GENED March 2023 Actual LET Questions Study Guide
Philippine History and the Propaganda Movement
During the Spanish regime in the Philippines, a specific class of Europe-educated Filipinos emerged from affluent middle-class families; these individuals were known as the ilustrados. Notable members of this group included Graciano Lopez Jaena, Jose Rizal, and Marcelo H. del Pilar. In contrast, legal leaders like Andres Bonifacio sought freedom through armed struggle by organizing the Katipunan, rather than through the peaceful reforms advocated by the Propaganda Movement. The Spanish policy of reduccion involved the resettlement of Filipino communities into town centers called cabeceras to facilitate colonial administration. Throughout this era, Filipino heroes utilized pseudonyms in their propaganda writings to avoid identity detection and persecution. For instance, Marcelo H. del Pilar used the pen name "Plaridel," while Jose Rizal was known as "Dimasalang."
Post-colonial history includes significant shifts in national identity, such as the change of the Philippine Independence date from July 4 to June 12, an action enacted by President Diosdado Macapagal. The nation has also faced modern political challenges, such as the declaration of martial law, which is constitutionally justified in cases of visible rebellion and widespread lawlessness. International relations and national sovereignty remain points of interest, specifically concerning territorial claims by countries like the Philippines and Vietnam over parts of the South China Sea. Furthermore, the 1896 era and the later model of non-violence known as the People Power Revolution are cited as significant turning points in the nation's fight against dictatorial rule.
The Life and Works of Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal is regarded as a polymath whose genius was manifest in both the sciences and the arts. He was conversant in several European languages, earning him the description of a linguist. His literary works were often allegorical, revealing hidden socio-political meanings regarding the abuses of the Spanish regime. His most famous novel, Noli Me Tangere, often translated as "The Social Cancer" or "Touch Me Not," detailed these abuses. Within his novels, characters served as powerful symbols: Sisa represented the abused Filipino mother, while Maria Clara represented the traditional, submissive, and obedient Filipino woman. The character Elias is noted for his regret of "dying without seeing the dawn," referring to the liberation of the Philippines.
As a student at the University of Santo Tomas, Rizal's poem "A La Juventud Filipina" (To the Filipino Youth) won a prize and expressed his faith in the youth as the hope of the fatherland. Another early prize-winning work was "Sa Aking Mga Kababata." In his later years, specifically on December 12, 1888, he wrote the "Liham sa mga Kababaihang taga Malolos" to encourage twenty women who petitioned for equal educational opportunities, advocating for gender equality and liberation. His final poem, "Mi Ultimo Adios," includes the line "morir es descansar" (to die is to rest), reflecting his acceptance of death for his country and his lack of remorse in facing execution.
Filipino Language, Grammar, and Linguistics
In the study of the Filipino language, various grammatical and phonological rules apply. Words such as "saliw," "maestra," and "gabay" contain diphthongs, known as diptonggo. The language also exhibits morphological changes; for instance, the words "sundin," "kunin," and "bilhin" undergo a process of deletion or "kaltas." Regional variations in vocabulary are categorized as lalawiganin, such as the terms "mabanas" in Batangas, "maalinsangan" in Bulacan, and "bang-init" in Rizal, all of which describe hot weather. The term "lubhang" in the sentence "Ang atletang Pilipino ay lubhang masigasig" functions as an adverb or pang-abay.
Sentence structure and verb tenses are also critical. A sentence like "Nagsimula na ang palatuntunin nang dumating ang panauhing pandangal" is in the past tense or perpektibo. Conjunctions, or pangatnig, play various roles: "subalit" is used to show contrast, while "sapagkat" is used to provide a reason (pananhi). Precise punctuation is also required, such as the use of the semicolon or tuldukwit to separate clauses. The primary use of language is viewed as a means of ugnayan (connection) to foster unity among citizens. While Hiligaynon, Cebuano, and Chavacano are recognized as Filipino languages, Baybayin is distinguished as an ancient script.
Mathematics, Statistics, and Algebraic Simplification
Mathematics in General Education involves the simplification of algebraic expressions and the application of statistical principles. To simplify the expression , the result is . Another simplification of a product, such as , yields the expression . When simplifying , the result is . Mathematical operations on integers and finding the least common multiple (LCM) are fundamental; for example, the LCM of , , and is . Pairs of integers like and are considered relatively prime because they share no common factors other than .
Ratios and proportions are used in practical scenarios, such as a recipe requiring eggs for every cups of flour; if a baker has cups of flour, they will need eggs. In geometry, a regular solid where the length, width, and height are equal is defined as a cube. Statistics involves the use of probability distributions, such as the Poisson distribution for rare events or the Normal distribution. In hypothesis testing, the notation for expressing that there is no significant difference between two groups is the null hypothesis, represented as . Significant contributors to mathematics include Albert Gerard, who introduced abbreviations for sine, tangent, and secant, and Charles Richter, who developed the scale for measuring earthquake intensity using logarithms.
Biological Sciences, Ecology, and Environmental Studies
Ecology focuses on the interactions within ecosystems, where matter and energy transfer through food chains and food webs. A typical food chain sequence follows the order of producer, consumer, and luego predator. For example: grass (producer) refers to goat (consumer) refers to human (predator) refers to bacteria (decomposer). Common decomposers include earthworms, termites, and fungi, but not green plants, which function as producers. Ecosystems are characterized by biodiversity and sustainability, with cycles that redistribute water, oxygen, and carbon. The largest desert ecosystem in the world is the Sahara, while the Arctic is classified under the tundra biome.
Biological relationships are often symbiotic. Commensalism is exemplified by an orchid growing on a tree trunk or a bird nesting in branches, where one species benefits without harming the other. Evolutionary changes in an ecosystem are illustrated by the disappearance of old species and the appearance of new ones. Environmental factors like salinity, temperature, and currents in ocean ecosystems are categorized as abiotic (non-living) factors. Current environmental concerns focus on global warming, which is driven by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (). Protecting the environment involves regulating hunting to preserve endangered animals and maintaining forests to ensure a balanced ecosystem.
Physical Sciences: Energy, Heat Transfer, and Pressure
Energy exists in various forms and can be transformed or transferred. Potential energy is seen in a child at the top of a slide or a ripe fruit before it falls (specifically gravitational potential energy), while chemical energy is demonstrated in the transfer from a power bank to a cellphone. Heat transfer occurs through three primary methods: conduction (typical in solids), convection (typical in liquids and gases where fluids rise and fall), and radiation (which can occur through a vacuum). Practical observations, such as steam rising or rain falling, illustrate convection.
In fluid mechanics, the design of structures like dams must account for physical laws; dams are built thicker at the bottom than at the top because water pressure is higher at the bottom. Scientific knowledge also categorizes energy sources by their environmental impact. Nuclear energy is often cited as being less harmful to the atmosphere in terms of direct air pollution compared to fossil fuels or slash-and-burn agriculture. The most reliable energy sources for long-term use are researched as renewable energy. Technology is defined as the practical application of this scientific knowledge to daily human activities.
English Language, Literature, and World Classics
Literature serves several basic objectives: to give pleasure, to elevate the human experience, and to judge underlying values. It is divided into two general types: prose and poetry. Forms of literature that aim to teach moral lessons are called didactic literature, a style notably influenced by the strict morality of England's Queen Victoria. Famous literary collections include "The Arabian Nights," which contains stories like "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and "Aladdin." American literature includes notable short story writers like William Sydney Porter, known by his pen name O. Henry, famous for surprise endings in works like "The Gift of the Magi."
English grammar and vocabulary include the use of idiomatic expressions. To describe an easy task, one uses "piece of cake." Proper word choice is essential, such as using "bite" (to use teeth) vs. "bit" (past tense) or "bear" (to endure) vs. "bare" (uncovered). Pronoun agreement is also necessary: "If you have misplaced your manual, I will be glad to lend you mine." Literature also encompasses diverse fields like gender studies, which is an interdisciplinary field including studies on women, men, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Social Sciences, Psychology, and Human Development
Psychology is the science of human behavior, exploring how individuals grow and develop. A core principle is individual differences, noting that growth varies from person to person. Psychosocially healthy people are characterized by their ability to control anger, work well with others, and look at the bright side of situations. Behavioral theories include B.F. Skinner's behavior modification and Jean Jacques Rousseau's naturalism in early childhood development. Emotional or psychological attitudes that are contradictory result in a state of ambivalence. Excessive stress among perfectionist or high-strung individuals can lead to physical ailments such as heart disease or stomach ulcers.
Sociology and economics address the collective behavior of people. The concept of the "global village" describes how technology and mass media have interconnected the world. Economic theories include the Malthusian theory, which suggests that population growth is geometric while food supply growth is slower. In a social system where leadership is based on competence and integrity, the structure is known as a meritocracy. Prejudice, such as racial or economic prejudice, is defined as an unjustified dislike for certain groups. Social responsibility is manifested through concern for others and assistance to the disadvantaged.
Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Heritage
Art forms are categorized by how they are perceived and their medium. Sculpture is known as a tactile art because it can be touched and felt; common materials include marble, wood, and clay, but not usually liquids like acrylic paint. Music is often therapeutic, soothing emotions and preventing depression. Film is considered a modern and advanced art form because it integrates visual projections, audio, and movement through technology. Theater arts include forms like ballet, opera, and Kabuki. In the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is the agency tasked with nurturing these arts.
Cultural heritage includes "World Heritage" designations for places of outstanding universal value. Examples of Filipino folk art include the Jeepney, Tinalak woven cloth, and the Higantes of Angono. In theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) was pioneered by Cecile Alvarez to provide productions for the masses. Celebrated Filipino plays include "Portrait of the Artist as Filipino." Literature remains one of the most accessible art forms, with genres like fiction intended to entertain and non-fiction intended to inform.
Ethics, Values, and Social Responsibility
The family is considered the foundation rock of society and the cornerstone of peaceful living. Values development involves three stages: cognitive (understanding), affective (choosing), and behavioral (acting upon). In professional settings, integrity is demonstrated by serving all people equally regardless of gifts or incentives. Ethical principles guide difficult decisions; for instance, the principle that "the end does not justify the means" dictates that one should not commit an immoral act (like drug pushing) even for a perceived good cause (like financial support). The right to protection against unlawful disappearance is protected by legal writs such as the Writ of Amparo. In workplace disputes, it is advised to discuss matters with superiors or follow official inquiry procedures rather than acting anonymously or impulsively.