LYCEUM OF THE EAST – AURORA
Brgy. Florida, Maria, Aurora, Aurora
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
FINAL EXAMINATION
1st Year - BS Criminology
Name:_________________________ Score: 60
Course/ Block:__________________ Date: __________
Permit No._____________________
Part II. READING COMPREHENSION. Read the following literary pieces and answer the questions that
follow. Write the letter of the correct answer on the s[ace provided before the number.
A. Summary of "The Monkey and the Turtle (Animal Tale):
A hungry monkey meets a turtle, who suggests they steal banana plants. The monkey plants his in a
tree, while the turtle plants his in the ground. Later, only the turtle’s plant bears fruit. The monkey climbs the
tree, eats all the ripe bananas, and throws only one unripe fruit to the turtle. Angry, the turtle sets a trap with
sharp bamboo. Startled by the turtle’s fake cry of "Crocodile!” the monkey falls and dies.
The turtle cuts the monkey into pieces, dries the meat, and sells it to other monkeys, who
unknowingly eat their own kind. When they find out, they capture the turtle and plan to kill him. The turtle
tricks them again, pretending to fear water. They throw him into the river, where he escapes. He then tricks
the monkeys into drowning by telling them how to "catch lobsters" using stones.
_______1. What key mistake did the monkey make when planting his banana plant?
A. He used a rotten plant
B. He planted it in dry soil
C. He chose a location with no soil for roots
D. He planted it during the wrong season
_______2. What does the turtle's reaction to the monkey eating all the ripe bananas reveal about his
character?
A. He is quick-tempered and violent
B. He is patient but seeks justice in a clever way
C. He is indifferent to betrayal
D. He believes in forgiveness above all
_______3. What does the monkey’s action of throwing only an unripe banana to the turtle symbolize?
A. Humility and sharing
B. Guilt and remorse
C. Mockery and selfishness
D. Forgetfulness
_______4. Why did the turtle shout “Crocodile is coming!” while the monkey was in the tree?
A. To warn the monkey of real danger
B. To scare the monkey into fleeing
C. To distract the monkey from stealing more bananas
D. To trick the monkey into falling onto the trap
_______5. What role did the sharp bamboo play in the turtle's plan?
A. To build a fence around the banana tree
B. To use for firewood
C. To create a trap for the monkey
D. To protect the turtle from crocodiles
_______6. What theme is reflected in the turtle selling the monkey's meat to the other monkeys?
A. Revenge and poetic justice
B. Business and trade
C. Hospitality and kindness
D. Leadership and negotiation
_______7. How did the turtle manipulate the monkeys into throwing him into the water?
A. By claiming he could swim
B. By saying he had treasure underwater
C. By pretending to fear water
D. By challenging them to a race
_______8. What does the turtle’s survival in the water and return with a lobster demonstrate?
A. His physical strength
B. His ability to adapt and deceive
C. His magical powers
D. His alliance with sea creatures
_______9. What ultimately led to the drowning of the other monkeys?
A. A strong current swept them away
B. They could not untie the stones they had attached to themselves
C. They were attacked by crocodiles
D. The turtle pushed them into deep water
_______10. What broader lesson does the tale convey about intelligence and power?
A. Physical strength always wins over cleverness
B. Authority figures cannot be trusted
C. Cunning and wit can overcome oppression and injustice
D. Power should always be taken by force
B. Summary of "The Cow and the Carabao (Northern Luzon)"
Long ago, the first cow and carabao walked upright and wore perfectly fitting skins. Tired of
working hard under the hot sun for their demanding farmer, they decided to skip work one noon while the
farmer was resting. They ran to a river, took off their skins, and went for a swim.
While they were enjoying themselves, the farmer woke up, discovered their absence, and found
them at the river. Startled and rushing to dress, the two animals accidentally wore each other’s skin—skins
they could never remove again. The carabao’s skin hung loose on the cow, and the cow’s skin was too tight
on the carabao.
Ashamed, they crawled back on all fours to ask for forgiveness. The farmer forgave them but said
they could no longer walk upright or remove their mismatched skins. From then on, cows and carabaos
passed down their altered appearance and posture to their descendants, as a lasting symbol of their mistake.
_______11. Why did the cow and the carabao originally decide to skip work?
A. They planned to escape permanently
B. They were curious about swimming
C. They believed they were overworked under the hot sun
D. They were angry at the farmer for punishing them
_______12. What does the story imply about the behavior of the farmer during noon?
A. He worked harder than his animals
B. He often punished his animals
C. He slept during the hottest part of the day
D. He visited the river at noon
_______13. What symbolic act led to the animals’ transformation and shame?
A. Skipping work
B. Taking off their skins and switching them
C. Bathing in the river
D. Running away from their duties
_______14. What was the immediate reason the cow and the carabao switched skins?
A. They wanted to prank the farmer
B. They accidentally grabbed the wrong skins in panic
C. They were curious how the other’s skin felt
D. The wind blew their skins off the branch
_______15. How does the story explain why cows and carabaos walk on all fours today?
A. Their legs were injured by the farmer
B. They were cursed by nature
C. They lost the ability to walk upright due to shame
D. The mismatched skins prevented them from walking upright
_______16. What deeper theme is illustrated when the cow and carabao fail to remove their new skins?
A. Physical strength is more important than pride
B. Some mistakes cannot be undone
C. Nature punishes laziness
D. Obedience always brings reward
_______17. What was the farmer’s response to the animals’ return in shame?
A. He whipped them again
B. He forgave them but gave them a lasting punishment
C. He made them return to work immediately
D. He traded them for other animals
_______18. What do the ill-fitting skins symbolize in the story?
A. The animals' friendship
B. A transformation into stronger creatures
C. The consequences of poor decisions
D. The power of forgiveness
_______19. What is suggested by the fact that the animals handed down their “symbols of shame” to their
offspring?
A. The curse would end in the next generation
B. Future animals would be stronger
C. Their shame became a permanent trait for their kind
D. The farmer punished their children too
_______20. What is the central moral lesson of the story?
A. Always work hard to gain favor
B. Taking a break can be dangerous
C. Carelessness and disobedience lead to lasting consequences
D. Friendship can overcome failure
C. Summary of Nanking Store by Macario D. Tiu:
The story is narrated by a boy who recalls his close relationship with Peter and Linda, a young
Chinese couple. As a child, he was chosen to jump on their wedding bed for good luck in conceiving a son.
Peter and Linda were a happy couple in the beginning, often playing around and pampering the narrator.
However, things changed when Linda moved from their marital home in Bajada to live above the
Nanking Store in Santa Ana. Rumors began to circulate in their tight-knit Chinese community about their
childless marriage. Despite attempts at traditional remedies, Linda remained barren. Over time, Peter
withdrew from social life, focusing all his energy on expanding the family store. Meanwhile, Linda was
increasingly mistreated by Peter’s parents, especially his mother, who publicly insulted and humiliated her.
Peter eventually began an affair with a Bisayan bar girl, who bore him two sons. This affair, though
scandalous, restored his status in the community because he had finally fathered children—confirming it was
Linda who was infertile. Linda, on the other hand, became isolated, ashamed, and neglected by everyone,
including Peter.
Peter died suddenly in a car accident, leaving behind a complicated legacy—a family divided by
tradition, gender expectations, and silent suffering. The story highlights the pressures of producing heirs in
Chinese culture, the cruelty of societal judgment, and the quiet tragedy of Linda's life.
_______21. What cultural belief prompted the narrator to jump on Peter and Linda's matrimonial bed?
A. To drive away bad luck
B. To ensure the couple would stay together
C. To ensure the couple would have a boy
D. To strengthen the marriage bond
_______22. Why did Linda initially claim she moved to Santa Ana?
A. Because she was quarreling with Peter
B. To help Peter in managing the store
C. Because she missed her family in Cebu
D. To be closer to her Bisayan roots
_______23. What detail from the story indicates Linda’s gradual loss of status in the family?
A. She started cooking meals for Peter's parents
B. She became closer to the salesgirls
C. She worked as a cashier full-time
D. She lost her personal maid and was scolded in public
_______24. What significant role does the New Canton Barbershop play in the story?
A. It is a place for children to play
B. It is where the narrator learned to cut hair
C. It serves as a social hub for gossip and community updates
D. It was Peter’s favorite hangout during his youth
_______25. How did Peter's personality change after being unable to produce a child for several years?
A. He became more generous to the community
B. He started focusing more on religion
C. He became withdrawn and lost his social interest
D. He began traveling more frequently
_______26. What does the phrase "bad stock" imply in the context of the story?
A. Poor financial investments
B. Illness or deformity
C. Inability to produce children
D. Mixed racial heritage
_______27. Why did Peter's parents continue to mistreat Linda even after he had a child with another
woman?
A. They believed she was faking infertility
B. They disapproved of her religion
C. They valued racial purity and blamed her for tarnishing the bloodline
D. They never approved of her marriage to Peter in the first place
_______28. What is the primary reason Peter showed his baby son to trusted people in secret?
A. He was unsure if the child was his
B. He feared Linda would become jealous
C. He wanted proof he was not a "bad stock"
D. He planned to adopt the child later on
_______29. Why did the community pretend not to see Peter’s child when he brought him to the barbershop
late at night?
A. They were angry at him for cheating
B. They respected the secrecy surrounding his personal affairs
C. They were under strict orders from Peter's father
D. They were trying to protect the child’s identity
_______30. What theme is most prominent in "Nanking Store"?
A. Revenge and forgiveness
B. Cultural pride and identity
C. Infertility, family expectations, and social stigma
D. Poverty and resilience
D. Summary of "How My Brother Leon Brought Home a Wife" by Manuel E. Arguilla:
The story follows Baldo, a young boy from the rural town of Nagrebcan, as he narrates the arrival of
his brother Leon and Leon’s new wife, Maria, from the city. Their journey from the station to their home is
symbolic, as Maria must be introduced to the family and adjust to the simple, provincial life that is very
different from what she is used to.
Baldo observes Maria closely—her grace, beauty, and gentle manner. She is kind and respectful,
even affectionate toward their bull Labang, which impresses Baldo. Instead of taking the main road, Baldo
follows a path through the fields as instructed by their father, as a kind of test to see how Maria reacts to
rural life.
Along the journey, Maria and Leon share tender, joyful moments, revealing their love and
connection. When they finally reach home, Maria is warmly welcomed by Baldo’s mother and sister. Baldo
is later called by his father, who asks questions to gauge Maria’s character, particularly her reaction to
Labang and the countryside. Baldo reassures him that she was unafraid and even sang along with Leon,
appreciating the stars and simplicity of the place.
In the end, Maria's warm nature and willingness to embrace Leon’s rural roots seem to win the
family's acceptance, especially the father's.
_______31. How does the setting of the story emphasize the cultural differences between rural and urban
life?
A) Through the modern buildings in the city
B) By showing the simple, natural environment of the countryside
C) By depicting the loud sounds of the city
D) Through the crowded streets in the rural area
_______32. What does Maria’s reaction to Labang reveal about her character?
A) She loves animals
B) She is scared of the rural lifestyle
C) She immediately befriends Labang
D) She enjoys the country life from the start
_______33. How does Baldo's perspective on his brother Leon and Maria’s relationship evolve throughout
the story?
A) He becomes more skeptical of their relationship
B) He grows to understand and appreciate their bond
C) He is indifferent to their relationship
D) He is upset by their affection toward each other
_______34. What role does the bull Labang play in the story beyond just being an animal?
A) He represents the strength and pride of the family
B) He is a mere obstacle in the journey
C) He serves as a pet to the family
D) He shows Maria how to adapt to the countryside
_______35. Why do you think the author chose to have Baldo narrate the story? How does this affect the
tone of the narrative?
A) To provide a perspective that is more critical of Maria
B) To offer an innocent and objective view of the events
C) To make the story more complex and dramatic
D) To give a biased view of Maria’s behavior
_______36. What does Maria’s fragrance symbolize in the context of the story?
A) Her connection to the city
B) Her inner strength and independence
C) Her beauty, grace, and connection to new beginnings
D) The harshness of her transition to rural life
_______37. How does the journey from the station to the family’s home serve as a test for Maria?
A) It tests her ability to navigate through the city
B) It challenges her ability to adapt to rural life
C) It allows her to bond with the other villagers
D) It is simply a physical journey with no significance
_______38. Why does the father ask Baldo if Maria was afraid of Labang? What might this reveal about the
father's values?
A) He wants to know if Maria is adjusting to the city
B) He values Maria’s ability to remain calm and composed
C) He wants to see if Maria can handle rural challenges
D) He is concerned for Maria's health and safety
_______39. How does the depiction of the stars contribute to the theme of connection between Maria and
the countryside?
A) It symbolizes the urban city lights
B) It highlights Maria's fear of the unknown
C) It shows Maria's growing connection to the rural world
D) It reflects Maria’s longing to return to the city
_______40. In what ways does the relationship between Maria and Leon evolve throughout their journey?
A) They become more distant as the journey progresses
B) Their relationship becomes more affectionate and intimate
C) They argue constantly during the journey
D) Their relationship remains unchanged throughout
_______41. How does the rural environment contrast with Maria’s city background, and why is this contrast
important?
A) The city is more peaceful and quiet than the countryside
B) The rural environment represents simplicity and hard work, highlighting Maria’s adjustment
C) The city is much more colorful and vibrant compared to the dull countryside
D) There is no contrast between the two environments in the story
_______42. What does the moment when Maria and Leon sing together suggest about their relationship?
A) It suggests they are already deeply in love
B) It symbolizes harmony and a deepening emotional connection
C) It shows that Maria is uncomfortable with Leon
D) It suggests that their relationship is failing
_______43. How does Labang's behavior towards Maria reflect her initial discomfort with the rural setting?
A) Labang immediately accepts Maria as part of the family
B) Labang reacts aggressively toward Maria because of her unfamiliarity
C) Labang’s behavior is neutral, showing no special connection to Maria
D) Labang's behavior makes Maria feel at ease and welcome
_______44. What does the father’s observation of Maria’s reaction to Labang symbolize in the context of
rural life?
A) The father is questioning Maria’s capacity to live in the rural area
B) The father shows that Maria's urban background is irrelevant
C) The father suggests that all urban people are afraid of animals
D) The father wants to make sure Maria is truly in love with Leon
_______45. How does the rural lifestyle influence the interactions between the family members?
A) The rural life causes more conflict within the family
B) The family members grow closer and more understanding of each other
C) The rural life makes the family members more distant
D) The family begins to resent each other’s presence
E Summary of "My Brother's Peculiar Chicken" by Alejandro R. Roces:
The story centers around two brothers, Kiko and the narrator, who argue over whether their chicken
is a rooster or a hen. The chicken is peculiar because it possesses characteristics of both sexes, making it
difficult to identify. The argument starts one morning when the brothers catch the chicken after it is involved
in a fight. Kiko believes the chicken is a rooster, while the narrator insists it is a hen due to its lack of comb
and wattles.
The debate escalates when their parents join the conversation, each claiming the chicken is either a
rooster or a hen, but they can't come to an agreement. The brothers then seek the help of Tenienteng Tasio,
the village head, who gives them an ambiguous answer. They also consult Mr. Cruz, an expert in poultry,
but still can't resolve the issue.
In an attempt to settle the matter, Kiko takes the chicken to a cockfight, betting on it against a skilled
gamecock. To everyone's surprise, the chicken wins the fight. However, just when the brothers believe
they've proven it's a rooster, the chicken lays an egg, leaving the issue unresolved in a comical twist.
The story humorously explores the confusion and absurdity of trying to define the chicken's gender
and highlights the importance of perspective in solving problems.
_______46. Why does the narrator initially believe that the chicken is a hen?
a) Because it crowed
b) Because it had no comb or wattles
c) Because it fought aggressively
d) Because it was too small to be a rooster
_______47. What does Kiko's argument about the chicken being a rooster primarily rely on?
a) The chicken's fighting ability
b) The chicken's size
c) The chicken's tail feathers
d) The chicken’s comb and wattles
_______48. What is the role of Tenienteng Tasio in the story?
a) He is the one who resolves the argument between the brothers.
b) He is the expert on chickens in the village.
c) He is the chief who offers an ambiguous answer to the question.
d) He is the person who tells the brothers to stop fighting.
_______49. How does Mr. Cruz contribute to the resolution of the brothers' argument?
a) He examines the chicken’s feathers and suggests that the chicken has both male and female
characteristics.
b) He suggests that the chicken should be tested in a cockfight.
c) He advises the brothers to observe the chicken’s behavior.
d) He tells the brothers to stop arguing and take the chicken to a veterinarian.
_______50. Which of the following best describes the significance of the chicken’s victory in the cockfight?
a) It symbolizes the resolution of the brothers’ argument.
b) It proves that Kiko’s belief in the chicken being a rooster is correct.
c) It highlights the absurdity of the whole situation.
d) It causes the brothers to argue even more.
_______51. Why does the narrator express concern about the rooster Kiko chose for the fight?
a) Because it is a more experienced fighter
b) Because it is too old to fight
c) Because it is a Texas rooster known for its strength
d) Because it is too friendly to fight
_______52. What does the humorous twist at the end (the chicken laying an egg) suggest about the theme of
the story?
a) It emphasizes the unpredictability of life.
b) It implies that sometimes there are no easy answers.
c) It shows that arguments often have absurd resolutions.
d) It proves that the chicken is indeed a rooster.
_______53. Which of the following statements best reflects the relationship between Kiko and the narrator
throughout the story?
a) They are constantly fighting over the chicken and never agree on anything.
b) They argue but eventually find common ground.
c) Kiko is very patient, while the narrator is stubborn.
d) Both brothers remain silent, letting their parents settle the argument.
_______54. How does the author use irony in the story?
a) The chicken wins the fight, but then lays an egg, which contradicts its supposed gender.
b) Kiko wins the argument, but his brother still does not believe him.
c) The parents agree on the chicken’s gender in the end.
d) Tenienteng Tasio’s age provides him with wisdom that solves the problem.
_______55. What does the argument about the chicken represent in the broader context of the story?
a) The importance of nature and its mysteries.
b) The absurdity of defining and labeling things based on preconceived notions.
c) The need for authority figures to settle disputes.
d) The inevitability of conflict in families.
_______56. Why does the narrator continue to insist that the chicken is a hen despite the evidence?
a) He enjoys arguing with his brother.
b) He is afraid of being wrong.
c) He wants to challenge his brother’s beliefs.
d) He is unconvinced by Kiko’s reasoning and observations.
_______57. What does the crowd’s reaction during the cockfight reveal about the story’s tone?
a) It shows that the story is serious and educational.
b) It highlights the humor and chaos of the situation.
c) It demonstrates the violence of cockfighting.
d) It illustrates the importance of animal rights.
_______58. What role does the concept of perspective play in the story?
a) It shows that people often perceive things differently depending on their experiences.
b) It highlights the importance of having the right information.
c) It reveals that only experts can understand complex issues.
d) It suggests that perspectives are irrelevant in solving problems.
_______59. How does the author’s use of humor enhance the theme of the story?
a) It makes the story more serious and reflective.
b) It makes the argument over the chicken’s gender seem trivial and absurd.
c) It highlights the importance of the chicken in the brothers’ lives.
d) It shows how deeply the family cares about the chicken.
_______60. What is the final lesson or message conveyed in the story?
a) People can solve their problems by arguing louder.
b) The search for a definitive answer is often fruitless and unnecessary.
c) Authority figures always provide the best solutions.
d) Family arguments can always be resolved through compromise.
