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Grade 4

Anansi’s Web
Anansi was tired of her web. So, one day, she said “I will go live with the ant.”
Now, the ant lived in a small hill. Once in the hill Anansi cried, “This place is too
dark! I will go live with the bees.”
When she got to the beehive, Anansi cried, “This place is too hot and sticky! I will
go live with the beetle.”

But on her way to beetle’s home, she saw her web. “Maybe a web is the best
place after all."

Questions
1. Where does Anansi live?
a. in a beehive b. in a web c. in a hill

2. What was her problem?

a. She was tired of living in other insects’ homes.
b. She was tired of living in a web.
c. She was tired of being a spider.

3. Which of the following happened last?

a. She went to beetle’s house.
b. She went back to the web.
c. She went to the beehive.

4. What would she have said at beetle’s home?

a. “This place is not for me.”
b. “This place can be better.”
c. “This place is exactly like my web.”

5. Which of the following solved her problem?

a. She tried out other insects’ homes.
b. She stayed at home all day.
c. She made a new home.

6. At the end of the story, which statement do you think is she going to say?
a. “My home is your home.”
b. “Homes should be shared.”
c. “There’s no place like home. “

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Grade 5

Amy’s Good Deed

Amy loves walking home from school to see the colors of the leaves and listen
to the birds sing. But one day, she heard a soft cry. It came from under a bush.
“Should I go near?” Amy wondered. As it grew louder, Amy decided she must help
the poor thing.
Amy crept closer and held her arm out. Just when she was about to reach out,
she saw a pair of eyes and heard a loud “Hissss!!!!” She also felt a sharp pain.
“Ouch!” Amy cried. Her arm had four long scratch marks. Amy was upset. She really
thought she was doing a good deed.

Questions

1. What does Amy love to do?

a. catching animals
b. listening to the trees
c. walking home from school
d. seeing the colors of the birds

2. What did she find unusual?

a. the thorny bush
b. the cry of an animal
c. the colors of the leaves
d. the singing of the birds

3. What did Amy want to do?

a. She wanted to save the animal.
b. She wanted to scare the animal.
c. She wanted to hurt the animal.
d. She wanted to keep the animal.

4. What happened when she tried to help?

a. She was yelled at.
b. She was scratched.
c. She was bitten.
d. She was pulled forward.

5. Why did the animal react that way?

a. The animal was getting ready to attack.

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b. The animal wanted to be friends.

c. The animal was scared of Amy.
d. The animal wanted to play.

6. What for Amy is a "good deed"?

a. a surprise
b. a harmful act
c. a brave action
d. an act of kindness

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Grade 6

Dreams

We often say “Sweet dreams,” but have you ever wondered why we dream?
Some say that dreaming is our brain’s way of exercising. While we sleep, our brain
may be testing the connections and pathways to see if they are working well. Others
believe that dreaming is our brain’s way of sorting out problems. Problems that have
not been addressed during the day are sometimes resolved in our sleep. Yet another
explanation is that dreaming is our brain’s way of fixing and organizing all the
information we have. While sleeping, our brains have a chance to sort out the
information that we want to keep from the stuff we no longer want. Still another idea
is that dreams are just another form of thinking. Will we ever get to know the answer
to this question? Maybe we should sleep on it.

Reference: Adapted from http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-

mind/humanbrain/dream1.htm; http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/magazine/what-are-dream
Questions

1. Based on the selection, what does our brain exercise through sleeping?
a. the connections and pathways
b. the left and right hemispheres
c. the content and concepts
d. the gray matter

2. Which of the statements does NOT show how dreams fix our problems?
a. As we dream, we constantly think about what we have learned or experienced.
b. Our dreams help us focus on things we are unable to notice during the day.
c. Our brain comes up with solutions in our sleep.
d. Our brain sorts and files information.

3. How does a brain - through dreams - perform the function of an office clerk?
a. It sorts information we need from what we don’t need.
b. It files what we know into fixed categories.
c. It clears the board to store new information.
d. It functions alone.

4. Based on how it is used in the selection, which of the following words is a

synonym for the word "resolved?" a. accommodated
b. reflected
c. decided

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d. fixed

5. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the brain?

a. Our brain makes connections.
b. Our brain never stops thinking.
c. Sleeping is our brain’s way of shutting down.
d. Our brain replays our experiences as we sleep.

6. Which question is the selection trying to answer?

a. What are the types of dreams?
b. Why are our reasons for dreaming?
c. Are all dreams sweet?
d. How can we stop from dreaming?

7. In the selection, what does it mean to “sleep on it”?

a. ignore it
b. take a nap
c. think about it
d. forget about it

8. Which could be a good title for this selection?

a. Dreaming: Explained
b. Preventing Our Dreams
c. Interpreting One’s Dream
d. Finding Solutions to Dreaming

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Grade 7

Lili the Lizard and Koko the Gecko

[1] In a land across the green field, far away from the barracks of the Spanish
soldiers, there lived a young couple who owned a gecko. His name was Koko whose
vibrant color and smooth scales made him the most adorable pet in the house. His
well-decorated cage and abundant food proved that he was well taken care of.
[2] In one corner of the house was Lili the lizard who was silently waiting for a
chance to eat. While Koko devoured the sumptuous food in his cage, Lili silently
worked hard to make both ends meet.
[3] Though they lived in the same house, one was clearly above the other. A wall
of discrimination and unequal opportunity was indestructible.

[4] Every day, Koko the gecko’s state of living reminded Lili the lizard of the life
she wished she could have. A life of great comfort and abundance. However, no
matter how Lili wished to be in the state of life where Koko was, a strange feeling told
her that something was wrong.
[5] One day, as soon as the sun smiled over the green horizon, Koko the gecko
was seen being taken out of the cage. It may be another lucky day for him or
otherwise. However, Lili the lizard was on her usual daily routine. Nothing new,
nothing special.
[6] When darkness started to clothe the town, the silence that came with it filled
the entire house as well. No sound of a gecko was heard. No vibrant color was seen.
Only an empty cage.
[7] The couple seemed to be in a happy disposition while looking at a large
amount of money on the table near the cage. Lili the lizard watched the entire
situation and couldn't help but wonder. “Is it the price that Koko has to pay?” she
asked herself.
[8] The following day, when a new gecko was seen in the cage, everything made
sense to Lili the lizard and she learned one lesson she will never forget.

[9] “One may be living in comfort inside a cage but nothing is more comforting
than having the freedom you deserve. Freedom from bondage and suppression.” Lili
the lizard told her children.
Number of words: 364 (Written by Jovie R. Cruz)

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Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the time setting of the story?

A. The story took place after the Spaniards left the Philippines.
B. The story took place before the Spaniards came to the Philippines.
C. The story took place when the Spaniards fought the Americans.
D. The story took place while the Spaniards were in the Philippines.

2. In paragraph 2, what does the word “devoured” mean?

A. boasted about the food

B. divided the food
C. ate up the food
D. fought over the food

3. What is the conflict in the story?

A. Gecko was in a cage.

B. Lili was envious of Gecko.
C. Lili was not beautiful.
D. The couple was poor.

4. What does the green horizon in Paragraph 5 refer to?

A. desert
B. farm
C. lake
D. sea

5. Which paragraph shows the difference in the life between Lili and Gecko?

A. Paragraph 2 B. Paragraph 5 C. Paragraph 7

D. Paragraph 9

6. What time of the day is indicated in this line “the sun smiled over the green
horizon” in paragraph 5?

A. Dawn
B. Morning
C. Night
D. Noon

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7. In paragraph 2, what does the idiomatic expression “make both ends meet” mean?

A. to spend according to one’s budget

B. to spend according to one’s limit
C. to spend according to one’s needs
D. to spend according to one’s wants

8. Which of the following is an example of a figure of speech?

A. A wall of discrimination was indestructible.

B. He lived a life of great comfort and abundance.
C. His vibrant color made him the most adorable pet.
D. The sun smiled over the green horizon.

9. Which are themes explored in the selection?

A. Beauty, freedom, happiness

B. Corruption, equality, contentment
C. Equality, freedom, contentment
D. Poverty, equality, happiness

10. Which type of text is similar to the selection?

A. Fable, because it highlights the lesson.

B. Fairy tale, because it has a happy ending.
C. Legend, because it tells the origin of something.
D. Tall tale, because the story is exaggerated.

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Learner’s Copy
Graded Passage
Grade 8

The Amazing World of Coral Reefs

[1] Coral reefs are underwater cities teeming with life, vibrant and diverse ecosystems that are
vital to the health of our oceans. They are formed by tiny creatures called coral polyps, which build
hard, calcium carbonate skeletons that grow together to create massive structures. These structures
provide a home for an incredible array of marine life, from colorful fish and graceful sea turtles to tiny
invertebrates and even sharks.

[2] The vibrant colors of coral reefs are a result of a symbiotic relationship between the coral
polyps and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live within the coral's tissues and
provide them with food through photosynthesis. In return, the coral provides the algae with a
protected environment and access to sunlight. This partnership is crucial for the survival of both
organisms and contributes to the overall health of the reef.

[3] Coral reefs are incredibly important to the health of our oceans. They act as natural barriers,
protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges. They also provide a source of food and income
for millions of people around the world. Fishing, tourism, and even medicine rely on the health and
diversity of coral reefs.

[4] Unfortunately, coral reefs are facing many threats, including pollution, overfishing, climate
change, and destructive fishing practices. Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification are
particularly damaging to coral reefs, causing them to bleach and die. Coral bleaching occurs when
the symbiotic algae leave the coral, leading to a loss of color and eventually, the death of the coral.

[5] Protecting coral reefs is crucial for the health of our oceans and the well-being of countless
species. We can all do our part by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable seafood
practices, and advocating for policies that protect these vital ecosystems. The future of coral reefs
depends on our collective efforts to ensure their survival.

No. of Words: 303

Written by Jimmy Telen

Questions
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1. What are coral reefs made of?

A. algae
B. anemones
C. calcium
D. polyps

2. What is the main reason coral reefs are important to the health of our oceans?

A. They provide a source of food for humans.

B. They are a popular tourist destination.
C. They protect coastlines from erosion and storms.
D. They are home to a diverse array of marine life.

3. Why are coral reefs described as "underwater cities"?

A. Because they are made of hard structures like buildings.

B. Because they are home to a large population of organisms.
C. Because they are in deep, dark parts of the ocean.
D. Because they are a popular tourist destination.

4. What can be inferred about the relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae?

A. They are competitors for resources.

B. They are predators and prey.
C. They are mutually beneficial partners.
D. They have no significant impact on each other.

5. What is an indirect consequence of coral bleaching?

A. death of coral reefs and other marine life

B. erosion of coast lines and storm surges
C. loss of vibrant colors of the coral reefs
D. warmer ocean temperatures and acidity

6. What is the author's main purpose in writing this passage?

A. To describe the physical characteristics of coral reefs

B. To explain the scientific process of coral formation
C. To highlight the importance of protecting coral reefs
D. To provide a detailed history of coral reefs

7. How did the author organize the ideas in the selection?

A. by describing events leading to coral reefs destruction

B. by explaining problems pertaining to coral reefs
C. by listing relevant information about coral reefs
D. by showing how some events badly affect coral reefs

8. The passage states that coral reefs are "vital to the health of our oceans." What evidence
supports this claim?

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I. Coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion and storms. II. Coral reefs are
source of food for human beings.
III. Fish and other marine life live in coral reefs.
IV. Coral reefs have a symbiotic relationship with algae.

A. I and II
B. I and III
C. II, and IV
D. I and IV

9. Which of the following best describes the last paragraph?

A. It is didactic, that is, it intended to teach.

B. It contains the main topic of the selection.
C. It has a very serious and formal tone.
D. It provides support to the ideas presented.

10. Which of the following is true about this article?

A. It appeals to environmentalists.
B. It describes the issue accurately.
C. It discusses a relevant issue.
D. It presents a recent problem.

Learner’s Copy
Graded Passage
Grade 9

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Tesla's AI Robot Ready in September

[1] Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, asserts that the "Optimus" humanoid AI robot was about to be
released on September 30, 2022. It was initially scheduled for release on Tesla Day, August 19, but
was delayed until September. The delay was caused by the possibility that a prototype of the AI robot
would be available by that time.
[2] The humanoid AI robot from Tesla was first announced in August of 2021. It was designed to
assist and do daily human tasks. It can walk at least 5 miles per hour and lift 150 pounds. According
to Tesla, Optimus can "eliminate dangerous, boring, and repetitive tasks."
[3] Tesla is a well-known automaker that believes electric vehicles can be better, faster, and more
enjoyable to drive than gasoline-powered vehicles. Tesla, which makes self-driving cars powered by
artificial intelligence, used artificial intelligence for the first time to create a humanoid robot. Japan
and China, two of the world's leading artificial intelligence competitors, have yet to develop a
humanoid that physically resembles humans and can perform human functions. Optimus will be the
first to perform tasks humans do not prefer or want to do. It can also adapt to its owner's personality.
To personalize Optimus, the owner can somehow transfer his or her traits to it.
[4] The launch of this humanoid would be the first of its type, and a great deal of anticipation
surrounds the event. Due to Tesla's vow to use artificial intelligence to improve technology for the
greater benefit, many people have high hopes for the future success of this robot.

Number of Words: 262

Written by Coleen Gay O. Mora

Maxim Staff. (2022, June). Elon Musk is Launching a Humanoid Robot called ‘TESLA OPTIMUS. Elon Musk is Launching a Humanoid Robot called
‘TESLA OPTIMUS. https://www.maxim.com/news/elon-musk-is-launching-a-humanoid-robot-calledtesla-optimus/ Nicholas, K. (2022, June). Elon
Musk Says Tesla May Have ‘Optimus’ Robot Prototype Within Months. Elon Musk Says Tesla May Have ‘Optimus’ Robot Prototype Within Months.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-03/musk-says-teslamay-have-optimus-robot-prototype-within-months

Questions

1. Which of the following can Tesla's AI robot do for humans?

A. cook
B. drive
C. run
D. think
2. What can owners do to make the AI robot more personalized?

A. Owners can change its appearance.

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B. Owners can customize its appearance.

C. Owners can give it a name.
D. Owners can pass on characteristics.

3. What would be the possible impact of Tesla's AI robot on people's lives?

A. It will make people's lives more advanced.

B. It will make people's lives more beautiful.
C. It will make people's lives more comfortable.
D. It will make people's lives more complicated.

4. What is implied by the statement, "Japan and China, two of the world's leading artificial
intelligence competitors, have yet to develop a humanoid that physically resembles humans and
can perform human functions"?

A. America has overtaken Japan and China in artificial intelligence competition.

B. America, Japan, and China were the three leading competitors in robot making.
C. Japan and China will also develop a humanoid robot-like Optimus.
D. Japan ang China will envy America for being able to develop a humanoid robot.

5. Which of the following is NOT discussed in the selection?

A. Artificial intelligence is becoming useful to people.

B. Modern technology can benefit everyone who can afford.
C. Technological advancement will always be beneficial.
D. Technology will always have good and bad effects.

6. What is the meaning of the word “anticipation” in this sentence?

The launch of this humanoid would be the first of its type, and a great deal of anticipation surrounds
the event.

A. eagerness
B. expectation
C. prediction
D. suspension

7. What disadvantage may Optimus cause?

A. People may become lazy.

B. People may harm nature.
C. People may not be healthy.
D. People may not think anymore.

8. Which of the following sentences is an opinion expressed in the selection?

A. Tesla’s Optimus promises an incomparable AI advancement.

B. Tesla's Optimus will be able to adapt to the personality of its owner.
C. Tesla's Optimus will be capable of performing human functions. D. Tesla’s Optimus
will be released on September 30, 2022.

9. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

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A. To compare America with Japan and China

B. To entertain people with a robot story
C. To inform about the latest AI invention
D. To persuade the people to buy robots

10. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the article?

A. disadvantages of the AI robot

B. distribution details of the Ai robot
C. estimate price of the AI robot
D. manufacturers of the AI robot

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English 10

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Butuan Archeological Sites

[1] In 1975, as a result of the construction of an extensive network of large drainage channels, or
esteros, to relieve Butuan City from destructive annual floods, significant amounts of archaeological
artifacts were discovered that dated back to the Age of Contact with the Great Traditions of Asia,
coeval with the Yueh type wares to Ming Dynasties of ancient China from the 10th Century to the
16th Century AD.

[2] The major find in various areas is the appearance of the remains of large openwater-going
boats, the "balanghai" of historical records. The same type of boats and construction has been
recovered in Sumatra and Pontian in Malaysia, apparently of the same period. There are eleven of
these boats: three were fully excavated, two preserved, and the rest are still unexcavated. The boats
are of Neolithic architecture using a planking edge-peg technology. The boats range in age from the
10th to the 13th century AD.

[3] The other significant sites yielded multiple interred wooden coffin burials, containing secondary
burials that feature modified skulls that are frontally flattened, ascribed to the 14th-15th Century AD.
Similar finds in Central Philippines have yielded similar burials but with the difference that all these
were found in caves along the island’s coasts.

[4] The third significant feature of the stratified sites are the tremendous amounts of trade high-
fired ceramics coming from China, Cambodia, Thailand, and other southeast Asian countries, as well
as the distinctive white stamped pottery from Thailand; and Persian glassware, suggesting prehistoric
links as far as the Middle East.

[5] There were other notable discoveries like the Ivory Seal and the Silver Paleograph. Gold and
tools for gold processing of ornaments have also been recovered from a village site. Over a hundred
clay crucibles and tools for the processing of gold items were discovered in the area, leading to the
conclusion that an extensive gold ornaments industry was in these areas as far back as a thousand
years ago.

[6] Altogether, these data demonstrate that Butuan was a thriving international trading port a
thousand years ago, this site has a tremendous historical impact in the Asian region.

Number of words: 350

Questions written by Justine Paul Alimento
SOURCE: https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2071/

Questions

1. What was the reason behind the construction of an extensive network of large drainage channels
in Butuan in 1975?

A. to discover significant amounts of archaeological artifacts

B. to enhance the drainage system against damaging floods
C. to excavate the remains of large open-water-going boats
D. to unearth proofs of historical trading in the Asian region

2. What does “esteros” mean in the first paragraph?

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A. a network of large drainage channels

B. a result of an extensive construction
C. a number of archaeological artifacts
D. an effect of destructive annual floods

3. Which of the following will benefit from the discovery of the archeological artifacts?

A. art, tradition, and industry

B. culture, history, and tradition
C. history, archeology, industry
D. tradition, architecture, art

4. Which paragraph talked about the sites of wooden coffin burials?

A. paragraph 2
B. paragraph 3
C. paragraph 4 D. paragraph 5

5. Which of the following is NOT implied in the selection?

A. The early Filipinos did business with countries in Asia.

B. The early Filipinos engaged in different types of trading.
C. The early Filipinos had great traditions.
D. The early Filipinos had knowledge of technology.

6. Which academic discipline or field of study does the topic of this text fall under?

A. Anthropology
B. Engineering
C. Ethnography
D. Psychology

7. Which of the following should be consulted regarding the discovery?

A. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

B. National Commission for Culture and the Arts
C. National Historical Commission of the Philippines
D. National Museum of the Philippines

8. Which type of paragraph development is used in the second paragraph to talk about “Balanghai”?

A. Descriptive paragraph
B. Literary paragraph
C. Narrative paragraph
D. Persuasive paragraph

9. How did the author conclude the text?

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A. A massive gold ornaments industry already existed a thousand years ago.

B. Butuan was a thriving international trading harbor a thousand years ago.
C. Wooden coffin burials in Butuan are similar to that in Central Philippines.
D. Discovered artifacts are dated back to the Age of Great Traditions of Asia.

10. Which of the following statements is NOT stated in the given text?

A. Butuan exported high-fired ceramics to China and stamped pottery to Thailand.

B. The Balanghai is of Neolithic architecture using a planking edge-peg technology.
C. There is a significant amount of archaeological artifacts found in Butuan.
D. Wooden coffins contained burials that feature frontally flattened modified skulls.

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