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SJLR Reading Program

INTERVENTION
MATERIALS IN ENGLISH
Level 3 B
(Reading exercises for speed and comprehension)

Prepared by:
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 JENEFER S. EdianG, MA.
Teacher III/Reading Coordinator

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

The Eagle and the Woodcutter

Once, a wood cutter found an eagle which was caught in a trap. He was so taken with the
beauty and the majesty of the bird that he let it go free.
Sometime later, the wood cutter sat down on a rock on the very top of a steep hill. While he
was having his lunch, the eagle drooped like lightning from the sky, and flew away with his hat. The
man automatically ran down the hill after the bird, just as the rocks on which he had been sitting
gave way with a loud crash.
The grateful eagle had repaid its benefactor.

Motivation Question:
What will you do if you would see someone caught in a trap?

Comprehension Check:

1. Who was caught in a trap? Literal

a. eagle b. wood cutter c. benefactor
2. What was in the eagle that the wood cutter wanted to let the bird free? Literal
a. The wood cutter was charmed by the bird’s beauty and majesty.
b. The wood cutter was forced by the eagle to let him free.
c. The eagle asked help to the farmer to let him free.
3. What if someone who is in a trap has neither beauty nor charm, would you still have the
courage to help? Application
a. Yes, because an act of kindness is never choosy. It is given to anyone who needs help.
b. Yes, because the help we have given will have something in return.
c. No, it deserves to die
4. What could be the feeling of the eagle upon getting its freedom? Interpretation
a. Sad b. grateful c. happy
5. What is the theme of the story? Integration
a. care for animals b. kindness begets kindness c. helping each other
6. Write a thank you letter to the person who had made a difference in your life.

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 GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

Two Prisoners

Two prisoners looked out

of prison bars.
One saw mud,
the other saw, stars.

Motivation Question: What would you feel if you will be in prison?

Comprehension Check:
1. How many prisoners are there in a poem?

2. Where do you find them?

3. Where was one looking? What did he see?

4. What did the other prisoner see?

5. What adjectives can describe the one who saw mud?

6. What is the attitude of the one who saw stars?

7. Could you describe persons who see stars?

8. Do you know of someone who always sees the ugly side of things? Describe him.

9. Which of the two prisoners are you- the one who sees stars or the one who sees mud?

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 GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

THE LITTLE TURTLE

By: Vachel Lindsay

There was a little turtle

He lived in a box
He swam in a puddle
He climed up the rocks.

He snapped at a mosquito
He snapped at a flea
He snapped at a minnow
And he snapped at me.

He caught the mosquito

He caught the flea
He caught the minnow
But, he didn’t catch me.

Comprehension Questions
a. What animal is pictured in our poem?
b. Where did he live?
c. Where did he climb?
d. Where did he swim?
e. Who did he snap at? Could you name them?
f. Who did he catch?
g. How old do you think is the person speaking?
Why do you think so?

Language Activity
Write the answer in complete sentences.

Questions Answer
1. Where did the turtle live? __________
2. Where did he climb? __________
3. Where did he swim? __________
4. Whom did he catch? __________

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 5. Did he catch me? __________

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

Final reading of the poem: Students try to fill in each blank with the correct word.

There was a _____.

He live in a _____.
He swam in a _____.
He climed up a _____.

He snapped at a _____.
He snapped at a _____.
And he snapped at _____.

He caught the _____.

He caught the _____.
He caught the _____
But, he didn’t catch _____.

Creative activity: Draw your turtle. Write a word to describe your drawing.

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 GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

OBEDIENCE
What is obedience? It consists in putting our own will to the will of another. It is the habit of
following a law or command. It is a virtue necessary for everyone, especially children and young
people. It is the basis of order. Without obedience life will be a great disorder.
According to St. Francis of Sales, obedience is a sweet virtue. He who rightly obeys will live
right; he will live sweetly, free from cares and troubles. He cannot grow or progress if he does not
learn to obey. He is not safe and happy if he does not obey orders.
But obedience appears unattractive to the eyes of young people. They want to enjoy their
liberty. Admittedly, this is the trend now or what seems to be. Therefore, it is most necessary that
they be wisely advised.
Always be obedient. You will find it very difficult at times, when pride or bad temper wants to
dominate. You should learn to bow, that is to obey while you are still young and you will have done
a great deal to promote the happiness of your future life.
Obedience is something not to be ashamed of. You cannot live without it. Even the
president of our country is not exempted from obedience. He/ She has to obey the laws which he/
she himself or herself helped to make.
So, obey God, your parents, teachers, superiors, people in authority, laws of the
government and customs of society. Obedience must be our law. What a happy and prosperous
world this would be if everyone is obedient.

Comprehension Check:
1. Obedience is putting our own will
A. Side by side with another’s will
B. Above that of another
C. Below that of another
2. Obedience is unattractive to the eyes of
A. the young people
B. parents and elders
C. persons in authority
3. If our countrymen will disregard obedience to laws
A. democracy will prevail
B. people will enjoy life to the fullest
C. there will be disorder
4. If every Filipino citizen would be obedient
A. the Filipinos will be left behind
B. our country will progress and prosper
C. our country will remain stagnant
5. List possible consequence when one disobeyed a parent, a teacher and a persons in authority.
A. Parent: ___________________________
B. Teacher: ___________________________
C. Persons in authority: ___________________________

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 GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

The Value of Gold

People have treasured gold for thousands of years. But just what makes gold so valuable?
Gold has several important properties that contribute to its value. First, it reflects light very well and
has an attractive yellow color, making it ideal for use in jewelry. Second, it is very malleable, or
easy to shape. Because gold is soft and easy to work with, it can be hammered into thin sheets that
do not crack. These sheets can then be used to add decorative details to artwork or buildings.
Third, it does not rust or wear away. It keeps its shape, which means that gold jewelry and art
objects can pass from generation to generation and become more valuable over time. Fourth, gold
is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it a good choice for electronics.
One of the most important reasons that gold is valuable, however, is that it is rare. Although
gold exists in many places throughout the world, it is not easy to find or to mine. People who mine
gold usually have to work very hard to get even tiny amounts of the precious metal. The fact that it
is both beautiful and useful makes people want more of this precious metal than they can easily
get, which drives up its price.
Finally, gold is valuable because people perceive it to be a symbol of wealth. Throughout
recorded history, gold has been associated with wealth and power. Today we still value it for many
of the same reasons that our ancestors did.

Comprehension Check:
1. What evidence does the author use to support the idea that gold is ideal for use in jewelry?
A. It reflects light well and is pretty
B. It is very malleable and conducts electricity
C. It is rare and hard to mine
D. It has a high price and is used to decorate buildings.
2. Which piece of evidence explains why gold is commonly used in electronics?
A. It reflects light well
B. It conducts electricity well
C. It is very malleable
D. It keeps its shape
3. Which statement does not explain why gold is valuable?
A. Gold has several properties that make it useful
B. Gold is desirable for making jewelry and other objects
C. Gold is difficult to mine.
D. Gold has been treasured for thousands of years.
4. Which statement best supports the idea that gold is rare?
A. It is associated with wealth and power.
B. It is both beautiful and useful
C. It is not easy to find or to mine.
D. It is soft and easy to work with.
5. Construct a question that can be answered with information from the passage. Then have a
partner answer the question.

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 _ GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

Overseas Filipino Workers as Everyday Heroes

Overseas Filipino Workers take a huge risk when they travel and
work abroad. OFWs sacrifice a lot in order to give a better life for their
families. They are heroes in their own right because they live to help their
families and sometimes even other people they do not even know, but are
in need of their help and support.

Heroes think of other people first before they think of themselves. Heroes are unique
individuals that sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. OFWs face great challenges head on
with only their faith, hope, and determination to carry them through. They strive hard to ensure that
their children‘s future would be bright and that they would live a life that they have dreamed of.

What are OFWs made of? They are made of determination, courage, a risk-taking attitude,
a heart of gold, and other qualities that make them everyday heroes to a lot of people. They go
beyond their call of duty to help their families, to help their country and sometimes people in need,
even if it means putting themselves in danger.

You do not have to be an OFW to be a hero. You are a hero if you sacrifice a part of
yourself to help other people who are in need. You are a hero if you can make someone else smile
despite the trials and challenges he has. You are a hero if you can make others feel better about
themselves. If you do any of these, then you are a hero in a person‘s heart.
Comprehension Check:

1. Who are modern day heroes?

A. OFWs B. family C. hero
2. Why are they considered heroes?
A. They live to help their families and neighbors.
B. They sacrifice a lot for themselves.
C. They sacrifice a lot to help their families, their country and other people who are in need.
3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a hero?
A. Heroes help their families, their country and other people in need despite the danger.
B. Heroes sacrifice themselves for the sake of others.
C. Heroes are unique individuals who live only for themselves.
4. How can anyone be a hero to someone?
A. If they sacrifice a lot and die for others
B. If they make others feel better and happy
C. If you can give money and treasure
5. Write a short paragraph about, MY TEACHER, MY HERO explain why teachers are also
considered modern day heroes.
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH
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 HOSPITALITY, FILIPINO STYLE

One of the most remarkable traits of the Filipinos is their hospitality. It is a pattern of
national behavior that unites them, yet sets them apart from other peoples.
The Filipino host has a zealot’s eye for the needs and wishes of his guest; he spots
them, anticipates them and provides for them. A guest must want for nothing. Attention to a
guest’s needs and wants becomes part of the host’s personal duty. The guest is waited on
hand and foot, with heart-deep sincerity.
The Philippines is perhaps the only country in the world where the host is indebted
to his guest. The Filipino host smothers his guest with attention. Invited guest, unbidden
guest, friends or perfect strangers are equally welcomed and regaled with very kind
attention. Outside of a small family party, every Filipino party is a sort of open house where
it is rude to inquire in advance if the invited guest is coming or not, or how many of them
there would be,
A host is expected to provide for all contingencies:a guest may not come at all, or he may
be accompanied by several relatives and friends and friends of his friends completely
unknown to the host. Nothing pleases a Filipino host more than to be imposed upon.
The guest are showered with food, drinks, flattery, constant attention and gifts to
take home when they leave. Food is ladled on the guest’s plate to overflowing; drinks are
served him until they run out oh his ears.
However, it is expected of a guest to taste everything served even those he had
never seen before. Sometimes it is best for guest to take on a sampling of everything and
leave them on his plate if he disliked them.
The Filipino host believes that guest should never be left unattended. He feels a
sense of guilt if the guest is seemingly left unentertained and left alone by himself even for
a short time, even if the guest prefers it that way.
The “open house” hospitality of Filipinos is put to a test when they celebrate special
occasions like town fiestas, baptisms, or “ passing the bar examination “ and the like.
Comprehension check: Select and copy the letter of the best answer.
1. A remarkable national trail of Filipino is
a. honesty. c. hospitality.
b. obedience. D. religiosity.
2. The Filipino host serves his guest with.
a. expectation pf some reward.
b. halfhearted sincerity.
c. deep sincerity.
d. reluctance.
3. It is considered rude for the Filipino host to.
a. serve very little food.
b. serve local drinks.
c. eat with the guests.
d. Ask in advance if one’s invitation is accepted
4. A Filipino host consider his party a success if at the end of the day
a. all food has been consumed.
b. there are a lot more food left.
c. some wares were broken.
d. he is tired and penniless.

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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 THE KING OF THE FOREST
(Sequence in a Story)

Once there was a big lion who lived in the forest. He was so strong that all the other animals
were afraid of him. They called him the king of the forest.
Each day the lion went through the forest to look for food. When the other animals heard
him roar, they tried to hide from him. But the lion always caught one of them. None of the animals
that lived in the forest were safe from him,
At last the wolf called all the animals together for a meeting.
When all had come together, the goat said. “What can we do to save ourselves from the lion?
Every day he kills one of us. Soon there will be no animals in the forest.”

They talked things over for a long time. At last they thought of a plan. That night the animals
went together to see the lion. As soon as they came near his cave, they heard him growl. Some
wanted to turn back: but when they saw how brave the rabbit was, they went on.
“ What do you want?”growled the lion.
At first the animals were so frighted that no one said anything. Then the bear stepped up
and said, “King Lion, we have come to tell you about something that will help you,”
“What is it?” growled the lion.
“We know that you are the king of the forest, “said the bear, “but you must stop eating the
little animals. You have killed many. Those you have not killed are afraid to stay in the forest. Soon
there will be no animals left.”
“What shall I eat?I must have something to eat! Roared the lion.”We will take care of
that,”said the bear.”Each day we will choose one animal for you to eat> He will come to your cave
so that you will not have to hunt for food.”
“That is a good plan, “said the lion.”Let us try it.”So they began to carry out the plan. The
animals were honest.Each day they sent one little animals to the lion’s cave.Each night one of them
was missing from the forest.
One day the rabbit was chosen.He started for the lion’s cave early in the morning. But he
thought that he might as well all the fun could before he was eaten,so he played along the way.It
was very late when at last he hopped up to the door of the lion’s cave.
The lion was very hungry.He saw the big ears of the little rabbit.”Why have you kept me
waiting so long?”he roared at the little rabbit.”Good morning, King Lion,”answered the rabbit,”Would
you like to see a big lion that looks just like you?He has a voice like yours ,too”
“Where is the other lion?roared the lion.”I cannot tell you that, King Lion,”said the
rabbit,”You must come and see for yourself.”Then the rabbit hopped away through the forest, and
the lion followed him.Soon they reached an old well.There was water in the bottom of it and it was
very deep.”Look down into the well,”said the rabbit.The lion looked into the well.There he saw
another lion.He opened his mouth and roared.The echo of his voice was very loud.
“Do you dare roar at me?”roared the lion,”I will show you that I am the king of the forest.”
Down he jumped into the well and was drowned.The rabbit hopped back to tell the good
news to the other animals.After that the animals lived in peace in the forest.

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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STORY PYRAMID: “ The King of the Forest”

Purpose
To provide a vehicle for students to state who the main characters are, what the
setting is, what the problem is, the main events in the story, and the resolution of the
problem.

Description

In the Story Pyramid, students are asked to complete a pyramid-shaped outline,

which will include the following information:

Line 1. Name of the main character

Line 2. Two words describing the main character
Line 3. Three words describing the setting
Line 4. Four words describing one main event
Line 5. Five words describing one main event
Line 6. Six words describing a second main event
Line 7. Seven words describing a third main event
Line 8. Eight words stating the solution to the problem

At first glance this activity may appear to be too rigid. On further scrutiny, it is
apparent that student answers may vary, and the central challenge of the activity is the
selection of quality vocabulary to complete the design. Knowledge of story content plus the
demand for just the right words stretches thinking and requires that students make cogent
responses using an economy of words.

Story Pyramid
1.
2.
3._____ _____ _____
4. _____ _____ _____ _____
5. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
6. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
7._____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
8. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

Read and Respond

1. Name of main character

2. Two character describing character
3. Three words describing setting
4. Four words stating problem
5. Five words describing one event
6. Six words describing second
7. Seven words describing third event
8. Eight words stating solution

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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Sample Story for “ The King of the Forest”
1. Lion
2. strong scary
3. green wild forest
4. Lions eats one animal every day.
5. Animals meet lion for proposal.
6. Animals give him one meal daily.
7. Rabbit invites lion to see another lion.
8. Rabbits’ trick makes lion drown into the well.

Sequence Chart Activity

Another graphic organizer in sequencing is the use of sequence chart.
Sequence Chart
List steps or scenes in time order.

Topic The King of the Forest

1 Once there lived a big lion who was called the King of the Forest
2 He went to the forest to catch an animal for his food
3 The wolf called for a meeting
4 That night the animals went to see the lion
5 It was agreed that everyday an animal would be sent to the lion for his food
6 One day, rabbit was chosen to be the food for the lion
7 The rabbit arrived late and invited the lion to see another big loin
8 The lion followed the rabbit and they reached an old well
9 He roared and jumped at the other lion which was his shadow
10 The lion drowned, and the rabbit told the good news to the other animals.

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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 THE FISHERMAN

Nardo and his father were fisherman. They lived in a barangay near the river. Most
of their neighbors were fishermen.
One day Nardo and his father went fishing. They carried their net and rode on a
banca. His father threw the net into the river.
After a while, father said, “ I can’t pull the net. Somebody under the river is holding
the net.” “I’ll dive in and see what is holding our net at the bottom of the river,” Nardo told
his father.
“ No, my son. This is the deepest part of the river,” Said his father.“ But father, I can swim
very well. Don’t worry,” said Nardo.
So Nardo dove into the river. He reached the bottom of the river. There he found a
cave. He entered into the cave and he saw pearls and other beautiful stones on the floor of
the cave.. then he saw a beautiful thing girl smiling at her.
“Who are you?” asked Nardo.
“I am Ana. A witch changed me into a mermaid to guard these beautiful stones. I watched
you every morning. It was me held your net this morning.”
“Please let the net go. My father will pull it.” said Nardo.
“Yes, your father has pulled the net already,”said Ana.
“I must go now. My father is waiting for me,” said Nardo.
“Yes, you may go . But don’t tell anyone about me.
Something bad will happen to you if you do so.”said Ana. Nardo promised not to tell
anybody about her. He returned to the surface of the river. He went home and found his
parents crying. How happy they were when they saw him. They asked him many questions
but Nardo didn’t tell them about the mermaid. Since then he visited the mermaid every day.

Adapted
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions orally.

1. Who were fishermen in the story?

2. When Nardo and his father went fishing one day, what happened to their net?
3. What plans did Nardo have to get the net?
4. Did his father approve his plan?Why?
5. What did nardo tell his father?
6. What did he do next?What do you think are the character traits of Nardo?
7. What did he find at the bottom of the river?
8. What did Nardo learn about Ana?
9. What did Ana tell him before he left?
10. Why do think Ana did not like to be known by other people?
11.What did Nardo do everyday?

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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 Read and Interpret the poem

WISHES
by Edith Franklin Wyatt

I’m just myself, and when I see

The sparrows flying from a tree,
And dashing off up towards the sky
Oh, how I wish that I could fly,
And were a bird, and not just me
Or if I were a honeybee,
Sipping petunias happily,
I’d have more fun than now when I am just myself
The stars came out. The birds flew tree,
My mother comes and kisses me.
My father hugs me to him tight.
“Good night, dear sleepyhead, good night.”
And then I’m very glad to be just myself.

Small Group Discussion

Comprehension Check:

1. What is the poem saying?

2. What emotion is the poem expressing?

3. What do you think and feel about what the author is saying?

4. What are three important words in the poem? Defend your answer.

5. Present the outcome/ answer of the group discussion.

GUINOMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Intervention Materials in ENGLISH

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References:

Cordero, Pat D. (2004)Read and Respond: A Teacher’s Resource Book

for Project ALBAR, Caloocan City: CESTY Trading and Publishing.
Ferrer, Saturnina R. etal. (1989)Testing Reading Power II: High
School Series, Manila: Saint Mary’s Publishing.
Grade 7, K-12 Learner’s Module( First Quarter)
Marco, Memurada, Navotas National High School, Intervention
Materials in English.

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