LESSON EXEMPLAR FOR ENGLISH 7
Catch- Up Friday
April 25, 2024
Directions: Read the text below and answer the questions that follow
The Thankful Thread
The sun beat down on the lush rice fields, its golden rays reflecting off Aya's furrowed brow. "Lola,' she huffed, kicking a stray pebble, "why do I have to wear this old dress again? Everyone else has the latest styles!"
Lola, her eyes crinkled with laughter lines, sat on a woven mat, her nimble fingers weaving intricate patterns on a bamboo loom. "Patience, apo (grandchild)," she said, her voice as soothing as the rustling leaves. 'True treasures aren't always found in shiny fabrics.'
Aya grumbled, but a glint in Lola's eyes sparked her curiosity. The old woman, known for her wisdom and mysterious tales, often held surprises. Lola pulled out a spool of shimmering thread, its colors shifting like the sunset. "This, apo, is a magical thread," she declared. 'It weaves tapestries of gratitude, but only if you feed it true appreciation."
Intrigued, Aya accepted the thread. 'How does it work?' she asked.
'Each day," Lola explained, "add something you're grateful for, a whisper of thanks woven into the thread. Watch the tapestry grow, reflecting the beauty of your appreciation."
Hesitantly, Aya began. The first day was easy - she added a bead for Lola's delicious adobo. But the next day, her friend won the singing competition she'd hoped to win. Grumbling, she almost skipped her gratitude ritual, but Lola's gentle reminder echoed in her ears. She added a bead for the laughter shared with friends, even if she hadn't won.
Days turned into weeks. Aya started noticing the little things: the cool breeze on her face, the vibrant colors of the sunset, the sound of chirping birds. She added beads for the stories woven into Lola's bedtime tales, for the strong arms that carried her when she was hurt, for the warm smiles of neighbors.
One day, a storm raged, destroying many homes. Aya's heart ached for those who lost everything. Yet, seeing her own roof intact, she felt a surge of gratitude. She added a bead, its color shimmering like a rainbow, symbolizing the strength of her community.
Slowly, the tapestry grew, a vibrant reflection of Aya's changing perspective. The initial complaints faded, replaced by a deep appreciation for the simple joys surrounding her.
When the tapestry was complete, it wasn't just beautiful, it radiated warmth and happiness.
Sharing her story with others, Aya inspired them to start their own tapestries. Soon, the village echoed with whispers of gratitude, woven into their daily lives. Aya realized then that Lola's magical thread wasn't just about the tapestry; it was about unlocking a wellspring of happiness within herself and others.
From then on, Aya carried the spirit of gratitude wherever she went, reminding everyone, including herself, that true treasures aren't found in material possessions, but in the heart filled with appreciation for life's blessings, big and small. And whenever she felt a grumble rising, she'd close her eyes, feel the warmth of the magical thread against her skin, and remember the joy of finding happiness in the simple act of saying thank you.
Comprehension Questions:
Directions: Read and understand the following questions.
1. Why is Aya initially unhappy?
2. What is the magical thread and what does it do?
3.How does Aya's perspective change throughout the story?
4.What is the significance of the storm in the story?
5.What is the main message of the story?
