The Great Wall of China
6-8
1
Jose Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines
Lesson Details
Grade Level
9-12
Duration (minutes)
2
Summary
A World History lesson on José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, whose novels exposing colonial abuse led to his execution and helped spark the Philippine Revolution.
Student Worksheet: José Rizal
Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!
Key Concepts:
• Early Life: José Rizal was born in 1861 under Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, and later studied medicine in Europe.
• Two Novels: Rizal wrote Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, which exposed colonial abuse and were banned — but smuggled into the Philippines anyway.
• Execution: Branded a traitor after a sham trial, Rizal was executed by firing squad in 1896 at age 35.
• His Legacy: Rizal’s execution made him a martyr, transforming the call for reform into a full revolution for Philippine independence.
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: What did Rizal study in Europe, and what did he witness there?
- Question 2: What were the names of Rizal’s two novels?
- Question 3: Why did the Spanish government ban Rizal’s novels?
- Question 4: How old was Rizal when he was executed, and in what year?
- Question 5: What does the video mean when it says “they couldn’t execute his ideas”?
- Question 6: In your own words, explain how Rizal’s death changed the movement from “reform” to “revolution.”
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. Medicine; he witnessed a world of freedom in contrast to his colonized homeland.
2. Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo.
3. Because the novels exposed the brutal realities of colonial abuse and awakened Filipino identity.
4. 35 years old, in 1896.
5. Even though Rizal was killed, his writing and ideas kept spreading and inspiring people.
6. Answers will vary — check that students connect his martyrdom to increased outrage and momentum toward full independence rather than gradual reform.
Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on original video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.
🎯 Extension Activity: Have students write a short paragraph imagining they are a young Filipino in 1896 who just read a smuggled copy of one of Rizal's novels — what would they feel, and what would they want to do next?