1. Reading Works! 3
Textbook

2. Reading Works! 3
Textbook
Philippine Copyright 2012 by DIWA LEARNING SYSTEMS INC
All rights reserved. Printed in the Philippines
Editorial, design, and layout by University Press of First Asia
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval systems, without
permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Exclusively distributed by
DIWA LEARNING SYSTEMS INC
4/F SEDCCO 1 Bldg.
120 Thailand corner Legazpi Streets
Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati City, Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 893-8501 * Fax: (632) 817-8700
ISBN 978-971-46-0294-6
Author
Lilian A. Alegre holds a master’s degree in education with specialization in elementary education and
a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Philippine Normal University. She is currently
teaching at the PAREF Woodrose School, where she has spent the majority of her 18 years in the
academe. Ms. Alegre has attended various academic seminars and symposia in different subject areas,
including English, reading, and language.
Consultant
Corazon Y. Delgado holds a master’s degree in education, major in English, and a bachelor’s degree
in elementary education both from the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She is presently a part-
time professor of English at Far Eastern University–Makati. Ms. Delgado was a former faculty member
of the Colegio San Agustin–Makati, where she served as the academic coordinator in reading and
the head teacher for grades 4 and 5. She was a part-time college professor of English at the De La
Salle University–Manila and a full-time professor of English at the Far Eastern University–East Asia
College, where she was also a staff member of the English Resource Center.
Reviewer
Anthere Paul S. Buñales is currently taking his master’s degree in psychology at the Ateneo de Manila
University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in the same field. He is currently the Language
and Grammar coordinator of Assumption College Basic Education Division, where he has taught grade
school and high school English since 2002. He also taught Reading and Language at Miriam College
Grade School from 1999–2002. Mr. Buñales has attended various academic seminars and symposia.

3. To the Pupils
The Reading Works! series was especially designed and created for you, the
21st century learner. It aims to make you see that reading is still an important and
enjoyable activity even in this very modern world dominated by super computers
and hi-tech gadgets. To do this, the selections were specifically written to match
your actual experiences as a family member, as a pupil, as a community member,
and as a Filipino citizen.
Each textbook is divided into four units. Unit 1 will let you get to know yourself
through your views, ideas, and feelings as a person. Unit 2 will help you develop
a deeper and more meaningful relationship with others, particularly your family,
your friends, and the people in your community. Unit 3, will help you prepare for
the future and its many challenges. Finally, Unit 4 will tell you more about your
role in ensuring a better tomorrow for yourself, your family, your community, and
the world.
Each unit contains useful discussions and activities which will help you
become a critical, highly skilled, and well-rounded person.
• Connect – contains activities that will relate your stock knowledge and
previous experiences to the lessons
• Search – contains activities that will help you discover the meaning of
unfamiliar words and phrases
• Download – contains specially written stories, poems, essays, and scripts
which will engage your interest
• Click – contains comprehension questions which will measure your
understanding of the reading selection
• Link – contains discussions and exercises on important reading skills
• Upload – contains activities that will help you apply what you have
learned in each lesson
It is hoped that through this book, you will be able to learn not only a variety
of readings skills, but also important life lessons which will help you become the
best person you can possibly be.
Happy reading!

4. Table of Contents
Unit 1 Knowing Myself
Chapter 1 Knowing My Inner Self ...............................................................1
Lesson 1 Tracing My Roots ..............................................................................2
(Recognizing Words Using Patterns as Clues: Initial Consonant Blends)
Lesson 2 A Little Act of Sacrifice ....................................................................9
(Recognizing Words Using Patterns as Clues: Final Consonant Blends)
Chapter 2 Developing Social Skills ............................................................16
Lesson 1 Showing Respect .............................................................................16
(Noting Explicit and Implied Details in a Story)
Lesson 2 Learning How to Obey....................................................................25
(Following Two-Step Directions)
Lesson 3 Making Friendship Work ...............................................................33
(Getting the Main Idea)
Lesson 4 Mastering One’s Emotions .............................................................41
(Predicting Outcomes)
Chapter 3 Getting to Know My Identity....................................................49
Lesson 1 Revisiting the Filipino Family .......................................................49
(Drawing Conclusions)
Lesson 2 Looking Back ..................................................................................58
(Inferring)
Unit Test .........................................................................................................66
Unit 2 Growing with Others
Chapter 4 Observing the People around Me ............................................76
Lesson 1 Having Sense and Sensibility ........................................................76
(Prefixes)
Lesson 2 Meeting New Friends .....................................................................83
(Outlining)
Lesson 3 Responding to the Environment ....................................................92
(Writing a One-Paragraph Report)

5. Chapter 5 Adapting to My Environment.................................................102
Lesson 1 Choosing Friends Wisely ..............................................................102
(Sequencing Events)
Lesson 2 Having Fun while Learning .........................................................112
(Retelling the Best-Liked Parts of a Story)
Chapter 6 Respecting the Rights of Others ............................................121
Lesson 1 Discovering Your Talents .............................................................121
(Drawing Conclusions)
Lesson 2 Recognizing Individual Differences .............................................129
(Identifying Cause-Effect Relationships)
Lesson 3 Knowing Other Filipino Groups ..................................................136
(Identifying Irrelevant Ideas in the Text)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................143
Unit 3 Gearing Up for Success
Chapter 7 Showing Filipino Characteristics to the World .................152
Lesson 1 Making a Difference .....................................................................152
(Sequencing Events)
Lesson 2 Showing Excellence ......................................................................159
(Interpreting Lines in a Poem)
Chapter 8 Using Positive Traits to Succeed ...........................................165
Lesson 1 Achieving Success through Determination .................................165
(Telling Whether an Event is Fantasy or Reality)
Lesson 2 Succeeding through Teamwork and Cooperation .......................171
(Comparing and Contrasting Text Information with Prior Knowledge)
Chapter 9 Discovering What Makes You Unique ..................................176
Lesson 1 Weaving Success ...........................................................................176
(Evaluating and Making Judgments Based on a Text)
Lesson 2 Showing Filipino Ingenuity..........................................................183
(Giving Opinions and Making Decisions Using De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats)

6. Lesson 3 Unleashing Creativity ..................................................................190
(Responding in Writing Using De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats)
Lesson 4 Laying the Foundation of a Good Government ...........................198
(Determining an Author’s Perspective on a Certain Topic)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................206
Unit 4 Keeping Up with the World
Chapter 10 Knowing the World ...................................................................214
Lesson 1 Going “Techie”...............................................................................214
(Evaluating the Likelihood of a Story to Happen)
Lesson 2 Celebrating the Good Life ............................................................221
(Drawing Conclusions)
Chapter 11 Gearing Up for Challenges......................................................231
Lesson 1 Being Watchful and Hopeful ........................................................231
(Story Grammar)
Lesson 2 Keeping in Touch with the World ................................................240
(Making an Inference)
Lesson 3 Understanding Environmental Problems ...................................247
(Identifying Sufficient Details to Justify a Conclusion)
Chapter 12 Exploring the World .................................................................253
Lesson 1 Seeing the World Closely .............................................................253
(Determining the Author’s Purpose)
Lesson 2 Coping with the World through Humor ......................................262
(Distinguishing between Fact and Opinion)
Lesson 3 Reaching Out to the World ...........................................................269
(Identifying Similes and Metaphors)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................275
Bibliography

7. Knowing Myself
UNIT
1
In this unit, you will discover more about yourself. The fun and
exciting activities here will lead you to appreciate your talents and
abilities. Let us start your journey of self-discovery!
Knowing Myself 1

8. Chapter 1
Knowing My Inner Self
What’s in a Name?
This chapter will help you learn more about yourself—where you
came from, what you can do for others, and what you can contribute
as a young individual. The activities here will allow you to share your
experiences with your classmates and relate these to the situations in
the selections. The different tasks in this unit will also allow you to
have fun and learn at the same time. In addition, you will learn how to
improve yourself, develop teamwork, enhance your relationships with
other people, and make good decisions even at a young age.
Lesson 1 Tracing My Roots
Connect
How well do you know yourself ? What are your characteristics?
What are the things that you can and cannot do? What are the things
you want to learn? Discuss your answers with your seatmates.
Search
Match the word in column A with its meaning in column B. Write the
letter of the correct answer on the blank before each number.
A B
_____ 1. thoughtful a. a song used to put a child to sleep
_____ 2. precious b. concerned for the needs of others
_____ 3. lullaby c. dear or beloved
2 Reading Works! 3

9. _____ 4. fragile d. being in a state of sleep
_____ 5. grateful e. persons who wish others well
_____ 6. asleep f. not conditional or limited
_____ 7. pleased g. thankful
_____ 8. well-wishers h. glad
_____ 9. unconditionally i. easily broken
_____ 10. yawning j. decrease
k. opening the mouth wide
and taking a deep breath
Download
Wow, what a thought!
Have you ever How about finding out
wondered why we are for ourselves where we
here in this world? came from?
Knowing Myself 3

10. I Am a Gift
“Congratulations for having a new baby!”
Mom and Dad read the message from the card attached to
the basket of fruits. Mom said, “How thoughtful of Tita Marie.
She has never failed to greet us and celebrate with us whenever
there is an addition to our family.”
“We are grateful to have her around as one of our well-
wishers,” said Dad.
“Nicole, when you came to this world eight years ago, we
were so pleased to see our hospital room filled with visitors. Our
friends and relatives went straight to the hospital after work.
They were as excited as we were, and they really spent time to
see you,” Mom said.
“I showed you to them, and I told them, ‘Look at our angel,
the greatest gift we have received!’” Dad added.
“How am I a gift?” I asked.
4 Reading Works! 3

11. “Your mom and I love each other so much, so we got married.
Then we were given a very special gift. That gift is you. That is
why we love you so much. We are here to love and take care of you
unconditionally,” Dad explained.
Mom said softly, “Always remember that children are the
most wonderful gifts that parents can ever receive. That is why
you, children, are precious. You make us happy. Now, we have
your baby brother, Nathan. He, too, is a gift. He will make our
family even happier.”
Mom smiled at me. Then she added, “It is important that you
love and look after your baby brother because we are a family.
When we are not around, you are the next person that he will
depend on.”
Mom then touched Nathan’s face. “Look at Nathan’s small
face,” she said. “Hold his small hands and fingers gently. Feel his
soft and smooth skin. Smell him, too. You will see and feel how
fragile your baby brother is. He needs special attention. That is
why we need to love and take care of him.”
Just then, Nathan started yawning. “Oh, your baby brother
is yawning,” Mom said. “He is so cute, isn’t he? Can you help me
put him to sleep, Ate Nicole?”
“Let us sing him a lullaby, Mom,” I said.
After a few minutes, baby Nathan went to sleep.
“It is a joy for us parents to see our children loving each other
and taking care of one another,” Dad said.
“I promise I will love him,” I said. “I will do my best to help
you take care of him. I will make you happy, Mom and Dad.”
Knowing Myself 5

12. Click
1. Who is Nicole?
2. What message is expressed in the story?
3. Why should Nicole take care of her baby brother?
4. What important roles do parents play in the lives of their children?
5. Why are children important to their parents?
6. How did Nicole respond to her role as a responsible member of the
family?
Link
Recognizing Words Using Patterns as Clues:
Initial Consonant Blends
A consonant blend is composed of two or more consonants
sounded as one. The following are examples of consonant blends in the
initial position.
bl br cl cr dr fl
fr gl gr p pi pr
sc sk sl sm sn sp
st str sw tr tw
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13. Read aloud the following words with initial consonant blends.
/fr/ /cr/ /sm/ /pl/ /tw/
free crash smart play twin
fresh crew smell plead twig
friend crib smile plenty twirl
friction cross smoke plot twist
front crop small plump twitch
Activity 1
Pair up with a partner. Complete the table with words that have
the same consonant blend as the given examples.
black
draw
floor
grind
stay
clay
star
sweet
Knowing Myself 7

14. Activity 2
Complete the sentence by supplying the correct word that begins
with a consonant blend. Use the clue provided before each sentence.
(fr) 1. My mother brings a basket of __________________ to the
hospital whenever she visits my sick grandma.
(bl) 2. I am __________________ to have caring and loving
parents.
(str) 3. John needs to buy a __________________ for his guitar.
(sm) 4. The flowers in the room give a fragrant __________________.
(tw) 5. The movie ended with a __________________.
Upload
What do you think are your “great gifts” so far? List them below
and tell a partner why you consider each as a great gift.
The Great Gifts I Have Received
8 Reading Works! 3

15. Lesson 2 A Little Act of Sacrifice
Connect
Look at the pictures below. Describe to a partner what the siblings
in each picture are doing.
Knowing Myself 9

16. Search
Supply the missing letters to complete each word. Use the clue
provided after each number.
c n s u e
1. to eat and drink
p l a
2. the sense of taste
p f e e c
3. choice or selection
a t r s 4. clients or customers
5. a fashion or a manner of
f
conduct
g l 6. mouthful, gobble
e i s t n t 7. determined
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17. Download
Have you ever sacrificed for
somebody? Narrate the sacrifice
you made. When and why do you
think should sacrifices be made?
Oh, Boy!
One summer, I went to a convention for working moms. My
husband and son tagged along with me. Yuan, my nephew, went
with us, too. We left quite early in the morning. Because of this,
he missed his breakfast. So we decided to drop by a fast-food chain
on a nearby town. Like a typical boy aged six, Yuan is a little
choosy when it comes to food. Considering his preference, it was
best to give him something to consume just to tickle his palate.
His order was spaghetti and a burger, a favorite among kids who
prefer the fast-food fad.
Knowing Myself 11

18. Since it was already past Yuan’s breakfast time, I was
expecting him to eat all his food. I noticed that he only consumed
half of the serving of his spaghetti. All of a sudden, he spoke softly,
“I can’t finish my food, Auntie.”
“What about the burger? You forgot to eat it,” I immediately
replied.
He shook his head and told me, “I will bring it home for Ate
Bea.” He was referring to his nine-year-old sister who was left at
home. I was surprised, but I tried to convince him to finish the
food since he might still be hungry. I even promised to buy the
same meal for his sister, but he was persistent in saying that he
could not really finish his food and insisted not to have another
order. So, we agreed to take home his leftover.
On our way back home, Yuan said that he wanted a drink.
I bought him two bottles of fruit juice. His eyes twinkled when I
gave him the two bottles. He proudly said, “I can finish these in
a gulp. You see, I am a Pacman, too! Just like Vinoknok!” He was
12 Reading Works! 3

19. referring to his pet. However, he was able to consume only one
bottle and kept the other.
The long journey was difficult for all of us; the day was terribly
hot. At one point, Yuan asked for water. I asked Yuan about the
fruit juice he set aside, but I did not get any answer. He ignored
my question, so I did not ask him any more questions. All I could
do was guess what was on his mind.
Finally, we got home. Still, I kept an eye on him. I watched
him gather the spaghetti he did not eat and the burger and
bottled fruit juice he had set aside. He rushed to his sister and
said excitedly, “Ate, I have a lot of pasalubong for you!”
Click
1. Who is the main character in the story?
2. What is the story all about?
3. What trait of the boy is described in the story?
4. What sacrifice did Yuan make?
5. What will Bea most likely say once she finds out that Yuan
sacrificed for her?
6. Why do you think Yuan sacrificed for his sister?
Knowing Myself 13

20. Link
Recognizing Words Using Patterns as Clues:
Final Consonant Blends
Read aloud the words with final consonant blends /sk/ and /st/.
/sk/ /st/
desk cast
husk most
risk just
task nest
mask test
Activity 1
Group the words in the box according to their final consonant blends.
musk fast honest mask rest
list tusk ask vest disk
/sk/ /st/
14 Reading Works! 3

21. Activity 2
List down four words from the story that contain the final consonant
blends /sk/ and /st/.
1. ___________________________
2. ___________________________
3. ___________________________
4. ___________________________
Upload
Write in the box a short paragraph about a sacrifice you made in
the past. Limit your paragraph to four to six sentences. Be prepared to
share it with your classmates afterward.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 15

22. Chapter 2
Developing Social Skills
What’s in a Name?
This chapter will let you find out how your actions and words affect
people. It will make you realize that what you do and what you say can
make other people happy, sad, or angry. It will also let you understand
how your words and actions can make people feel loved, or how they
can hurt them as well. In addition, you will learn various skills that
will help you become a better person.
Lesson 1 Showing Respect
Connect
Put a () on the blank before each courteous expression. Then
discuss with a partner why you need to use such expressions.
_____ 1. Hello, good morning! May I speak with Trina?
_____ 2. Please wait for a while, I will call Trina.
_____ 3. Opo, Lola. I will help my sister with her assignment.
_____ 4. Give me the phone now! I need to make a call!
_____ 5. Walk faster! I am in a hurry.
_____ 6. May I inform you that you still have 10 minutes to finish
your test.
_____ 7. Mrs. Santos, I would like you to meet my friend, Alexandra.
_____ 8. Stay away from me! I need some privacy.
_____ 9. May I go now, Ms. Araneta?
_____ 10. Thank you so much for your cooperation!
16 Reading Works! 3

23. Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number. Encircle
the letter of the correct answer.
1. The idea of a bonding activity thrilled Penninah, especially when
Trina, Gia, Mariz, and Megan accepted the invitation.
a. saddened c. bored
b. inspired d. excited
2. Trina tells a lot of stories from the books she has read. She is a
bookworm.
a. A person who reads a lot of books
b. A person who likes to tell stories
c. A person who buys good books
d. A person who gives good books to her friends
3. Penninah and his father had a compromise. They both agreed that
she will go home right after the get-together.
a. agreement to end an argument
b. quarrel
c. promise
d. suggestion
4. Taking a memento from someone’s home to be reminded of the
visit is not allowed.
a. photo c. souvenir
b. food d. book
5. You are too young to engage in a sleepover party.
a. use c. participate
b. fight d. organize
Knowing Myself 17

24. Download
How should the visit be
conducted?
Have you ever
visited or slept at
your friend’s home?
Little Miss Courteous
Penninah received an invitation from Megan for an overnight
get-together over the weekend. She learned that Trina, Gia, and
Mariz had been invited, too. The image of a bonding activity thrilled
her. Penninah thought of activities such as drawing, painting,
singing, dancing, playing computer games, sharing stories, and
eating. She then listed some personal things she might need for
the weekend sleepover.
18 Reading Works! 3

25. “Mom, Dad, will you allow me to go to Megan’s sleepover party
this weekend? Here is the invitation. It is going to be fun! There
will be five of us. Trina, Gia, and Mariz have been permitted to
go,” Penninah narrated.
“Why did Megan plan a sleepover?” Dad asked.
“I think you are too young to engage in such an activity,”
Mom said.
“She is celebrating her birthday, and she wants it to be simple
but fun,” Penninah explained. “We know we are still young, but
we are all responsible girls. We all have assigned tasks at home;
we can set the table, wash the dishes, fix our beds, and clean our
own rooms,” she added.
“Okay, but do all of you know how to act properly whenever
you are with other people? You will be visiting a home. You might
disturb Megan’s family,” Dad said.
“Oh, does it mean you will not allow me to go?” Penninah
almost cried. “Knowing Megan, she is a good girl. We always talk
about and do good things together. We study well and we do not
bully our classmates.”
Penninah then told her parents that she had prepared her
art materials already. “I see a fun-filled night of bonding and
learning,” she said. “There will be a sharing of talents. Megan
sketches well. Trina tells awesome stories; in fact, she is a
bookworm. Gia and Mariz are good singers and I can show them
my educational computer games,” added Penninah as she tried to
convince her parents.
“Penninah, please listen to your father. We know that Megan
is going be a perfect host. We also have no doubts about your
Knowing Myself 19

26. friends’ capabilities and talents. One thing we are concerned
about is that you will be visiting someone’s home and sleeping
there. You are too young for such an activity,” Mom explained.
“I understand that you really want to bond with your friends.
You may go to Megan’s party, but we have to compromise. We
will bring you there at five in the afternoon and then pick you
up at nine in the evening. You may do all the planned activities
with them but you will not sleep there. One more thing, you must
know how to conduct yourself as a guest,” Dad emphasized.
Dad then looked at Penninah’s older brother, Pijo. Dad asked
the young man, “Care to tell your little sister how to conduct
herself in someone else’s house, Son?”
“Well,” said Pijo. “Guests must show grace and courtesy.
They should greet the owners or members of the household and
the other visitors upon arriving. They should wait for the hosts
before they do anything such as sitting, eating, or any planned
activity. When they eat, they should get only enough food. They
should also say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’ whenever necessary.”
20 Reading Works! 3

27. Mom, who was listening intently, then tapped Penninah on
the shoulder and said, “Good guests must also observe the rules
and restrictions set by the owners of the house. For example, if
the owners say that you cannot go to the third floor of the house,
then you should obey them. In addition, guests should respect
the privacy of the owners by not entering the bedrooms unless
invited to do so. You also show respect by asking permission to
use the bathroom or any appliances or facilities in the house,”
added Mom.
“Oh, and by the way, taking a memento is a no-no!” said
Mom. “The best thing to do is to wait for a giveaway or a token to
be given to you. Furthermore, informing the host of the time you
wish to leave is very important. This way, they can arrange their
activities in advance. Believe me, you will never go wrong if you
practice what we have told you.”
“Trust me, Mom,” answered Penninah. “I am sure, you will
be proud of me!”
Knowing Myself 21

28. The much-awaited weekend came. Penninah enjoyed the
company of her friends. At the same time, she learned how to
compromise with her parents. She did turn out as Little Miss
Courteous! Megan’s mom praised her.
On their way home, Penninah said, “If Megan decides to have
another overnight get-together next year, would you allow me to
go? Please… please… oh, Mom and Dad….”
Click
1. What did Penninah receive from Megan?
2. Who were invited to Megan’s overnight get-together?
3. What thrilled Penninah to go to the get-together?
4. Why did Megan plan an overnight get-together?
5. Why were Penninah’s parents hesitant to allow her to go to the
overnight get-together?
6. How should a guest conduct himself or herself when visiting
someone’s home?
22 Reading Works! 3

29. Link
Noting Explicit and Implied Details in a Story
An explicit detail is the exact event specifically described and
clearly expressed in the text. Meanwhile, an implied detail is a
suggested event that is indirectly stated. It is usually inferred from
the text. Study the examples below based on the selection you have
read.
Examples:
• Penninah asked her parents if she could go to Megan’s sleepover
party. (explicit detail)
• Pijo knows how to conduct himself in someone else’s house. (implied
detail)
Activity
Draw a ( ) on the blank if the sentence tells an explicit detail
from the story. If it tells an implied detail, put a () instead.
______ 1. Penninah received an invitation from Megan.
______ 2. Penninah’s parents did not allow her to sleep at Megan’s
house.
______ 3. Penninah wanted to go to Megan’s overnight get-together.
______ 4. Megan knows how to spend her time wisely.
______ 5. If Megan arranged another sleepover, Penninah would
love to join again.
Knowing Myself 23

30. ______ 6. Penninah compromised with her parents. She was
allowed to go to Megan’s party, but she had to go home
before bedtime.
______ 7. Penninah’s friends know how to spend their time wisely.
______ 8. A guest needs to observe courtesy when visiting someone’s
home.
______ 9. Penninah’s parents love her very much.
______ 10. Penninah enjoyed the company of her friends.
Upload
Your teacher will divide the class into groups and assign a situation
to each group. With your group mates, act out different situations that
require the use of courteous expressions.
24 Reading Works! 3

31. Lesson 2 Learning How to Obey
Connect
Are you obedient? Put a () on the blank before the item that you
do or practice.
________ Follow the anti-littering campaign in school and the
community
________ Cross using the pedestrian lane
________ Follow classroom rules
________ Submit homework or school requirements on time
________ Respect my teachers
________ Do household chores
________ Help my siblings in doing their household chores
What did you discover? Can you follow simple orders or rules?
Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 25

32. Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Yaya Maring is retiring and leaving us soon.
a. changing a job
b. looking for a new job
c. beginning a new job
d. withdrawing from a job
2. We will no longer be hiring a household help, so each one of you
has assigned chores.
a. subjects c. tasks
b. services d. projects
3. Rina had a prolonged telephone conversation with a friend.
It lasted for about an hour.
a. limited c. shortened
b. lessened d. extended
4. He procrastinated the tasks assigned to him because he did not
feel like finishing them right away.
a. rushed c. delayed
b. changed d. improved
5. Doing work with joy is not burdensome.
a. enjoyable c. easy
b. challenging d. difficult
26 Reading Works! 3

33. Download
Yes! I have several
Have you been given a chores at home, and I
household chore? What always do them.
was it?
An Obedient Child
Father made an announcement over dinner. “Yaya Maring
is retiring, and she is leaving us soon. There will be changes in
our chores here at home because we will no longer replace her
with another household help. We cannot afford to pay a new help
anymore. You see, your mother and I are working, and we cannot
do all the household chores. So each one of you will be given chores.
We really need help from the three of you.”
Knowing Myself 27

34. “Your schedule will be posted on the corkboard near the
computer area. Rachelle, since you are the eldest, you will wash
the dishes and monitor all the supplies in the house. Carlo, you
can already clean the car weekly and take care of our pets as well.
Feed our pets and keep them clean. Jopet, will set the table and
water the plants every day. Each one of you will also have to fix
your own bed and clean your own room,” Mom said.
ANGSR3TXU01C02L02aa
Day one of Yaya Maring’s absence finally came. The kids
started to do their assigned chores. Day by day, Rachelle and Carlo
fell short of expectations because they focused too much on playing
computer games, had prolonged conversations with friends over
the phone, and procrastinated simply because they did not feel
the need to finish their duties on time. Jopet was always assisting
Rachelle and Carlo in their tasks. At times, they passed their duties
to Jopet. At the end of each day, their parents checked if they had
done their duties at home. Among the three, Jopet received the
most complements from their parents.
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35. One Sunday afternoon, Jopet’s grandparents visited the
family. His mother prepared lasagna. His grandparents were
delighted to know that Jopet was assisting his mother in cooking.
His mother narrated that his helpful and obedient son was
around during the whole preparation. “He is so good at following
directions and he is very quick at handing me all the ingredients
and cooking materials. In fact, we seemed to be just playing the
whole time.”
“Oh, really? Jopet, can you share with us how you helped
your mom in cooking? What did you do? What instructions were
given to you?” Grandmother asked.
“Mother told me to gather all the ingredients and group them
according to how they are prepared. For example, the ingredients
that need to be peeled or sliced must be placed on a tray and the
ingredients that need to be cut or opened should be arranged well
on the chopping board. Mother also asked me to clean the pots,
baking trays, and other cooking ware. I also prepared the trash
bags and separated all the trash into wet, dry, and recyclable,”
Jopet answered.
Grandfather said, “That is great, Grandson!” He then explained
that if work is organized, it will not be burdensome. “You must
put your heart into whatever you do so that it will feel just like
playtime. When it is done with joy, work is never boring,” he added.
Then he looked at Rachelle and Carlo, “You know, your Mom told
me that she was not happy about your work. She told me that
you regularly fail to do the chores assigned to you and that you
often procastinate your duties at home. I want to share with you a
saying about obedience from a martyr named Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
He said, ‘One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.’
So if I were you, I will start doing chores right now.”
Knowing Myself 29

36. Click
1. What did Jopet’s father announce?
2. What changes did the children experience?
3. Why did the family decide not to hire a new household help?
4. How did the parents distribute the tasks among the children?
5. How can the saying “One act of obedience is better than one
hundred sermons” be best interpreted?
Link
Following Two-Step Directions
Two-step directions are commands requiring the doer or receiver
of the action to apply two tasks in a single instruction. Try following
these directions:
1. Throw and catch the ball.
2. Stand up and move around the classroom.
3. Draw a rectangle and divide it into five parts.
4. Shake your hands upward while marching in place.
5. Go to the table and get the chalk.
Activity 1
Fill out the table below by writing the two-step directions given to
Rachelle, Carlo, and Jopet.
Rachelle
30 Reading Works! 3

37. Carlo
Jopet
Activity 2
Research a simple task such as drawing a human figure or making
a paper boat. Give two-step directions on how to do this particular
task. Write the directions on a sheet of paper and let a partner do it.
Upload
A. Do the following. Write your answers on the blanks.
1. You see a grade one pupil who fell from the monkey bars in
the playground. Write two sentences to describe what you will
do.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
2. Write two sentences on how to prepare or cook your favorite
snack.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 31

38. 3. Your classmates are noisy. Write two steps that you must do
as the class president.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
4. You have received your allowance for the week. What two
things can you do to save money?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
5. You cannot find your science book. List two things you will do
to solve this problem.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
B. After doing activity A, share with your classmates your realizations
when it comes to giving and following directions.
32 Reading Works! 3

39. Lesson 3 Making Friendship Work
Connect
What would you do if there are new pupils in your class?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. The boy had a relaxing weekend. He felt rejuvenated.
a. tired c. refreshed
b. excited d. disappointed
2. The girls’ boisterous laughter filled the classroom. It seemed that
they really had fun.
a. soft c. calm
b. noisy d. moderate
Knowing Myself 33

40. 3. Paulo thought of a dull recess when Joseph did not go to school.
a. boring c. lively
b. cool d. happy
4. Joseph was assigned as Paulo’s buddy. The two boys must always
go together.
a. critic b. guest
c. enemy d. companion
Download
Have you experienced
being the new kid in
What did you do to
school?
make new friends?
34 Reading Works! 3

41. An Amazing Friend
Paulo always goes to school early. On a Monday morning, he
felt so rejuvenated because he was able to rest and relax well over
the weekend. He was carrying his school bag and a big lunch box
while walking fast. His movements showed excitement.
He opened the door. “Good morning Mica, Arthur, and Nina,”
he said. He noticed that there was one person missing. His
eyes moved around the classroom. “Oh boy, where are you?” he
whispered. “Not this day! Not now!” He felt sad. “This is unusual!
It is still too early anyway. I will unpack my things first.” Though
worried, Paulo was still hoping to see that one person he was
looking for.
While Paulo was unpacking his things, he saw his classmates
coming in one by one. The classroom was slowly filled with
boisterous laughter, loud conversations, the sounds of dragged
footsteps and chairs. Still, Paulo’s buddy was nowhere to be
found.
“Aaah, the bell! It is time for the flag ceremony,” said Paulo.
“Flag ceremony, classmates!” a girl exclaimed.
Paulo felt uneasy. He could not concentrate. He thought of a
dull recess. “This day is going to be a bad day!” he thought.
In a moment, Paulo recalled his first day in school when he
was introduced as a new pupil. His family had just transferred to
the city because it was close to where his father works.
On that first day, the teacher told Paulo that he will not be
alone because he will be assigned a buddy to be with him. His
buddy was named Joseph, and he turned out to be an amazing
friend. Paulo discovered they have many things in common. He
found it easy to adjust to the new school environment because of
Knowing Myself 35

42. Joseph’s help. His new buddy helped him feel comfortable. Paulo
got to know his classmates and won their hearts, too. He also
became familiar with the school policies and facilities through
his buddy. He hardly noticed that two months had quickly passed
since his first day in class.
When the second period came, the door opened. He saw his
buddy sneaking in. Joseph handed a slip of paper to his teacher.
The teacher nodded and gave him a signal to take his seat. Paulo
got excited. He waved to Joseph. “Hey! How come you are late?”
Paulo asked.
“The school bus broke down. Let us talk later because our
teacher is looking at us,” Joseph answered.
During recess, the boys rushed to the cafeteria and sat on
their favorite spot. Paulo brought out his lunch box and took out
a sandwich.
“Joseph, my mother prepared this chicken sandwich for you.
Look, it is so appetizing! My mom makes great sandwiches. Here
is a cup of juice, too,” Paulo explained.
“This is great! I’m
so hungry. In fact, I ate
my food already while
waiting for the mechanic
to fix the bus,” said
Joseph. “Oh, yummy!
Thank you so much, Pau.
You must bring more food
tomorrow!” Joseph added
jokingly. The boys laughed
and enjoyed the food they
shared together.
36 Reading Works! 3

43. Click
1. How did Paulo feel on an early Monday morning?
2. What made Paulo worry when he arrived in school?
3. Why was Paulo excited to go to school that Monday morning?
4. Why did the teacher assign Joseph as Paulo’s buddy?
5. How did Joseph make Paulo comfortable in his new school?
6. How did Paulo value Joseph’s effort?
Link
Getting the Main Idea
The main idea is the central thought of a passage or a paragraph.
It tells what the passage or paragraph is talking about. In getting the
main idea, the following questions must be considered.
1. What is being described in the passage or paragraph?
2. What idea does the author want to tell?
3. How can the details be best summarized?
Activity 1
Encircle the letter of the main idea of each given passage.
1. Paulo went to school early. He felt excited as he carried
a big lunch box. He wanted to reach the classroom as fast as
he can.
a. Paulo was counting his footsteps.
b. Paulo was excited to go to school.
Knowing Myself 37

44. c. Paulo did not want to go to school.
d. Paulo was carrying a big lunch box.
2. Paulo greeted his classmates who came early. He
looked around. He was hoping to see someone. He was
saddened when he did not see the person he was looking
for. He unpacked his things first while waiting.
a. Paulo was waiting for someone.
b. Paulo was angry at someone.
c. Paulo was happy not to see his friend.
d. Paulo saw the person he was looking for.
3. Paulo noticed that his classmates were beginning to
arrive. He waited until the bell rang for the flag ceremony.
Still, Paulo’s buddy was nowhere to be found.
a. Paulo was still waiting for his friend.
b. Paulo was excited to see someone.
c. Paulo talked to his classmates while waiting.
d. Paulo saw the person he was looking for.
4. Paulo lost hope when two class periods had passed.
He was worried and thought of a dull recess. He wondered
where the person was.
a. Paulo was happy.
b. Paulo saw the person he was looking for.
c. Paulo thought that he would no longer see the person he
was waiting for.
d. Paulo was eagerly waiting to see someone.
38 Reading Works! 3

45. Activity 2
Write the main idea of each paragraph. Write your answer on
the blank.
1. The teacher introduced Paulo to his new set of
classmates. She also assigned Joseph as his buddy. Joseph
introduced Paulo to the school authorities. He also told
him about the policies of the school. Paulo was able to
adjust easily in school because of Joseph.
Main idea: __________________________________________
2. Joseph became Paulo’s buddy in the new school. He
exerted effort to make Paulo’s adjustments to the new
school environment easy. He always accompanies Paulo.
They both enjoy each other’s company.
Main idea: __________________________________________
3. Paulo was excited to go to school with his big lunch
box. He brought an appetizing snack for Joseph. He
wanted Joseph to know how much he valued his friendship
by sharing with his friend the sandwiches his mother
prepared.
Main idea: __________________________________________
Knowing Myself 39

46. Upload
Write a five-sentence paragraph about friendship. Underline the
main idea and then give a creative title for your paragraph.
______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
40 Reading Works! 3

47. Lesson 4 Mastering One’s Emotions
Connect
Answer the following questions. Discuss your answers with a
partner.
1. Do you get mad easily?
__________________________________________________________________
2. When do you get mad?
__________________________________________________________________
3. What do you do when you get mad?
__________________________________________________________________
4. Do you know how to control your temper?
__________________________________________________________________
Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Miguel threw a tantrum when Joshua accidentally broke his
favorite pen.
a. politeness
b. bad temper
c. cheerfulness
d. disobedience
Knowing Myself 41

48. 2. The teacher had a diplomatic discussion with Miguel after he
threw tantrums.
a. polite
b. serious
c. impolite
d. cheerful
3. Miguel was commended by his teacher for controlling his temper.
a. punished
b. disciplined
c. praised
d. respected
4. Antonio invited Jayvee reluctantly since he is still not sure of his
friend’s behavior.
a. excitedly
b. cheerfully
c. unwillingly
d. happily
5. Miguel’s parents patted him on the back for a job well done.
a. tapped
b. pushed
c. pinched
d. rubbed
42 Reading Works! 3

49. Download
Have you ever
encountered a person What can a person
who easily gets mad? do to control anger?
Discovering Self-Control
Blag! Blag! Blag! The whole class was shocked. “Miss Reyes,
look at Miguel. He got mad. I just told him to put his bag on the
corner, but he left it on the floor,” said Trixie. Blag! Blag! Blag!
“Teacher, Miguel is throwing tantrums!” Trixie cried out loud.
Knowing Myself 43

50. “Miguel, what are you
doing?” Miss Reyes asked.
“Please stop kicking your
bag. I would like to know
what went wrong, so let us
talk about it outside the
classroom later. Kindly put
your bag in the proper place
and go back to your seat,”
she said in a diplomatic tone. Miguel obeyed her right away.
After class, Miguel and Miss Reyes had a long conversation.
She told Miguel that he needed to learn how to control his
temper. She advised him to count from 1 to 10 before doing
or saying anything. She also explained to Miguel the bad
things that could happen if he does not learn how to control
his emotions. “I will be monitoring your behavior every day.
Please be reminded, too, of our classroom policy—a place for
everything and everything in its place. I hope that you will
obey me, Miguel,” Miss Reyes said. Miguel just nodded.
During lunch break the next day, Antonio, Miguel’s
seatmate, invited him. “I have a new PlayStation 3 at home.
Would you like to play with me?” Antonio asked.
“Yes, I would love to,” Miguel answered.
Miguel and Antonio did not notice that Jayvee was on the
other side and suddenly spoke, “May I go with you?”
Antonio reluctantly answered, “Um... okay, you may.”
Jayvee spent the most time playing video games while
Miguel was able to play only once. Antonio told Jayvee to let
44 Reading Works! 3

51. Miguel play, but Jayvee just ignored Antonio. “It’s my turn now!
You have been playing for a long time! Give it to me!” Miguel
then said angrily.
Jayvee ignored Miguel, and he continued to play. Miguel,
being a short-tempered boy, grabbed the PlayStation 3 and threw
it on the floor. Blag! “Oh no! You broke my PlayStation 3! What
will I tell my mom? I’m sure she will punish me!” Antonio said,
crying.
Miguel got scared. He did not know what to do. So, he decided
to call his parents to inform them of what happened.
The parents of the three boys met and discussed what to
do. They then agreed to lecture the boys on the importance of
selflessness, patience, and kindness.
Miguel’s parents, in particular, warned him about his short
temper. Miguel felt bad about the trouble he caused. He promised
his dad that he would try his best to control his temper. He then
remembered the advice of Miss Reyes to count from 1 to 10 before
doing or saying anything whenever he was mad. Miguel made
a promise to himself: he was going to do his best to control his
temper, and he will do it by following the advice of Miss Reyes.
In school, Miss Reyes observed him. One time, she was amazed
when Miguel was able to manage his anger well. She commended
Miguel’s effort to control his temper. “Miguel, I am so proud of
you! Keep it up!” Miss Reyes said.
“Yes,” replied Miguel. “I will always do my best to control my
emotions.”
Miss Reyes smiled at Miguel and patted him on the back.
“I’m sure you will, Miguel. I’m sure you will.”
Knowing Myself 45

52. Click
1. What did Miss Reyes notice about Miguel?
2. Why did Miss Reyes implement the rule “a place for everything
and everything in its place”?
3. Why must a person learn how to control his or her temper?
4. How did Miguel try to overcome his problem?
5. How did Miguel’s parents and teacher help him manage his temper?
Link
Predicting Outcomes
To predict an outcome is to tell what is going to happen next based
on previous knowledge or story clues presented in the text.
Read the passage below and its predicted outcome. Do you think
the predicted outcome is possible based on the details presented in the
passage? Why or why not?
Passage Predicted Outcome
Miguel, being a short-tempered boy, Antonio’s parents got mad
grabbed the PlayStation 3 and when they learned that
threw it on the floor. Blag! “Oh no! the PlayStation 3 was
You broke my PlayStation 3! What damaged.
will I tell my mom? I’m sure she will
punish me!” Antonio said, crying.
46 Reading Works! 3

53. Activity 1
Supply the information needed to complete the story star below.
Choose the appropriate outcome in the box. Write the number of your
answer in the correct space as indicated by each arrow.
What could have happened if Trixie
did not tell Miguel to put his bag in
the proper place?
What could have happened
if Miss Reyes failed to talk What could have happened
to Miguel in a diplomatic had Jayvee not joined
manner? Miguel and Antonio?
What could have
happened once
What is most likely to Antonio’s parents
happen if Miguel does found out that the
not count from 1 to 10 PlayStation 3 was
when he gets mad? damaged?
What could have happened if
Jayvee allowed Miguel to take his
turn in playing the video game?
1. Some of Miguel’s classmates would have tripped on his bag.
2. Miguel would have said nasty words.
3. Miguel might not be able to control his temper.
4. Miguel might not have grabbed and thrown the PlayStation 3.
5. Jayvee could have learned to be considerate next time.
6. Miguel might have enjoyed playing the video game with Antonio.
7. Antonio’s parents would have been mad.
Knowing Myself 47

54. Activity 2
Give a possible outcome for each given situation.
1. Miguel apologized to Antonio and his parents for throwing the
PlayStation 3 on the floor.
____________________________________________________________
2. Miguel was beginning to get angry at his classmate when
Miss Reyes reminded him to count from 1 to 10.
____________________________________________________________
3. Miguel asked Jayvee and Antonio to play with him. Miguel
promised that he will control his emotions better this time.
____________________________________________________________
4. Miss Reyes noticed that Miguel has been able to consistently
control his temper. She was very impressed.
____________________________________________________________
Upload
If you were given a chance to give the story a different ending, how
would you like the story to end? Write on a sheet of paper a different
ending to the story. Then explain briefly why you gave that ending.
48 Reading Works! 3

55. Chapter 3
Getting to KnowName?
What’s in a My Identity
A person’s practices and beliefs contribute to his or her identity.
In this chapter, you will discover your identity by reading various
selections and by doing different tasks such as drawing conclusions
and making inferences.
Lesson 1 Revisiting the Filipino Family
Connect
Look at the pictures below and write three sentences about each
on the blanks.
Knowing Myself 49

56. Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Filipinos treasure their families as their source of strength.
a. value c. forget
b. throw away d. collect
2. We Filipinos have close-knit families.
a. highly prized c. strongly bonded
b. highly valued d. strongly opposed
3. A birthday celebration is one of the important affairs observed in
the Philippines.
a. values c. decisions
b. traditions d. activities
4. Offering and serving the best to the visitors are marks of Filipino
hospitality.
a. pride c. friendliness
b. happiness d. cooperativeness
5. Family members savor the memorable moments they experience
during family holidays.
a. enjoy c. show
b. control d. provide
50 Reading Works! 3

57. Download
Home is definitely What comes to your
the place to be, mind whenever you
especially for young read the expression
people like us. “Home sweet home”?
The Filipino Famiy
Filipino families are usually close knit. They always put
their families first in whatever they do.
In a Filipino family, values are taught at home. Some of
these values are respect for elders and other people, obedience,
love for country, and faith in God. Such values are alive in
almost every Filipino home. Filipinos who are in other countries
also bring with them the values they have learned from their
families.
Knowing Myself 51

58. In addition, education is highly valued in every Filipino
family. Parents strive hard to send their children to school.
It is a hope in every Filipino family that each child receives
a college diploma or at least finishes high school. Filipinos
believe that it is through education that they can improve
their lives.
Filipinos are also known for being hospitable. They offer
and serve the best to their guests. Filipinos are very friendly.
They value friendships and work hard to maintain good
relationships with others.
Strong family ties, meanwhile, make Filipinos go back to
their families wherever they may be. Since many Filipinos
work abroad, they still find time to take a vacation once a
year or whenever there is a chance. Similarly, OFWs never
forget their parents back here. These OFWs often cannot stand
being away from their children or parents for a long time. The
same goes for those who have been living in other countries
permanently—they usually visit their families or relatives in
the Philippines on a monthly or weekly basis, depending on
their schedule. Some OFWs who have saved enough money
often go back here so they can spend their remaining years
with their loved ones.
Strong family ties are also shown by Filipino families when
they bond together during celebrations and special occasions.
Birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, fiestas, Holy Week, and
the like are among the special events that Filipino families always
celebrate or observe. On such occasions, family members savor
the fun and excitement as these are often the only chance for the
family to be complete.
52 Reading Works! 3

59. Filipinos are also family oriented. The love and harmonious
relationships within the family, the values taught, and the traditions
practiced by the family are among the many things that bind Filipino
families. For Filipinos, being with their families is truly being “home
sweet home.”
Click
1. What type of family do Filipinos have?
2. Why do Filipinos always go back to their families?
3. Why do parents give their best to send their children to school?
4. How can Filipinos best reunite with their families?
5. How do Filipinos treasure their families?
Knowing Myself 53

60. Link
Drawing Conclusions
Drawing a conclusion involves coming up with a general
statement that tells something about a person, an event, or an idea
based on given details.
Example:
Given detail:
She wanted to live in a place where people did not know who she
was and where she could play with children her age.
Conclusion:
She wanted to live and play like other ordinary children.
Activity 1
Check the Yes column if the statement is a conclusion based on
the selection. If not, check the No column.
Practice Yes No
1. Filipino families teach the values of respect,
obedience, and love.
2. Filipino families bond together during holidays.
3. Filipino families show strong family ties.
4. Filipino families give importance to education.
5. Filipinos are very happy people.
54 Reading Works! 3

61. Activity 2
Encircle the letter of the correct conclusion based on the given
details in each passage.
1. In a Filipino family, values are taught at home. Some of
these values are respect for elders and other people, obedience,
love for country, and faith in God.
a. Family members are not respected.
b. Families do not share common values.
c. Filipino homes serve as schools.
d. Values are preserved in Filipino homes.
2. Filipino parents work hard to send their children to school.
It is the hope of each Filipino family that each child receives a
college diploma or at least finishes high school. Filipinos believe
that it is through education that they can improve their lives.
a. Children are required to go to school.
b. The Filipino family preserves many traditions.
c. Filipinos have high regard for education.
d. Parents have a duty to send their children to school.
3. Celebrations and special occasions are the best
opportunities for family members to reunite. Family get-
togethers are often held during the holidays. On these occasions,
family members savor the fun and excitement as these are
often the only chance for the families to be complete.
Knowing Myself 55

62. a. Filipino families are hospitable.
b. Family members care for each other.
c. Family members reunite and celebrate during holidays.
d. Filipinos have deep respect for elders.
4. Some OFWs go back home for a vacation once a year or
when they retire. Other Filipinos who have been living or
staying abroad for a long time see to it that they pay a visit to
their respective families.
a. Filipinos are hospitable.
b. Family members like to visit different places.
c. Filipinos know how to wait patiently for their vacations.
d. Filipinos always go home to their families when they can.
5. Filipinos also maintain good relationships with others.
Equally important is the practice of hospitality, which Filipinos
are known for worldwide. Filipinos offer and serve the best to
their guests.
a. Filipinos are hospitable people.
b. Filipinos show hospitality to a few people.
c. Filipinos care for the members of the family.
d. Home is the foundation of the Filipino nation.
56 Reading Works! 3

63. Upload
Form a group with three to four members. With your group mates,
read the following sentences and choose one topic. Act out your chosen
topic in class.
1. Filipino homes teach values such us respect, obedience, and love.
2. The preservation of customs and traditions are important to
Filipino families.
3. Filipinos always go home or return to their families as a sign of
strong family ties.
4. Filipinos have high regard for education.
5. In Filipino homes, families show love and care for each member.
Knowing Myself 57

64. Lesson 2 Looking Back
Connect
Write a sentence that describes each picture.
58 Reading Works! 3

65. Search
Tell the meaning of the underlined word in each number. Encircle
the letter of the correct answer.
1. Our heroes defended our nation from intruders.
a. hosts c. friends
b. guests d. trespassers
2. The Filipinos’ advocacy of freedom was shown during People Power.
a. support for c. protection
b. hope d. disobedience
3. The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 is a milestone of the
Filipinos’ desire to preserve democracy.
a. tradition c. commitment
b. belief d. achievement
4. We as a country have diverse traditions and beliefs.
a. similar
b. related
c. alike
d. different
5. Many of our customs and traditions are based on spiritual
beliefs.
a. laws c. ways of life
b. celebrations d. rules
Knowing Myself 59

66. Download
How would you
describe yourself as I am a proud Filipino with
a Filipino? good values, big dreams,
and a great family.
60 Reading Works! 3

67. Who Are the Filipinos?
Who are the Filipinos?
Filipinos belong to the brown-skinned race, and they are the
people of the Philippines. This beautiful country is an archipelago
known as the “Pearl of the Orient.”
Many Filipinos have shown bravery and love for their
country by defending the country’s freedom from intruders. The
strong will of the Filipinos, their heroic heart, and their advocacy
for peace and freedom were also seen during the EDSA People
Power Revolution of 1986. To this day, this event is considered
a milestone in preserving independence and democracy in the
country.
Moreover, Filipinos are known for their politeness, patience,
perseverance, resourcefulness, creativity, hospitality, industry,
skills, and intelligence. Filipinos prove these values at work, in
Knowing Myself 61

68. school, in social gatherings, in sporting events, and in special
occasions.
Overseas Filipino workers, for their part, show positive
attitudes, which is one of the main reasons why employers
around the world prefer Filipino workers. Along with these
positive attitudes are customs and traditions anchored on
various spiritual beliefs. These customs and traditions in turn,
are preserved and practiced by Filipinos even when they are
far from home.
Therefore, it is important that Filipinos protect their
reputation as a distinct group of people blessed with positive
values, unique characteristics, and diverse skills. Similarly,
Filipinos should also do their best to preserve and protect the
country’s many scenic spots and natural resources.
Click
1. To what race do Filipinos belong?
2. What characteristic is shown by the Filipinos’ willingness to defend
the country’s freedom?
3. How do the indigenous people contribute to the nation?
4. Which characteristics do Filipinos exhibit regularly?
5. Why should Filipinos be proud of their race?
62 Reading Works! 3

69. Link
Inferring
Inferring refers to understanding the hidden or suggested meaning
of a text. Using hints, clues, or prior knowledge can help you understand
the meaning of the text.
Example:
Princess Lexine introduced herself to the little girl and gave her
some food. The little girl stopped crying and introduced herself to
the princess as well. Why did the little girl stop crying?
Inference:
The little girl is hungry. She also felt that someone cares for her.
Activity 1
Infer the message of each given passage. Write your inference on
the blank. Then write a brief explanation on how you came up with
your inference.
1. The Philippines is known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” It is
an archipelago. The islands and islets are stretched like beads
on the Pacific Ocean.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 63

70. 2. The Philippines is filled with magnificent scenic spots and
abundant resources. Its long coastlines offer famous beaches
and diving sites. There are also captivating marine sanctuaries
and good fishing grounds. The land also gives a variety of
plants, animals, and huge mineral deposits.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Filipinos also have unique talents, skills, and intelligence.
Overseas Filipino workers, for their part, show positive
attitudes which is one of the main reasons why employers
around the world prefer hiring them.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Activity 2
Write a one-sentence inference based on each passage. Write your
inference on the blank.
1. Filipinos belong to the brown-skinned race. The blood that
runs through their veins speaks of the greatness of heroes—
the men and women who defended the country’s freedom from
foreign rule.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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71. 2. Filipinos have roles to play as protectors of its distinct
cultural heritage. Filipinos also have big roles in preserving
and protecting the country’s many scenic spots and natural
resources.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. The strong will of the people was shown in the EDSA People
Power of 1986. It was a milestone that showed the Filipinos’
desire to preserve democracy.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. The indigenous Filipino groups contribute to the
preservation of the cultural heritage of the nation. The
different ethnic groups share similar characteristics such as
politeness, patience, perseverance, resourcefulness, creativity,
hospitality, and industry.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Upload
Watch a video about the Philippines on the Internet. Create
a similar presentation to convince foreigners to come and visit our
country. Act it out in front of the class. Be sure to use props and costume
to make it more interesting.
Knowing Myself 65

72. Unit Test
Read the story below and answer the questions that follow. Encircle
the letter of your answer.
The Fruit with a Hundred Eyes
Long ago, Aling Rosa and her only child, Pinang, lived in a
small fishing village in Iloilo. Pinang’s father, a fisherman, died
when she was still a baby. Aling Rosa felt heartbroken then, but
she found very little time to mourn because she had to take care
of her only daughter.
When Pinang reached the age of 10, Aling Rosa began
teaching her how to take care of herself and do housework. She
taught young Pinang how to cook, clean, and wash her own
clothes. She wanted to make sure that Pinang would grow up to
be a responsible, hardworking person. However, Pinang did not
enjoy housework at all. Instead, she preferred to play piko with
her friends in the town plaza. There, she and her friends would
spend countless hours playing.
Every day, the neighbors would hear Aling Rosa shouting,
“Pina-aaaang! Pina-aaa-aaang! Come home!” to remind her
daughter that it was time to come home.
One day, Aling Rosa fell ill and had to stay in bed. So she asked
Pinang to cook porridge. Pinang obeyed her mother. However,
she had to check with her mother every step of the way to see if
she was doing things right. After putting some rice and water
into the pot, she left it on the stove and ran off to play with her
friends.
66 Reading Works! 3

73. When she finally remembered to go home to check on the
porridge, much of the rice had been burned already. Much of
the rice, in fact, got stuck on the bottom of the pot because it
was not stirred at all while cooking. When Pinang served the
porridge to her mother, it tasted bitter. Still, Aling Rosa did
not mind. She was quite pleased that her daughter actually
tried to cook.
Aling Rosa was sick for a few days. Pinang had no choice but
to cook porridge. Aling Rosa was ecstatic that her only daughter
was finally beginning to do things by herself.
One afternoon, while Pinang was getting ready to cook
porridge again, she found out that the wooden ladle that she uses
to stir the porridge was missing. She had used it earlier, so it had
to be around somewhere. Impatient to look for the wooden ladle,
she, instead, woke up her mother and asked, “Mother, have you
seen the wooden ladle?”
Aling Rosa felt upset that Pinang woke her up. So she shouted
at her young daughter. “You foolish girl! Why ask me? I have not
been in the kitchen for days!”
She knew that her daughter could not find the wooden ladle
because she was not looking hard enough for it. “Pinang, you are
looking with your mouth, not with your eyes. I wish you had a
hundred eyes to help you see what you are looking for!” she said
angrily.
Pinang did not say a word. Though she admitted to herself
that she did not, indeed, look hard enough for the wooden ladle,
she still felt extremely hurt by her mother’s comment. She sat on
the front stairs of their house and began crying.
Knowing Myself 67

74. Soon, night fell and it was time for supper. Aling Rosa was
surprised that Pinang had not come home. So she forced herself
out of bed, went outside, and called out her daughter.
“Pinaaang!” she called faintly.
There was no answer.
Aling Rosa did not worry at first. “Pinang probably went
out to play piko with her friends,” she thought to herself. But
she began to worry when her daughter was still not home after
several hours.
Days passed before Aling Rosa recovered from her sickness
and regained her strength. Terribly worried that Pinang had not
come home for days, she began to ask her neighbors. However,
only an old woman remembered seeing Aling Rosa’s daughter.
“I remember seeing Pinang sitting on the steps in front of
your house. She was crying.”
Aling Rosa did not know where else to look, so she just hoped
and prayed that her daughter would one day come home. To
help her forget her worries and sadness, she busied herself with
housework.
One morning, Aling Rosa noticed a strange plant that had
grown right in front of the house. The mysterious plant had green
leaves that looked like sharp, long blades. She dug out the plant
carefully and moved it to a place where there was sunlight. As
days passed, the plant produced a strange-looking fruit. It looked
like a person’s head with eyes all around. There must have been
hundreds of them!
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75. Then Aling Rosa remembered what she said to Pinang
several nights before. At that moment, she realized that what she
said came true. She knew the fruit she was holding was actually
Pinang. Her daughter turned into a fruit with many eyes. She
felt sorry for what she said, but she knew that there was nothing
more she could do.
Aling Rosa decided to just take care of the plant and its fruit
the way she used to take care of her beloved daughter. She even
called the plant “Pinang.”
Eventually, more and more people learned about the plant
and its delicious fruit. The name slowly evolved into pinya, now
the name of a juicy, edible tropical fruit popular here in the
Philippines.
Source: Reading for Young Achievers 3
1. What situations broke Aling Rosa’s heart?
a. death of her husband and loss of her daughter
b. getting sick and negative attitudes of her daughter
c. finding her daughter and discovering the plant
d. staying in bed and eating burnt porridge
2. Which describes Pinang?
a. a responsible child
b. a loving child
c. a happy-go-lucky child
d. an obedient child
Knowing Myself 69

76. 3. How did Aling Rosa prepare Pinang to become a responsible
person?
a. by sending Pinang to school
b. by giving Pinang a set of rules about her conduct
c. by teaching Pinang to do housework
d. by requesting other people to supervise Pinang in doing her
tasks
4. Why did Aling Rosa get mad at Pinang?
a. Pinang broke the wooden ladle.
b. Pinang did not cook porridge.
c. Pinang played all day long.
d. Pinang did not look for the wooden ladle hard enough.
5. How did Aling Rosa discover that Pinang was missing?
a. a friend informed her
b. nobody cooked for her
c. the neighbors told her
d. Pinang did not come home for several days.
6. Which group of words from the selection shows initial consonant
blends?
a. ask, just, first
b. only, died, take
c. clean, play, shout
d. felt, work, sunlight
7. What word in the sentence “Pinang had to check her sick mother”
shows initial consonant blends?
a. sick
b. check
c. Pinang
d. mother
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77. 8. Which group of words from the selection shows final consonant
blends?
a. ask, just, first
b. only, died, take
c. clean, play, shout
d. felt, work, sunlight
9. What word in the sentence “I wish you had a hundred eyes!”
shows a final consonant blend?
a. had
b. eyes
c. wish
d. hundred
10. What word with an initial consonant blend can best complete
the sentence “Pinang ________________ the rice that got stuck on
the bottom of the pot?”
a. stirred
b. cleaned
c. stopped
d. whipped
11. What statement is implied in the selection?
a. Pinang learned how to cook well by herself.
b. The origin of the pineapple is based on a curse.
c. Pinang learned how to become a responsible daughter.
d. Controlling one’s temper is the best way of handling a
confrontation.
Knowing Myself 71

78. 12. Which is an example of a two-step direction given by Aling Rosa
to Pinang?
a. Pinang, take a bath now.
b. Pinang, it is time to cook porridge.
c. Pinang, look for the wooden ladle hard enough.
d. Pinang, in cooking porridge, you must wash the rice first
before putting water in the pot.
.
13. What two-step procedure did Pinang follow in preparing porridge
for her sick mother?
a. putting some rice and water into the pot
b. checking every procedure with her mother
c. remembering where to keep the wooden ladle
d. serving the porridge to her mother with a bitter taste
14. What is the main idea of the following paragraph?
One morning, Aling Rosa noticed a strange plant that had
grown right in front of the house stairs. The mysterious plant
had green leaves that looked like sharp, long blades. She dug
out the plant carefully and moved it to a place where there
was sunlight. As days passed, the plant produced a stranged-
looking fruit. It looked like a person’s head with eyes all
around. There must have been hundreds of them!
a. A mysterious plant had grown in front of the house.
b. Aling Rosa was surprised to see the mysterious plant in front
of the house.
c. Aling Rosa thought that the mysterious plant would die if it
remains in the place where there is no sunlight.
d. All of the above
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79. 15. What is the theme of the story?
a. The story shows the origin of pineapple.
b. A child has to look for the object well.
c. A child has to be obedient to the parents.
d. The pineapple resulted from a parent’s curse.
16. What can be inferred from the statement “Pinang, you are looking
with your mouth, not with your eyes. I wish you had a hundred
eyes to help you see what you are looking for!”?
a. Pinang had poor eyesight.
b. Pinang was too lazy to look for the object.
c. Pinang had to open her eyes wide to see all things.
d. Pinang need not look for the objects because she may use
other parts of her body.
17. Which can you infer from the paragraph below?
Aling Rosa decided to just take care of the plant and its
fruit the way she used to take care of her beloved daughter.
She even called the plant “Pinang.” Eventually, more and
more people learned about the plant and its delicious fruit.
The name slowly evolved into “pinya,” now the name of a juicy,
edible tropical fruit popular here in the Philippines.
a. The word “Pinya” originated from the word “Pinang.”
b. Pineapples grow in tropical regions.
c. Fruits become juicy if given proper care.
d. All of the above
Knowing Myself 73

80. 18. What can you conclude when Pinang did not say a word when
her mother scolded her?
a. Pinang got scared.
b. Pinang was very angry.
c. Pinang was sorry for her bad action.
d. Pinang ignored her mother
19. What can you conclude from Aling Rosa’s situation when she
hoped and prayed to see her daughter again?
a. Aling Rosa was sorry for losing her temper.
b. Aling Rosa missed her daughter so much.
c. Aling Rosa wanted to make up for her bad action.
d. All of the above
20. What message does the selection want to impart to children and
parents?
a. Children and parents need to respect each other.
b. Children and parents need to compromise over a difficult
situation.
c. Parents and children have to help each other solve their
problems in a diplomatic way.
d. All of the above
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