THE STORY OF THE

AGED MOTHER
In the chart below, identify the values and traditions of the Japanese
people that you can infer from the reading selection The Story of the Aged
Mother. Cite the supporting detail or details in the story to prove your claim.
Then answer the process questions that follow.

THE STORY OF THE AGED MOTHER

JAPANESE VALUES/TRADITIONS

SUPPORTING DETAIL/S IN THE STORY



















Answer the following questions with a partner.

1.Do you find the values and/or traditions of the Japanese
people illustrated in the story similar to your values and/or
traditions as a Filipino? Explain briefly.
2.Do you think these values and/or traditions are also true
to your other Asian neighbors especially the Chinese?
Why?
3.Are the values and/or traditions of the Japanese similar to
Filipino values and traditions? In what way?
4.Why is it important to know the values and traditions of
our Asian neighbors?
Analyze the following what if statements inspired by the Story of
the Aged Mother. Then, answer the questions that follow.

If I could talk to the son, I would express my admiration for him.
If I could talk to the mother, I would congratulate her on having a son like
him.
If the son had left his mother in the mountain, then she would have died.
If you were the son, would you also save your mother?
I will express my admiration to people who do good despite of the
difficulty if I will meet one.

Questions:
What word is common among the given sentences? What does it
express?
What does each sentence mean?
What are the common uses of conditional sentences?




Here are some of the most common uses of conditional
sentences

Uncertain events & situations - We use conditional
sentences to talk about uncertain events and situations.
Example:

Ask Mark if he is staying tonight.
(He may or may not be staying)

If I see Nicky, I will convey your message.
(I may or may not see Nicky)

Conditions - An if-clause can also refer to a
condition something which must happen first,
so something else can happen.

Example:

If we can get there by tomorrow morning, we can
have breakfast at Marks place.

I will go to market tomorrow if I am able to repair my
car today.

Ifthen - We sometimes construct sentences with
ifthen to emphasize that one thing depends on
another. But note that we do not use ifso in this
way.

Example:

If he cannot walk, then she will have to help him.

If Jennifer has no enough money, then we have
to lend her some money.

If meaning if it is true - Another common use of if is to
mean if it is true that or if it is the case that

Example:

If you were in New York, why didnt you come and see
us?

If it will help you, I will lend you some money

Unlikely, imaginary or untrue situations - Past (or special)
tenses can be used to give the idea that something is
unlikely, imaginary or untrue.

Example:

If I married you, we would both be unhappy.
(Past tense used to talk about an imaginary future
situation)



Complete the Line with the most appropriate
conditional statement or if statement.

1.Ko Ngai would not die a tragic death __________________.
2._____________ would you also jump into the boiling metal?
3.The farmers mother would die, ________________________.
4._________________________, the custom of abandoning
aged people would have continued.
5.____________________, their parents would be very happy.

Write 2-3 sentences using conditional statements
about the traditions and values of the Chinese
and Japanese you have learned from the
previous activities. Compare these values with
some common Filipino values and cite the title of
the story where those values are evident.

Example:
If the Chinese and Japanese value their families, the
Filipinos love their families, too, as shown in the story
the Mats.

1.________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2.________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3.________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________