Directions: Read carefully the summary of the story, “The Mats” by Francisco Arcellana.

The story begins with the homecoming of Mr. Angeles who came from Mariveles. He wrote a letter for his family about the real weaver artist who make marvelous mats. Apparently, he would bring home his family some mats from this mat weaver.
Knowing that the rest of the family members will receive their own personalized sleeping mats, they became excited about the news. It was not just an ordinary mat that they would receive but a personalized mat with their names and a color depending on their birthstone. The kids felt so much joy when they heard the news. Giving gifts is part of their tradition when some come back home. This shows how much Mr. Angeles love his family.
The mat plays an important role to Emelia and Mr. Angeles, for Emelia received a mat by her mother when she got married to Mr. Angeles.
Finally, Mr. Angeles arrived, and the kids were excited to receive their personalized sleeping mats. He distributed the mats to his children as he calls the names that is on the mat. Now they were all done, Mr. Angeles’ smile suddenly changed into a frown when he saw that there are three mats left. He could not even look up and mention the names on the mat. He was hesitant to open the three mats left because those are intended for their kids who passed away. He could not get rid of his sadness; still affected about what happened to his children. The issue was very sensitive, and he was so emotional talking about not to forget them. This only show that even though they are dead, they remain in the heart of their father. The sleeping mats used as an outlet to pay as a tribute to his three kids who were not with them anymore.
The story taught us that we should not forget our loved ones no matter how many years had passed.


1. What kind of conflict is shown in the story?

A. external
B. internal
C. situational
D. verbal

2. What is the symbol used in the story to show Filipino culture?

A. birthstones
B. gifts
C. letters
D. mats

3. How was foreshadowing used in the story?

A. He wrote a letter for his family about the real weaver artist who make marvelous mats.
B. Giving gifts is part of our tradition when some come back home.n 5
C. Mr. Angeles was done distributing the mats to his children but there are three mats left.
D. He would bring home his family some mats from this mat weaver.
verbal

4. In this scenario of the story, the mat plays an important role to Emelia and Mr. Angeles for Nana Emelia received a mat by her mother when she got married to Mr. Angeles,” what Filipino characteristic is shown?

A. Filipinos are romantic.
B. Filipinos are naturally sentimental.
C. Filipinos are not good in keeping things.
D. Filipinos have an extended family.

5. What is the author’s purpose for writing the story?

A. To tell the readers to give gifts during special occasions.
B. To tell the readers to go back to the place they started.
C. To tell the readers to weave a mat for their loved ones because it is a tradition.
D. To tell the readers to value family culture and remember the family members who passed away.