. People all over the world have left some fragments of themselves
in the Rock. Bazaars and tiny stores are piled high with French perfume, Spanish mantillas, Morrocan bags, Indian saris
and Turkish in Philippine tobaccos. Even Russian ships often call at this port.
Gibraltar has a long history of foreign occupation. Recorded possession began with the Phoenicians, the Greeks,
the Carthaginians and the Romans. The Romans held it for more than 600 years. Then came the Moors who occupied
the place and stayed on for more than 800 years.
Six hundred years later, the Spaniards tried to take the Rock away from the Turks. After a 150 year warfare, the
Spaniards gained possession of it in 1462. The British gained possession of the Rock in 1704. In 1779, Spain made her
last attempt to regain Gibraltar. Aided by France, Spain starved and hammered the Rock for three and a half years, but
failed.
During World War II, the Rock was used by General Eisenhower as a command post for his North African
Campaign. Miles of underground tunnels in the island were used as hospitals and munition dumps.
Today, Gibraltar stands as history’s symbolic fortress in all its grandeur.
318 WORDS

___________1. What is Gibraltar? a. A precious stone b. A fortress c. A city d. A tunnel
___________2. What does it separate? a. Europe and America b. Europe and Asia c. Europe and
Africa d. A tunnel.
___________3. What usually pass beneath its crags? a. People b. Ships c. Barges d. Bancas
___________4. How long is it? a. 15 miles b. 5 miles c. 3 miles d. 1 mile
___________5. To what colony does Gibraltar belong? a. Dutch b. Greek c. English d.
Carthaginians.
___________6. Is Gibraltar a melting pot? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
___________7. What word best describes Gibraltar? a. Biblical b. Historical c. Pregnable d.
Beautiful
___________8. Who were the first to possess Gibraltar? a. Phoenicians b. Greeks c. Carthaginians d.
Romans
___________9. Who was the famous American general who held his command post at Gibraltar?
a. Mac Arthur b. Taft c. Lee d. Eisenhower
___________10. Is Gibraltar easy to conquer? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not say
BOOK IV No. 4
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SUN POWER CAN BE HARNESSED

Extensive studies by scientists the world over have revealed that our common fuels — wood, coal, oil and
natural gas — will be exhausted sooner than we think. Atomic energy which may replace these fuels in the highly
industrialized countries, is still to expensive for underdeveloped parts of the globe.
A cheap source of power is needed by our world and the only source that can satisfy the world’s ever growing
demands for fuel is the good, old sun.
Sun power or solar energy is abundant and always available. How to capture, store and employ this boundless
energy is a challenge to man’s ingenuity and skill.
Along this line, Bell Telephone Laboratories has perfected a silicon cell about the size of a fifty-centavo piece
which converts sunlight into electricity. A combination of these cells form a “solar battery” from which electrical
voltage is generated. Already in production are solar cells as a source of power for beacons, for mountaintops and
lighthouses, portable radios, walkie-talkies and field radios.
Solar cells have also been used in transmitters of satellites and moon spaceships and rockets. Experts say that
solar cells such as those in the satellites orbiting the earth will last for 200 years of continued use.
Solar stills for purifying water, solar pumps, and solar engines are already in use, although their present cost is
still relatively high.
In many research laboratories, solar heat is utilized because it has no contaminating products of combustion.
Solar houses, or houses that use solar energy for heating, cooling, air-conditioning and even in cooking food,
are in the experimental stages in the United States. Solar cookers or stoves, have been invented and used in university
cafeterias and in places where fuel is hard to find. In Israel, several new apartment houses are heated and cooled by sun
power.
The energy from the sun’s rays offers the greatest source of power for the improvement of man’s standard of
living.
328 WORDS
Answer with True or False:

1. Our common fuels will be exhausted sooner than we think.
2. Nothing has been discovered which could replace these common fuels once they are exhausted.
3. Atomic energy is very cheap.
4. The sun is the only source that could satisfy the world’s ever growing need for fuel.
5. Solar power is power from the sun.
6. Sunlight could be converted to electricity.
7. Solar cells could last for 200 years of continued use.
8. Solar heat has no contaminating product of combustion.
9. Today, solar houses have been built.
10. Solar power or solar energy can help improve man’s standard of living.
BOOK IV No.5
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CARVER, A MAN OF MANY TALENTS
George Washington Carver was an American Negro. He was a research chemist. He had many remarkable
achievements in chemistry researches, in economics and industry.
George was born in 1864 of slave parents. The civil war in America had set him free but he preferred to stay in
the plantation of his former owner, Moses Carver. George learned how to take care of plants instinctively. He collected
different plant species and planted them in his own botanical garden.
At 8, George wanted to learn how to read but the nearby schools were only for white children. A blue-blacked
speller was given to him and he learned all the words it contained in a short time. Then, young George read the Bible.
Perhaps his Bible readings helped him acquire the ability to make friends.
At the age of 10, George left the Carvers to continue his studies. He found a house with the Watkins who
treated him like one of the family as the Carvers had done. He was a very fast learner, and he got through the entire
primary school course in a single year. George worked his way through the upper grade school, high school and college
and later acquired the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
George was appointed head of a Department of Agricultural Research of a negro university. At the university,
he conducted an astonishing series of experiments.
From peanuts he developed nearly 300 by-products such as milk, butter, cheese, coffee, shaving lotion,
breakfast food, flour, soup, ink and cosmetics.
From sweet potatoes, he developed 118 substances including starch, vinegar, shoe-blacking, library paste and
candies.
He developed dyes from clay, onion beans and tomatoes. He made oil paints from clay, peanuts and cattle
manure. From wood shavings, he made synthetic marble.
But peanut was his main interest. Doctor Carver said: “From peanut, one can find food and shelter; he can also
produced medicine, washing powders, face bleach, candy, wall-boards for homes and hundreds of other things.”
330 WORDS
Choose the letter of the best answer:

1. Carver was an (a. American Indian b. American Negro c. African Negro d. Brazilian Negro).
2. He was a (a. pharmacist b. chemist c. doctor d. physicist).
3. He was born of (a. poor b. wealthy c. middle class d. slave) parents.
4. The civil war in American made carver a free man but he preferred to
(a. be slave forever b. stay in his former owner’s plantation c. have his own slave d. have his own plantation).
5. Carver had his own (a. house b. slave c. plantation d. botanical garden).
6. At eight, George wanted to learn how to read but the schools were
(a. very far from his home b. only for white children c. for older children d. for the best children).
7. George as the student was intelligent. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
8. He earned the degree of bachelor of Science in (a. Chemistry b. Pharmacy c. Agriculture d. Economics)
9. (a.Peanut b. Potatoes c.Clay d.Wood shavings) was his main interest having produced so many by-products from it.
10. Carver’s story is a success story (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
BOOK IV No.6
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THE AMAZING AMAZON
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world and it is located in South America. At its mouth, it is more
than 150 miles wide, which is about the distance between the Manila and Baguio. In certain parts of the river, it reaches
a weight of nearly 300 miles, or a distance equivalent to that between the Manila and Ilocos Norte.
It has 1,100 known tributaries. It source is only 80 miles from the Pacific Ocean, in its mouth drains into the
Atlantic Ocean. It has a navigable distance of more than 2,400 miles. In no section of the Amazon could a bridge be
built across each great weight.
All along the Amazon are dangerous denizens of the sea. Alligators by the thousands are found on both banks of
the river and the hundreds of islets dotting the river. The deadly piranhas which can devour a man in a matter of
minutes maybe found, too, around its extensive area. Although the water is fresh, salt-water monsters like sharks,
sawfish, swordfish, porpoises maybe found.
The Amazon is a destructive river but it is also the scene of indescribable beauty. Eighty-six % of the world’s
plant and animal are found in numberless variety in the area. All varieties of edible nuts abound here, so with the
delicious golden mango, several species of bananas, and thousands of varieties of orchids and gourds.
The Amazon basin is the home of birds of all colors and sizes. In it may be found millions of vari- colored
butterflies, from the size of the half-centavo piece to giant white ones the size of herons, storks and creams.
The Amazon region contains ¼ of the world’s forest. The forest area represents only one thing of the Amazon
country. The remaining 90% lies safely above the river and is suited for agriculture and cattle-raising.
The climate is cool and sweet; there is no extreme hot weather although the region is in the equatorial belt.
The 3,000,000 square miles of Amazon country is very sparsely populated. It has a population of only ½ of that
of the city of Manila and suburbs which has an area of only about 200 square miles. Don’t you think it offers great
possibilities as home for the world’s crowded population?

1. The Amazon river is the (a. smallest b. largest c. deepest d. longest) river in the world.
2. Its mouth drains into the (a. Pacific Ocean b. Atlantic Ocean c. Indian Ocean d. Mediterranean Sea).
3. (a. Snakes b. Turtles c. Alligators d. Piranhas) can devour a man in a matter of minutes.
4. The Amazon river water is (a. fresh b. salty c. neither salty nor fresh d. sweet).
5. The Amazon is a destructive river yet it is also (a. beautiful b. worthless c. gruesome d. tiresome).
6. (a. Some b. Few c. Numberless d. Not one) varieties of plants and animals are found in the Amazon region.
7. Butterflies as big as herons are found in the Amazon river. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
8. The Amazon is thickly forested. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
9. 90% of the region is (a. suited to agriculture and farming b. thickly populated c. composed of deserts and
forests d. a thick jungle)
10. The Amazon region is in the (a. temperate zone b. frigid zone c. equatorial belt d. cold zone.
332 WORDS
BOOK IV No.7
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THE STORY OF DAVID
Many centuries before the birth of Christ, a King named Saul reigned in Israel. Israel then was a much-troubled
land. It was always at war with its neighbors, particularly the Philistines. Saul had beaten the Philistines in several
battles, but the Philistine refused to be conquered.
The Philistines had a giant named Goliath on their side. He was ten feet tall. He had a brass helmet, and he was
clothed with a heavy coat of mail. Greaves of brass covered his legs, and a brass buckler covered his shoulders. His
spear had a heavy iron head. He cried out to the bands of Israel: “Choose a man and let him fight me. If he kills me, we
will all be your servants, but if I win, you shall be the servants and serve us.” When the Israelites heard Goliath’s
words, they were greatly dismayed for there was no one among them to accept the challenge.
Now, David, a shepherd boy from Bethlehem, heard about it. He heard, too, of King Saul’s promise of great
riches and his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who could slay the giant. David was brought before King Saul
and he offered to fight the giant. He also told Saul that he had chased, caught and strangled a bear and a lion with his
bare hands, and that the Lord who helped him kill the lion and the bear would likewise help him with the Philistines.
Saul clothed David with his own armor, a brass helmet and a coat of mail, but these were too heavy for David.
He could barely walk in armor, so he took them off and met Goliath with his shepherd’s staff, his slingshot and five
round stones.
Goliath taunted David for daring to fight him with only a staff, but David answered that he was armed with the
might of the Lord whom the Philistines had defiled.
Goliath advanced to meet David. David then put a stone in his sling, whirled it three times over his head and
flung the stone. It struck Goliath in the forehead. The stone sank deep into it. As Goliath fell down, David ran and cut
off Goliath’s head with the giant’s own sword. The Philistines seeing their champion dead, fled away and were pursued
by Saul’s army.
After the death of King Saul, David was appointed King. David who had a strong faith and trust in God became
a great King of his people.

1. When did the story happened? (a. many years ago b. many centuries before Christ
c. only yesterday d. after the birth of Christ)
2. Who was Saul? (a. King of Israel b. King of the Philistines c. Sultan of the Philippines d. Father of David
3. Who was Goliath? (a. member of the Philistine band b. member of the Israelite band
c. Saul’s friend turn to enemy d. a shepherd)
4. What was Goliath’s helmet made of? (a. steel b. iron c. brass d. copper)
5. What was Goliath’s challenge? (a. if he is killed, the Philistines will all be servants to the Israelites.
b. if he is defeated, he will be slave to king Saul c. if he is killed, Philistine will be given to the
Israelites d. if he is killed, the Israelites will be servants to the Philistines.)
6. Who was David? (a. son of king Saul b. shepherd boy c. a giant d. a prince)
7. What was King Saul’s promise to anybody who could defeat Goliath?
(a. his throne b. all his treasures c. his crown and scepter d. his daughter’s hand in marriage plus great riches.
8. Why did David take off his armor? (a. it did not fit him b. it was too heavy for him
c. he wanted another one d. he wanted some thing more expensive.)
9. What was David’s weapon? (a. slingshot and stones b. spear with an iron head c. a long sword d. bow and arrow)
10. What happened to David? (a. Goliath killed him b. he killed Goliath then later became king of the Philistines
c. he killed goliath then later became the king of Israelites d. Goliath nearly killed him but he was able to escape.)
350 WORDS
BOOK IV No.8
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THE REGENT DIAMOND

Gems have always fascinated man. The biggest and brightest gems have proven so irresistible that many people
have staked their fortunes, committed crimes and even lost their lives to gain possession of them. Gems have few uses
other that ornaments but they are among the most sought after objects on earth.
Large and valuable gems are never destroyed. A jewel mid hundreds of years ago, remains as fresh and gleaning
as the one discovered only yesterday. Many gems have some glamorous past. The Regent Diamond is one of these.
About the beginning of the seventeenth century, the rich mines of the Golconda region became known the
outside world. A Portuguese gentleman joined the diamond rush. He spent every cent he had searching for gems but
without results. When he had spent his last cent paying his workmen, he prepared a cup of poison which he intended to
drink at the close of day of his mines. However, on that faithful day, one of his workmen rush to him with a big
diamond. It weight about four hundred fifty carats. He was saved! He sold the gem to a native dealer for a handsome
profit.
Early the next century, the native gem dealer offered to Sir Thomas Pitt, governor of Madras in India, the uncut
diamond for $300,000. After much haggling, the gem was finally bough for $ 85,000.
It was a long time before Sir Thomas could sell the diamond. When he was relieved of his governorship of
Madras, he left for London with his diamond away from him. Some even accused him of having obtained the precious
gem through foul means.
The Duke of Orleans, then regent of France offered to buy it. Sir Thomas delivered the jewel personally to the
regent, who paid him handsomely for it. It became known as the Regent Diamond and two years were spent in cutting
it. On special occasion the regent wore it as a button on his hat. Then it was placed in the coronation crown.
When Marie Antoinette became the Queen of France, she had it removed from the coronation crown. She
fashioned it into a brooch which she fastened to a large black hat with dashing white ostrich plumes.
When Napoleon became Emperor, he set the gem in the hilt of his ceremonial sword.
When short of funds, the French Government used to pawn the crown jewels, including the Regent Diamond,
for cash but they were always redeemed. Once, during the French Revolution, the Regent Diamond stolen but it was
later recovered in the garret of a Pares cabaret.
Today, the Regent Diamond is safely lodged in the French Museum.

1. The selection is entirely about the different kinds of common gems.
2. Gems have many uses other than ornaments.
3. Valuable gems lose their value as time goes by.
4. A diamond is a big fortune.
5. The Portuguese miner in the story would have committed suicide if his workman had not found a big diamond.
6. This diamond later became known as the regent diamond.
7. Two years were spent in cutting it.
8. At first, the regent of France wore it has button on his hat, then later placed it on the coronation cross.
9. The Regent Diamond has passed on from Marie Antoinette to Napoleon and then it was lost.
10. From then on, it has never been recovered.
352 WORDS
BOOK IV No.9
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SHARKS, MONSTERS OF THE DEEP
To many, sharks are the most fearful of all denizens of the sea. Some sharks are monsters of more than 30 feet
long. They are slow, but powerful and dangerous, too.
Among the sharks, the tiger-shark is the most vicious killer. It is not big. It is only six to eight feet long. This
species hunts in pairs or in pack, and attacks on the slightest excuse. The attack and viciousness of the tiger-shark is
unbelievably swift and relentless.
Man has discovered that he will never be a match for any shark in the water. But because he had to go to sea for
his own livelihood he had to find a way to keep himself free from the attack of sharks.
Hunting sharks is a hazardous operation. Sharks are hunted mostly because of the menace they pose. Fisherman
who depend on the sea for their livelihood go on shark hunting expeditions with the sole purpose for ridding their
fishing grounds of these monsters.
Fishermen go in groups to shark-infested zones. They used decomposed meat as shark-baits. As the shark
surface, they are shot with harpoons. The wounded sharks are attacked by other sharks, so the killing continues— man
against shark, and shark against shark.
The Malaysians have developed a safe but sure method of killing sharks. They toss hundreds of iron spikes
wrapped in chunks of meat to the sharks. When the shark gulps the meat he is as good as dead. The shark suffers from
stomachache and wile it writhes in pain, its movement will cause the ball of spikes to tear away at its innards and then
dies.
Another method used by fisherman is to tow baited hooks behind slow-cruising fishing boats. When the shark
darts in for the bait, they are shot dead by the fishermen safe aboard their boats.
Sulu fishermen have discovered that there was one sound that sharks do not like. This noise is caused by
robbing and banging together an iron harpoon head and whetstone under water. When the Sulu skin-divers dive for
mother-of-pearls or for underwater seafood in the shark-infested Sulu sea, they take along with them a harpoon and
whetstone which they rub and bang together to drive sharks away.
1. Sharks are feared by people. (a. true b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell.)
2. They can grow as long as. (a. 30 inches b. 30 years c. 30 meters d. feet) long.
3. Of all sharks, the tiger-shark is the (a. friendliest b. most dangerous c. most useful d. slowest)
4. Hunting shark is easy and exciting. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
5. Sharks are hunted mostly because of their meat. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
6. When fisherman hunt sharks, they use as baits. (a. raw meat b. worms c. decomposed meat d. fresh meat)
7. As the sharks surface, they are shot with (a. bow and arrow b. harpoons c. machine guns d. rifles)
8. The (a. Sulu fishermen b. Malaysians c. Chinese d. Filipinos) use iron spikes wrapped in meat chunks to kill
sharks.
9. Sharks hate the sound of (a. thunder b. guns and rifles c. harpoon heads and whetstone d. people’s voices.
10. Sharks are not really dangerous so they should be left alone. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell.
371 WORDS
BOOK IV No.10
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LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. His father and his grandfather had moved to this city from Antwerp,
Belgium in 1732. They were singers with the courts band at Bonn while his mother, a German, was a servant at the
palace. Because of the meagerness of his father’s income as a signer and his intemperate habits, the family was always
in need. Their family life was a continuous misery. But with all his faults the father trained his son to become a child
musician whose concert performance helped fill the family needs. He was credited for having given his son the best
instruction he could procure for him. Thus, Ludwig was the pupil of the court organist at the age of nine. He made his
first concert tour when he was eleven and when he was 13, he became assistant to the court organist. At 15, it was
necessary for Ludwig to take charge of his mother’s ill health. Yet, the boy made very much progress in his art in spite
of these trying circumstances. His friends who were impressed by his genius helped him take up his residence in
Vienna, the world’s musical center and it was in this city that he spent the remainder of his life. His brilliant
performance on the clavichord established his place in musical circles and his compositions were eagerly sought by
publishers. He soon became the foremost musician of the day.
In the midst of his triumphs he became totally deaf. With this affliction came great periods of intense suffering
caused by acute digestive trouble which was made worse by his unsteady temperament. It was not long before he
withdrew entirely from society. His troubles came one after another, and he became entangled in lawsuits which
separated him from his best friends. A nephew who was left under his care and whom he loved very dearly proved a
burden and a cause for bitterness to him.
His habits, like his music, had followed no rules. He would endure no interruptions when he was composing.
Beethoven never knew the comforts of a real home. He worked in the greatest disorder with unsympathetic
housekeepers, so he frequently changed his residence. He was given to spending most of his time in the country, the
fields, and wandering about singing to himself.
In his isolation, composition after composition flowed from his pen, from dainty bagatelle to grand symphony,
from simple songs to opera. His skill as a musician shone in all his works. His 38 sonatas alone ranked him first among
musicians.
His life was a mixture of suffering and success. It was his symphonies that gave him incontestable place in the
world of music. No musician at any time can claim to have the musical talent on a level with Beethoven.
Direction: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
___________1. Beethoven was born in (Antwerp, Bonn, Paris).

___________2. His mother was a (mistress, servant, singer) in the palace.
___________3. The family had always (plenty, nothing, more) than what they had always been in need.
___________4. His father was a (drunkard, organist, musician) that is why they had always been in need.
___________5. His father was credited for having given his son the best instruction in (mathematics, music,
court singing).
___________6. He took up his residence in the world’s musical center, (Paris, Vienna, Bonn).
___________7. Ludwig became totally (deaf, blind, incompetent) in the midst of his triumph.
___________8. He never knew the comforts of a real (home, son. father).
___________9. His (symphonies, songs, poems) made him incontestable as a musician.
__________10. No time and no nation in the world has had anything even remotely to compare with this great
(statesman, musician, writer).

377 WORDS
BOOK IV No.11
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE BEST RECOMMENDATION
Jerry wanted to continue his studies through college after graduation from the high school, so every morning he
never failed to read the classified wanted ads in the newspaper. He scanned even the smallest ad, hoping to find one
company needing the services of the high school graduates.
His patience paid off for early one morning he read and ad which said: “ An executive wants a boy to assist him
in his office. Should at least be a high school graduate.”
Jerry cut the ad and quickly took a bath. He put on a clean suit, brushed his short hair neatly and after asking
permission from his mother, he proceeded to the office which advertised the ad. When he reached the place, he saw that
it was filled with young people. His heart beat faster for he felt he had a very slim chance to be selected.
Very soon the office is became empty and jerry found himself being briefed by the executive. He was asked to
report at eight o’clock the following morning. After Jerry left the office, the manager asked the executive, “ What made
you select that boy who did not have a single recommendation.”
“There is were you are mistaken,” explained the executive. “ Before entering this office, he wiped his feet and
closed the door quietly. It shows he is careful. I noticed that he stood instantly and offered his seat to an old man who
entered the office. His acts shows that he is a kind and thoughtful boy. He took of his cap when he entered the room
and answered my questions promptly showing that he is polite gentlemanly.
“Do you that I purposely laid a book on the floor to find out what these applicants will do?” the executive
continued. “This boy pick it up and placed it on the table while the rest step on it. Does this not show that this boy is
orderly? While the others pushed and jostled each other in their desire to be interviewed first, this boy waited quietly
for his turn instead of pushing and crowding as the rest did. I noticed, when I talk to him, that his clothes were neat and
tidy, his hair well-combed and his fingernails were clean. Of course, he had not a single letter of recommendation, but
the tings that he did count more than a dozen letters of recommendation. Furthermore, I really do not believe in written
recommendations. I gauge a person’s character by the way he behaves spontaneously because I believe that the training
of a person will always show in whatever he does and in whatever place he is.
“Now, I hope you are convinced why I selected that boy among the other applicants even without a single
written recommendation.”
Choose the letter of the best answer:

1. What does Jerry usually do every morning? a. water his plants b. take a walk
c. read the classified ads d. jog at the park
2. What does Jerry want to do after graduation from high school? a. continue studying b. stop studying and work
c. go abroad d. go into business
3. What kind of job did Jerry apply for? a. janitor b. salesman c. sales agent d. office assistant
4. Did Jerry bring a letter of recommendation? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
5. Was Jerry the first and only applicant? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
6. If you were the manager, would you have chosen Jerry, too? a. Yes b. No c. Cannot tell d. Maybe
7. What kind of a boy was Jerry? a. Intelligent b. Responsible and well-mannered c. Poor d. Enviable
8. How can the character of a person be shown? a. by his action b. by his letter
c. by others who know him d. by his smiles
9. Should Jerry be emulated? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Cannot tell
10. Do you think Jerry would be successful one day? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
445 WORDS
BOOK IV No.12
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE STORY OF THE TYPEWRITER
In 1880, the Young Women’s Christian Association of the State of New York, U.S.A, announced an office
training course to be given to eight handpicked young ladies. The ladies were to be taught shorthand and to and to
operate a new machine known as “ Mechanical typographer” or “ typewriter”. An important qualification for the
applicants was that they should be physically strong for it was thought that an average woman could hardly operate the
machine.
The training course was laughed at first because women in business were unheard of at that time. Business
letters were handled by male clerks who laboriously copied letters in longhand in a copperplate script at the rate of 15
to 20 words per minute.
After six months with the “machine” the women trainees landed jobs at $8,00 a week — a favorable contrast to
women’s current wages of $3.00 to $4.00 a week in the mills or factories.
Today, uncounted millions all over the world are operating the “machine” in various business offices. The day
of the long-hand writers has ended. The age of the “typewriter” is on.
The first writing machine, a clumsy one was made three Americans, namely: Carlos Glidden, Samuel Soul and
Cristopher Sholes. Their machine which came out in 1867 could write only on thin paper. Six years later, Sholes came
up with the first really all-around machine. It looked like a sewing machine, with a cast- iron stand and a foot treadle.
Shole and his financier thought it best to engage in a bigger company to produce, manufacture and sell their
invention. They took the machine to E. Remington & Sons, of New York, who saw a future in the apparatus, and
agreed to take many refinements and improvements, the Remington model no. 21 appeared in 1874.
At first, businessmen stubbornly rejected the innovation. Clerks even threatened to walk out in protest if the
device were brought to the offices on the belief that the machine would rob them of their jobs.
But the gadget aroused general curiosity. Whenever Remington sold a machine, it had to have a typist to go
with it. Thus, courses for typists were offered by the manufacturers for know-how of the machines.
The introduction of the “touch system” supplanting the two-finger technique gave the typewriter its greatest
boost. The new system boosted also the sale of the typewriter, and soon more and more women begun to break the wall
that kept females out of the business worlds.
The first electrically operated typewriter came out in 1925. The arrangement of the standard keyboard is the
same as the one invented by Sholes.
The inventor of the typewriter died a poor man. His total proceeds from patent rights amounted to only $12,000.
But he lived long enough to see the transformation his machine had brought about in business offices.
Answer with True ort False:
1. The first typewriter was used in the year 1900.
2. During that time, women had no place in business offices.
3. The first typewriter was enthusiastically welcomed.
4. It was made by Italians.
5. Clerks then threatened to walk out on the belief that the typewriter would rob them of their jobs.
6. Remington and Sons is a company produced, manufactured and sold typewriter.
7. The invention of the typewriter paved the way for the opening of courses of typists.
8. The first electrically-operated typewriter came out only in the 1960’s.
9. The inventor of the typewriter became one of the richest man in the world.
10. Today, the typewriter is indispensable in business offices.
490 WORDS
BOOK IV No.13
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE PRINCE OF TAGALOG POETS
The greatest Tagalog epic poem ever written is Florante at Laura by Francisco Baltazar, better known as
Balagtas. The love story was written in the form of a poem. It pictured the sad plight of the Philippines during the early
years of the Spanish regime.
The prince of Tagalog Poets was born in Panginay, Bigaa, Bulacan on April 2, 1788. His father was a black-
smith and could not afford to send his son to school but Francisco’s desire to acquire an education urged him to find a
way to realized his ambition.
He was only eleven years old when he hiked to Manila to look for work. He was lucky to find work in the house
of the richman named Trinidad who lived in Tondo. He was sent to school in returned of his services and was able to
finish his elementary schooling at the Colegio de San Jose.
He entered the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1812 where he finished a course equivalent to the present high
school. He also studied philosophy, theology and Spanish.
Francisco started writing at an early age. Many knew him at Bilbao Street in Tondo where he lived because of
his poetic ability. With the help of his professor Father Mariano Pilapil, his “passion” took form in 1814.
Likewise, Balagtas came to know of Jose de la Cruz, an old poet who was then well-known as Husing Sisiw. He
came by that name because he refused to accept money from those who asked for his help, but instead, he found a chick
acceptable. From then one, he was called Husing Sisiw.
Young Francisco approached Mang Jose to help him with his poems but was refused because he had no chick to
offer him. It was said that Husing Sisiw’s refusal was a blessing in disguise Kiko learned to polish his poems by
himself and grew to be an independent writer.
Balagtas move from Tondo to Pandacan where he came to kwon Maria Asuncion Rivera whom he courted. But
his powerful rival for his affection Nanong Kapule got rid of him by railroading him to prison. It was behind prison
bars that he wrote his masterpiece, Florante at Laura. People believed that the heroine of his poem, Celia, is Maria
Asuncion Rivera, the woman who was the inspiration of his epic.
Many of the sayings from his masterpiece are often repeated by people, because they found them applicable
during the Spanish time. These sayings are varied themes including filial love, patriotism, love of God, courage and
industry. Because of the way his writings are expressed, Balagtas was acclaimed “ Prince of Tagalog Poets”.
Today, we remember Balagtas for his contribution to the development of Tagalog, which is now the basis of our
national language. He, more than anyone else, gave us the basis of a common tongue which is very important in the
development of our Nation.
Write the letter of the correct answer on your paper:
1. What was the greatest Tagalog poem ever written? (a. Florante at Laura b. Ang Bayan c. Banaag at Sikat).
2. What condition was pictured in the poem?
(a. The sad plight of the Spaniards b. The sad plight of the Filipinos c. The sad plight of the clergy).
3. Where did he finish his elementary school? (a. Colegio de San Juan de Letran b. Ateneo d. c.Colegio de San Jose
4. Who helped him finish his passion? (a. Father Pilapil b. Father Jose c. Huseng Balut).
5. How was Jose de la Cruz known? (a. Huseng manok b. Huseng sisiw c. Huseng Balut).
6. Why was Huseng Sisiw’s refusal to help him a blessing in disguise?
(a. he became an independent writer b. He stopped writing c. He asked others to write for him).
7. Who sent him to prison? (a. Asuncion Rivera b. Nanung Kapule c. Jose de la Cruz).
8. How did people acclaimed him? (a. old poet b. prince of Tagalog poet c. national language).
9. Why do we remember Balagtas today? (a. because of his fame b. because he was a poet c. because of his
contribution to the development of Pilipino).
492 WORDS
BOOK IV No.14
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
JOEY, A SPY IN SKIRTS
Among the cleverest and bravest woman spies in the war against the Japanese was Josefina Guerrero, or “ Joey”
as she was then known. She decorated by the American government with the Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm, the
highest award for war service ever given to a civilian.
Josefina was orphaned early in life. As a little girl, she wanted to be a nun, but she contracted tuberculosis. Did
this not make her strong enough for a nun’s life. She was brought to the farm where she recovered and regained her
health.
Back in Manila, Joey fell in love and married Dr. Renato Maria Guerrero.
In 1941, Joey was afflicted with leprosy. But this did not stop her and her husband from joining the
underground movement after the outbreak of the Japanese war. Joey observed the movement of Japanese groups and
gun emplacements and reported them to Manuel Colayco, then a captain in the Allied Intelligence Bureau.
By September, 1944, the approaching Americans were bombing and smashing guns emplacements of Joey had
mapped out for them. She and her husband had mapped out and planted time bombs or “ vegetables” in Japanese
ammunition dumps.
Joey’s sickness, however, was getting worse. Blotches had began to appear in her face; her body was covered
with sores.
Early in 1945, when the Americans were approaching Manila, Captain Colayco summoned Joey for the most
dangerous mission of all. The guerillas needed someone to take a corrected map of the Japanese defenses and mined
areas near Manila, to the 37th Division Headquarters at Calumpit, Bulacan. The Americans had planned to attack the
Japanese defenses but certain areas were heavily mined only recently and these mines were not indicated in the original
maps. The Japanese guarded every road and footpath and searched all passersby. To be caught meant certain and
immediate death.
Across the battlefield trudged a little Filipino woman bearing a knapsack on her bent shoulders. The map was
taped between her shoulder blades. On the first day, at the outskirts of Manila, a Japanese officer halted her, and
approached as if to search her. As he came closer, he saw her bloated face with red, open sores. He stared at her in fear,
and quickly waved her on. Joey realized that she had a terrible passport that would get her through.
Several times on three-day trip to Calumpit, Joey was stopped by Japanese soldiers, but when they saw her
sores and heard her word — “Leprosy”, they hurried away, Joey got the map through and thereby saved hundreds of
American and Filipino lives. It was Joey’s one great contribution to allied victory in the Philippines.
At the end of the war, Joey was treated at the Tala Leprosarium. Then through the intercession of friends, she
was treated in an American leper hospital. Joey recovered rapidly; her sores healed, her face glowed: a tribute to
modern treatment and skill.
When Joey left the hospital, she vowed to help those who are suffering from Hansen’s disease.

1. Josefina Guerrero was a spy during the Japanese war.
2. She had wanted to be a nurse when she was a girl.
3. She contracted tuberculosis which did not make her fit for a nun’s life.
4. Later she contracted leprosy — a kind of disease that is not communicable.
5. Joey mapped out and planted time bombs in Japanese ammunition dumps.
6. When summoned for a very dangerous mission, Joey rejected to push it through.
7. Her passport was her terrible disease — leprosy.
8. The Japanese were not scared of her.
9. She was able to pass through several times but was later caught and tried by the Japanese.
10. When she was finally cured of her sickness, she vowed to help those who were still suffering from leprosy.
501 WORDS
BOOK IV No.15
___________ _______________ ____________________ _____________ _______
MORE RICE FOR ASIA’S MILLIONS

Rice is the stuff of life for Asia’s millions. It is basically carbohydrates, an energy builder. Two out of three
Asians depend on it for their diet. Sixty per cent of the Asians spend their lives raising or distributing it.
Rice covers one-eight of the earth’s arable land. But there is never enough rice for Asia’s population which is
increases by about one million every week. Ninety per cent of the world’s rice is grown in Asia, but Asia’s yields per
acre have been the lowest in the world.
The Ford and the Rockefeller Foundation ventured to establish the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
in the Philippines. By collecting every known strain of the more than 9,500 varieties of rice in the world, the IRRI
scientists found out that the typical rice plant was “built wrongly”. It was too tall, and when fertilizer was used, the
extra growth of the stalk would cause the plant to fall flat. Rice heads could therefore develop fully. It was also leafy
and the lower leaves could not received enough sunlight, thus the plant cannot produce enough grain.
Through cross-breading and selection, IRRI scientists were able to produce miracle results; improved varieties
were produced. The short Taiwan rice plant, crossed with a tall Indonesia type, produced IR-8. This new plant has more
stalk and heads which could produced more rice grains. Even when heavy with rice, sturdy IR-8 stands straight,
allowing more plants to be grown per square meter. It matures early (within a maximum of 130 days) regardless of
season, permitting some farmers to raise three crops a year. With proper fertilization, irrigation, disease and insects
control, each crop can produce up to 10 metric tons of rice per hectare, compared to, at most, four local of varieties.
For centuries, farmers used to plants rice seeds in nurseries and transplant the seedlings to the previously
prepared seedbed. Today scientists broadcast the soaked rice seeds directly onto a prepared seedbed and yield the same
results. Much labor is saved under the new method. It took 15-man days to transplant seedlings in an area where soaked
seeds can be broadcast in one-man day.
The IRRI also found out that it was not necessary to flood rice paddies with water, knee-deep, that one inch of
certain periods of growth, thus saving both water and labor. Before, it was believed that continuous cropping with rice
was bad. But the IRRI had grown 17 successive crops of rice on one rice field, never letting the soil dry out, and the
last crop was the best the researches harvested.
The IRRI also discovered the virus of the disease infecting the growing palay, and have developed chemicals to
combat the “ leaf-hopper” disease. Wedding the rice fields was effected through the application of some selective
granular herbicides in the water which attack and kill the weeds without hurting the plant.
The discovery of a miracle rice and its herbicides promises better life to the two billion people for whom rice is
king.
1. (a. corn b. rice c. wheat d. rye) is the staff of life for Asia’s millions.
2. It is basically (a. protein b. carbohydrate c. mineral d. fat).
3. It covers (a. 1/3 b. 1/6 c. 1/8 d. ¼) of the earth’s arable land.
4. There is always enough rice for Asia’s population (a. True b. False c. maybe d. Does not tell)
5. The IRRI was a joint venture of the (a. Ford and Ford b. Ford and Standford
c. Ford and Rockefeller d. Standford and Rockefeller) Foundation.
6. There are about (a. 5,00 b. 9,500 c. 10,000 d. 950) varieties of rice in the world.
7. The typical rice plant was (a. easy to grow b. hard to grow c. very productive d. “built wrongly”).
8. Through cross-breading, (a. better b. poorer c. weaker d. equal) varieties were produced.
9. The new method of rice production does not make use of nurseries and seedbeds.
(a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
10. The discovery of the miracle rice and its herbicides promises (a. better life b. lower standard of living
c. more employment d. more recreation to Asians.)
506 WORDS
BOOK IV No.16
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
VETERANS OF THE REVOLUTION
It was National heroes’ Day. People from all walks of life milled around the perimeter of the Luneta spilling into Taft
Avenue and the other streets around to watch the parade.
Luis and Rene were among the crowd of onlookers. As they watched the parade, a few old veterans of the revolutions
passed by. With slow steps they dragged their tired, old feet to keep pace with the other participants of the parade. They wore their
faded “rayadillo” uniform with patches all over.
Luis laughed out loud “ How funny those old revolutionaries look! I wonder why they still joined the parade. Look, Rene,
they could hardly lift their feet. They could not even keep time with the music. See their contrast with military academy cadets.
Those are the real soldiers. See how they carry themselves unlike this old wash backs.”
Don’t ever make fun of this old revolutionaries,” Rene answered almost angrily. “ Instead, we should show respect and
reverence to this old veterans. They are not dressed regally like your military cadets, and they cannot march as your cadets do but
do you know they are the real soldiers?”
“What do you mean by real soldiers?” asked Luis maliciously.
“They were courageous enough to rise and defy the mighty. Spanish soldier,” explained Rene. “With very meager
weapons they fought until they were able to win our independence from the Spaniards.”
“But it was a short-lived independence,” defended Luis.
“True,” agreed Rene. ”But do you know what they used to fight against the guns and cannons of the enemy? They used
bolos and knives and many of them gave their lives for our country’s cause. Wit pride they were able to proclaim our first
Independence Day in Cavity. They also drafted a constitution in Malolos which was the basis or parents constitution.”
Luis kept silent. Rene continued. “They made possible the singing of our National Anthem and the raising of our own
Filipino Flag.”
“The sad fact about these old revolutionaries is that they receive very little pensions from our government as compared
with the backpay received by the soldiers who fought against the Japanese in World War II.”
“I understand now why our veterans are discontented,” Luis said nodding his head. “There is no justice in the allocation
of pensions. Surely this veterans should receive a better deal from our government.”
“You are right,” Rene agreed. “In spite of their old age, these veterans never fail to participate in this parades. The old
spirit of nationalism has never died in their hearts. Given a chance, they will rise again in the defense of our country.”
“I salute the courageous old revolutionaries,” Luis said with fervor. “Thank you, Rene , for explaining what they did for
our country.”
“It is about time that the government do something for these old veterans of the revolution. The little pension that they
receive could hardly give them a decent living. Therefore their pension must be increase to give them a little enjoyment for the
rest of their lives which is, sad to say, will not be long,” said Rene.
“It is hoped that justice may be given them and their plight improved,” added Luis.
Copy the letter of the correct answer:

1. What was being celebrate? (a. National Heroes’ Day b. All Saints’ Day c. Christmas Day d. Independence Day)
2. Why were people milling around the streets? (a. to line in buying rice b. to watch the parade c. to watch the play d. to see the show)
3. What caught Rene’s and Luis’ interest? ( a. Boy Scouts b. ROTC c. Veterans d. PMA cadets)
4. What uniform did the old revolutionaries wear? (a. khaki b. white c. rayadillo d. fatigue)
5. Who made fun of the old soldiers? (a. Luis b. Rene c. veterans d. The onlookers)
6. What is the sad plight of this old soldiers? (a. they are given little pension b. they are exiled in other countries
c. they are considered cowards d. they are scoffed at).
7. What has not died in the hearts of the old revolutionaries?
(a. participating in parades b. spirit of nationalism c. wearing uniforms d. rivalry wars).
8. What is expected of the government with regards to these revolutionists?
(a. increased pensions b. good uniforms c. better participation d. further neglect)
9. What is the hope of this revolutionists? (a. good jobs b. fair justice c. luxuries in life d. better recognition).
10. What do this revolutionists personify/ (a. patriotism b. mendicancy c. dole outs d. mendicants).
511 WORDS
BOOK IV No.17
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
“PAL” FLIES TO RED CHINA
PAL flies to Red China! The news flashed over the radio and on TV. “Incredible,” some said . “ No Philippine plane can
fly over the Red China nor land on its soil.” But a PAL plane did, and here is the story.
On March 30, 1971, Philippine Airline domestic flight 113 from Manila to Davao was on flight for about 45 minutes
when two long-haired youths entered the cockpit. One pointed a revolver at Capt. Antonio Misa, Jr., the plane’s pilot, and said,
“This is a hijack.” Another held the aircrafts fire axe at the head of co-pilot Raul Trinidad.
The hijackers wanted the pilot to take the plane to Peking. Capt. Misa, however, was able to convince the hijackers that
the plane did not have enough fuel to get to Peking. He told the hijackers that they could refuel in Hongkong and get maps which
could guide them to Peking. To his, the hijackers agreed.
During the entire trip to Hongkong, Capt, Misa, with the hijacker’s permission to land the hijacked plane. “Mayday,
Mayday, Mayday,” signaled Capt. Misa indicating that the plane was in serious trouble. They landed at 9:25 a.m., with gasoline
tanks nearly empty.
The hijackers wanted the plane refueled in just fifteen minutes but the Hongkong authorities were unable to do so.
However, they assured the hijackers that no attempt would be made in Hongkong to stop their plane. Capt. Misa convinced the
hijackers that they must unload some of the passengers lighten of the plane and thus load more fuel for the trip to Peking.
Nineteen of the forty-four passengers were released in Hongkong.
Peking’s permission could not be secured, so it was decided by the hijackers to proceed to Canton instead. The trip to
Canton was the first for every crew member abroad including Capt. Misa. The plane left Hongkong at 11:30 and arrived in Canton
at 12:21. A platoon of soldiers met the plane. The crew were taken to the terminal, the passengers to another barracks and the
hijackers to the third place.
After dinner that evening, the crew had a conference with the Canton authorities. The crew was told that the Chinese did
not approve the hijacking; that they were not permitted to go to Peking; and that they were free to leave the next day. They were
also told that they could take back the hijackers if they wanted to, but Capt. Misa refused.
The following morning, the hijackers apologized to the PAL plane crew for the inconvenience and the threats they made.
They helped clean the PAL plane and sign their names in the captain’s flight book. As they parted, Capt. Misa told them: “ I hope
you find what you are looking for.” The hijackers all six of them, whose weapons included a pair of scissors, three. 22 caliber
guns and the aircraft’s fire axe, were students of Mindanao State University. The Filipinos returned home from Canton were
impressed by their courtesy and discipline.
On this first hijacking of a Philippine plane to Communist china, nobody suffered from heart attack; nobody was
distraught.
it was a successful hijack from the viewpoint of the hijackers.

1. This story is about (a. plane crash b. hijack c. collision c. helicopter rescue).
2. Philippine planes are allowed to fly over Red China (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
3. The PAL plane was on flight from manila to (a. Davao b. Cebu c. Hongkong d. Peking).
4. (a. six b. two c. three d. four) youths enter the cockpits.
5. one pointed a revolver at the pilot and another held the plane’s fire axe at the head of
(a. the steward b. the passengers c. the co-pilot d. a baby passenger).
6. The hijackers wanted to take the plane to (a. Hongkong b. Peking c. Davao d. Manila)
7. The hijackers decided to proceed to (a. Cebu b. Tientsin c. Canton d. Shanghai) instead when Peking’s permission could not
be secured.
8. The Chinese (a. approved b. disapproved c. masterminded d. financed) the hijack.
9. “Mayday” is the signal indicating that the plane is (a. perfectly alright b. landing safely c. in serious trouble d. taking off).
10. The hijackers were the students of the (a. Mindanao State of University b. University of the Philippines
c. Ateneo University d. University of San Carlos).
522 WORDS
BOOK IV No.18
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
ELEPHANTS AT WORK
Man’s superiority over the other members of the animal kingdom is demonstrated by his ability to domesticate and trained
other animals to work for him and to perform certain tasks at his command. He has trained horses, oxen, water buffaloes, camels,
llamas and other animals to be his beasts of burden.
The people of India, moreover, have been greatly successful in harnessing the elephant to work for them. The elephants
work tremendous tasks man could not otherwise accomplish without the help of heavy and expensive machinery.
The worth of elephant labor to the lumberman of India is incalculable. A lumber firm whose business is to extract
valuable teak lumber from the forests of India, Siam and Burma, employs some 2,500 elephants, worth about 7,000,000 pesos in
order to brig the teak logs from the cutting areas to the streams and rivers to the sawmills.
Timber elephants are allowed to live as much as possible like wild elephants. But because of the care and attention given
to them, they are healthier then their wild counter-parts.
In its wild state, an elephant will feed 20 hours out of the 24 to fill its enormous bulk with green feed. He moves
constantly as he feeds. He sleeps very little.
A working elephants gets his full feed in two or three hours. It wok only for about four hours daily, during the early
morning, and only four or five days a week. It does not work during the hot season. But even this short working hours impose a
strain on the elephant’s physique so it given salt. It is taken down to the river daily, its back scrubbed with coconut husks. During
the hours of idleness, it is allowed to wander at will in the jungle, attached to a long chain which makes its easy to track down. A
wooden or metal bell is tied around its neck.
Domesticated elephants are of a kind disposition. However, some of them become “rogue elephants” or troublesome ones
because of irritating wounds or tusks trouble.
The age cycle of an elephant is like that on a man. An elephant is put to light work at 16, gains full strength and
development at 25, and is retired at 65. Few elephants live beyond 75 years. Females may carry calves at ages between 18 to 20
years.
The Indian elephant grows to a height of 9 feet at the shoulder, and weighs about 5 tons. The males frequently have tusks,
but many do not grow them. The tuskless elephants have better physical developments and they often rule the herd.
Herd instinct among elephants is very strong. All the elephants of herd will come to aid and succor a herd member who
has been trapped or injured. Most timber elephants are born into the herd, their parents being elephants working in the same camp.
Two animals of different sexes will form a friendship which develops into constant companionship. They were not work unless
together. After months of this companionship, they become “married” and they stay married for the rest of their lives.

1. Man is (a. superior b. inferior c. equal d. slave) to the other members of the animal kingdom.
2. Elephants have been harnessed by the people of (a. China b. India c. The Philippines d. Japan) to work for them.
3. Timber elephants are allowed to live like (a. wild b. domesticated c. trained d. pet) elephants.
4. A wild elephants feeds (a. 20 hours b. 24 hours c. 4 hours d. 3 hours) out of the 24 to fill their enormous bulk.
5. A working elephants gets its full feed in (a. one or two b. three or four c. two or three d. five) hours.
6. Rogue elephants are (a. tamed b. domesticated c. wild d. troublesome).
7. The age cycle of the elephants is like that of a (a. horse b. lion c. man d. leopard).
8. An elephants gain full development at the age of (a. 18 b. 16 c. 25 d. 65).
9. (a all b. some c. few d. no) elephants have tusks.
10 (a. herd b. mating c. reflex d. tribal) instinct of elephants are strong.
525 WORDS
BOOK IV No.19
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
MEDALS FOR A HERO
In the defense of his country during the war with the Japanese, Ferdinand Marcos became the most decorated and valor-
cited soldier in the nation’s history.
Ferdinand was a reserve officer. He was called to joined the service on November 15, 1941 and was assigned as combat
intelligence officer under General Mateo Capinpin. The Japanese had successfully invaded the islands. The mighty Americans
thought they could brush them away like ants, but they were disappointed. In battle after battle, the Japanese with their aerial
bombs, automatic weapons, their planes and tanks humbled the mighty Americans forces until the latter, together with their
Filipino allies, were forced to surrendered its defense perimeter, the Bataan Peninsula.
Bataan as the defense position was hopeless. At best its defense was only good as a delaying action if reinforcements were
coming. Offshore was Corregidor, a highly fortified island, but obsolete in aerial warfare. Bataan was a vast trap the only chance
to break out was through the Japanese lines which encircled Bataan by land. The Army and the 26,000 civilians were caught
without food and medicine and no way of supplying them.
In this hell, the defenders clung for three months with daily ration of shells from Japanese batteries or bombs from enemy
planes. The gallant Filipinos did not have hopes of winning the war. All they could do was fight with the in-adequate arms that
they had, hoping to inflict as much damage as possible, with death waiting for them all the way. They fought relentlessly until
they were finally ordered to surrender. The bloody cruelty of the Death March followed.
A gallant Filipino officer, Ferdinand Marcos, was in the thick of this fight. Time and again, with only a handful of men, he
sailed forth, ambushing enemy patrols, destroying gun batteries, and setting fire to ammunition dumps.
One of those incursions behind the enemy lines took place in Mt. Natib. In the dark of night, Marcos, with only three men,
ambushed a Japanese force, killing eight officers and more than forty enlisted men. They succeeded in destroying the heavy
batteries and mortars of the enemy in Mt. Natib. Only one of Lt. Marcos’ men was killed in the engagement. Lt. Marcos and his
men were pursued by the Japanese patrols guided by war dogs. They eluded the pursuers but not for long. On the fourth day, they
were captured by surprise. They were mercilessly tortured so they would give out information as to the weak points of the Filipino
defense area. Lt. Marcos fooled them by showing instead a heavily defended area. Finally, Lt. Marcos and his two men were tied
up and left on the ground with two soldiers on guard. As darkness fell, Marcos succeeded in chaffing free of his ropes. He killed
the guards, released hi two companions, and led them safely back to the camp.
For the Mt. Natib adventure, Lt. Marcos received the Silver Medal Star and the Distinguished Service Cross with
accompanying citations which read:
“...He with three men attacked and dislodged a greatly superior force... culminating and driving the enemy back. His
coolness of conduct under enemy fire, exemplary courage and utter disregards for his personal safety inspired the men under him
to act like veteran soldiers...”
Later, Lt. Marcos again took part in a battle at Salian and Abo-Abo river. Here he was recommended for the
Congressional medal of Honor, the highest military award given by the United States.
Select the letter of the correct answer:

1. Marcos became the Philippines’ most decorated soldier because of the valor he had shown during
(a. World War II b. Spanish-Filipino War c. Japanese-Filipino War d. the war with the Americans).
2. The Americans thought they could brush the (a. Filipinos b. Spaniards c. Japanese d. other American) away like ants.
3. The Japanese forces proved the they were mightier than the American forces. (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell)
4. The Filipinos have no hope of winning the war but the continue fighting. (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell)
5. In the battle of (a. Mt. Mayon b. Mt. Natib c. Mt. Arayat d. Mt. Makiling) Marcos fought the Japanese with only three men.
6. The Japanese used (a. missiles b. detecting device c. war dogs d. secret weapons) to pursue the Filipino soldiers.
7. Marcos at that time was a (a. colonel b. lieutenant c. general d. sergeant).
8. Marcos received many medals for his bravery (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
9. Marcos is the most decorated Filipino war heroes. (a. true b. false c. maybe d. does not tell).
10. This is a (a. true story b. fiction c. biography).
555 WORDS
BOOK IV No.20
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
CHARLES LINDBERGH
At the quarter of eight in the morning May 20, 1927, the “Spirit of St. Luis” had been ready. Charles Linbergh was ready,
too, within the enclosed cabin and he waved his hand to those around who would like to see the take off.
The field was quiet muddy so the “Spirit of St. Luis” had difficulty in lifting herself from the ground. Eventually she rose
slowly and headed for the North and East.
Charles Lindbergh was off for the Paris and was alone in making the trip. Many had crossed the Atlantic but no one had
flown from New York as far as Paris and no one had ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone.
But people had fears for him. Some were afraid he might full asleep, others think sleet may gather on the wings of his
plane and weigh it down.
“Lidbergh’s plane has only one engine, what will happen if this gives out?” others asked. Still others afraid he might lose
his way and run out of gasoline.
But the “Spirit of St. Luis” continued to wing its way forward across the ocean. It experienced storms and the flier had to
make his way high and low to avoid the blending fog and heavy sleet. Sometimes he flew above the water and sometimes he flew
two feet above the tossing waves.
One time heavy sleet weighed on his wings and he thought of turning back yet he decided to go on. Sometimes he felt the
cold and the dampness along the way but his fur-lined suit took care of him.
He had compasses and other instruments which help him find the way. The steady roaring of the engine showed that the
“Spirit of St. Luis” was doing its part, too.
Morning came after a night of cold sleet and wind and Lindbergh knew his chances of reaching Paris had increased.
He could now spot fishing vessels which means that land was not far away. He lowered his plane until he was within
calling distance of the vessels.
He shouted. “Which way to Ireland?” but they only answered him with wildly hands. The flier continued in the direction
which he thought was right and a little farther he sighted the coast of Ireland.
He went on and on over neat farms and villages, thence over the waters of the English channel.
At last the bright searchlight of the high tower of Paris came into view. He saw the lights of Le Bourget which appeared
very close to Paris but Lindbergh knew that the landing field was further from the city, so he continued to fly northeast for a
distance four or five miles.
When he could find no other field he returned to the one he had seen before. He knew he had reached the end of his
journey of 36 hundreds miles. He made a perfect landing at the Le Bourget airport amidst the shouts of a throng of people.
“Lindbergh had done it! — the first flight from. New York to Paris alone!” The word had been passed around.
The people dragged Lindbergh out of the cockpit of the plane and was carried for nearly a half out without touching the
ground.
In the next few days, he was awarded medals, rode and parades, made speeches and greated by important persons
everywhere.
Lindbergh returned to the United States and their festivities all over again. People held him a hero and the world was
anxious to honor him.

1. What is the Spirit of St. Luis? a. A ghost b. A saint c. a song d. A plane
2. Who is Charles Lindbergh? a. A composer b. A pilot c. a disk jockey d. A musician
3. What kind of aircraft did he used? a. twin engine b. one engine c. jet propelled d. jumbo jet
4. What ocean did he cross? a. Antarctic b. Pacific c. Atlantic d. Indian
5. What blacked him on his way? a. sandstorm b. fog and sleet c. heavy rains d. strong wind
6. What direction was his route? a. Northwest b. Northeast c. Southwest d. Southeast
7. What helped him find the way? a. radar b. sonar c. compass d. watch
8. What inspired him to move on? a. his wife b. fishing vessels c. his children d. his plane
9. Where was he going? a. New York b. Ireland c. Paris d. United States
10. What feat did he accomplish? a. Flying solo from Paris to New York b. Flying solo from New York to Paris
c. Flying a twin engine craft d. Crossing many oceans.
576 WORDS
BOOK IV No.21
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THE EXECUTION OF RIZAL
On December 26, 1896, Governor Polavieja ordered the execution of Rizal at Bagumbayan on the 30 th of December, at
7:00 o’clock in the morning. This ended the farcical trial in which Rizal, a civilian, was tied in a military court which accepted all
charges and proofs in his favor.
Early in the morning on December 29, the notice of his execution was read to Rizal. Then he spent the morning, writing to
his parents and friends and receiving visits from friendly priest from his old school, Ateneo. Between lunch time and 3:30 while
he was not strictly watched by the guards, Rizal wrote his
“ Ultimo Adios” which he placed in an alcohol lamp. When his mother and sister, Trinidad, came to visit him late in the afternoon,
Rizal gave the lamp to Trinidad and whispered that there was something in the lamp.
The morning of December 30, 1896 was beautiful. The sky was clear and cloudless. From Forth Santiago where Rizal was
incarcerated, he marched to the Luneta with his arms tied behind him, but with his head high. His steps were firm. He went
quietly, with pride but without arrogance. He talked with those around him with complete serenity.
“This is my Calvary,” he said to the Jesuits who accompanied him. The lawyer who defended him during the trial
followed closely behind. They were escorted by a platoon of artillery and troop of cavalry.
On the field of Bagumbayan were four platoons of soldiers arranged in the square formation, each composed of 100 men,
forming one side of a square. A squad composed of eight native soldiers standing in front, and eight Spanish soldiers behind,
formed the firing squad. This arrangement was a precaution against the natives who might refuse to fire.
The splendor of the morning sun streamed down on the two distinct groups of onlookers. One was composed of cowed
natives, melancholy, sullen, gazing through hopeless tearful eyes at the final scene in the life of Rizal who had dared to champion
their cause and to tell the world of their miseries. The other group was blithe and gay, in the uniform of officers, the Spanish ladies
in gay dresses, the men jesting and laughing, the women, shamelessly applauding by waving their handkerchiefs and clapping
their hands.
Reaching the execution site, Rizal asked the captain in command of the firing squad that he be allowed to face his
executioners.
“It cannot be, because I have orders to shoot you from behind,” answered the captain.
“I have never been a traitor to my country nor to Spain,” Rizal retorted.
“ My duty is to comply with my orders,” ended the captain.
Rizal failed to secure his wish. He took the position assigned to him, and after thanking his lawyer, he turned to the Jesuits
and said “Oh! Father, how terrible it is to die. I forgive with all of my heart.”
He looked around him as if to bid his country farewell, and has he turned to face the sea so that his back would be before
the firing squad, the military doctor came to feel his pulse. His pulse was normal.
Seconds later a flare of drums sounded, a valley shattered the morning’s quiet. Rizal turned and fell on his right side, his
face facing skyward.
It was 7:03 in the morning, December 30, 1897.
Rizal died in Bagumbayan, as a filibuster — but lives in the hearts of his countrymen as a patriot and martyr.

1. Governor (a. Polavieja b. Despujol c. Cortez d. de Santos) ordered the execution of Rizal.
2. He wrote his “Ultimo Adios” which he placed in (a. an oil b. an alcohol c. an electric d. a gas) lamp.
3. He gave it to (a. his mother b. sister Trinidad c. his priest confessor d. his brother).
4. At Bagumbayan where he was to be executed, there were (a. two b. ten c. four d. eight) platoons of 100 men each.
5. Rizal’s death is execution (a. by the garrote b. by firing squad c. by the electric chair d. by the gas chamber.
6. Rizal was considered a traitor to his country. (a. False b. True c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
7. He was executed (a. in the morning b. at high noon c. at dusk d. at midnight) of Dec. 30, 1896.
8. He was brave even unto his death. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
9. Rizal requested that he be spared from being executed. (a. True b. False . Maybe d. does not tell).
10. to his countrymen, Rizal is not really great. (a. False b. True c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
587 WORDS
BOOK IV No.22
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HONGKONG — WHERE EAST MEETS WEST
Hongkong, which also called the British Crown Colony, is a tiny point of land off the coast of Southwestern China. It is
famous as a colorful bazaar and shopping center, and as the West’s major window opening on Red China. Its land area is slightly
less than that of Manila, teeming with five million residents in which include every race and color in the world.
The City’s land area consists of a tiny island of Hongkong and the Kowloon Peninsula jutting out from the mainland. On
the steep, stony hills rising abruptly above the shoreline of Hongkong island, hundreds of tall buildings curve around the busy pot
like a golden horseshoe. At night, the lights of these buildings climbing up toward the 1,800-foot Victoria Peak give Hongkong a
skyline loftier than that of New York’s.
The heart of Hongkong is its teeming harbor. Hongkong is one of the world’s ten largest ports in terms of shipping
tonnage, but its 23-square mile expanse of water is the most densely populated seascape to be found anywhere in the globe.
Marine traffic in the harbor is so thick that the waves kicked up by passing ships make the water rougher than the China
Sea. The harbor normally contains some 5,000 vessels scattered over its surface or packed in around the edges. at peak hours, 500
or more of this vessels move at the different speeds and in different directions. Collisions occur frequently, but they rarely result in
anything serious.
Hongkong, unlike other ports has few piers. Four-fifths of the freighters which call at Hongkong moor at offshore buoys
where they unload by lighter. This system persists because the great typhoons which rage across the China Sea from July through
October are too severe for any sizeable ship to weather if moored in a pier. Although the system is rather cumbersome, freight-
handling speed is one of the world’s fastest.
The traffic of freighter, passenger ships and fishermen through the strait is reasonably well-ordered; they come in through
the southern entrance and out through the other. It is the traffic across the strait by ferries, launches, walah-walahs (water taxis)
traveling from one shore to the other that creates the harbor confusion. The passenger and freight ferries come in many sizes.
Passenger ferries for commuter carry as many as 150, 000 passenger in a single day.
The most picturesque ingredient of the harbor’s colorful population is the collection of junks composing the fishing fleet.
There are about 30 models, from tiny, single-masted handline fishers to 90-foot trawlers. Some carry sails, but most are propelled
by motors. They are usually manned by a single family, and serve as year-round living quarters.
Hongkong trades with Red China mainly on foodstuffs. This trade is as essential to Hongkong as it is to Red china. Most
of Hongkong’s rice, fresh meat, vegetables and dairy products — and much of its water supply — come from the mainland. The
Red China government tolerates foreign presence on Chinese soil because it badly needs foreign exchange. Hongkong, its chief
source, provides some one billion dollars a year.
Hongkong’s half in Kowloon is its commercial center. Kowloon’s gigantic new ocean terminal — a 1,250-foot long dock
and tourist bazaar — offers the biggest shopping arcade in all Asia. here tourist and traders are offered the widest varieties of
merchandise from all parts of the globe — you name it, they have it. Gems and jewelry, watches, radios and even TV sets are
offered for sale in the sidewalks of Kowloon’s commercial center.
Hongkong then is where the east meets the west.

1. Hongkong is also called (a. British b. Spanish c. Swedish d. Dutch) Crown Colony.
2. It is famous as (a. recreation b. shipping c. vacation d. educational center_.
3. Its land area is slightly (a. more b. less c. bigger d. larger) than that of Manila.
4. The buildings climbing up toward Victoria Peak give Hongkong a skyline loftier than that of
(a. Tokyo’s b. New York’s c. China’s d. Manila’s).
5. Hongkong has (a. many b. few c. more d. no)piers.
6. The traffic of freighters and ships is (a. confusing b. always disorderly c. orderly d. cumbersome).
7. Walah-walah is a (a. motor boat b. water taxi c. big ship d. house boat).
8. Hongkong trades with Red China mainly on(a. foodstuff b. industrial machineries c. farm equipment d. jewelries).
9. Kowloon is (a. an industrial b. a commercial c. an education d. a religious) center.
10. The Ocean terminal in Kowloon is the (a. biggest b. newest c. smallest d. most beautiful) shipping arcade in Asia.
590 WORDS
BOOK IV No.23
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
CARLOS P. ROMULO
( THE LITTLE GIANT)
One of the most renowned Filipino the world over is Carlos P. Romulo, newspaperman, educator, soldier, diplomat and
Statesman. He has been in service of all Philippines Presidents from Quezon through Osmeña, Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay,
Garcia, Macapagal and Marcos.
At 15, Romulo started his career as a cub reporter of the pre-war Manila times. at 16, he had his own column, “Senate
Doings”. He was assigned as a regular reporter to cover the Senate where Quezon was then President. a 17, he was editor of a
rival newspaper, the cable news. When he enrolled in University of the Philippines, he was also appointed editor of the school’s
varsity news.
At 19, he was sent as pensionado of the government to the United States. He stayed there for four years observing
American politics. After his studies, he was appointed one of the private secretaries of Senate President Quezon, at the same time
he taught at the University of the Philippines. Half a year later, at 23, he became assistant editor of the Herald, a daily controlled
by Quezon. He was then handling three jobs: university professor, private secretary to Quezon and assistant editor of the Herald.
Upon Quezon’s advice, he concentrated his efforts on the Herald. After a few years, Romulo was able to make the Herald
a leading publication with several newspapers and two radio stations in a chain called the DMHM.
When World War II broke out, General Mac Arthur appointed Romulo as a uniformed member of Mac Arthur’s stuff. At
Corregidor, upon the order of the President Quezon as approved by General Mac Arthur, Romulo broadcast the “Voice of
Freedom” to the beleaguered Filipinos all over the islands. “The Japanese victory is temporary,” he broadcast. “Do not panic: do
not yield to the enemy. Do not betray us!”
When the fall of Corregidor was inevitable, Mac Arthur ordered that Romulo be taken off Bataan to Australia. Romulo
and American flier, Lt. Roland Barnick, in an amphibian, plane made out of the remnants of other damaged planes, manage to fly
out of Bataan to Iloilo, then to Australia. They were the last soldiers out of Bataan.
When the government of the Philippines in exile, Romulo was attached to President Quezon’s staff. Upon Quezon’s
death, he was made Resident Commissioner to the United States by President Osmeña.
In 1944, after two years silence and upon Mac Arthur’s returned to the Philippines, Romulo resumed his “Voice of
Freedom” broadcast. War’s end found Romulo back in America with his family. He continued his work as Resident
Commissioner. Then he became the chairman of the Philippine delegation to the united Nations.
Romulo spoke not for the Philippines which was not yet independent at that time, but also of the other troubled nations
who also wanted to be free. Romulo became the “Big voice for the small nations”. He wanted the word “independence” inscribe in
the charter, not the word “self-governing” as desired by a colonial powers like England and France. Romulo won his fight and his
victory signaled the starts of the fights for freedom in Asia and the rest of the world.
The succeeding years brought added fame to Romulo’s successes. He was elected President of the Fourth General
Assembly of the United Nations. He, according to the Russian delegates was “a small man with a big voice” that “as President of
the United Nation’s assembly, he looks more like a boys scout.”
Romulo is engrossed in wold diplomacy. At an age when most men would have retired on laurels won, Romulo does a
young man’s work. He has a young man’s mind atunned to modern, progressive thinking and modern ideas.

1. Romulo is renowned not only in the Philippines but all over the world.
2. He has been in the service of all Philippine Presidents.
3. Romulo started his career as a cub reporter of the pre-war Manila Times.
4. He was sent to the United States as a pensionado, to study American life, customs and traditions.
5. Even at the young age of 23, he held three positions as a university professor, private secretary to Quezon, and
assistant editor of the Herald.
6. He was able to the Manila Times a leading publication.
7. Romulo was among the first soldiers to get out of Bataan.
8. President Quezon made him Resident Commissioner to the United States.
9. Romulo was the “big voice for the small nations” at the League of Nations.
10. He became the first President of the United Nations.
609 WORDS
BOOK IV No.24
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THE FIRST THANKSGIVING
A bout three hundred years ago, the people of England were unhappy because the king would not permit them to pray to
God as the like. The king wanted them to say the prayers that he made. If they disobeyed, they were sent to prison or sent away to
other lands.
So the Englishman decided to leaved their homes and went to live in Holland. In time, they called themselves “Pilgrims”.
Pilgrims were people who traveled to find something they love and to find a land where they could live happily. These
Englishman and women went from place to place until they reached Holland which they called their dearest country.
For a while the Pilgrims were happy and quiet in Holland but were they were very poor. Their children no longer acted
like English people did. They also spoke Dutch and some grew naughty and did not want to go to church.
The Pilgrim parents decided to go to America. They hired two ships to take them across the sea, the mayflower and the
speedwell. The speedwell was not strong enough so the Captain had to take her back home. Part of the passengers of the
speedwell boarded the mayflower and crossed the great sea alone.
The mayflower was very crowded with one hundred passengers: fathers, mothers and children. The children cried many
times during the voyage. The mayflower was cold and uncomfortable. She sailed for two months.
Once, in the middle of the ocean, a Pilgrim baby was born aboard the ship. The baby was named
“ Oceanus” . When the children grew restless, their mothers permitted them to play with Oceanus and that always brought smile
and happy faces again.
At long last, on a cold November day, the mayflower sighted land. But instead of grass, flowers, and birds there was
nothing on it but rocks, sand and the bare ground.
Some of the Pilgrim fathers headed by the captain of the ship, Sir Miles Standish, went ashore to find a house or white
people. They saw only some wild Indians who ran away upon seeing them. They also saw some Indian huts and found corn buried
in holes in the ground. At last they found a place where there were fields and little running brooks. Here they decided to live. The
Pilgrim landed on the spot now called Plymouth Rock and their first house was built on Christmas Day.
The first winter was a sad experience for the Pilgrims, for the weather was cold and the snow fell thick and fast. The
Pilgrims fathers cut down trees, built their homes and church.
The Pilgrim mothers helped but because of their long journey they were tired and hungry. They did not have enough to
eat. They got sick one after the other. Captain Miles Standish and the other soldiers nursed them but before spring came, half of
them had died.
Some friendly Indians came to visit them during winter and Miles Standish and some of his men returned the visit. One of
the kind Indians was Squanto who stayed with them and taught them how to plant corn, peas, wheat and barly.
Then summer came and the Pilgrims were happy for everything was bright, what with the long summer days and the good
harvests.
In the autumn, the Pilgrim fathers harvested enough crop for the winter. They decided to thank God for the sun and the
rain that made their corn grow.
They had their thanksgiving party.
All the friendly Indians came with their chiefs Massasoit. They brought five deer which they give to the Pilgrims. They
must have enjoyed the party very much for the party lasted three days.
Copy the letter of the correct answer:

1. How many years did this story happen? a. three hundred b. four hundred c. one hundred.
2. Why were the English people happy during that time? a. they were not permitted to go out b. they were not
permitted to sing c. they were not permitted to pray as they liked.
3. What did they call themselves? a. travelers b. Pilgrims c. immigrants.
4. Where did the Englishmen decided to go? a. Mexico b. America c. Spain.
5. What ship started to cross the ocean alone? a. Speedwell b. Standish c. Mayflower.
6. Who was the captain of the ship? Massasoit b. Mile Standish c. Pilgrim fathers.
7. What name was given to the baby born in the ship? a. Speedwell b. Oceanus c. Squanto.
8. Where did the Pilgrims first land? a. a wooded land b. Plymouth rock c. United states.
9. What month did they first land? a. December b. November c. August.
10. Who helped the Pilgrims celebrate the first thanksgiving? a. the Dutch b. the English c. the Indians.
610 WORDS
BOOK IV No.25
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE YOUNG REVOLUTIONARIES
For centuries, the Filipinos suffered under the abuses of the Spaniards because of their ignorance and lack of unity.
However, in the second half of the 19 th century a group nationalistic Filipinos rose to free their countrymen from slavery, first by
peaceful means and later on by revolution. Many of these men belong to rich families but they sacrificed their fortunes and their
lives for the freedom, happiness and welfare of the Filipino people. In spite of their youth, most of them, in their early twenties
and thirties, played important roles in the fight for reforms and later for independence.
Jose Rizal, the greatest Malayan, published his two books Noli and Fili in Berlin. His two novels portrayed the sufferings
of the Filipinos under the Spanish rule. These books also inspired the Philippine revolution. Dr. Rizal was executed at the Luneta
on December 30, 1896 at the age of 35.
Emilio Jacinto, known as the “Brains of the revolution”, joined the katipunan at the age of 19. He wrote the famous
“Kartilya”. He was barely twenty-four when he died in Majayjay, Laguna.
When Andres Bonifacio knew that reforms could not be had through peaceful means, he resorted to a revolution to end
the injustices and the abuses of the Spanish authorities. Thus, he founded the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society, when he
was twenty-nine years old. However, he died at the hand of his own countrymen at the age of thirty-four.
Apolinario Mabini known as the “Sublime Paralytic”, was jailed at the outbreak at the revolution the age of thirty-two. He
became adviser of Aguinaldo, member of the Cabinet and Chief Justice of the Philippine Republic.
Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of the Philippine Republic. At the age of twenty-six, he joined the Katipunan
was given the name of “Magdalo”. On his twenty-eight Birth Day he was elected President of the Revolutionary Government
establish by the first Philippine assembly.
Felipe Calderon, a lawyer and newspaperman, was appointed to represent Palawan in the Malolos Congress. He was only
thirty years old when he wrote the Malolos Constitution.
General Antonio Luna joined the propaganda movement at the age of twenty-three. He contributed essay to La
Solidaridad under the pen name ‘Tagalog”. He became generalissimo of the Philippine army at the age thirty-two and was killed
at the age of thirty-three.
Gregorio Del Pilar, the youngest general of the Philippine Revolution, joined the revolution at the age twenty-one. He was
already a general commanding a brigade of riflemen during the siege of Manila at the age of twenty-two. He was killed at the
battle of Tirad Pass at the early age of twenty-four.;
Jose Palma, known as the “Soldier Poet”, publish his first poem when he was 17 years old. He was only twenty-three
when he wrote the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem.
Manuel L. Quezon, first President of the Commonwealth, was born in Baler, Tayabas, now Quezon Province. At the age
of twenty, he joined the revolution as a lieutenant. Together with Sergio Osmeña, he played one of the most important parts in
Philippine politics during the commonwealth and during the American occupation.
Sergio Osmeña was the second President of the Philippine Commonwealth. At the age of twenty-six, he became a
governor of Cebu and at twenty-nine became the speaker of the Philippine assembly, considered the highest Filipino government
official of the time.
These great men were still young when they tried to change the order of our country for the better. It is always the young
who want changes as our militant activists nowadays.
As Jose Rizal had prophesied, the youth is the hope of our country.
Direction: Write on your paper the name of the great Filipino being described in each number. Choose your answer from the list
below.
_____1. The great Malayan Sergio Osmeña
_____2. Brains of the Philippine Revolution Emilio Aguinaldo
_____3. Founder of the Katipunan Antonio Luna
_____4. Sublime Paralytic Emilio Jacinto
_____5. First President of the Philippine Republic Jose Rizal
_____6. Wrote the National Anthem Andres Bonifacio
_____7. Used the pen name “Tagalog” Apolinario Mabini
_____8. Youngest General of the Philippine Revolution Jose Palma
_____9. Soldier-Poet Manuel Quezon
____10. First President of the Philippine Commonwealth Gregorio del Pilar
613 WORDS
BOOK IV No.26
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
BALDER
Once, the people in the North believed that high above the clouds was the beautiful plain of Asgard. In this plain stood Valhalla,
the vast feast hall of Odin, and all around it were splendid golden and silver palaces of the other gods. A pure white palace was in the middle
plain of Asgard apart from the other dwellings. It was the home of Balder, god of sunlight and gladness and only those who were fair and good
ever dared enter this palace. Balder was called “Balder, the Beautiful” and “Balder, the Good”, because of his great beauty and wisdom.
Joy filled the world when he smiled, so everything loved him. The face of the dull rocks and the gray old mountains softened with
lichens and ferns when they turned to Balder. The birds woke at dawn to praise him. For Balder, trees burst into bloom and there was nothing
on earth too small or too sad to welcome him.
One night, Balder had dream. He dreamed that he must soon leave Asgard and all the things which he so dearly loved. The next
night, he had another dream. He dreamed that he was living in the black, gloomy, underground world. He was greatly troubled when he had the
same terrible dream the third night and in the morning he told Odin his father and Frigg his mother, about it
Odin was greatly alarmed, he called together his wisest gods and heroes, but they could do nothing to help him.
Frigg, his mother, did not give up. “I will help him,” she said. “I will ask all things on earth to swear not to harm Balder.”
This Frigg did. She went around asking the things on earth not to harm Balder. Everybody whom she approached acceded as they
loved Balder very much. The gods and heroes rejoiced when Frigg relayed this good news to them. In their joy, the other gods found a new
way to do honor Balder. At first they threw only a small twigs and stones at him. When the heroes lost fear of harming him they assumed them
selves b throwing their huge swords, battle axes and other war weapons. Nothing could hurt Balder.
Loki, he wicked one, in Asgard was unhappy. He was vexed that nothing had been able to hurt Balder. he disguised himself as an
old woman and went to he palace o see Frigg.He asked Frigg if nothing at all could really hurt Balder.
“Neither stone nor arrows anything else can hurt Balder,” explained Frigg. “ I have an oath from all of them.”
“What?” asked he old woman.” “Have all things really sworn to spare Balder?”
“All except one little shrub growing upon the eastern side of Valhalla called the mistletoe. I did not take he oath of one so young
and feeble.”
Loki rejoiced when he heard his so he took his form again. Soon, he found he mistletoe, cut it off, and went to the place where the
gods were gathered playing.
He saw his blind brother, Hodi, standing apart from the others. He approached his brother and asked him why he was no doing
Balder honor.
“I am blind and I have nothing to throw,” answered Hodi.
The cruel Loki give his arrow made of mistletoe to his brother Hodi. He guided he arrow in Hodi’s hands to the place where
Balder stood. Balder, the beautiful, was pierced through and through by the mistletoe and feel lifeless to the ground.
The whole Asgard was full of sorrow and he grew cold and white.
“This is the doom foretold at his birth,” Odin said sorrowfully.
“If everything in the world would weep for Balder, he might return to Asgard.”
Everybody wept except he cruel Loki who would not. Balder then could not return o Asgard as there was still one pair of dry eyes
on earth.
Odin commanded he gods to work day and night o build a funeral pyre. Everyone got busy to help in the work of love. When all
was finished, he raised the sails, set the ship on fire and pushed it out upon the sea.
Deep in their hearts they believed ha Balder would return o earth and there would be no more tears or darkness or coldness but
only sunlight and love all over he world.
Direction: write the letter of he correct answer.

1. People in the north once believed that high above he clouds was he beautiful plain of (a. Athens b. Hela c. Asgard )
2. In is stood (a. Valhalla b. Nanna c. Frigg )the vas feast hall of Odin.
3. (a. Loki b. Hela c. Balder) was gods of sunlight and gladness.
4. One nigh his great beauty and wisdom had (a. wonderful b. happy c. terrible) dream.
5 Frigg, (a. his mother b. his nurse c. his maid) vowed to save him.
6. All living things took their oath not to harm Balder except the (a. beasts b. mistletoe c. fern).
7. (a. Loki b. Hela c. Hodi) was the wicked one in Asgard.
8. The arrow that kill Balder was made of (a. twigs b. iron c. mistletoe).
9. (a. Hela b. Loki c. Hodi) would not weep for Balder.
10. The gods built a (a. funeral pyre b. tombstone c. mausoleum) for Balder.
639 WORDS
BOOK IV No.27
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
NERO-TYRANT OF ROME
Nero is considered by historians as the most spectacular tyrant, not only of Rome but of the whole world. He had
sent thousands of Christians to death b having them thrown into the arena and torn to death by ferocious dogs. Thousands more
were fastened o crosses and set aflame a dark to serve as torches to light his festivities.
Nero was born thirty-seven years after the birth of Christ. He was born of cruel ancestors. His father who died when
he was yet a young lad, was a murderer. His mother, Agripina, caused the murder of Emperor Claudius whom she married after
the death of Nero’s father. Nero succeeded to the Roman throne at the age of sixteen. He then committed his first murder, that of
Britannicus, son of Claudius, whom he also responsible for the death of her own mother, whom he feared of having aspirations to
power. He married one wife after another, murdering each of them as he pleased.
Nero as a person had artistic tendencies. He had an ear for music. He hired a professional teacher for voice training.
He performed as a singer taking the lead in various operas. He wrote poetry and recited his poems in public. As festivals where
prizes where awarded, he won the grand prize having caused his artistic rivals to be disqualified. He had a passion for sports,
particularly chariot--racing, and when he competed, he saw to it that he was always the champion.
Nero’s reign was not all bad, however, probably due to the influence of the respected Seneca, his tutor and first
political adviser. Taxes were lower throughout the empire; old age pensions were decreed; the poor were given many benefits, and
good men were sent to govern the colonies. But these reform were short-lived.
On July 18, 64 A.D. Rome was burned. It was said that Nero played the fiddle while the city was burning. It was
also claimed that he himself caused the city to be burned because he wanted to build a new Rome in place of the old. He placed
the blame of the burning of the city on the Christians.
To his credit, he rebuilt Rome into a well- ordered city He planned wide avenues to replace the old, crooked, narrow
streets and provided parks and public amusement places. He built his own palace in the center of the city which was a
masterpiece in lavishness. Parts of the building were decorated in gold. He had a120- foot statute of himself built in the palace
vestibule.
During the latter years of his reign, he reversed he lenient laws of his early reign. When he had no cash to spend for
his feasts and banquets or to pay his army, he confiscated private properties. Once he had a number of landowners killed for their
estates and robbed the temples of their treasures.
Nero fearing a conspiracy against him, declared the empire in a state of emergency. Senators, leading citizens, army
officers and even his own palace guards were sentenced o prison or killed. Many were ordered to commit suicide.
At last the Roman troops rose in revolt. Troops were marching to Rome with Nero’s own palace guards defecting to
them. Nero asked the remaining palace guards to help him escape, but he found them indifferent.
He fled from the palace to the house of a former slave. There he asked his men to dig a grave for him. As they were
doing so, a messenger brought word ha he senate had declared him a public enemy and sentenced him to death
Nero did not fear to die, but he lacked the courage to kill himself. So, when the soldiers sent to arrest him were
approaching the house where he had hidden, he asked one of his men to guide his hands across his throat.
Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. Nero was a (a. dictator b. tyrant c. good man d. subversive person).
2. He was born of (a. well meaning b. cruel c. poor but respectable)
3. The first person he murdered was (a. his mother b. his father c. Britanicus d. his first wife).
4. Nero won in a competition because (a. he always saw to it that he practiced well b. his competitors
were really poorer than he c. he was the best in everything).
5. Nero’s reign was all bad. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
6. His tutor and adviser was (a. Socrates b. Seneca b. Aristotle d. Plato)
7. (a Nero led the fire fighter b. Nero help his countrymen c. Nero was so fiddled while Rome was burning.
8. Nero did not do anything worthy in Rome. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
9. When the Roman troops rose in revolt, Nero was protected by his guards. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
10. Nero committed suicide. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
645 WORDS
BOOK IV No.28
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
Christmas was just around the corner but Julia’s though‌t were not very cheerful as she swept the dry leaves on heir wooden porch. It
was barely eight months ago when her father, along with other settlers, move o Cotabato o acquire land and put up a ranch of their own. A first,
Julia enjoyed helping her mother fix up their new home her father built with the help of other settlers. Everyday, there were new discoveries
around. She learned much while they put up a ranch as her father decided to do.
However, misfortune seemed to hound their family lately. Some of her father’s cattle got ill and died, and the drought had ruined
almost all of their new crops.
Now, Mr. Lopez, her father, was away negotiating for some cattle and Julia was sure he would not make it home for Christmas. Julia
leaned on her broom thinking. She had many Christmases in the city and it did not seem fair to her little brother Noel and little sister Lyn, not
to have the chance to celebrate Christmas this year. So she decided to have a Christmas tree for them at all cost.
“Well, it can just be any kind of tree,” he said. “But I have to make it pretty with lots of trimmings.”
Just then Noel and Lyn rushed in. “We are hungry, Mother,” they both cried.
Julia remembered the box which they have brought with them from Manila. It contained tinsel and other Christmas decorations. She
looked for them but found out later that they were all broken.
Mother scrambled some eggs for the children while Julia stood aside deep in thought.
“Eggs!” Julia cried. “Why I can make ornaments out of this eggshells.”
That afternoon while the kids were taking their nap, Julia set to work on her eggshells. She cleaned the eggshells and dyed them with
Easter egg dye that Mrs. Lopez found with their packed belongings.
Julia, with the help of her mother, made lots of fancy cookies. She set aside some to eat and hanged some on her Christmas tree. She
cut one into a big star and placed at the very top of the tree.
Something bothered Julia. “What presents can I give Noel and Lyn?” Then Noel ran in with a round brown stone. He was using this as
a ball.
Julia had a thought. She got some old yarns from her mother’s sewing basket and wound it into a ball. She covered the yarn with
brightly colored scraps of cloth. For Lyn, she made a stocking doll.
Then it was the night before Christmas. As the children slept, Mrs. Lopez made some special Christmas pudding, while Julia went out
to look for a Christmas tree. The moon was shining brightly and the place around was bathed with the white moonlight. Julia sighed as she
admired the beautiful moonlight.
As she looked around, she sow a small tree just what she needed. She got the ax, felled down the tree and dragged the tree into the
house. She filled a box with sand and fixed the tree securely in it. She covered with pieces of cloth and scattered flakes over it to look like
snow. She punched holes into the eggshells and biscuits and tied each of them to the branches of the tree with a darning needle.
As Julia finished decorating the tree, her mother came in.
“Oh! Julia,” She cried. “No Christmas tree could be prettier than yours.”
Christmas morning dawned and the two children were very much enchanted with the beautiful tree and their gifts.
As they were starting to eat their Christmas dinner later, they heard a sound at the door.
“It’s Father!” Noel cried happily as he opened the door.
“I hurried home to be here in time for Christmas,” Mr. Lopez said looking at the tree, “but I’m glad Christmas is already here.”
“It is Julia’s idea,” Mrs. Lopez said happily.
“Look into my bag, Julia,” said her father. “There are other things there to help you remember Christmas.”
Mr. Lopez had brought gifts for all of the family and they were so excited and happy that they could hardly eat their dinner.
That night Julia helped her mother tuck Noel and Lyn in bed.
“They will never forget their first Christmas in the wilderness,” Julia said.
“None of us ever will,” said Mother happily.
Fill in the blanks of each sentence with the correct answer:

1. What was the story about?_________( Christmas in the city, Christmas in the wilderness, Christmas in the other lands, The first Christmas)
2. Who decided to give a Christmas tree for her little brother and sister?________( Mother, Father, Julia, Santa Claus)
3. Where did the family settle to acquire their own land?_______( Cotabato, Zamboanga, Davao, Cebu)
4. Why did her father go away?________( to buy a house, to buy some cattle, to buy some rice, to put up some business)
5. Who have not experienced Christmas in the woods?_________( Julia, little brother and sister, Father, Mother)
6. What did Julia use instead of tinsels?_________( eggshells, stones, beads, seeds)
7. What did Julia used for making a ball?________( yarn, cloth, cotton, rubber)
8. How did the Christmas tree look after it was put up?___________( very pretty, very drab, very gloomy, expensive)
9. What did Father bring them?________( presents, problem, worries, firecrackers)
10. How did all the members of the family feel?___________( happy, sad, lonely, disappointed)
BOOK IV No.29
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
HOW ARTHUR BECAME KING OF ENGLAND
In the olden days, when King Uther Pendragon ruled over England, a baby boy was born to him and his queen. The queen-mother died
of childbirth, and in grief the King felill, too. Merlin, the mighty magician and adviser to the King Uther, knew he would soon die. He knew,
too, that powerful nobles might kill the little prince so they could have the kingdom for themselves. So, Merlin placed the baby under the care
of Sir Ector. No one, nor Sir Ector, knew that the baby was of royal birth. The child was named “ Arthur”.
When Merlin thought that Arthur was old enough to set on his rightful throne, he went to the Archbishop of Canterbury and counseled
him to call all the lords of London on Christmas day, so that, God might show by some miracle which one should divinely chosen King.
On Christmas day, a huge marble blocked appeared in the churchyard. In its midst was an anvil of gleaming black steel. It was one
foot high, and on it was embedded a beautiful sword. On the sword was inscribed:
“Who pulleth out this sword from this stone anvil, is the rightful King of all England.”
Many tried, but none could move the sword. “The man who will win the sword is not here yet,” said the Archbishop, “but God will
soon make him known to us.”
On New Year’s Day, the nobles held a tournament in the castle grounds nearby so that everyone could be brought together and
afterwards could try to remove the sword.
Sir Kay, son of Sir Ector would take part in the jousts. As Sir Kay was getting ready, he saw that he had forgotten his sword. Arthur
rode back for it and when he found no one at home in Sir Ector’s castle, he rode to the churchyard, found the sword and pulled it from the anvil
and the stone.
He gave it to Sir Kay who recognized the sword. Sir Kay then went to his father and said, “Sir, here is the sword of the stone. I must
be King of this land.”
Sir Ector led Sir Kay and Arthur to the churchyard. He asked Sir Kay to swear on the Sacred Book how he got the sword. “Sir, “ said
Kay, “my brother Arthur brought it to me.”
Sir Ector turned to Arthur and said, “I understand you must be King of this land. But let us see if you can replace the sword and pull it
out again.”
Arthur replaced the sword quickly. Then both Sir Ector and Sir Kay tried to pull out the sword, but failed. When Arthur took hold of
the sword it came out very easily. Sir Ector and Sir Kay knelt before Arthur and hailed him King. Then Sir Ector told Arthur that he was not
Arthur’s father, and that Merlin brought Arthur to him as a baby.
On the feast of the Three Kings all the nobles again went to London churchyard and attempted to draw the sword form the anvil stone.
But only Arthur could remove it. The lords were angry and thought what a great shame it was to govern by a boy who had no royal blood.
Finally, on the Feast of Pentecost, upon Merlin’s advice all the best knights and everybody who wanted to try his strength tried to pull
out the sword. But none succeeded. Finally it was Arthur’s turn. As he put his hand on the sword it leaped out of its steel scabbard before the
eyes of the lord in the common people. The common people knelt down and cried, “We will have Arthur for our King for it is God’s will. We
will slave anyone who still denied Arthur his right!”
Arthur took the sword to the Archbishop and was knighted with it. Then he was crowned King of England.
1. The selection is entirely about (a. the boy who became King b. the hardships of the King
c. how to become a King d. the problems of the King).
2. Merlin took the boy under the care of Sir Ector because (a. Sir Ector was as rich as the King b. other nobles want to adopt the boy
c. other nobles might kill the boy so they could have the kingdom for themselves d. the little prince would want to be with Sir Ector).
3. Sir Ector know that the boy is a prince? (a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell).
4. At the churchyard there appeared a (a. beautiful angel b. marble block with a beautiful sword
c. monument of King Uther d. a big box with a gleaming sword).
5. Many tried but none could move the sword. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
6. (a. A party b. A banquet c. A tournament d. A raffle) was held to bring the nobles together so they could try to remove the word.
7. When Sir Kay asked Arthur to get his sword, (a. Arthur rejected to go back b. Arthur just gave him his sword
c. Arthur borrowed the sword of Sir Ector d. Arthur went to the churchyard and pulled the sword).
8. Arthur had a hard time pulling the sword. (a. True b. False c. Maybe d. Does not tell)
9. The Lords did not want Arthur to be king because
(a, they thought he was not of royal birth b. he was only a boy c . he pulled the sword by magic d. they wanted to be the King themselves).
10 Arthur was proclaimed King on (a. Christmas Day b. New Years Day c. Feast of Three King d. Feast of Pentecost).
648 WODS
BOOK IV No.30
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE POOR MAN’S DREAM

( A story from the Arabian Nights)
Many years ago there once lived a poor man named Hasib, with his wife and three children in the old city of Bagdad. The family lived
in a hovel among the ruins which was once a part of a tall building. No matter what Hasib did, he could not find better work.
There was an old well with clear water near their hovel. Travelers in their caravans usually stopped to fill their leathern jugs with
water for a long journey ahead. Hasib always sat by the old well and when a caravan stopped, he would fill their leathern jugs with from the
well and pack them neatly on the camel’s back.
Hasib gave his wife all the money he earned everyday. But his wife was never satisfied. She kept on nagging him and telling him that
she couldn’t buy a nice dress with the few coins he had earned.
This was the kind of life Hasib lived everyday. Sometimes he brought no money but only a piece of meat, and his wife would nag him
bitterly all the more.
Hasib did not lose hope in spite of all their poverty. He believed that he was still young and fortune would smile at him some day
although his wife believed otherwise.
One night, Hasib had wild dream in which he found himself walking on a wide high plain. He was all alone and there were neither
house nor trees nor animals around. A strong hand force him to walk straight to Cairo. Furthermore, a voice told him that his fortune lay in
Cairo.
The next night, he had the same dream. He woke up panting but he did not tell his wife about his dreams. He knew she would only
laugh at him.
The next day, he went to the old well with his children. A caravan came along. Hasib approached the headman and offered to fill up
his leathern jugs with water. When he was offered money for his work, he rejected it. Instead, he asked the headman to make him along to
Cairo. The headman agreed on the condition that he would be on his own upon reaching Cairo.
Hasib asked his children to go home. The he rode with the caravan he slept soundly all the way to Cairo without dreaming his Bagdad
dreams.
When the caravan reached Cairo, Hasib took care of himself. When night came, he lost his way. He was so tired and hungry, he fell
asleep on a doorstep. The owner of the horse saw him and sent him away. He was picked up by a policeman and he was brought before a judge.
The High Judge accused him of beggary but Hasib explained that he was in Cairo to follow a dream. Upon the command of the Judge,
Hasib told him about his dream.
The judge offered him a few coins and told him to get back to Bagdad. “If you don’t, someday you will find yourself in our jail and be
forgotten. Don’t ever believe in dreams, I, too, dream that my fortune lay in Bagdad but still here I am for I don’t believe in it.
“My dream told me to go to Bagdad and to dig near and old well were caravans usually stop for fresh water. There is a bag full of
treasures near the well. I told you I never believed in dreams so I did not go to Bagdad,” the judge finished laughing.
“You are right, Judge,” Hasib agreed and he wanted to fly back to Bagdad.
When he arrived in Bagdad, he was tired and hungry but he went straight to his old well. He dug around the well until his hand struck
something. It was a trunk. When he pulled it out, he saw diamonds, rubies, pearls, and gold coins. Hasib was beside himself with joy. He
thanked and prayed to whoever made his dream possible.
When he reached home, he found his wife and children asleep. The next morning his wife began to nag him again, but when Hasib
showed her the trunk of treasure she hugged her husband. After all, Hasib was not a fool to believe in dreams. From then on, Hasib’s family
lived comfortably and peacefully.
Write the letter of the best answer on you paper:

1. What does this story imply? a. Believe in dreams b. Follow your dreams c. Never believe in dreams d. Dreams could sometime come true
2. What kind of man was Hasib? a. Persevering b. Moron c. Idiotic d. Intelligent
3. Is Hasib’s wife admirable? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
4. How would you characterize Hasib’s wife? a. Easy to satisfy b. Pleasant c. Domineering d. Lazy
5. According to his dream where would Hasib find his fortune? a. In a well b. In his hovel c. In Cairo d. In Bagdad
6. What animals were used in the caravan? a. Camels b. Oxen c. Buffalo d. Horses
7. What was Hasib accused of? a. Bribery b. Robbery c. Beggary d. Adultery
8. What did the judge dream? a. His fortune is in Cairo b. His fortune lies in a well c. He will be somebody someday
d. He will be poor someday
9. If the judge had followed his dream, what do you think would have happened to him?
a. He would have been killed b. He would be rich c. He would have been mocked d. He would be crazy
10. Do you think Habi’s wife turned for the better? a. yes b. No c. Maybe d. Does not tell
668 WORDS
BOOK IV No.31
___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______
THE MOST WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY GIFT
Lauro was in his senior year, the youngest and, incidentally, the brightest in his class. Unfortunately, he came
from the poorest family in the whole town. His father squandered his little earnings at the cockpit and the tuba joint.
Lauro’s mother prayed daily that her husband would stop drinking and gambling. Lauro often dreamed what it would
be like if he had been a son of a better and more responsible father. But above all these, he wished for the day his father
would announce that he had saved money for Lauro’s studies in college.
Yes, Lauro’s dream was to go to college after his graduation. This is the only way he could help improve their
lot.
Lauro blame the town for their misfortune. The society of the town was all rotten. There were the tuba joint, the
cockpit, and the crooked officials who did nothing but match their cocks and drink tuba.
For these reasons, Lauro came to dislike the town to the point of hating it. Instead of taking the short cut to the
high school where he studied, he traveled a long way to the bank of the river and passed through the woods. This was
the best way to avoid passing the tuba joint where his father would surely be anytime. The mere shadow of the tuba
joint with the town officials drinking with his father made Lauro’s blood boil.
Yes, Lauro would never forget the incident during his Junior year. His father had won in the tupada and had
promised to pay his matriculation fee but when he went to the store to fetch his father, he was more drunk than usual
and had spent all the money he had won. Before he could run home to tell his mother the sad news, his father stripped
off his clothes. For days and weeks, Lauro did not show up on the street and never again did he pass that way.
That afternoon on the first day of the opening of the classes, Lauro took the long way again. It was still dark and
he could hardly see the narrow trail. As he approached the balete tree, he was about to run when he heard voices. As he
peeped through the bush he saw a group of young men towing a clothing full of money in a clump of dry twigs. After
they had gone, Lauro took the bag of money from its hiding place. He knew at once that it belong to Mang Kulas, a
councilor of the town who owned the tuba joint. Lauro seemed to hear voices around him. “Now is your chance to have
all the money you need to go to college. Run Lauro! Run home!”
But Lauro did not seem to hear the voice. Instead, he went straight to Mang Kulas’ joint. All he wanted was to
return the money and save what he could of his father’s name.
The usual crowd was at Mang Kulas store. He noticed that Mang Kulas was serious and seemed to be angry in
spite of the fact that his joint was crowded. “ How dishonest people can be,” Lauro heard Mang Kulas mutter.
Lauro placed the bag of money in front of Mang Kulas.
“I found this near the balete tree,” he said.
The next day was Lauro’s birthday. He took the short cut home but was surprise to find Mang Kulas’ joint
empty. Not even his father was there so he run home to tell his mother. At the door he was meet by Mang Kulas.
“Happy birthday Lauro,” he said. I have something for you.”
He took out a bank book and some rolls of money from his pocket. “For your college education,” he said giveng

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BOOK IV No.

Choose the letter of the correct answer

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

GIBRALTAR, THE SPECTACULAR ROCK

Today, Gibraltar stands as history’s symbolic fortress in all its grandeur.

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

SUN POWER CAN BE HARNESSED

Answer with True or False:

___________ _______________ ______________ _________ _______

CARVER, A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Choose the letter of the best answer:

THE AMAZING AMAZON

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

THE STORY OF DAVID

Choose the letter of the correct answer:

THE REGENT DIAMOND

Answer with True or False:

SHARKS, MONSTERS OF THE DEEP

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

___________1. Beethoven was born in (Antwerp, Bonn, Paris).

(statesman, musician, writer).

THE BEST RECOMMENDATION

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THE STORY OF THE TYPEWRITER

THE PRINCE OF TAGALOG POETS

JOEY, A SPY IN SKIRTS

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MORE RICE FOR ASIA’S MILLIONS

VETERANS OF THE REVOLUTION

“What do you mean by real soldiers?” asked Luis maliciously.

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“PAL” FLIES TO RED CHINA

it was a successful hijack from the viewpoint of the hijackers.

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MEDALS FOR A HERO

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THE EXECUTION OF RIZAL

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HONGKONG — WHERE EAST MEETS WEST

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THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

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THE YOUNG REVOLUTIONARIES

Direction: write the letter of he correct answer.

Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer.

Fill in the blanks of each sentence with the correct answer:

HOW ARTHUR BECAME KING OF ENGLAND

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THE POOR MAN’S DREAM

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THE MOST WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY GIFT

Lauro placed the bag of money in front of Mang Kulas.

“I found this near the balete tree,” he said.

“Happy birthday Lauro,” he said. I have something for you.”

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