The Lemonade Stand
by Marie Austin
One hot summer day, three siblings, Nick, Amanda, and Beth, decided
to start a lemonade stand. Beth set up a table, made three jugs of iced
lemonade, and told her brother and sister that everything was ready. They sat
outside, prepared to sell the lemonade. After five minutes, Nick's friends
stopped by and asked him to play baseball. Since they hadn't sold any
lemonade yet, Nick decided he'd rather play baseball.
Some time later, Amanda announced she was sweaty and bored. She
was irritated that they still hadn't sold any lemonade, so she got on her bike
and pedaled to a friend's house. Now Beth was alone at the lemonade stand.
It wasn't long before a two minivans pulled up next to the stand. Beth
watched as a dozen sweaty kids in soccer uniforms got out, asking for some
cold lemonade. Beth sold them all of the lemonade she had.
Later that day, Beth told Nick
and Amanda that she sold all of the
lemonade. They asked her for a share
of the money. Beth refused and
pointed out that she was the one who
did all the work while they played.
They sheepishly admitted that what
she said was true.
The siblings realized that Beth was the one who put in the effort to set up the lemonade stand and stayed behind to sell the lemonade. Nick and Amanda realized that they had abandoned their responsibilities and decided that it was fair for Beth to keep all the money she made. They apologized to Beth for not helping and acknowledged her hard work. From that day forward, they learned the importance of teamwork and responsibility. The lemonade stand experience taught them a valuable lesson that they would carry with them throughout their lives.
Which statement best expresses the theme?
*
15 points
People have to work hard to make money.
People who don’t contribute to an effort have no right to the reward.
Sweaty kids get thirsty.
It’s more interesting to have fun than to work.
People who don’t contribute to an effort have no right to the reward.
Which line from the story best supports the theme?
*
15 points
“Now Beth was alone at the lemonade stand.”
“Later that day, Beth told Nick and Amanda that she sold all of the lemonade.”
“Beth sold them all of the lemonade she had.”
“Beth refused and pointed out that she was the one who did the work while they played.”
“Beth refused and pointed out that she was the one who did the work while they played.”
A Father's Treasure
by D. Curran
Two busy brothers lived many miles away from each other and rarely
talked or visited one another. When their father lay dying, they both traveled to his
bedside. The dying man began telling his sons about a "treasure" that was hidden in
the house, but he died before completing his story.
After the funeral, the brothers decided to search the house for the treasure
their father mentioned. They started in the attic, where they were delighted to find the
now battered toys of their childhood. They shared stories about the toys and the fun
games they played together as children.
When they were sure there was no treasure to find in the attic, they headed to
the living room. As they searched, they found a box filled with old pictures of family
and friends. They laughed and cried as they remembered the people and stories behind
the pictures.
Certain there was no treasure in the living room, they headed to their childhood
bedroom, which had faded cowboy wallpaper on the walls. They sat on the creaky
bunk beds and recalled the many happy hours they spent in the room together.
The brothers searched the entire house to no
avail. There was no gold, or silver, or coins. But they
were content, and they knew that they had
succeeded in finding the treasure their father had
spoken of on his deathbed. As the brothers parted,
they hugged, promising not to ever again be too
busy to talk.
The theme of the story is that memories and shared experiences are more valuable than material possessions.
Which statement best expresses the theme?
*
15 points
Sometimes the most valuable treasure cannot be seen.
People are delusional when they are dying.
You should always make time for your family.
Sometimes we are unsuccessful when searching for treasure.