Lesson 6
Most Essential Learning Competency: Evaluate and make judgements about a range of texts
using a set of criteria e.g. comparing arguments on the same topic, critiquing a short story.
Activity 1.
Directions: Read the passages below and identify how they are alike and different from one
another. Answer the questions below.
The Kingly Lion
The animals of the field and forest had a Lion as their King. When anyone had a problem,
they took it to the Lion King, and he helped to solve it. When anyone had an argument, they
took it to the Lion King, and he helped to settle it. The Lion King never made demands that
were in his own interest. He wanted only what was best for each and every animal.
Day after day, the Lion King thought about nothing but the animals who were his subjects.
Then he sat down and wrote out a Royal Order. He called all the animals to come before
him. He stood on a hilltop and watched the animals come together from far and near. He
waited for them to settle.
“Hear ye, hear ye!” the Lion began, in his deep and rumbling voice. “I have written out my
orders for a new way of doing things that will be better for all. From this day forward, the
Wolf
and the Lamb shall agree to live in peace. The Panther and the Goat shall live in peace. The
Tiger and the Deer, and the Dog and the Rabbit—all shall live together in perfect peace and
harmony.
The Rabbit said, "Oh, how I have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their
place without fear, by the side of the strong." And after the Rabbit said this, he ran for his
life.
The Elderly Lion
A very Elderly Lion, weakened by old age and old injuries, could no longer hunt for his
food. He lived for a while on grass and berries, but this made him grow still weaker. He
decided to use his brain to take what he could not get by force.
The Elderly Lion lay down in his den. He told every animal and bird who passed by that he
was very sick. The animals all got the news of Elderly Lion’s illness, and came one by one to
visit him. Squirrel came, bringing fresh grasses and berries. Squirrel was not seen after that.
Dove came, bringing more fresh grasses and berries. Dove was not seen after that. More
animals went to visit the Elderly Lion, and it became clear that animals were disappearing.
Fox thought about the situation. He decided to go and visit the Elderly Lion. He went to
the Elderly Lion’s den and stood outside at a respectful distance. “How are you feeling
today?” Fox asked.
“Not well, not at all well,” said the Elderly Lion. “But why do you stand there outside?
Please—come inside and visit with me for a while.”
“No thank you,” said Fox. “I notice that there are many footprints leading into your den, but
I see no trace of any leading out.”
Questions:
1. The main character in the story is a lion.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
2. The main character in the story is kind.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
3. The main character tricks the other characters.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
4. The main character takes advantage of the kindness of others.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
5. The main character wants to become the King of the Forest.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
6. The main character has a plan that involves the other animals.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
7. In the ending, the main character is chased out of the forest.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
8. In the ending, one character disagrees with the main character’s plan.
A. “The Kingly Lion” only C. Both stories
B. “The Elderly Lion” only D. Neither story
9. What is one other detail that is alike or different in the two stories?
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Activity 2. Write a review of your favorite story. Follow the given format below.
A. Introduction
(In the introduction, you should include some basic facts about the story, including the title, the author and the story
genre. You should also say something about your opinion of the story, along with your reasons for liking or disliking
it.)
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B. Summary
(Briefly summarize the story. Discuss the setting, the main character(s) and the main events or problems that the
characters experience. Do not give the ending away!)
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C. Personal reflection
(Discuss what you like or dislike about the story. Give reasons to support your opinion. You may want to compare and
contrast the story with other stories you have read by the same author or in the same genre. You can also compare
the story to your own personal experience or a current event in the news.)
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D. Critical analysis
In the critical analysis, some questions to explore are:
1.What is the author’s purpose for writing the story? Is the author successful in achieving this
purpose?
2. What is the setting of the story? Is it appropriate to the genre?
3. How well are the characters developed? Do they think, feel, speak and act in a believable
way?
4. How well is the plot structured? Is the action suspenseful enough? Are the events too
predictable?
5. What is the theme, or the central idea, of the story?
6. Does the story have a ‘coda’, or a lesson? What is it?
7. Does the story have a ‘twist’, or an unexpected ending?
8. Does the author use any literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, or alliteration?
E. Conclusion
(In the conclusion, you should evaluate the story and either recommend it or not recommend it to others,
depending on whether you think it is worthwhile reading.)
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