Let's solve the questions based on the story provided.
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Story Summary:
A merchant loads his donkey with bags of salt to take to the market. On the way, the donkey slips into a river and the salt bags become lighter because the salt dissolves in water. The donkey notices this and later deliberately falls into the river again to make the load lighter. The merchant realizes the trick and decides to teach the donkey a lesson by loading it with
sponges instead of salt. When the donkey falls into the river again, the sponges absorb water and become heavier. The merchant laughs and says the donkey was too clever and ended up punishing itself.
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Question 1: What is the text mainly about?
Options:
A. a wise man
B. a stupid man
C. how to make salt
D. how to cross rivers
Analysis:
- The story focuses on the
merchant, who is smart and clever — he figures out the donkey’s trick and uses it against the donkey.
- The donkey is portrayed as "foolish" but also "tricky," so not the main focus.
- The story isn't about making salt or crossing rivers.
- The merchant is shown as
wise for outsmarting the donkey.
✔ Correct answer: A. a wise man
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Question 2: How did the merchant punish the donkey?
Options:
A. by hitting it
B. by cutting its hair
C. by loading it with more salt
D. by loading it with bags of sponges
Analysis:
- The merchant didn’t hit or cut the donkey’s hair.
- He didn’t load it with more salt (he had already discovered the trick).
- Instead, he loaded the donkey with
sponges, which became heavier when wet, thus
punishing the donkey’s trick.
✔ Correct answer: D. by loading it with bags of sponges
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
A. a wise man
2.
D. by loading it with bags of sponges
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Explanation of the Moral:
The story teaches that
being overly clever can backfire — just like the donkey, who thought he was smart by reducing his load, but ended up being punished by the same method he used. The merchant’s wisdom lies in understanding the donkey’s behavior and using logic to turn the situation around.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of grade 6 reading comprehension worksheet.
