List of Appendices

A1 Phil-IRI Group Screening Test in English

A2 Key to Correction: Screening Test-English
A3 Titles of Phil-IRI Graded Passages for Pre-Tests in English
A4 Key to Correction: Graded Passages in English Pre-Test (Sets A, B, C, D -Grade 6)
A5 Group Screening Answer Sheet (Grade 6 English)

APPENDIX A1
Phil-IRI Group Screening Tests in English

Level Number and Kind of Pamagat ng mga Bilang ng Tanong

Text Seleksyon
6th 3 Expository Texts  Chameleons 20
• The Philippine Eagle
• Home to Millions of
Fish

Screening Test, Grade 6

A.
Chameleons 

Chameleons are extraordinary animals. They are one of the few animals that can
change their color. This is their way of hiding themselves. Chameleons that live in
trees are often green. Those that live in desert lands are usually brown. 

It is also their way of keeping warm. Turning a darker shade helps them absorb
more heat. They also change colors to send messages to other chameleons. Their
bright colors may attract another chameleon or warn enemies.  

82 words 

1. What is one unique characteristic of chameleons? (Literal) 

a. Their color changes. 

b. They live in trees.  

c. They live in deserts. 

d. They climb trees fast. They send messages to other animals. 

2. What will happen to a chameleon on a cold day? (Inferential)

a. It will become invisible. 

b. It will turn a shade lighter. 

c. It will turn white. 

d. It will turn a shade darker. 

3. Changing its color is the chameleon’s way of ______________________. (Literal)

a. showing its special power 

b. hiding itself from other animals 

c. finding its family  

d. shedding its skin 

4. Chameleons are extraordinary animals. Another word for extraordinary is

________________________. (Inferential) 

a. amazing 

b. not known 

c. common 

d. unusual 

5. What is the advantage of changing color? (Inferential)

a. It can hide itself. 

b. It can kill enemies  

c. It can join with other chameleons. 

d. It can hold on to the branch as it climbs. 

6. The main idea of the selection is (Critical) 

a. why chameleons change colors. 

b. how chameleons survive in the wild. 

c. where chameleons come from. 

d. where chameleons live. 

7. The best title for this selection is (Critical) 

a. How Chameleons Communicate with Other Animals 

b. Why Chameleons Change Color 

c. The Different Habitats of Chameleons 

d. The Enemies of Chameleons 

B.
The Philippine Eagle 

The Philippine Eagle has replaced the maya as our national bird. It is one of the
three largest and strongest eagles in the world. But it is in danger of extinction.
Hunting and deforestation have caused the number of Philippine Eagles to
dwindle. Scientists have tried to increase their number by breeding them in
captivity. The first eagle to be bred in captivity is Pag-asa. At 25 years old, Pag-asa
is not yet suited to be released to the wild as she has developed dependency on
her human keeper.  

89 words 
8. The Philippine Eagle is in danger of extinction. It means this type of eagle will eventually
________________. (Inferential) 

a. disappear 

b. increase 

c. migrate 

d. starve 

9. When birds are bred in captivity, they are _____________. (Inferential)

a. allowed to freely fly in the wide forest 

b. cared for in a safe environment 

c. caught and sold as pets 

d. given a diet of bread 

10. What is responsible for the decrease in the number of Philippine Eagles? (Inferential) a. their
migration to cooler countries 

b. their transfer to warmer places 

c. the activities of humans 

d. lack of available food 

11. Pag-asa is the name of the first eagle which (Literal) 

a. was discovered first in our country. 

b. was born in captivity. 

c. was kept in the wild 

d. was given as a gift.  

12. What is the problem posed in the selection? (Critical) 

The Philippine Eagles _______________________________. 

a. are in danger of being gone forever 

b. are dying because of a disease 

c. migrate to other countries 

d. are not growing fast 

13. The purpose for writing the selection is to (Critical) 

a. invite researchers to study the Philippine eagle. 

b. make the reader proud of the Philippine eagle. 

c. warn the hunters not to harm the Philippine eagle. 

d. raise an alarm about the possible disappearance of the Philippine Eagle. 

14. A good title for this selection is (Critical) 

a. Help Save the Philippine Eagle 

b. See the Rare Philippine Eagle 

c. Breeding the Philippine Eagle 

d. The Effects of Deforestation 

C.
Home to Millions of Fish 

Coral reefs are found in shallow areas of tropical ocean waters.  They are like
beautiful underground gardens that grow in salty waters. Millions of fish and sea
plants make their home in the reefs as these provide a safe sanctuary for them.
They allow small fish to hide from large predator fish. 

But many coral reefs are in trouble. Water pollution is destroying many reefs.
Tourism likewise harms them. If reefs are damaged, we will lose many of our most
beautiful fish.  

82 words 
15. Coral reefs are described as underground gardens because ___________. (Inferential)

a. they are full of flowers 

b. there are many sea plants 

c. they have many enormous fish 

d. there are many types of pebbles 

16. Coral reefs provide a safe sanctuary to live for the small fish. A sanctuary is synonymous to
______________________. (Inferential) 

a. water 

b. shelter 

c. cage 

d. cave 

17. Which of these bodies of water would have coral reefs? (Inferential)

a. the sea 

b. the lake 

c. the river 

d. the pond 

18. Why are the small fish safer in the coral reefs than in the open sea? (Inferential)

a. The water is saltier. 

b. The waves are not so big. 

c. There is no pollution there. 

d. It is less likely that the big fish will eat them. 

19. How is the last paragraph of the selection developed? (Critical)

a. by giving a list of effects 

b. by enumerating a series of sequenced events 

c. by stating the main topic and giving examples 

d. by defining the problem and the possible solution 

20. Which cause of the destruction of coral reefs is mentioned in the last paragraph? (Literal) 

a. pollution 

b. the presence of big fish 

c. the strong wind and big waves 

d. the increasing temperature of the ocean

 APPENDIX A2
Key to Correction: Screening Test-English

A B C
Chameleons The Philippine Eagle Home to Millions of Fish
1. a 8. a 15. b
2. d 9. b 16. b
3. b 10. c 17. a
4. d 11. b 18. d
5. a 12. a 19. c
6. a 13. d 20. a
7. b 14. a

Appendix A3
Titles of Phil-IRI Graded Passages for Pre-Tests in English

Grade Level Set A Set B Set C Set D

6 Yawning Laughter Effects of Anger Dreams

YAWNING
What makes us yawn? Yawning is something that we cannot control. Even in the
mother’s womb, eleven-week-old babies have been observed to yawn. But why do we do it?
One popular explanation for yawning is that a person may be tired or bored. Although
many believe this to be true, it cannot explain why athletes yawn before an event or why
dogs yawn before an attack.
It is said that yawning is caused by a lack of oxygen and excess carbon dioxide. A good
example of this is when we yawn in groups. We yawn because we are competing for air.
Others even believe that we yawn to cool our brains off. Cool brains allow us to think
more clearly so yawning is said to help us become more alert.

Reference: McManus, M. R. (2001). What makes us Yawn? Retrieved from: Howstuffworks

com http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/question572.htm

Questions
1. What is a fact about yawning?
a. It is something we cannot control.
b. It is something only humans do
c. It is a result of boredom.
d. It happens after birth.

2. Which of the following might make us yawn?

a. reading a book
b. being in a crowded room
c. being around plants
d. being in a small air-conditioned car
3. What does the word "involuntary" mean?
a. expected
b. unexpected
c. within control
d. uncontrollable
4. Which of the following may be a benefit of yawning?
a. It warns us of possible attacks by dogs.
b. It provides us the carbon dioxide we need.
c. It cools our brains.
d. It balances the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
5. According to the selection, what is most likely to happen after we yawn?
a. We will become more alert.
b. We will be less tired.
c. We will be less sleepy.
d. We will be calmer.
6. In the selection, how is the word 'compete' used in the phrase
"competing for air?"
a. struggling to take in some air
b. arguing about breathing
c. battling it out for oxygen
d. racing to breathe more air
7. Which of the following shows evidence that "yawning" is "competing for
air?"
a. The passengers in an elevator yawned.
b. Several people yawned while picnicking at an open field.
c. Two people yawned inside a room with air-conditioning.
d. Three students yawned in a big empty room.
8. Which of the following is the best response when we see a person/animal
yawn?
a. Have the person eat a food item that is a good source of energy.
b. Change the topic of conversation to a more interesting one.
c. Turn on an electric fan or source of ventilation.
d. Run away to avoid being attacked.

LAUGHTER

People love to laugh. We love it so much when there are jokes, jobs, and shows that
are made to make us laugh. Even though laughing seems natural, not many species are able
to do
so.
Laughing involves the performance of rhythmic, involuntary movements, and the
production of sounds. We are able to laugh using fifteen facial muscles, our respiratory
system, and sometimes even our tear ducts.
We are lucky that we are able to laugh because there is strong evidence that
laughter can help improve health. Laughter boosts the immune system and adds another
layer of protection from disease. Since laughter also increases blood flow, it improves the
function of blood vessels that helps protect the heart. Laughter also relaxes the whole body
by relieving tension and stress. Finally, laughter also brings out the body’s natural feel-good
chemicals that promote well-being.

Reference: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/laughter.htm

Questions
1. What is laughing?
a. It is the voluntary reception of sounds.
b. It is the voluntary production of sounds.
c. It is the involuntary production of sounds.
d. It is the voluntary use of our facial muscles.
2. What does the statement, “There are jokes, jobs, and shows that are made
to make us laugh,” imply in this selection?
a. Laughter is something we have to work at.
b. Comedy shows are good sources of income.
c. Laughter is an important part of our life.
d. Jokes and comedy shows are expensive ways to make us laugh.
3. In what way does laughing prevent us from getting sick?
a. It lets us have full use of our respiratory system.
b. It helps boost our immune system.
c. It allows us to use our tear ducts.
d. It exercises our facial muscles.
4. If laughter increases blood flow, which body system does it help?
a. nervous system
b. respiratory system
c. excretory system
d. circulatory system
5. Which word CANNOT be used to describe laughing?
a. rhythmic
b. voluntary
c. uncontrollable
d. functional
6. Which of the following facts about laughter would be helpful to a
hardworking secretary at a busy office?
a. Laughter uses fifteen facial muscles.
b. Laughter keeps tension and stress away.
c. Laughter may help protect us from diseases.
d. Laughter brings out the ‘feel good’ chemicals.
7. Which of the following is the best title for the selection?
a. Laughter is the answer.
b. Laughter is the best medicine.
c. Laughter is what sets humans apart.
d. Laughter affects the human condition.
8. Which of the following would be the most ideal place to spread the good
effects of laughter?
a. sari-sari store
b. gas station
c. hospital
d. market
EFFECTS OF ANGER

Anger is often viewed as harmful. It does not only affect the person feeling this anger
but those around him or her. As these feelings get stronger, changes occur in our body. Our
faces turn red and carry a frown. Our teeth are clenched and our hands are closed tight. Our
breathing becomes heavy and this makes our heart beat faster. Our shoulder and neck
muscles become stiff and our blood pressure begins to rise. All these things happen because
our body is preparing for something. It is preparing for action. However, this action does not
have to be harmful.
People are often guilty about feeling angry. But anger can be viewed positively.
Feelings of anger tell you that something is not right and that something needs to change.
The challenge lies in making sure that actions resulting from anger will help rather than harm.
Expressing our feelings can help others understand the source of our anger rather than fear
its consequences.

Reference: Adapted from http://vmarano.tumblr.com/post/4955945239/good-news-about-

Anger

Questions
1. Which is NOT an observed change in our body when we get angry?
a. Our face turns red.
b. Our heart beats faster.
c. Our shoulders become stiff.
d. Our breathing becomes slow.
2. In the sentence, “Changes occur in our body,” which of the following
words is a synonym for the word occur?
a. stay
b. form
c. happen
d. transform
3. Why do people sometimes feel guilty for being angry?
a. Anger may hurt others.
b. Anger is not a feeling you should show to other people.
c. Anger may cause us to create positive change in the world.
d. Anger may cause us to be motivated to act on something.
4. Which of these actions is based on anger as a positive form of expression?
a. focusing on what is wrong
b. saying hurtful words
c. identifying the root of the problem
d. keeping our emotions bottled up inside of us
5. Which of these actions are based on anger as a form of motivation?
a. asking the person we are angry at to think of how the problem can be
resolved
b. giving the person that we are angry at the silent treatment
c. kicking a chair aside and screaming out loud
d. seeking the help of a third person to side with you
6. What is one benefit of feeling angry?
a. It provides a form of exercise for our heart and blood vessels.
b. It prepares us for future occasions that we might feel angry.
c. It serves as a signal that something is not right.
d. It changes how our mind works.
7. In the selection, what is the meaning of the word "challenge?"
a. It refers to a task that is new.
b. It refers to a task that is different
c. It refers to a task that is assigned to us.
d. It refers to a task that is difficult to do.
8. In the selection, which trait would be most helpful when trying to use our anger in a positive
way?
a. being obedient
b. being honest
c. being thoughtful
d. being hardworking
DREAMS

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

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

brain/dream1.htm; http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/magazine/what-are-dreams
Questions
1. Based on the selection, what does our brain exercise through sleeping?
a. the connections and pathways
b. the left and right hemispheres
c. the content and concepts
d. the gray matter
2. Which of the statements does NOT show how dreams fix our problems?
a. As we dream, we constantly think about what we have learned or
experienced.
b. Our dreams help us focus on things we are unable to notice during the
day.
c. Our brain comes up with solutions in our sleep.
d. Our brain sorts and files information.
3. How does a brain - through dreams - perform the function of an office
clerk?
a. It sorts information we need from what we don’t need.
b. It files what we know into fixed categories.
c. It clears the board to store new information.
d. It functions alone.
4. Based on how it is used in the selection, which of the following words is
a synonym for the word "resolved?"
a. accommodated
b. reflected
c. decided
d. fixed
5. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the brain
a. Our brain makes connections.
b. Our brain never stops thinking.
c. Sleeping is our brain’s way of shutting down.
d. Our brain replays our experiences as we sleep.
6. Which question is the selection trying to answer?
a. What are the types of dreams?
b. Why are our reasons for dreaming?
c. Are all dreams sweet?
d. How can we stop from dreaming?
7. In the selection, what does it mean to “sleep on it?"
a. ignore it
b. take a nap
c. think about it
d. forget about it
8. Which could be a good title for this selection?
a. Dreaming: Explained
b. Preventing Our Dreams
c. Interpreting One’s Dream
d. Finding Solutions to Dreaming
Appendix A4
Graded passages in English Pre-Test (Sets A to D)

Grade Level Set A Set B Set C Set D

6 Yawning Laughter Effects of Anger Dreams
1. a 1. c 1. d 1. a
2. b 2. c 2. c 2. d
3. d 3. b 3. a 3. a
4. c 4. d 4. c 4. d
5. a 5. b 5. a 5. c
6. a 6. b 6. c 6. b
7. a 7. b 7. d 7. c
8. c 8. c 8. b 8. a
Appendix A5
Phil-IRI Group Screening Answer Sheet
Grade 6: ENGLISH
Name: ____________________ Age: __________
Grade & Section: ____________ Sex: Male or Female
School: ____________________ Date: __________