1. Reading Works! 5
Textbook

2. Reading Works! 5
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 978-971-46-0298-4
Author
Rachelle I. Torreon holds a master’s degree in teaching reading and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education,
major in English (cum laude) both from the Philippine Normal University (PNU). She is pursuing a second
master’s degree in English language teaching also at PNU. She is currently an English lecturer at the Ateneo
de Manila University and Miriam College. Ms. Torreon was also a high school English teacher at Colegio San
Agustin–Makati for three years. She also taught college English at Assumption College–San Lorenzo.
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
Catherine C. Carag holds a master’s degree in reading education and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education
major in communication arts (English) both from the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She is presently an
English teacher at the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS). Ms. Carag is a founding member
of the UP Literacy and Language Educators Association of Diliman (UP LLEAD), where she served as vice
chairperson from 2002 to 2005. She was a former grade level coordinator at UPIS and a writer-researcher at the
International Association of Educators for World Peace.

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 Appreciating the Wonders of Being Human ...........................1
Lesson 1 Taking a Closer Look at Myself .......................................................2
(Classifying Words)
Lesson 2 Learning to Take Care of My Body ................................................10
(Understanding Roots)
Lesson 3 Recognizing My Personal Traits ....................................................22
(Affixes)
Lesson 4 Making Time for My Favorite Pastime .........................................36
(Suffix)
Chapter 2 Exploring My Potentials and Gifts ........................................ 44
Lesson 1 Recognizing My Strengths and Weaknesses .................................44
(Syllabication)
Lesson 2 Improving Myself ............................................................................55
(Word Association)
Lesson 3 Discovering My Special Talents .....................................................61
(Recognizing Synonyms)
Lesson 4 Appreciating Who I Am ..................................................................69
(Antonyms)
Unit Test .........................................................................................................76
Unit 2 Growing with Others
Chapter 3 Discovering My Origin .............................................................. 80
Lesson 1 Living Happily with My Family ....................................................80
(Word Formation)
Lesson 2 Being Responsible ...........................................................................90
(More on Word Formation)

5. Lesson 3 Strengthening Family Ties ............................................................97
(Understanding Context Clues: Examples)
Lesson 4 Learning Lessons from Home ......................................................106
(More on Context Clues: Comparison and Contrast)
Chapter 4 Creating Meaningful Connections ....................................... 113
Lesson 1 Making New Friends ....................................................................113
(Words with Multiple Meanings)
Lesson 2 Enriching Life with Friends .........................................................122
(Denotations and Connotations)
Lesson 3 Involving Oneself in the Community ..........................................130
(Idioms)
Lesson 4 Working Together for a Common Goal ........................................139
(Figures of Speech)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................146
Unit 3 Gearing Up for Success
Chapter 5 Preparing for Success ............................................................. 153
Lesson 1 Giving Importance to Education ..................................................154
(Classification of Books)
Lesson 2 Setting the Right Goals for the Future .......................................163
(Call Numbers / The Card Catalog)
Lesson 3 Understanding Good Study Habits .............................................172
(Parts of a Book)
Lesson 4 Following an Effective Study System ..........................................181
(Parts of a Dictionary Entry)
Chapter 6 Becoming a Lifelong Learner ................................................ 190
Lesson 1 Using Technology Responsibly.....................................................190
(Parts of a Newspaper)
Lesson 2 Embracing the Challenges of School Life ....................................199
(Skimming and Scanning)

6. Lesson 3 Understanding the Role of the Youth ..........................................210
(Following Directions)
Lesson 4 Discovering My Leadership Potentials ........................................216
(Noting Details)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................224
Unit 4 Keeping Up with the World
Chapter 7 Exploring Global Realities ..................................................... 231
Lesson 1 Staying Connected through the Internet ....................................232
(Sequencing Events)
Lesson 2 Appreciating Overseas Filipino Workers ....................................242
(Main Idea / Supporting Details)
Lesson 3 Understanding Cultural Differences ...........................................252
(Making Inferences)
Lesson 4 Remembering One’s Roots ...........................................................261
(Outlining / Summarizing)
Chapter 8 Helping Rebuild the World .................................................... 270
Lesson 1 Combating Poverty .......................................................................270
(Perceiving Relationships)
Lesson 2 Fighting World Hunger ................................................................281
(Predicting Outcomes)
Lesson 3 Defeating Illiteracy .......................................................................289
(Drawing Conclusions)
Lesson 4 Helping Mother Earth “Heal” ......................................................296
(Distinguishing Fact from Opinion / Making Sound Judgments)
Unit Test .......................................................................................................304
Bibliography
Index

7. Knowing Myself
UNIT
1
We always look forward to new beginnings, and with every beginning, we
want to do something good and new. As a new school year begins, you will discover
more things about yourself and the world. You have to know yourself well first
before you can find out more about what the world has to offer.
In this unit, you will discover the real you by taking a closer look at your body;
learning to take care of it; recognizing your traits, strengths, and weaknesses;
exploring your favorite things; and discovering your talents which will let you
appreciate who you really are. When you know yourself well, you will be more
prepared for bigger journeys ahead. Enjoy your journey!

8. Chapter 1
What’s in a Name?
Appreciating the Wonders of Being Human
In this chapter, you will begin to find out more about yourself. Specifically,
you will learn how wonderful a person you are by learning about your body and its
importance. You will also learn how to take better care of yourself and to maximize
your capacity to do various things such as studying hard, doing your household
chores, and playing various sports.
Lesson 1 Taking a Closer Look at Myself
Connect
Do you consider yourself a wonderful creation? What are the things that
prove that you are one? In sentence form, list down at least three reasons why you
should be called A WONDERFUL CREATION.
1. ____________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Search
Study the following words and their meaning. Then use each one in a sentence.
Write your sentences in the space provided.
1. reflection – an image produced by a mirror
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
2. fragrance – a sweet, delicate, and lasting scent
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Reading Works! 5

9. 3. gaze – to look steadily
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
4. crow – the sound made by the rooster during daybreak
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
5. vital – very important or essential to life
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
6. masterpiece – a great work of art
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
7. noble – dignified, righteous or stately
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Download
Human beings are the most
Hello there, fellow fifth graders! I am
complex and amazing living
Darren, and I will join you in your reading
things. We have been created in
adventure! We will explore many selections
such a way that we are able to
that will teach us wonderful lessons. Are
sense things around us, move,
you ready?
work, and enjoy life.
Knowing Myself

10. I Am a Wonderful Creation
Rachelle I. Torreon
When I look in the mirror,
a reflection is what I see;
a reflection that looks inside of me.
I gaze at it and I can’t help but be amazed
at the masterpiece that is in front of me.
I look at my eyes that I use to see
the beauty of nature, the sky, and the sea.
I stare at my nose that is made to smell
the fragrance of flowers and the scent of summer breeze.
I touch my ears which help me hear
the sweet melody of the birds on the tree,
the silence of the night, and the crow of the rooster in the morning.
I see my mouth that speaks generously
words of kindness and encouragement,
and inspires others with words of love and hope.
I glance at my hands which are made to build,
to mold and create art,
to write and draw works that express my emotions and feelings.
Reading Works! 5

11. I see my feet that make me dance,
and take me to places where I long to be.
My imagination can take me to a world I have never been.
The mind thinks such noble thoughts and ideas
that could change the world.
And there goes my heart, a vital body part.
My heart beats for the people I love and for
all humankind.
I look in the mirror and again I see,
all the things I can do
and the person I can be.
Then, I stop and appreciate the beauty of life
that makes me say,
Indeed, I AM A WONDERFUL CREATION.
Click
1. Enumerate the parts of the body mentioned in the poem and their
functions.
2. Which body part is said to have the power to change the world? Why?
3. What do you think is the author feeling when he or she wrote this poem?
Write down lines from the poem that support your answer.
4. Why do you think is the last line written in capital letters?
5. Which body part do you think is your best physical feature? Explain your
answer.
6. What message is conveyed by the author in the poem? Explain your answer.
Knowing Myself

12. Link
Classifying Words
Classifying words is a process that involves grouping words according to
their form or purpose. It will help you better choose and use words, which, in turn,
will allow you to create grammatically correct sentences. Also, classifying words
will eventually help you use different words effectively in communicating your
thoughts and ideas both in speaking and writing.
Words can be classified into categories. For example, the words eyes, nose,
ears, hands, and feet can be classified as parts of the body, while see, smell, hear,
speak, build, and dance are action words related to body parts.
Words can also be classified into the following categories. Study each
carefully.
1. Content words are also called major word class since these words carry
most of the content or meaning of a sentence. The words under this category
are nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
Examples:
• When I look in the mirror, a reflection is what I see. (Both underlined
words are nouns.)
• I am a wonderful creation! (The underlined word is a noun.)
• The eyes see the lush forest, the blue sky, and the deep sea. (The word
lush describes forest, blue describes sky, and deep describes sea. They are
all adjectives.)
• The mouth speaks words of hope and encouragement generously. (The
word generously is an adverb of manner that describes the verb speaks.)
• Michelangelo created very beautiful works of art. (The word very is an
adverb that describes the adjective beautiful.)
• Every time I look in the mirror, I see a wonderful creation. (The phrase
every time is an adverb of time that modifies the verb look, while the
word wonderful is an adjective that describes the noun creation.)
Reading Works! 5

13. 2. Function words are words that complete the structure of a sentence.
They, however, do not have meaning by themselves. Words under this
category include auxiliary verbs, prepositions, pronouns, determiners, and
conjunctions.
Examples:
• I gazed at it and I can’t help but be amazed. (I is a pronoun, at is a
preposition, and be is a verb.)
• I see my mouth that speaks words of kindness and encouragement. (My
is a pronoun, of is a preposition, and and is a conjunction.)
• The mind thinks such noble thoughts and ideas that could change the
world. (The is a determiner and that is a pronoun.)
• When I look in the mirror, I see a reflection. (I is a pronoun, and in is a
preposition.)
• My heart beats for the people I love and for all humankind. (My is a
pronoun, the is a determiner, and for is a preposition.)
Activity 1
Classify the following words under the correct heading in the table on the
next page.
stare president editor in chief backbone
courteousness ankle gratefulness gallop
intelligence construct thigh soldier
crawl student jaw benevolence
mold navel patriotism nape
newscaster scribble diplomat joviality
Knowing Myself

14. Actions Body Parts Qualities People
Activity 2
Classify the underlined words according to their functions. Write C in the box
if the word is a content word and F if it is a function word.
1. Humans are very complex forms of life. Humans belong to the animal
kingdom.
2. The human body has many parts. The smallest parts of the body
are called cells. Groups of similar cells are called tissues, which form
organs.
3. Organs include the eyes, ears, nose, heart, and brain. Organs, tissues,
cells, fluids, and other structures work together in a system.
Reading Works! 5

15. 4. The heart is a large muscle with four parts or chambers. They are the
left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle. The heart
squeezes or contracts many times a minute to keep blood flowing
to all parts of the body.
5. The bones of the head form the skull. The skull protects the brain
from injury. The spine, on the other hand, has many small bones called
vertebrae . They protect the spinal cord inside.
Upload
Reflect on the things and lessons that you have learned today. Write about
your reflection in one paragraph only. Feel free to express your emotions as you
write.
Knowing Myself

16. Lesson 2 Learning to Take Care of My Body
Connect
Below are sentences about food and nutrition. Tell whether you agree or
disagree with each statement. Write agree or disagree on the blank.
______________ 1. The food you eat determines how healthy you are.
______________ 2. Children should enjoy eating whatever they like.
______________ 3. Only older people should eat vegetables.
______________ 4. There are more obese children today than 40 years ago.
______________ 5. Children who were taught to eat healthy food since childhood
tend to eat more healthy food when they grow up.
______________ 6. Proper nutrition helps children do better in school.
______________ 7. Balanced food intake should go hand in hand with physical
exercise.
______________ 8. It is okay for children to eat lots of chocolates.
______________ 9. A child who is properly nourished gets sick often.
______________ 10. Proper nutrition results in a more enjoyable and healthy life.
Search
Identify the word defined in each item. Write your answer on the blank. Then
encircle the corresponding word in the box on the next page.
________________ 1. It is the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant
takes in and utilizes food substances.
________________ 2. It means “having excessive body fat.”
10 Reading Works! 5

17. ________________ 3. It is an organic substance essential to human nourishment.
________________ 4. It is an inorganic substance important to physical development
and growth.
________________ 5. It is the repeated use of bodily organs.
________________ 6. It is the vigorous exertion of power.
________________ 7. It is the typical way of life of a person, group, or culture.
________________ 8. It means progressive development or the process of growing.
N O O D L V I T A L
U S B M V I H T P I
T E E I I T T R S F
R I S N A A W Y M E
I R E E D M O G C S
T O A R Y I R R D T
I L K A L N G E E Y
O A O L U S H N F L
N C E S I C R E X E
Knowing Myself 11

18. Our health plays a very important role in
Download
the quality of life we live. If we are not in
the pink of health, we easily get tired or
sick. In the next selection, you will learn
more about the importance of staying
healthy. Read on!
Eat Right and Live Right!
Rachelle I. Torreon
What is in your lunchbox for today? What did you eat yesterday? What
will you be eating tomorrow? What you eat speaks so much about the kind
of nutrition you are getting.
Nutrition refers to our diet and the vitamins and minerals we take in.
It is, therefore, important for every individual to get proper nutrition, which
is the foundation for healthy living.
Good health refers to eating healthy and sufficient food. Doctors and
nutritionists recommend a balanced diet—that is eating the right amount
of food from the three food groups known as GO, GROW, and GLOW foods.
Children should get at least eight hours of sleep every day to speed up
metabolism. Metabolism is a process within the body that turns food and
other substances into energy used by the body. Good metabolism means a
1 Reading Works! 5

19. healthier body while slow metabolism can lead to unnecessary weight gain
and other complications that will harm the body. Eating the right food
and sleeping at the right time should also be supplemented by physical
exercise.
Why exactly does nutrition matter? Let us take, for example, a grade
5 pupil named Bobby. He wakes up late because he sleeps late. He skips
breakfast and eats junk food on his way to school, instead. Inside the
classroom, Bobby cannot concentrate because he always feels sleepy and
hungry. He is unable to study and gets failing marks in his school subjects.
Studies show that proper nutrition is very important in the total
growth and development of a child. Recent studies also prove that children
who are properly nourished perform well not only in academics, but also in
extracurricular activities. They are more alert and are more inclined to face
each day with a good disposition. Proper nutrition also helps people avoid
lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Children should watch what they eat by eating a variety of foods such
as fish, meat, and bread in the right amount. Remember to eat fruits and
vegetables and avoid fatty and salty foods. Drink milk and plenty of water
and avoid carbonated drinks. Try to get enough sleep and exercise. If you do
these things, you will see how much energy your body can produce.
Knowing Myself 1

20. Click
1. Why is it important to have healthy eating habits?
2. What are the essential components of good health?
3. Why do you think many children nowadays do not get proper nutrition?
4. What happens when we do not eat the right amount and kind of food that our
body needs?
5. What steps can you take to ensure that you will get proper nutrition?
6. What is the intention of the author in writing the essay? Explain your answer
briefly.
Link
Understanding Roots
While reading, you will often encounter new words. When this happens, you
usually look up their meaning in the dictionary. There are, however, techniques
which can help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word without consulting
a dictionary.
One technique you can use is word analysis. This is done by breaking down
the parts of a word and identifying what each part means. One part of a word is
called root. The root is the base to which other words are attached. Knowing the
root will allow you to identify the meaning of the unfamiliar word. Most roots are
of Greek and Latin origins. On the next page are some common Greek and Latin
roots.
1 Reading Works! 5

21. Root Meaning English Words with This Root
anni, annu year anniversary, annual
aster, astro star astrology, astronomy
audi to hear audible, auditorium
auto self-acting automatic, autocratic
bene good beneficial, benevolence
bio life biology, biography
cap, cip, cept to take capacity, intercept, reciprocate
cardio heart cardiology, cardiogram
chrom color chrome
chron time chronology, chronicle
corp body corporation, corpse
Knowing Myself 1

22. derm skin dermatology, dermis
dict to say; to speak dictate, predict
fer to bring; to carry ferry, transfer
flor flower floral, florist
geo earth geology
graph to write autograph, biography
homo same homogeneous, homonym
herb plant herbal
inter between intersection, intercept
ject to throw eject, project
lact milk lactate, lactose
manu hand manual, manuscript
1 Reading Works! 5

23. Root Meaning English Words with This Root
ment mind mentality
meter measure meter, thermometer
nutri nourish nutrient, nutrition
pathy suffering sympathy, apathy
photo light photography, photosynthesis
Activity 1
Name the word described or defined in each item. Use the root in the
parenthesis as a clue.
________________ 1. an account of the life of a person (bio)
________________ 2. an act of kindness (bene)
________________ 3. an expert in the field of nutrition (nutri)
________________ 4. the study of the heart and its diseases (cardio)
________________ 5. a historical account of events arranged in order of time
(chron)
________________ 6. the study of objects and matter outside Earth’s atmosphere
(astro)
________________ 7. to imply the opposite (contra)
Knowing Myself 1

24. ________________ 8. sugar present in milk (lact)
________________ 9. the study of Earth (geo)
________________ 10. an instrument used to measure temperature (meter)
Activity 2
Complete the table below. Supply the Greek or Latin root of each and the
meaning of each root. The first item is done for you. After completing the table,
use each English word in a meaningful sentence. Write your sentences on the
blanks.
English Word Root Meaning of the Root
1. graphic graph (Greek) draw or write
2. geology
3. aeronautics
4. census
5. culinary
6. numeral
7. decathlon
8. generate
1 Reading Works! 5

25. English Word Root Meaning of the Root
9. punctual
10. obstruct
Sentences:
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 1

26. 5. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
7. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
9. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
10. ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
0 Reading Works! 5

27. Upload
Creating a healthy weekly meal plan will enable you to select the food that
you will be eating for the entire week. Doing this will help you and your family get
proper nutrition. You can involve yourself in the food preparation by creating a meal
plan for the week, paying close attention to healthy food as its main component.
Look at the sample weekly meal plan below. Make one for yourself. Based on your
meal plan, prepare a grocery list of healthy foods and present it to your parents
or guardian. Then schedule a day when you will help buy your family’s groceries.
After doing the groceries, check your list to see which healthy foods are bought.
Sample Meal Plan
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
hotdog and tapa and fried peanut butter loaf bread and
Breakfast
fried rice rice and pandesal canned tuna
peanut butter pandesal with
Snack (AM) ensaymada crackers
sandwich corned beef
fried chicken porkchop and
Lunch adobo and rice tinola with rice
and rice rice
ham sandwich rice porridge
Snack (PM) banana cue pancit canton
with coleslaw and crackers
steamed
lumpiang chopsuey and
Dinner pancit canton vegetables and
sariwa and rice rice
rice
Knowing Myself 1

28. Lesson 3 Recognizing My Personal Traits
Connect
What a person says usually reflects the kind of person he or she is. Read
carefully each character’s statements and then describe him or her based on the
impressions you have of the statements.
1. “Ha! Who does not get bored with sports? C’mon! Let’s play something more
enjoyable,” said Anton.
I think Anton is ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. “I am sorry, Ma, I am really sorry for lying to you… I am sorry…, ” cried
Andy.
I think Andy is _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. “Andy, welcome to the cyberworld! Just play the game and enjoy,” said
Jack.
I think Jack is __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
.4. “My son, I am your mother. Please tell me your problem. Please tell me,” said
Aling Emily.
I think Aling Emily is __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Reading Works! 5

29. .
Search
Study the meaning of each word. Then use the words to complete the sentences
that follow. Write your answer on the blank.
• sarcastic – mocking
• grin – smile
• explore – investigate
• guilty – worthy to blame
• alibi – excuse
• crowded – filled with people
1. Manila’s population has increased that some places are so _________________.
2. The scientists want to further _________________ on the causes of global
warming.
3. Anna was being _________________ when she said that your outfit looks good but
in reality it is old-fashioned.
4. He had a _________________ on his face when he saw his crush on the corridor.
5. My sister could not think of an _________________ for coming home late every
Wednesday night.
6. My brother felt _________________ after accidentally breaking the vase so he
came up to my mother and admitted his fault.
Knowing Myself

30. But sometimes, certain things or
Download
people come our way to challenge
our values and even attitudes.
In this story, you will learn how
Our parents try their
Andy dealt with a dilemma that
very best to mold us
challenged his values.
into becoming good and
responsible individuals.
Andy’s Dilemma
Rachelle I. Torreon
Andy is now in grade 5, and many things have already changed in him.
He is growing faster and his voice is becoming deeper. He already notices a
few changes in the way he looks and carries himself in front of other people.
He starts enjoying the company of fellow boys in school and enjoys playing
basketball with them after school.
One day after class, Jack and Anton approached Andy.
“Andy, would you like to come and play with us?” Jack asked.
“Of course, we always play basketball after school, right? So why ask?”
Andy replied.
“Because we will play a different game this time. I am already bored
with basketball,” Anton said.
Reading Works! 5

31. “What kind of game are we going to play? I only play basketball. I… I
do not know any other sports,” Andy said hesitantly.
“Ha! Who does not get bored with sports? C’mon! Let’s play something
more enjoyable,” Anton said with a sarcastic grin on his face.
“Really? Tell me what game that is,” Andy asked excitedly.
“You will know when you come with us,” Anton said.
“But where? Can’t we do that here in school?” asked Andy.
“Of course not, we know a much better place. Just follow us,” Jack
said.
“But, the school bus…,” Andy muttered.
“Just tell the driver that we have a group project to do and you’ll just go
home alone,” Anton suggested.
“But…,” Andy murmured.
“Are you coming with us or not?” Jack said impatiently.
“I… I am…,” Andy answered hesitantly.
Andy followed the boys. After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at
a computer shop crowded with a lot of boys their age, each paying too much
attention to the computer screen. Jack approached the lady in the counter
and shortly after, each of the boys is seated in front of a computer. Andy was
clueless until Jack approached him.
Knowing Myself

32. “Andy, welcome to the cyberworld! Just play the game and enjoy,” Jack
said.
“But I don’t even know how to play this,” Andy replied.
“Just watch me,” Jack said.
And so Andy watched Jack play the computer game. As he watched,
Andy slowly understood the rules of the game. He got so excited to play it.
When Jack finally gave him the seat, Andy immediately explored the game
and got hooked to it. He did not even notice the time. When he looked at
his watch, he was shocked to see that it was already 7:00 PM. He suddenly
remembered his mother, who he knew was already waiting for him. He stood
up and told Jack that he needed to go. He paid his rent and immediately ran
home. When he was already near their house, he saw his mother at the front
door. He also saw her worried face. This made him very guilty.
“Goodness, Andy! Where have you been?” Aling Emily asked anxiously.
“I am sorry, Mom… I… I…,” Andy started.
“Tell me, where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you since
5:00 PM. The school bus driver said you were with your classmates for a
project. What project is this and how come I did not know?” Aling Emily
asked in a rather high tone.
“Yes… Yes… I… I was with my classmates… We… we were at…,”
Andy said in broken sentences.
Reading Works! 5

33. “You were what, Andy? Tell it to me straight… Tell me the truth,”
ordered Aling Emily.
“We were… at… at… Jack’s house… We did our science project… ah…
the solar system model…,” Andy said anxiously.
“You should have at least called me up when you were at Jack’s house.
I was so worried about you. Next time, call me and tell me where you are so
I don’t worry too much,” Aling Emily said.
“Yes, Mom. I’m sorry,” Andy said.
Andy went up to his room feeling guilty for what he did and said. He did
not know what to do. He was afraid to tell his mother about the computer
game for fear that she might not allow him to play anymore. Andy liked the
computer game and he wanted to play it again, but he also did not want
to lie to his mother. He thought about it the whole night. The next day,
Andy saw Jack and the rest of the group and they asked him again to join
them play computer games. Andy thought of his mother and he told them
that he does not want to lie to his mother again. Jack convinced him to just
continue telling his mother that they are working on their project. After a
few minutes, Andy was again convinced to play the computer game. That
same incident continued for weeks.
During this time, however, Aling Emily felt something different about
Andy. At first, she thought that maybe Andy had problems at school. So she
immediately went to Andy’s school. She talked to Andy’s adviser, who also
happens to be the science teacher of Andy and his friends.
“Good morning, Ms. Santos. I am the mother of Andy Reyes,” Aling
Emily said.
“Good morning, Mrs. Reyes. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What brings
you here?” the teacher asked.
“I came here to ask if Andy has problems in school. Lately, he has been
coming home very late. He said that he and his friends are working on a
science project––a solar system model, if I am not mistaken,” Aling Emily
said.
The teacher was surprised to hear about the science project.
Knowing Myself

34. “But Mrs. Reyes, I never assigned such a project. I showed a model in
class and I just told them to read more about it,” explained Ms. Santos.
When she heard this, Aling Emily realized that Andy was lying all this
time. She bid the teacher good-bye and went home immediately. She wanted
to see Andy right away to talk to him about what she discovered. That night,
when Andy arrived, Aling Emily was seated on the sofa.
“Good evening, Mom,” Andy said.
“How is your science project?” Aling Emily asked.
Andy was surprised. He felt nervous because his mother’s tone was
different.
“It’s OK, Mom. It’s almost done,” Andy said quickly.
“Really? So when will you finish?” Aling Emily asked again.
“Maybe next week, Mom,” Andy answered nervously.
“Okay. By the way, I went to your school this morning,” said Aling
Emily.
“Huh? Why? What did you do there?” Andy asked.
“My son, I talked to your teacher. I already know. There is no science
project,” Aling Emily answered.
Andy’s face turned red because of shame. He did not know what to say.
He looked down on the floor and could not say a word.
“My son, please tell me the truth. I need to know what you have been
doing all this time,” Aling Emily asked, almost in tears.
“I am sorry, Mom! I’m really sorry for lying to you… I am sorry…,”
Andy cried.
“My son, I am your mother. Please tell me your problem. Please tell
me,” Aling Emily begged.
“Computer games, Mom. I’m sorry,” Andy cried.
Reading Works! 5

35. “Stop crying, my son. Even if I was angry after I found out what you
did, I still understand. Stop crying,” Aling Emily said.
“I am sorry, Mom! I promise not to do it again. I am such a bad son. I
am sorry,” Andy said.
“I know that you will learn from this. My son, lying will bring you no
good. I am your mother, please be honest to me. I am here to help and guide
you,” Aling Emily said.
After hearing this, Andy sat with his mother and hugged her tightly.
Click
1. What kind of game caught the attention of Andy and his friends?
2. What reason did Andy give to Aling Emily when he first came home late after
school?
3. Based on the story, what kind of friends are Jack and Anton? Cite lines from
the story that will support your answer.
4. In the beginning of the story, how did Andy respond to the invitation of Jack?
Cite lines from the story that will support your answer.
Knowing Myself

36. 5. Describe Aling Emily as a mother. How does her attitude affect Andy in
the last part of the story? Cite lines from the story that will support your
answer.
6. What is the moral of the story?
Link
Affixes
Another part of a word is the affix. An affix is a group of letters attached to
either the beginning or the end of a root word to form another word. An affix added
before a root word is called prefix while an affix added after a root word is called
suffix.
Analyze how the following words are formed.
• unkind
• behold
• return
Prefixes
A prefix is a syllable or group of letters placed before a root word. It gives a
clue to the meaning of a word.
Examples:
Prefix Root word New word
un- (not) + kind = unkind (not kind)
be- (to) + hold = behold (to see)
re- (back) + turn = return (to go back)
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37. Study the following prefixes and their meanings.
Prefix Meaning Examples
ab- not; away from absent, absorb
ante before antedate, antecedent
anti- against; in opposition to anti-government, anti-mosquitoes
auto self automatic, automobile
bio life biology, biography
dia across; through diagonal, dialogue
dis- away; apart; opposite of disrespectful, disregard
mal- bad; inadequate malfunction, maltreat
micro small microscope, microorganism
mis- wrong misunderstood, misrepresented
mono one; single monopoly, monotone
Knowing Myself 1

38. Prefix Meaning Examples
multi- many; multiple multitalented, multipurpose
non- not nonformal, nonliving
over- above; outer; in excess overestimate, oversee
post after postpone, postscript
pre before preschool, preview
re- back; again recall, reprint
super above; beyond superhuman, superstar
tele distance telephone, television
trans across transfer, transport
tri- three triangle, trimester
un not unbelievable, undecided
under- below; beneath underwater, underground
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39. Activity 1
Complete the table by picking out the appropriate prefix for the following
root words. Write the newly formed words in the last column.
Prefixes Root Word New Word
1. (mis, dis,un) interpret
2. (trans, re, over) discover
3. (re, dis, trans) size
4. (anti, ex, fore) shadow
5. (up, pro, retro) grade
6. (mis, dis, multi) talented
7. (anti, under, over) virus
8. (un, mal, dis) interested
9. (dis, anti, under) weight
10. (pre, in, super) mature
Knowing Myself

40. Activity 2
Fill in the blanks to complete the following sentences. Choose from the new
words you formed in activity 1.
1. Mom is an expert in many things. She could ______________________ things.
2. The children look bored and ______________________ in the lesson.
3. People sometimes ______________________ Mark’s confidence as arrogance.
4. The picture is too big. You need to ______________________ it before you can upload
it.
5. My brother purchased an ______________________ program to protect the
software installed in our new computer.
6. My computer is quite old, so it needs an ______________________ .
7. The family wants to ______________________ Manila by visiting its historical
places.
8. My sister sings, dances, and writes well. She is ______________________ .
9. RV does not eat well so he has become ______________________.
10.
My aunt gave birth to a ______________________ baby.
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41. Upload
A Venn diagram is made up of two overlapping circles that show the
similarities and differences of things, ideas, or characters being compared and
contrasted.
Accomplish the Venn diagram below by comparing and contrasting your
traits and Andy’s. In the circle labeled Me, write the characteristics you have that
Andy does not have. In the circle labeled Andy, write Andy’s traits which you do
not have. In the overlapping area, write the traits that are common to you and
Andy. Share your diagram with the class.
Me Andy
Knowing Myself

42. Lesson 4 Making Time for My Favorite Pastime
Connect
From the list below, check the top five things you do during your free time.
_______ Listen to my favorite music _______ Cook
_______ Watch movies _______ Play sports
_______ Write poems or songs _______ Work in the garden
_______ Read _______ Go out with friends
_______ Sketch random images _______ Make scrapbooks
_______ Play an instrument _______ Travel with my family
_______ Visit a museum _______ Chat on the Internet
_______ Play computer games _______ Take care of my pets
Search
Write on the blank the word that means the same as the italicized word or
phrase in each sentence. Choose from the words in the box.
hobby workshops interest
pursue fulfillment
_____________________ 1. Playing soccer is Andrew’s favorite pastime.
_____________________ 2. Lian will attend seminars to develop her speaking skills.
_____________________ 3. RV wants to go after his dream of becoming an artist.
_____________________ 4. Seeing the realization of one’s dream is priceless.
_____________________ 5. Karl has always shown a fondness for children.
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43. Do you know that you can turn your hobbies and interests
Download into special skills? Read the selection about different
hobbies and interests you may want to pursue.
The “Coolest” Summer Classes
Rachelle I. Torreon
For many people, summer is the time to head to the beach and go on a
vacation. But for some, it is a time to enjoy their
hobbies and pursue other interests. They attend
workshops or activities that will enhance their
skills and talents. They also attend classes that
will enable them to learn a new skill or a new
language. Some engage in their favorite sports.
In selecting which summer class you want
to attend, consider what interests you the most.
If you love drawing, you can enroll in a painting
summer class. If you love dancing, you can enroll
in ballet classes. If you love sports, there are
swimming and tennis lessons being offered for
beginners. Those inclined toward the arts may want to learn sketching and
cartooning, scrapbook making, cross-stitching, or origami—the art of paper
folding.
Knowing Myself

44. In enrolling for summer classes, you need to consider your resources.
Piano lessons are ideal for those who have a piano. Those who wish to learn
how to play the violin should have a violin of his or her own. Besides, money
is needed to be able to enroll in these classes. So it is necessary that you
consider if these can be accommodated in the family budget.
Those who are fond of writing can take workshops in writing poems,
short stories, essays, and plays. Those who plan to take up journalism may
enroll in journalism workshops. Those who love cooking will enjoy classes in
culinary arts, baking, and pastry making.
These are just some of the many summer classes that you can enroll
in. Whatever your choice is, keep in mind that your hobbies and interests
may go beyond mere activities during free time. If you take them seriously,
they can be developed into skills and talents that can bring you a sense of
fulfillment.
Click
1. What are hobbies and interests?
2. What should one consider before enrolling in a summer class?
3. Why do some people choose to attend summer classes rather than go on
outings and trips?
4. Who do you think will likely enroll in a journalism workshop?
5. Why would some people challenge themselves in trying out new activities?
6. What is the importance of developing one’s skills and talents? Explain your
answer briefly.
Reading Works! 5

45. Link
Suffix
A suffix is a word part added to the end of a word. Just like a prefix, a suffix
also changes the meaning of the word to which it is attached. Some suffixes also
change words into nouns, adjectives, verbs, or adverbs. Knowing about suffixes
and their meanings will help you form new words as well as understand unfamiliar
words with suffixes.
The following are commonly used suffixes:
Suffix Meaning Examples Part of Speech
possible to, capable of acceptable,
-able, -ible adjective
being convertible
of; relating to; classical,
-al adjective
characterized by environmental
governance,
-ance, -ence action; process; state noun
reference
one that performs; thing
-ant, -ent immigrant, student noun
that promotes
full of; having the helpful, grateful,
-ful adjective
qualities of useful
of; relating to;
-ish characteristic of; having bookish, childish adjective
a touch of
one that performs; one
-ist that specializes in; a artist, feminist noun
believer in
without; not having
-less hopeless, flawless adjective
something
Knowing Myself

46. Suffix Meaning Examples Part of Speech
development,
-ment a state; action; quality noun
achievement
state; condition; quality;
-ness happiness, sadness noun
degree
generous,
-ous full of; having adjective
courteous
clockwise,
-wise in a particular way adverb
lengthwise
Activity 1
Fill in the blank with the correct suffix. Use the meaning of the word as your
guide.
Word Meaning
1. depend _________ can be trusted
2. fool _____________ ridiculous; unwise
3. self __________ unselfish; noble
4. fiction _____________ imaginary; unreal
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47. Word Meaning
5. perfection ______________ one who wants everything to be perfect
6. calm _____________ state of being calm or quiet
7. encourage _____________ support
8. assist __________ someone who helps; aide
9. cross ______________ diagonally
10. differ _________________ unlikeness; dissimilarity
Activity 2
Add a suffix to each word below and write the new word that is formed.
Then use each new word in a meaningful sentence.
1. enjoy + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
2. comfort + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 1

48. 3. refresh + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
4. paper + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
5. read + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
6. music + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
7. fit + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
8. wonder + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
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49. 9. do + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
10. column + ____________ = ______________________________
Sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Upload
A postcard is a rectangular piece of thin cardboard that has a picture (usually
of tourist spots) on one side and a space for writing on the other. It is to be mailed
as is, or without an envelope. Someone who has been to a certain place usually
sends a postcard to his or her loved ones or friends to tell them how he or she is
enjoying the place.
Create your own postcard by doing the following:
1. Prepare the following materials: thin cardboard, scissors, pencil, old
magazines, paste or glue, and colored markers.
2. Cut the thin cardboard into a rectangle that is at least six inches wide and
four inches long.
3. On one side of the rectangular cardboard, draw a picture showing your favorite
sport, hobby, or pastime. You can also cut out from old magazines a picture
showing your favorite sport, hobby, or pastime.
4. On the other side, write a short note to a friend telling him or her how much
you enjoy your favorite sport, hobby, or pastime. You could also encourage
him or her to try your pastime. Give it to your friend. Better yet, ask your
parents or guardian to help you mail it to him or her.
Knowing Myself

50. Chapter 2
Exploring What’s in a Name? and Gifts
My Potentials
In this chapter, you will learn more about your inner self, particularly your
abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. In addition, interesting learning tasks and
exciting activities will help you discover your talents. Some activities, on the
other hand, will help you improve in areas you are not good at. All of the lessons,
selections, and activities in this chapter will help you better appreciate who you
really are.
Lesson 1 Recognizing My Strengths
and Weaknesses
Connect
Write in the boxes your strengths and weaknesses. Then discuss your answers
with a partner.
Strengths
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51. Weaknesses
Search
Complete each sentence by supplying the missing word. Choose from the
words in the box.
mechanical pledge excel
dread challenge
1. Bryan studies hard so he will ____________________________ in his classes.
2. Failures and defeats will ____________________________ you to give up on your
dream.
3. I ____________________________ that I will do my best to improve myself.
4. I ____________________________ school programs because I do not have a talent to
share.
5. The new school offers ____________________________ courses.
Knowing Myself

52. Download
Hello there! Do you
know your strengths
and weaknesses? In
this essay, we will find
out how to discover and
develop your strengths
and how to improve so
your weaknesses can be
turned into strengths.
Enjoy reading!
Spotlight on Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Rachelle I. Torreon
“I love math and I think I’m good at numbers.”
“I believe I have a good voice, so I joined the school choir.”
“I will never be able to play basketball well. It’s not the sport for me.”
“I tried my best to get good grades in school but I still fail.”
Did you notice anything about these statements? The first two
statements reveal a very important aspect in a student’s life—strengths.
Strengths refer to one’s “strong points” or one’s talents and skills. Some
have a talent for the arts. Others are gifted in sports. Some are skilled in
languages while others in mechanical trades.
List down on a sheet of paper the things you can do well in school
(whether they are related to academics or not). Reflect on these and make a
pledge that you will do your best to use these strengths to further improve
yourself and to help others.
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53. While it is true that we have our own strengths, we also have our
limitations. You may have noticed some people can sing but they cannot
dance; some excel in science or English but they find it difficult to do well in
math.
This is not to say of course that we should simply accept our weaknesses
and not improve ourselves. Sometimes, it all boils down to attitude. For
instance, students who dread math look at it as a chore or something they
have to get over with. Psychologists often tell us that sometimes, one cannot
get things done because we “resist” them. The right attitude is to love or at
least like something that challenges us.
But, most of the time, we simply have to deal with our individual
weaknesses, whether they are about our attitudes or our talents and skills.
List down the things or areas in which you think you are not good at.
Opposite each weakness, list the things you will do so you can improve on
it.
Discovering and using our strengths help us to be the best that we can
be—for ourselves and for others. We can use our weaknesses to keep our feet
on the ground. An American poet once said, “There’s a crack in everything
that God made.”
The important thing is to believe in oneself and stay positive in what
one can do, but be humble to admit one’s limitations.
Knowing Myself

54. Click
1. Define strengths and weaknesses based on the essay.
2. Why is it important for a person to identify his or her weaknesses in addition
to his or her strengths?
3. What does the statement “I believe I am gifted with a good voice, so I joined
the school choir” show about one’s attitude toward his or her strength?
4. Based on the essay, is having a weakness a bad thing? Explain your answer.
5. How can the essay help you as a pupil and as a person?
Link
Syllabication
Syllabication refers to the division of a word into syllables. To syllabicate
means to divide words into syllables.
A syllable is a combination of a vowel sound and a consonant sound, or a
consonant and a vowel (in that order), or a vowel alone.
Examples:
• pot (The word pot has one syllable: pot.)
• po-tent (The word potent has two syllables: po and tent.)
• po-ten-tial (The word potential has three syllables: po, ten, and tial.)
• po-ten-tial-ly (The word potentially has four syllables: po, ten, tial, and ly)
Here are the rules on syllabicating words.
1. A one-syllable word is not syllabicated.
Examples: learn read
Reading Works! 5

55. 2. Divide a word with double consonants between consonants.
Examples: lit-tle sum-mer
3. Words with two or more consonants (not double consonants) appearing
between two vowels are usually divided between the first two consonants.
Examples: or-bit un-der
4. For single consonants between two vowels, the consonant goes with the second
vowel.
Examples: so-fa le-gal
5. Digraphs and blends are not separated.
Examples: mo-ther com-plaint
digraph blend
6. Divide words with affixes (a prefix and a suffix) between the base word and
the affix.
Examples: beat-ing dis-be-lief
7. Divide compound words between the words that make up the compound
word.
Examples: home-work cross-road
Word Stress
Syllables in a word are pronounced with varying degrees of emphasis. One
syllable in a word receives the highest degree of emphasis while the others receive
less emphasis. This feature of spoken English is called word stress.
Knowing Myself

56. Word stress is marked by a short vertical line (') placed before the syllable to
be stressed. The syllable with the stress mark should be pronounced with more
emphasis than the other syllables.
Identifying word stress is important in speaking English and in determining
the function of the word.
The following words have stress on the first syllable. Read each correctly.
• 'peo-ple
• 'cli-mate
• 'tem-po-rary
• 'plat-form
• 'sur-face
• 'en-trance
• 'blub-ber
• 'gen-er-ate
Below are words with stress on the second syllable. Read each correctly.
• com-'mu-ni-ty
• ac-'com-mo-date
• syn-'thet- ic
• pro-'vide
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57. • ex-'is-tence
• pre-'pare
• ma-'te-ri-al
• ob-'tain
• tra-'di-tion
Some words change their meaning when the stress is shifted from the first
syllable to the second syllable.
Nouns Verbs
(Stress on the First Syllable) (Stress on the Second Syllable)
're-cord (an account of things or
re-'cord (to account or write down)
events)
'di-gest (a summary) di-'gest (to absorb)
'im-ports (goods brought to a country
im-'ports (brings in)
from another country)
're-bel (one who forcibly resists lawful
re-'bel (to revolt)
authority)
Activity 1
Syllabicate the following words.
1. excel – _______________________________________
2. weakness – _______________________________________
3. academics – _______________________________________
Knowing Myself 1

58. 4. discover – _______________________________________
5. betterment – _______________________________________
6. overcome – _______________________________________
7. guidance – _______________________________________
8. humble – _______________________________________
9. achievements – _______________________________________
10. failure
– _______________________________________
Activity 2
Place the correct accent on the following words.
1. present (noun)
6. content (adjective)
2. potential 7. record (verb)
3. hidden 8. success
4. ceremony 9. utensils
5. address (verb) 10. digest (verb)
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59. Activity 3
Determine whether the underlined word is a noun, an adjective or a verb.
Write your answer on the blank. Then place the stress mark correctly on the
underlined word.
__________________ 1. Is she making any progress in her presentation?
__________________ 2. Did you progress in your studies or not?
__________________ 3. Our group will conduct an interview with the mayor.
__________________ 4. Your conduct is truly praiseworthy.
__________________ 5. She projects the image of a true artist.
__________________ 6. The class is doing well in its science projects.
__________________ 7. It takes some time to perfect one’s skill.
__________________ 8. The young gymnast got an almost perfect score.
__________________ 9. The produce of the farmers and the fishermen could not fill
even a small truck.
__________________ 10. Produce good harvest and most likely you will earn more.
Upload
Knowing and recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses is a sign of humility.
It is also a good starting point for improving oneself. Using the human bingo card
below, interview some of your classmates who fit the given descriptions. Be ready
to be interviewed by your classmates, too. Complete the human bingo card on the
next page by writing the names of your classmates under their corresponding
descriptions.
Knowing Myself

60. Find Someone Who...
excels in math speaks fluent English shows great basketball
skills
possesses a beautiful dances gracefully creates artistic drawing
singing voice outputs
exhibits good needs to improve his or
wants to excel in sports
leadership skills her reading skills
wants to be an artist tries his or her best to be needs help in his or her
good at singing math lessons
Reading Works! 5

61. Lesson 2 Improving Myself
Connect
Accomplish the first two columns of the K-W-L chart below by writing what
you know and what you want to know about the topic self-improvement. Finish the
last column at the end of the lesson.
What You Know What You Want to Know What You Learned
Search
Read the words carefully. Encircle the word that does not belong in each
group.
1. frustrated – elated bothered discouraged disturbed
2. perseverance – resolve determination fortitude compliance
3. entails – requires involves needs excludes
4. devote – remove dedicate give allot
5. importance – value worth worthlessness significance
Knowing Myself

62. Download
Do you know what
the phrase room for
improvement means? It
is an expression normally
used when something can
still be improved. What
aspects in your life have
room for improvement?
Room for Improvement
Rachelle I. Torreon
What do Charice Pempengco,
Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, and
Bill Gates have in common aside from
fame and fortune? You may find it
difficult to believe this, but all of them,
at some point in their lives, failed
while pursuing their dreams. But they
have another thing in common—they
never gave up despite the odds. They
worked very hard until they finally
succeeded.
Let me tell you a story about a
high school student who barely passed
his math subject. He was always
Reading Works! 5

63. frustrated with his performance but he challenged and told himself he would
major in math in college. In about six or seven years, he not only earned a
degree in that field but he also graduated magna cum laude!
Then there is the story of a young girl who dreamt of becoming a singer.
In every singing contest she joined, she always lost. After several more tries,
she won a national singing competition. Since then, many doors were opened
for her here and abroad. The rest, as they say, is history.
These stories tell us the importance of improving oneself to reach one’s
goals and dreams. Self-improvement, though, is not an easy task. It entails
a lot of patience, determination, and perseverance. In school, improving
oneself means to devote extra hours in studying. It may help if you ask
yourself these questions:
Why do I want to improve?
Your answer to this question depends on your goals in life. This far,
your goal is to get a good education, and in several years, finish college. And
you can do that only by studying hard. You want to improve because you
wish to get ahead in life, secure your future and that of your family, and live
in the service of others.
What do I need to improve?
After setting goals for yourself, you need to identify what specific areas
you should improve on. Do you need to work harder on your English or
science lessons? Do you need to improve on your attitudes toward studying
and doing your tasks and work as a student? Or is it how you manage your
time? Is it lack of self-discipline?
How do I improve?
The answer to this question involves an inner resolve to set things
right. It is not an easy task but putting your heart into whatever you need
to improve on is not a waste of time. In fact, you owe it to yourself to give it
your best and to faithfully persevere. Highly successful people are guided by
this principle.
Knowing Myself

64. Click
1. Who are some famous people who failed at first but persevered to succeed?
Describe their story briefly.
2. What should one do to succeed in school?
3. What does the line “Self-improvement, though, is not an easy task” mean?
Explain and give a real-life example.
4. What role does failure play in the life of every person?
5. What is the impact of the essay on you?
Link
Word Association
There are different ways of expanding the meaning of a word. One way is
through word association, which involves the process of thinking of words closely
related or connected to a given word.
Observe how the words in the cluster connect to the topic self-improvement.
strength
time and effort process
Self-improvement
acknowledgment
of one’s weaknesses
weaknesses
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65. Activity 1
Fill in the blanks with the words and phrases from the given cluster in
Link.
1. One’s _________________________ may include his or her defects or faults.
2. Self-improvement is done so that a weakness will become a/an
_________________________.
3. Self-improvement does not happen in an instant. It undergoes a long
_________________________.
4. Self-improvement requires a great deal of _________________________.
5. Self-improvement will be meaningful if there is a/an _________________________.
Activity 2
Complete the cluster below by writing in the circles words or phrases you can
associate with the given words.
1.
Goal
Knowing Myself

66. 2.
Success
3.
Failure
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Form a group with four to five members. Prepare a short dramatic skit that
would encourage people to improve themselves. Your skit should also show the
importance and benefits of improving oneself. Perform your skit in class.
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67. Lesson 3 Discovering My Special Talents
Connect
Name some famous Filipinos who have excelled in the following fields:
1. singing _____________________________________________________
2. performing arts/theater _____________________________________________________
3. acting _____________________________________________________
4. basketball _____________________________________________________
5. taekwondo _____________________________________________________
6. bowling _____________________________________________________
7. boxing _____________________________________________________
8. billiards _____________________________________________________
How do you think did these people discover their talents?
Search
Look up in the dictionary the meaning of the following words. Write the
definitions on the blanks. Then use each word in a meaningful sentence.
1. dwell – _____________________________________________________________________
Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself 1

68. 2. melody – _____________________________________________________________________
Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________
3. prominent – _____________________________________________________________________
Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________
4. embarrass – _____________________________________________________________________
Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________
5. discovery – _____________________________________________________________________
Definition: _____________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _____________________________________________________________________
Download
Talents are gifts we
should be thankful for.
They say some people
are born with so much
talent while some wait
a while to discover their
gifts. In this fable, you
will find out how Lucy
waited patiently for her
talent to shine.
Reading Works! 5

69. Lucy’s Melody
Katrina Anne Ricarte
Once there was a place in the forest called the Woods of Songs where
the “melody makers” dwelt. Music was everywhere in the woods because the
birds sang their melodies together.
Of all the birds, the Nightingale family was the most prominent because
they produced the best music. Mr. and Mrs. Nightingale had a daughter
named Lucy who also wanted to be like her parents. But she had a problem—
she could not sing.
“Lucy, do not lose hope. You are special. You’ll see. Someday, the woods
will hear your beautiful voice. We are here for you,” Mrs. Nightingale said.
Lucy took her mother’s words to heart. One day in school, Ms. Tweet,
the class adviser, announced that she would hold an audition for the school’s
singing contest.
The students were called to sing and everybody performed well. Finally,
it was Lucy’s turn.
“Lucy, it is time to show your talent. Good luck!” Jenny, Lucy’s best
friend, said.
“But Jenny, I do not want to embarrass myself and most especially my
parents,” Lucy cried.
The class waited for Lucy to sing. They waited for a minute or two,
but Lucy remained quiet. Ms. Tweet encouraged Lucy to sing, but Lucy just
cried.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Tweet. I cannot sing. I don’t know how to sing. I’m sorry,”
Lucy cried. Lucy then flew to the river. She cried and cried.
But as she was crying, she found herself humming a sad tune. Without
her knowing it, she was singing for the first time! She kept on singing while
tears were rolling down her cheeks. Suddenly, she heard an applause coming
from behind. It was her father and mother.
Knowing Myself

70. “Beautiful! That’s the sweetest melody I have ever heard!” Mr. Nightingale
exclaimed.
“You have finally discovered your hidden gift. I know it was not easy, but
it was all worth the wait. You are wonderful, my daughter!” Mrs. Nightingale
said proudly.
Lucy ran to her parents and hugged them tightly.
“Thank you, Mother and Father. I never thought I would be able to sing
this way. Thank you! I will take care of my voice and I will fill the woods
with my melody. I love you, Mother and Father. Thank you for your support
and love,” Lucy said joyfully.
The Nightingale family went home singing happily.
Click
1. What was Lucy’s problem?
2. Why was Lucy so embarrassed when she could not sing in front of her
classmates? Explain your answer.
3. What kind of mother is Mrs. Nightingale? Cite lines from the story to support
your answer.
Reading Works! 5

71. 4. Why is it important to encourage people?
5. What values are taught by the fable? How did the Nightingale family show
these values?
Link
Recognizing Synonyms
Another way of improving your vocabulary skills is being able to give the
synonyms of a word. A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the
same as another word. Knowing the synonyms of a word means having other
words to use in place of it.
Examples:
• melody – tune, music, song
• dwells – lives, stays, inhabits
• contest – competition, challenge, match
• produce – make, create, compose
• beautiful – wonderful, brilliant, great
Activity 1
Encircle the synonym of each given word.
1. symphony – music poem lyrics
2. prominent – infamous famous anonymous
Knowing Myself

72. 3. expertise – skill incompetence idea
4. embarrass – humiliate applaud raise
5. encourage – uplift dishearten express
6. audition – skill performance access
7. importance – sincerity character value
8. represent – reserve create symbolize
9. perform – unlock execute activate
10. announce
– denounce put declare
Activity 2
List down 10 words and their synonyms. Then use each synonym in a sentence.
Word Synonym Sentence
1.
2.
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73. Word Synonym Sentence
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Write an alternative ending to the story. Limit your alternative ending to 8
to 10 sentences only. Use the space provided on the next page.
Knowing Myself

74. My Alternative Ending to the Story “Lucy’s Melody”
Reading Works! 5

75. Lesson 4 Appreciating Who I Am
Connect
Reflect on the things you have discovered about yourself, both strengths and
weaknesses, good or bad, talents and potentials and answer the question, “What
do you most appreciate about yourself and why?”
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Search
Give a synonym for each word. Then use the synonym in a sentence.
1. unique
Synonym: ___________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
2. flaw
Synonym: ___________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
Knowing Myself

76. 3. distinct
Synonym: ___________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
4. strength
Synonym: ___________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
5. pride
Synonym: ___________________________________
Sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
Download
Read this poem and reflect on
the question, “Have you ever
Every individual is unique and appreciated yourself despite
has special characteristics he your imperfections?”
or she must be thankful for. We
may have flaws but we also have
gifts and talents. Whoever we
may be, whatever personality,
ability, and talent we have, we
all have to appreciate ourselves
first before others could
appreciate the beauty in us.
0 Reading Works! 5

77. Take Time to Appreciate Yourself
Rachelle I. Torreon
The color of your eyes and hair,
the shape of your face, lips, and nose,
the build of your body,
the way you speak and walk,
they are different from the rest,
which makes you unique.
Your personality and attitude
are quite distinct.
Your talents and skills are different but not perfect.
You know you have flaws and weaknesses
that you do admit.
You sing well but in dancing you need help.
You excel in English but in math you sometimes struggle.
You love science but in arts you keep on trying.
You are a good volleyball player but a poor swimmer.
You write well but speak in fear.
You know some people but you are not popular.
You try your best but at times you fail,
because that is who you are.
You are not perfect but you are unique, special.
You have potentials that you want to hone
so they can be of help.
You have limitations that you need to face
so they can be strengths.
Knowing Myself 1

78. You know there are reasons to be sad and to cry
because you are not perfect, nobody is.
But despite all these,
You are always reminded
to be thankful for your gifts and talents.
At times, when you fail,
Just stand up and, with pride, you say,
“I appreciate myself and my uniqueness.”
Click
1. Who is “you” in the poem?
2. How is “you” described in the poem?
3. What does the second stanza mean? Explain your answer briefly.
4. Why is it important to accept one’s limitations? Explain your answer.
5. What is the message of the poem to you?
Link
Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. They are the opposite of
synonyms.
Examples:
unique – ordinary
succeed – fail
Reading Works! 5

79. strength – weakness
excellent – mediocre
perfect – flawed
admit – deny
sad – happy
amiable – grumpy
Activity 1
Give the antonym of the following words. Write your answer on the blanks.
1. valuable – ___________________________________
2. scarce – ___________________________________
3. appreciate – ___________________________________
4. energize – ___________________________________
5. boring – ___________________________________
6. thankful – ___________________________________
7. despise – ___________________________________
8. struggle – ___________________________________
Knowing Myself