The Wolf and the Crane
1Long ago, a wolf was eating meat when a bone became stuck in his throat. He cried out in pain. A crane standing nearby heard his cries. She offered to help the wolf, who promised her a large reward if she would put her head into his mouth and remove the bone. The crane accepted his offer. She reached her long, thin beak into the wolf’s mouth and gently pulled out the bone. Then she asked, “Will you kindly give me the reward you promised?”
2The wolf showed his teeth and growled at the crane. “I have already given you a reward,” he said. “I let you put your head in my mouth and did not eat you. Now go away before I change my mind.”
3The crane flew away and promised herself that she would never again help a wolf in pain.
4Never trust the wicked
Annika and the Hamster
1On Monday morning, Annika could not wait to go to school. It was her week to take care of the classroom hamster, Squirmy. When Annika arrived at school, she first refilled Squirmy's water bottle. Next, she emptied the old food from Squirmy's bowl. But when Annika reached for the box of hamster food, she realized that the shelf was too high.
2Peter saw Annika standing on her toes and offered to help. But Annika didn't want help. She wanted to take care of Squirmy by herself. Peter reached the box of hamster food easily and gave it to Annika. Annika’s face turned red. She grabbed it and didn't even thank Peter. When Annika finished feeding Squirmy, she left the box of food on Squirmy's table, so she would be able to reach it the next day.
3On Tuesday, Annika once again refilled Squirmy's water bottle and emptied his food dish. But when Annika looked for the hamster food, she saw someone had put it back on the shelf. Once again, Annika tried to reach the shelf. Once again, Peter offered assistance. "Please let me get it for you, Annika," he said. "I'd really like to help. Don’t get mad at me."
4Annika realized that Peter was trying to be kind. "Thank you, Peter," Annika said. "I guess we can take care of Squirmy together
Which statement MOST accurately contrasts the characters in these two stories?
Responses
A The wolf and Annika are both wicked and ungrateful to those who try to help them.
B The wolf and Annika both learn the importance of being grateful to those who help them.
C The wolf is ashamed of his ungrateful behavior, but Annika remains unrepentant about hers.
D While the Crane learns not to help others, Annika realizes that sometimes a person needs help