Reading comprehension- 1
30.12.20
Read the story and answer the questions that follow.
Understanding the Mystery of Unicorn, a Mythical Creature
Susan knew that her language arts teacher encouraged the students to become
better writers by keeping a journal of stories. Mr. Christiansen would assign topics
every night, but once in a while there would be free choice writing and the students
could write about any topic of their choice. When Mr. Christiansen announced that
Wednesday’s topic would be a free choice, Susan was delighted. She knew just
what to write about. She wanted to write about unicorns.
Susan knew unicorns were just make-believe, but she wanted to understand more
about how the unicorn creature came about. Susan decided that she needed to do
more research first before writing her journal entry. There was study time at the end
of the day and Susan asked if she could go to the computer lab since all of her other
assignments were completed. Mr. Christiansen smiled. He always liked to see
students with their work completed and he always liked to see students like Susan
excited about a new topic to write about. Susan walked to the computer lab and
found a computer that was not being used. It was in the far corner of the lab, so this
spot would be a little quieter for her. First, she decided to read about myths. She
googled the word myth, and began reading: A myth is a traditional story of historical
events that serve to tell the world about a practice, belief, or happening. Myths can
be called parables or allegories. The main characters in myths are usually gods,
supernatural heroes, and humans. Some myths were seen as sacred and linked to
religion or spirituality by rulers or priests.
When a myth is told, it is usually seen as true for that society. However, some
societies classify their myths as those that are “true stories” and those that are “false
stories or fables”. There are also creation myths that took place in an age when the
world did not have human beings, and these myths then talk about how the world
and its inhabitants were first formed. Some myths are allegories, which mean they
stand for something else. For example, in some of the Greek myths, you have
creatures like Apollo who represents fire, and Poseidon who represents water, and
so on. In other myths, the allegories represent philosophical or spiritual concepts.
For example, you have Athena who represents wise judgment. Some people think
that myths resulted from the personification of inanimate objects and forces. That
would mean that the things are taking on real-life characteristics. For example, fire
and air would be able to think or talk, etc. Some people think that myths were
created to explain rituals, which are repeated acts like baptism or marriage.
“Wow, that’s interesting,” Susan said to herself. “I think I will read a little bit about
unicorns now and the different theories or rationales behind this creature. Then, I
should be ready to write my journal entry.” Susan googled the word unicorn. She
read about unicorns, of which mostly she knew already. Unicorns are mythical
creatures that look like horses with a horn coming out of their foreheads. Unicorns
are beautiful animals, usually described as having great intelligence and gentle
wisdom that humans may not understand. Often the unicorn is a creature of divinity,
pure of heart and spirit that may be possessed of incredible powers of both creation
and healing. Susan looked at the clock. There was time for her to start writing her
mythical story for the journal assignment before the dismissal bell. This is what
Susan wrote:
The Unicorn, a Mythical Creature Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there
lived a unicorn which was often seen galloping atop a tall cliff overlooking the
sparkling creek below. Everyone knew that when the moon was full, the unicorn
would grace the mountain with its beauty.
The bell rang. Susan grabbed her journal and walked back to class to tell Mr.
Christiansen that she made lots of progress. She couldn’t wait to finish writing the
story and to read it to the class tomorrow. “Good night, Susan!” Mr. Christiansen
shouted above the noise in the hallway. “Good night, Mr. Christiansen, see you
tomorrow!” Susan smiled and waved.
1. What is the main reason Susan was so happy about the writing assignment?
a. She could go to the computer lab.
b. It was a free choice assignment.
c. She would have homework.
d. She wanted to please her teacher.
2. Name two reasons why Mr. Christiansen smiled.
a. Susan had her work completed.
b. Susan helped other students finish their work.
c. Susan was excited about the writing topic “free choice”.
d. It was the end of the day!
3. According to the story, myths can be called and .
a. parables
b. allegories
c. creation
d. theories
4. Write the meaning of the following words as it is used in the text.
a. Traditional
b. Possessed
c. Incredible
