Let's solve the reading comprehension questions based on the story
"Prince Grubby". Here is a step-by-step explanation for each question:
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1. What does 'permanent' mean?
Answer:
"Permanent" means something that lasts forever or for a very long time and cannot be easily removed or changed.
Explanation:
In the sentence, *"The dirt on his legs were like permanent stains,"* it suggests that the dirt was so deep and long-lasting that it seemed impossible to clean — just like a stain that never goes away.
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2. What does 'the bugs in his hair had lived a lifetime' mean?
Answer:
It means the bugs had been living in his hair for a very long time — possibly since he was young — showing how dirty and neglected his hair was.
Explanation:
This phrase uses exaggeration (hyperbole) to emphasize how unclean Prince Grubby was. The idea that bugs could live a whole life cycle in his hair shows that he hadn’t cleaned himself for years.
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3. Did the people respect him? How do you know?
Answer:
No, the people did not truly respect him. They laughed at him behind his back and mocked him by whispering about his smell and dirtiness.
Explanation:
Even though they bowed to him because he was the prince (and they had to show outward respect), their actions — laughing, muttering, and whispering things like “Does he even shower?” — show that they didn’t actually respect him. Their polite bows were almost mocking, meaning they were being sarcastic or disrespectful.
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4. Why did they whisper when they spoke about him?
Answer:
They whispered because they were afraid of getting into trouble for speaking disrespectfully about the prince, even though they didn’t like him.
Explanation:
Since Prince Grubby was royalty, people couldn’t openly criticize him without risking punishment. So, they whispered to avoid being heard — especially by the prince or his guards — while still expressing their disdain.
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5. Do you think Prince Grubby was a good prince? Why or why not?
Answer (example):
No, I don’t think Prince Grubby was a good prince because he was extremely dirty and didn’t care about how others saw him. A good prince should set a good example for his people, but instead, he made them laugh at him and feel uncomfortable. However, he did become king and ruled for years, which might mean he had some leadership skills despite his hygiene issues.
Explanation:
This is an opinion question, so there’s no single correct answer. But a strong response should include reasons based on the text. You can argue either way, as long as you support your opinion with evidence from the story.
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✔ Final Notes:
- This passage uses humor and exaggeration to describe a character who is both comical and flawed.
- The lesson may be about appearance vs. character, or how leaders are judged by society.
Let me know if you'd like this formatted for printing or turned into a worksheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of comprehension worksheet for grade 7.
