Compare and Contrast Points of View and Topics - MAP 4th Grade Reading
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Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9 - Compare and Contrast Treatment of Themes and Topics and Patterns of Events in Stories, Myths, and Traditional Literature from Different Cultures - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9 - Compare and Contrast Treatment of Themes and Topics and Patterns of Events in Stories, Myths, and Traditional Literature from Different Cultures - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which of the following themes best applies to both stories?
Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9 - Compare and Contrast Treatment of Themes and Topics and Patterns of Events in Stories, Myths, and Traditional Literature from Different Cultures - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.9 - Compare and Contrast Treatment of Themes and Topics and Patterns of Events in Stories, Myths, and Traditional Literature from Different Cultures - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which of the following themes best applies to both stories?
To figure out which statement applies to both stories, we can use process of elimination. That mean that we can consider each answer choice, one at a time, identifying the incorrect ones. The one that's left after we've identified four incorrect answers must be the correct answer!
"Make sure you haven't offended someone before accepting a gift from that person." - This could apply to the fate of the mean old woman in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow," but it doesn't apply as well to "The Gold-Giving Snake." The farmer wants to continue to accept gifts from the snake even after his son tried to kill the snake and died, and he doesn't get into any trouble by accepting the gift from the snake after he has offended the snake. So, this isn't a very accurate theme for "The Gold-Giving Snake." Let's consider the other answer choices.
"It's important to be polite to all houseguests." The sparrow is polite to all of his houseguests in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"—even the old woman who cut his tongue; however, there aren't any houseguests in "The Gold-Giving Serpent," so this can't be the theme of that story.
"It's not worth it to attack someone or something for personal gain." - The farmer's son attacks the snake for personal gain in "The Gold-Giving Serpent": he thinks the anthill is full of gold and wants to get all the gold at once instead of being given one piece per day. The same is not true for "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." While one could argue that the old woman attacks the sparrow at the beginning of the story, she does not do so "for personal gain"—she is motivated by anger and frustration, not a desire to obtain something like the farmer's son is.
"Being lazy can make all of your problems worse than they would otherwise have been." - None of the characters are notably lazy in either story, so this isn't the best theme for either.
"Being greedy causes trouble." - This is the best answer! It is a good expression of the theme of "The Gold-Giving Serpent" because the problem in that story is caused when the farmer's son greedily attacks the snake, thinking he can obtain a lot of gold at once. It is also a good expression of the theme of "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow," because the problems of the old woman who cut the sparrow's tongue are caused by her taking the larger basket. She thinks it contains more treasure than the one the elderly couple took, but it really contains monsters. Both stories advise against being greedy, so "Being greedy causes trouble" is the best answer.
To figure out which statement applies to both stories, we can use process of elimination. That mean that we can consider each answer choice, one at a time, identifying the incorrect ones. The one that's left after we've identified four incorrect answers must be the correct answer!
"Make sure you haven't offended someone before accepting a gift from that person." - This could apply to the fate of the mean old woman in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow," but it doesn't apply as well to "The Gold-Giving Snake." The farmer wants to continue to accept gifts from the snake even after his son tried to kill the snake and died, and he doesn't get into any trouble by accepting the gift from the snake after he has offended the snake. So, this isn't a very accurate theme for "The Gold-Giving Snake." Let's consider the other answer choices.
"It's important to be polite to all houseguests." The sparrow is polite to all of his houseguests in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"—even the old woman who cut his tongue; however, there aren't any houseguests in "The Gold-Giving Serpent," so this can't be the theme of that story.
"It's not worth it to attack someone or something for personal gain." - The farmer's son attacks the snake for personal gain in "The Gold-Giving Serpent": he thinks the anthill is full of gold and wants to get all the gold at once instead of being given one piece per day. The same is not true for "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." While one could argue that the old woman attacks the sparrow at the beginning of the story, she does not do so "for personal gain"—she is motivated by anger and frustration, not a desire to obtain something like the farmer's son is.
"Being lazy can make all of your problems worse than they would otherwise have been." - None of the characters are notably lazy in either story, so this isn't the best theme for either.
"Being greedy causes trouble." - This is the best answer! It is a good expression of the theme of "The Gold-Giving Serpent" because the problem in that story is caused when the farmer's son greedily attacks the snake, thinking he can obtain a lot of gold at once. It is also a good expression of the theme of "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow," because the problems of the old woman who cut the sparrow's tongue are caused by her taking the larger basket. She thinks it contains more treasure than the one the elderly couple took, but it really contains monsters. Both stories advise against being greedy, so "Being greedy causes trouble" is the best answer.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Adapted from "From a Railway Carriage" in A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (1885)
Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;
And charging along like troops in a battle,
All through the meadows the horses and cattle:
All of the sights of the hill and the plain
Fly as thick as driving rain;
And ever again, in the wink of an eye,
Painted stations whistle by.
Here is a child who clambers and scrambles,
All by himself and gathering brambles;
Here is a tramp who stands and gazes;
And there is the green for stringing the daisies!
Here is a cart run away in the road
Lumping along with man and load;
And here is a mill and there is a river:
Each a glimpse and gone for ever!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "Snow Dust" by Robert Frost in The Yale Review (January, 1921)
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
The poem "From a Railway Carriage" __________, and the poem "Snow Dust" __________.
Adapted from "From a Railway Carriage" in A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (1885)
Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;
And charging along like troops in a battle,
All through the meadows the horses and cattle:
All of the sights of the hill and the plain
Fly as thick as driving rain;
And ever again, in the wink of an eye,
Painted stations whistle by.
Here is a child who clambers and scrambles,
All by himself and gathering brambles;
Here is a tramp who stands and gazes;
And there is the green for stringing the daisies!
Here is a cart run away in the road
Lumping along with man and load;
And here is a mill and there is a river:
Each a glimpse and gone for ever!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "Snow Dust" by Robert Frost in The Yale Review (January, 1921)
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
The poem "From a Railway Carriage" __________, and the poem "Snow Dust" __________.
"Stanzas" are groups of lines put together into a unit in a poem. Each poem is made up of two stanzas. Both poems also contain some rhyming lines. Every two sequential lines rhyme in "From a Railway Carriage"; you can see this in how "witches" rhymes with "ditches" and "battle" rhymes with "cattle." In "Snow Dust," the first line rhymes with the third line and the second line rhymes with the fourth line of each stanza. Line one ends with the word "crow," which rhymes with "snow" at the end of line three, and line two ends with "me," which rhymes with "tree" at the end of line four.
"From a Railway Carriage" is written using third-person perspective. The poet never uses words like "I" or "me" to describe what can be seen from a train car. "Snow Dust" uses first-person perspective. In it, the narrator directly talks about his or her experience using words like "I" and "me" in lines like "Shook down on me" and "Of a day I had rued." So, the correct answer is "uses third-person perspective . . . uses first-person perspective," because "The poem "From a Railway Carriage" uses third-person perspective, and the poem "Snow Dust" uses first-person perspective.
"Stanzas" are groups of lines put together into a unit in a poem. Each poem is made up of two stanzas. Both poems also contain some rhyming lines. Every two sequential lines rhyme in "From a Railway Carriage"; you can see this in how "witches" rhymes with "ditches" and "battle" rhymes with "cattle." In "Snow Dust," the first line rhymes with the third line and the second line rhymes with the fourth line of each stanza. Line one ends with the word "crow," which rhymes with "snow" at the end of line three, and line two ends with "me," which rhymes with "tree" at the end of line four.
"From a Railway Carriage" is written using third-person perspective. The poet never uses words like "I" or "me" to describe what can be seen from a train car. "Snow Dust" uses first-person perspective. In it, the narrator directly talks about his or her experience using words like "I" and "me" in lines like "Shook down on me" and "Of a day I had rued." So, the correct answer is "uses third-person perspective . . . uses first-person perspective," because "The poem "From a Railway Carriage" uses third-person perspective, and the poem "Snow Dust" uses first-person perspective.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which character(s) in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" play(s) is/are most similar to the farmer's son in "The Gold-Giving Serpent"?
Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which character(s) in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" play(s) is/are most similar to the farmer's son in "The Gold-Giving Serpent"?
Let's consider the role that the farmer's son plays in "The Gold-Giving Serpent" before we compare him to the characters in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." What does the farmer's son do in the story? The farmer receives a gold denar every day from the snake because he leaves it milk. The farmer has to go to the village and leaves his son to do this, but the son decides to do something else.
The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
The farmer's son infers that the anthill must be full of gold, so he tries to kill the snake. The snake survives and bites him, which kills him. Later in the story, the old man brings more milk to the snake, but the snake gives him a costly pearl and tells him not to come back.
How does the son's role in the story compare to the characters in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"? The son greedily tries to get a large amount of gold at once instead of accepting the single gold denar he and his father receive per day from the snake. Which character is greedy in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"? The old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue is greedy. She sees that her neighbors receive treasure from the sparrow in a small basket, so she goes and obtains a big basket from them, thinking it has more treasure in it. While the characters' roles do not line up perfectly, both the farmer's son and the old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue perform actions motivated by greed and cause themselves problems because of those actions. So, the best answer is "the old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue."
Let's consider the role that the farmer's son plays in "The Gold-Giving Serpent" before we compare him to the characters in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." What does the farmer's son do in the story? The farmer receives a gold denar every day from the snake because he leaves it milk. The farmer has to go to the village and leaves his son to do this, but the son decides to do something else.
The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
The farmer's son infers that the anthill must be full of gold, so he tries to kill the snake. The snake survives and bites him, which kills him. Later in the story, the old man brings more milk to the snake, but the snake gives him a costly pearl and tells him not to come back.
How does the son's role in the story compare to the characters in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"? The son greedily tries to get a large amount of gold at once instead of accepting the single gold denar he and his father receive per day from the snake. Which character is greedy in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow"? The old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue is greedy. She sees that her neighbors receive treasure from the sparrow in a small basket, so she goes and obtains a big basket from them, thinking it has more treasure in it. While the characters' roles do not line up perfectly, both the farmer's son and the old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue perform actions motivated by greed and cause themselves problems because of those actions. So, the best answer is "the old woman who cuts the sparrow's tongue."
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which character(s) in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" play(s) a role closest to that of the snake in "The Gold-Giving Serpent"?
Passage and illustrations adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.) This story is originally from the Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma, c. 3rd century BCE.
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 1" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
Image "Common Core Fourth Grade CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.4 - Determine the Meaning of Words and Phrases in a Text, Including Mythology - Image 2" adapted from "The Gold-Giving Serpent" in Indian Fairy Tales (ed. Joseph Jacobs, illustrator John D. Batten, 1892 ed.).
ow in a certain place there lived a man named Haridatta. He was a farmer, but poor was the return his labor brought him. One day, at the end of the hot hours, the man, overcome by the heat, lay down under the shadow of a tree to have a doze. Suddenly he saw a great hooded snake creeping out of an ant-hill near at hand. So he thought to himself, "Sure this is the guardian deity of the field, and I have not ever worshipped it. That's why my farming is in vain. I will at once go and pay my respects to it."
When he had made up his mind, he got some milk, poured it into a bowl, and went to the ant-hill, and said aloud: "O Guardian of this Field! All this while I did not know that you dwelt here. That is why I have not yet paid my respects to you; pray forgive me." And he laid the milk down and went to his house. Next morning he came and looked, and he saw a gold denar in the bowl, and from that time onward every day the same thing occurred: he gave milk to the serpent and found a gold denar.
One day the man had to go to the village, and so he ordered his son to take the milk to the ant-hill. The son brought the milk, put it down, and went back home. Next day he went again and found a denar, so he thought to himself: "This ant-hill is surely full of golden denars; I'll kill the serpent, and take them all for myself." So next day, while he was giving the milk to the serpent, the man's son struck it on the head with a cudgel. But the serpent escaped death by the will of fate, and in a rage bit the man's son with its sharp fangs, and he fell down dead at once. His people raised him a funeral pyre not far from the field and burnt him to ashes.
Two days afterwards his father came back, and when he learnt his son's fate he grieved and mourned. But after a time, he took the bowl of milk, went to the ant-hill, and praised the serpent with a loud voice. After a long, long time the serpent appeared, but only with its head out of the opening of the ant-hill, and spoke to the man: "'Tis greed that brings you here, and makes you even forget the loss of your son. From this time forward friendship between us is impossible. Your son struck me in youthful ignorance, and I have bitten him to death. How can I forget the blow with the cudgel? And how can you forget the pain and grief at the loss of your son?" So speaking, it gave the man a costly pearl and disappeared. But before it went away it said: "Come back no more." The man took the pearl, and went back home, cursing the folly of his son.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Adapted from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" in Japanese Fairy Tales (1904, trans. Teresa Peirce Williston)
A long time ago, in a little old house in a little old village in Japan lived a little old man and his little old wife.
One morning when the old woman slid open the screens that in that era formed the sides of all Japanese houses, she saw, on the doorstep, a poor little sparrow. She took him up gently and fed him. Then she held him in the bright morning sunshine until the cold dew was dried from his wings. Afterward she let him go, so that he might fly home to his nest, but he stayed to thank her with his songs.
Each morning, when the pink on the mountain tops told that the sun was near, the sparrow perched on the roof of the house and sang out his joy. The old man and woman thanked the sparrow for this, for they liked to be up early and at work. But near them there lived a cross old woman who did not like to be awakened so early. At last she became so angry that she caught the sparrow and cut his tongue. Then the poor little sparrow flew away to his home, but he could never sing again.
When the kind woman knew what had happened to her pet she was very sad. She said to her husband, "Let us go and find our poor little sparrow." So they started together, and asked of each bird by the wayside, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow lives? Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
In this way they followed until they came to a bridge. They did not know which way to turn, and at first could see no one to ask. At last they saw a bat hanging head downward, taking his daytime nap. "Oh, friend bat, do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?" they asked.
"Yes. Over the bridge and up the mountain," said the bat. Then he blinked sleepy eyes and was fast asleep again.
They went over the bridge and up the mountain, but again they found two roads and did not know which one to take. A little field mouse peeped through the leaves and grass, so they asked him, "Do you know where the tongue-cut sparrow went?"
"Yes. Down the mountain and through the woods," said the field mouse.
Down the mountain and through the woods they went, and at last came to the home of their little friend.
When he saw them coming the poor little sparrow was very happy indeed. He and his wife and children all came and bowed their heads down to the ground to show their respect. Then the sparrow rose and led the old man and the old woman into his house, while his wife and children hastened to bring them boiled rice, fish, and cress.
After they had feasted, the sparrow wished to please them still more, so he danced for them what is called the "sparrow dance."
When the sun began to sink, the old man and woman started for home. The sparrow brought out two baskets. "I would like to give you one of these," he said. "Which will you take?" One basket was large and looked very full, while the other one seemed very small and light.
The old people so thought they would not take the large basket, for that might have all the sparrow's treasure in it, so they said, "The way is long and we are very old, so please let us take the smaller one."
They took it and walked home over the mountain and across the bridge, happy and contented. When they reached their own home they decided to open the basket and see what the sparrow had given them. Within the basket they found many rolls of silk and piles of gold, enough to make them rich, so they were more grateful than ever to the sparrow.
The cross old woman who had cut the sparrow's tongue was peering in through the screen when they opened their basket. She saw the rolls of silk and the piles of gold, and planned how she might get some for herself.
The next morning she went to the kind woman and said, "I am so sorry that I cut the tongue of your sparrow. Please tell me the way to his home so that I may go to him and tell him I am sorry."
The kind woman told her the way and she set out. She went across the bridge, over the mountain, and through the woods. At last she came to the home of the little sparrow. He was not so glad to see this old woman, yet he was very kind to her and did everything to make her feel welcome. They made a feast for her, and when she started home the sparrow brought out two baskets as before. Of course the woman chose the large basket, for she thought that would have even more wealth than the other one.
It was very heavy, and caught on the trees as she was going through the wood. She could hardly pull it up the mountain with her, and she was all out of breath when she reached the top. She did not get to the bridge until it was dark. Then she was so afraid of dropping the basket into the river that she scarcely dared to step. When at last she reached home she was so tired that she was half dead, but she pulled the screens close shut, so that no one could look in, and opened her treasure.
Treasure indeed! A whole swarm of horrible creatures burst from the basket the moment she opened it. They stung her and bit her, they pushed her and pulled her, they scratched her and laughed at her screams. At last she crawled to the edge of the room and slid aside the screen to get away from the pests. The moment the door was opened they swooped down upon her, picked her up, and flew away with her. Since then nothing has ever been heard of the old woman.
Which character(s) in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" play(s) a role closest to that of the snake in "The Gold-Giving Serpent"?
Let's consider what role the snake plays in "The Gold-Giving Serpent," and then compare that role to the roles of the listed characters from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow."
In "The Gold-Giving Serpent," the snake gives the farmer a gold denar in return for a daily bowl of milk. Eventually, the farmer goes to the village and sends his son to drop off the bowl of milk. The son thinks that the anthill is full of gold, so he attacks the snake. The snake kills the farmer's son, and for a while the farmer does not bring the snake any more milk. When the farmer does start to bring the snake milk again, the snake gives him an expensive pearl and tells him not to come back.
Which character from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" does this most sound like? The snake gives out something valuable in return for nice treatment, but bites the farmer's son after he is mean to it. This role of treasure-giver and punishment-giver is most close to that of the sparrow in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." The sparrow gives the elderly couple gold after they are nice to him, but sends the old woman who cut his tongue back to her house with a basket full of monsters.
Let's consider what role the snake plays in "The Gold-Giving Serpent," and then compare that role to the roles of the listed characters from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow."
In "The Gold-Giving Serpent," the snake gives the farmer a gold denar in return for a daily bowl of milk. Eventually, the farmer goes to the village and sends his son to drop off the bowl of milk. The son thinks that the anthill is full of gold, so he attacks the snake. The snake kills the farmer's son, and for a while the farmer does not bring the snake any more milk. When the farmer does start to bring the snake milk again, the snake gives him an expensive pearl and tells him not to come back.
Which character from "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" does this most sound like? The snake gives out something valuable in return for nice treatment, but bites the farmer's son after he is mean to it. This role of treasure-giver and punishment-giver is most close to that of the sparrow in "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow." The sparrow gives the elderly couple gold after they are nice to him, but sends the old woman who cut his tongue back to her house with a basket full of monsters.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Passage 1 says that frogs are at risk of dying out due to pollution and the destruction of their habitats. Do you think there is a link between humans and the future of frogs?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Passage 1 says that frogs are at risk of dying out due to pollution and the destruction of their habitats. Do you think there is a link between humans and the future of frogs?
Since both of the threats to frogs are man-made, humans have the power to either help or hurt frog’s chances for survival.
Since both of the threats to frogs are man-made, humans have the power to either help or hurt frog’s chances for survival.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
In passage 1, what is the relationship between pollution and frog growth and development?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
In passage 1, what is the relationship between pollution and frog growth and development?
The text says that pollution is causing negative changes like extra limbs and eyes.
The text says that pollution is causing negative changes like extra limbs and eyes.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
In passage 2, what is the difference between Fernanda and Maria’s jobs?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
In passage 2, what is the difference between Fernanda and Maria’s jobs?
Passage 2 says Maria studies and protects endangered animals, and Fernanda is a lawyer who works to shape laws as an environmental lawyer.
Passage 2 says Maria studies and protects endangered animals, and Fernanda is a lawyer who works to shape laws as an environmental lawyer.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
When contrasting passage 1 and passage 2, what statement can be made?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
When contrasting passage 1 and passage 2, what statement can be made?
This is the best choice because it accurately summarizes and highlights the differences between the two passages.
This is the best choice because it accurately summarizes and highlights the differences between the two passages.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
When comparing passage 1 and passage 2, what statement is most true?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
When comparing passage 1 and passage 2, what statement is most true?
This is the best choice because it highlights the similarity between the two articles: both passages are describing the risks amphibians are facing and the work being done to protect them.
This is the best choice because it highlights the similarity between the two articles: both passages are describing the risks amphibians are facing and the work being done to protect them.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Which option best describes the difference between the two articles?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Which option best describes the difference between the two articles?
This is the best choice because it accurately describes what each article was mostly about; and correctly contrasts, or highlights the difference between, the two passages.
This is the best choice because it accurately describes what each article was mostly about; and correctly contrasts, or highlights the difference between, the two passages.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Which of the choices below is NOT one of the types of work to protect amphibians mentioned in Passage 2?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Which of the choices below is NOT one of the types of work to protect amphibians mentioned in Passage 2?
There is no mention of pet stores in passage 2. All three of the other options are work that was described in the passage.
There is no mention of pet stores in passage 2. All three of the other options are work that was described in the passage.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Given what you read in passage 1 and 2, what is likely the best way for change to happen to protect amphibians?
Passage One
Ecuador, in South America, is home to 417 types of frogs and toads. Many of these species, or types of frogs, are at risk of dying out. In the last 50 years, many amphibian species have gone extinct. Salamanders, frogs, and toads are all amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their life in water and part on land, and have backbones. Amphibians must live near water. Amphibian habitats can be found in forests, woodlots, meadows, springs, wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, bogs, marshes. Frogs and toads are in trouble because their habitats are being destroyed as trees are being cut down to make room for farms and roads. Wetland spaces where frogs live are being drained and paved over. As these spaces are removed, the places frogs, toads, and salamanders can live shrink.
Amphibians also absorb pollution easily, because they breathe through their skin. Amphibians are usually the first to disappear when an environment is under threat from pollution. Due to pollution, some frogs are born with deformed, or wrongly shaped, body parts, such as extra legs and eyes. Frogs with deformed body parts are a clue for scientists that an environment is suffering. Between the destruction of their habitats and risks to frogs from pollution, frogs are at risk of endangerment and extinction. Scientists are working to save amphibians. Scientists want the government to pass laws that protect amphibian habitats and limit pollution.
Passage Two
My name is Maria and I am an amphibian conservation biologist. This means I am a scientist who studies and protects frogs, toads, and salamanders. My job is to protect amphibians and their natural habitats, share this knowledge with the public, and research ways to help reintroduce frogs in captivity back into the wild. I have the best job in the world. I work in a zoo, but I often travel to places like Brazil to observe amphibians in their natural habitats in the wild. Brazil, for example, has 1,022 different types of frogs, toads and salamanders! In my work at the zoo, I specialize in only a small portion of that number. Here in the zoo, we have many amphibians in our care because some or all of their natural habitats, or homes, were destroyed. We are not alone in our work to protect amphibians. Many people, in many kinds of jobs, are helping protect amphibians and their habitats. I partner with other scientists and lawyers, like my friend Fernanda, to help create laws that best support the conservation, or protection, of amphibians. Fernanda is an environmental lawyer who works to create laws that protect diverse wildlife. She, in turn, needs to partner with government workers to help get laws passed. Together, our goal is to work together to build a world where these amphibians have safe space to live outside of the zoo, in their natural habitat, protected from pollution or loss of space. We are working with a facility in Brazil to build a safe wild space for amphibians to be released from the zoo and into a space where they can thrive. The new habitat will be a protected wetland for these amphibians.
Given what you read in passage 1 and 2, what is likely the best way for change to happen to protect amphibians?
This is the best choice because both passages mention the need for all these groups to work together to make positive changes to protect amphibians.
This is the best choice because both passages mention the need for all these groups to work together to make positive changes to protect amphibians.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
To point out or show how things are different is to:
To point out or show how things are different is to:
When you contrast two things, you point out how they are different.
When you contrast two things, you point out how they are different.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
To point out or show how things are similar or alike is to:
To point out or show how things are similar or alike is to:
When you compare two things, you point out how they are similar.
When you compare two things, you point out how they are similar.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Adapted from The Ants and the Grasshopper by Aesop (620-560 BCE)
One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants was bustling about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat.
"What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last summer?"
"I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it the summer was gone."
The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust.
"Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!" And they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their work.
Adapted from Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse (620-560 BCE)
A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across Lion's nose. Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her.
"Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go and someday I will surely repay you."
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.
Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion was caught in the toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free himself, he filled the forest with his angry roaring. The Mouse knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the net. Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it until it parted, and soon the Lion was free.
"You laughed when I said I would repay you," said the Mouse. "Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion."
How are the ants in the first story and Mouse in the second story similar to each other?
Adapted from The Ants and the Grasshopper by Aesop (620-560 BCE)
One bright day in late autumn a family of Ants was bustling about in the warm sunshine, drying out the grain they had stored up during the summer, when a starving Grasshopper, his fiddle under his arm, came up and humbly begged for a bite to eat.
"What!" cried the Ants in surprise, "haven't you stored anything away for the winter? What in the world were you doing all last summer?"
"I didn't have time to store up any food," whined the Grasshopper; "I was so busy making music that before I knew it the summer was gone."
The Ants shrugged their shoulders in disgust.
"Making music, were you?" they cried. "Very well; now dance!" And they turned their backs on the Grasshopper and went on with their work.
Adapted from Aesop’s The Lion and the Mouse (620-560 BCE)
A Lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little Mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across Lion's nose. Roused from his nap, the Lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her.
"Spare me!" begged the poor Mouse. "Please let me go and someday I will surely repay you."
The Lion was much amused to think that a Mouse could ever help him. But he was generous and finally let the Mouse go.
Some days later, while stalking his prey in the forest, the Lion was caught in the toils of a hunter's net. Unable to free himself, he filled the forest with his angry roaring. The Mouse knew the voice and quickly found the Lion struggling in the net. Running to one of the great ropes that bound him, she gnawed it until it parted, and soon the Lion was free.
"You laughed when I said I would repay you," said the Mouse. "Now you see that even a Mouse can help a Lion."
How are the ants in the first story and Mouse in the second story similar to each other?
The ants and Mouse are both small creatures who have the chance to help someone bigger than themselves. The ants have an opportunity to assist the Grasshopper who is without food and the Mouse saves the Lion from the hunter’s trap. They are both smaller creatures who help others.
The ants and Mouse are both small creatures who have the chance to help someone bigger than themselves. The ants have an opportunity to assist the Grasshopper who is without food and the Mouse saves the Lion from the hunter’s trap. They are both smaller creatures who help others.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
The following statement would best support which point of view in the passage?
The coal used in the production of today’s electricity is extremely harmful to the environment.
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
The following statement would best support which point of view in the passage?
The coal used in the production of today’s electricity is extremely harmful to the environment.
The author of passage 1 favors discontinuing the use of the coal, while the author of passage two claims that coal should remain in use. The evidence provided in the statement shows another disadvantage of coal and would be used to strengthen the passage advocating for the elimination of coal, Passage 1.
The author of passage 1 favors discontinuing the use of the coal, while the author of passage two claims that coal should remain in use. The evidence provided in the statement shows another disadvantage of coal and would be used to strengthen the passage advocating for the elimination of coal, Passage 1.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
Which of the following is cited as support for the arguments of Passages 1 and 2, respectively
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
Which of the following is cited as support for the arguments of Passages 1 and 2, respectively
The author of Passage 1 makes the case that the use of coal should be eliminated or decreased, and uses support such as lack of water contamination, thermal pollution, added chemicals, ash, and sludge to support this argument. The author of Passage 2 believes that coal should remain in use, and cites support such as historical significance in the transportation industry, a positive effect on the economy, the source for affordable electricity, and job creation. Only the answer “Passage 1: contaminated water; Passage 2: jobs” correctly matches an element of support to its corresponding argument.
The author of Passage 1 makes the case that the use of coal should be eliminated or decreased, and uses support such as lack of water contamination, thermal pollution, added chemicals, ash, and sludge to support this argument. The author of Passage 2 believes that coal should remain in use, and cites support such as historical significance in the transportation industry, a positive effect on the economy, the source for affordable electricity, and job creation. Only the answer “Passage 1: contaminated water; Passage 2: jobs” correctly matches an element of support to its corresponding argument.
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Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
Which of the following represents an opinion that would likely be held by the authors of both passages?
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
Which of the following represents an opinion that would likely be held by the authors of both passages?
While the remaining answer options might represent one author's perspective but not the other, the option “Eliminating the use of coal would have an impact on the electricity industry” addresses an opinion held by both authors. Neither author would likely deny that eliminating coal would significantly impact how electricity is made and consumed in the United States.
While the remaining answer options might represent one author's perspective but not the other, the option “Eliminating the use of coal would have an impact on the electricity industry” addresses an opinion held by both authors. Neither author would likely deny that eliminating coal would significantly impact how electricity is made and consumed in the United States.
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Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
The following appeared in a news article concerning the use of coal for electricity:
While coal is damaging to the environment, its benefit outweighs that of any other fossil fuel. This makes coal the most cost-effective fossil fuel for its value.
Which author's point of view would this information best support?
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
The following appeared in a news article concerning the use of coal for electricity:
While coal is damaging to the environment, its benefit outweighs that of any other fossil fuel. This makes coal the most cost-effective fossil fuel for its value.
Which author's point of view would this information best support?
The information provided in the news article provides evidence that coal is “the most cost-effective fossil fuel for its value” once we consider its benefits. So, this evidence would support the argument made by Passage 2 - the author suggesting that the use of coal for electricity should remain in place.
The information provided in the news article provides evidence that coal is “the most cost-effective fossil fuel for its value” once we consider its benefits. So, this evidence would support the argument made by Passage 2 - the author suggesting that the use of coal for electricity should remain in place.
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Adapted from Aesop’s Belling the Cat (620-560 BCE)
The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.
Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last, a very young Mouse got up and said: "I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful.
All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing, we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."
All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:
"I will say that the plan of young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"
Adapted from Aesop’s The Crow and the Pitcher (620-560 BCE)
In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he must die of thirst.
Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble, the water rose a little higher until at last, it was near enough so he could drink.
How are these stories similar to one another?
Adapted from Aesop’s Belling the Cat (620-560 BCE)
The Mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.
Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last, a very young Mouse got up and said: "I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful.
All we have to do is to hang a bell about the Cat's neck. When we hear the bell ringing, we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."
All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said:
"I will say that the plan of young Mouse is very good. But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?"
Adapted from Aesop’s The Crow and the Pitcher (620-560 BCE)
In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he must die of thirst.
Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble, the water rose a little higher until at last, it was near enough so he could drink.
How are these stories similar to one another?
The same author, Aesop, wrote both of these stories, and they have similarities that can be identified. Both the main characters, the Crow and the Mice, have a problem, and must develop a solution. The Crow drops pebbles into the pitcher, which causes the water level to rise, and the Mice decide they will put a bell around the cat's neck so they can hear it coming. Both characters come up with a plan or idea to help them.
The same author, Aesop, wrote both of these stories, and they have similarities that can be identified. Both the main characters, the Crow and the Mice, have a problem, and must develop a solution. The Crow drops pebbles into the pitcher, which causes the water level to rise, and the Mice decide they will put a bell around the cat's neck so they can hear it coming. Both characters come up with a plan or idea to help them.
Compare your answer with the correct one above