The Oak and the Reeds — Questions and answers

Read the full story

What kind of tree stood on the bank of the winding river in 'The Oak and the Reeds'?

Choices

  1. A small Maple tree
  2. A mighty Oak tree ✓
  3. A tall Willow tree
  4. A slender Birch tree

Answer: A mighty Oak tree

From page 1

What did the Great Oak boast about to the Reeds?

Choices

  1. Its ability to change colors in autumn
  2. Its beautiful flowers and sweet fruit
  3. Its deep roots and unshakeable strength ✓
  4. Its many bird nests in its branches

Answer: Its deep roots and unshakeable strength

From page 2

In 'The Oak and the Reeds', what did the Reeds say was their special kind of strength?

Choices

  1. Standing firm against every force of nature
  2. Having very thick and strong stalks
  3. Growing taller than any other plant
  4. Bending and yielding to every gust of wind ✓

Answer: Bending and yielding to every gust of wind

From page 3

In 'The Oak and the Reeds', what kind of weather started to happen as the day went on?

Choices

  1. A powerful storm was rapidly approaching ✓
  2. A gentle fog was rolling into the valley
  3. A light snow began to fall softly
  4. The sun was setting for a clear night

Answer: A powerful storm was rapidly approaching

From page 4

In 'The Oak and the Reeds', how did the Reeds act when the storm started with a loud noise?

Choices

  1. They tried to stand firm against the wind
  2. They wrapped themselves around the Great Oak
  3. They bent low, almost touching the churning water ✓
  4. They broke into many small pieces

Answer: They bent low, almost touching the churning water

From page 5

What happened to the Great Oak's leaves during the storm?

Choices

  1. They were ripped violently from their stems and whirled away ✓
  2. They turned a beautiful golden color
  3. They stayed perfectly still on the branches
  4. They grew much larger and thicker

Answer: They were ripped violently from their stems and whirled away

From page 6

In 'The Oak and the Reeds', how did the Reeds stay safe during the strong wind and heavy rain?

Choices

  1. They used their leaves to block the wind
  2. They hid under the Great Oak's branches
  3. They grew very strong roots to hold them
  4. They let the torrent simply pass over them ✓

Answer: They let the torrent simply pass over them

From page 7

What happened to the Great Oak when the storm reached its peak?

Choices

  1. It started to grow new branches
  2. It turned into a different kind of tree
  3. Its ancient roots began to loosen their grip and it fell ✓
  4. It grew even stronger and stood firm

Answer: Its ancient roots began to loosen their grip and it fell

From page 8

What was the Great Oak doing on the riverbank after the storm began to lessen?

Choices

  1. It was standing taller than before
  2. It lay humbled upon the churned and soaked earth ✓
  3. It was talking to the Reeds about the storm
  4. It was growing new leaves and flowers

Answer: It lay humbled upon the churned and soaked earth

From page 9

In 'The Oak and the Reeds', what important lesson did the Reeds teach by bending and being flexible?

Choices

  1. Sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in rigid defiance, but in graceful adaptability ✓
  2. Trees should always try to stand perfectly still in a storm
  3. It is always best to be the strongest and biggest thing around
  4. Being small means you will always be broken by big storms

Answer: Sometimes, the greatest strength lies not in rigid defiance, but in graceful adaptability

From page 10