The Tongue-Cut Sparrow — Questions and answers

Read the full story

In the Japanese tale 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what brought the old man the most happiness?

Choices

  1. The delicious crumbs he fed to birds.
  2. His pet, a little sparrow that he loved very much. ✓
  3. His wife, who was often cross and grumpy.
  4. The green hills of Japan where he lived.

Answer: His pet, a little sparrow that he loved very much.

From page 1

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what did the old woman do to the little sparrow after it ate all the starch?

Choices

  1. She gently put it outside.
  2. She gave it more starch to eat.
  3. She hurt its tongue and flung it away. ✓
  4. She called the old man to help.

Answer: She hurt its tongue and flung it away.

From page 2

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', when the old man came home and learned what happened to his sparrow, what did he do?

Choices

  1. He ate his dinner and then went to bed.
  2. He waited for the sparrow to come back.
  3. He scolded his wife for being so mean.
  4. He put on his sandals and set off into the woods to find it. ✓

Answer: He put on his sandals and set off into the woods to find it.

From page 3

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', who helped the old man find his little sparrow in the bamboo grove?

Choices

  1. A flock of sparrows showed him the way. ✓
  2. Mrs. Cow told him where the sparrow went.
  3. He found the sparrow all by himself.
  4. A kind horse pointed him in the right direction.

Answer: A flock of sparrows showed him the way.

From page 4

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what did the old man find when the flock of sparrows led him to their home?

Choices

  1. A hidden path that led back home.
  2. A tiny, perfect house where his pet sparrow lived. ✓
  3. A large nest filled with many baby birds.
  4. A stream where the sparrow was drinking water.

Answer: A tiny, perfect house where his pet sparrow lived.

From page 5

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what did the sparrows do to entertain the old man after he ate their delicious food?

Choices

  1. They told him funny stories.
  2. They sang many sweet songs for him.
  3. They performed the famous Sparrow-dance. ✓
  4. They showed him their tiny house.

Answer: They performed the famous Sparrow-dance.

From page 6

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what did the old man choose as a parting gift from his pet sparrow?

Choices

  1. The very large and heavy woven basket.
  2. A silken cushion to take home.
  3. A delicious pollen cake.
  4. The small and light woven basket. ✓

Answer: The small and light woven basket.

From page 7

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what tumbled out of the small basket the old man brought home?

Choices

  1. A river of treasure. ✓
  2. A flock of little sparrows.
  3. Nothing at all.
  4. Delicious roasted seeds.

Answer: A river of treasure.

From page 8

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what leaped out of the heavy basket when the greedy woman opened it?

Choices

  1. A river of gold and jewels.
  2. Delicious sweet berries.
  3. Hissing shadows and startling goblins. ✓
  4. Many tiny, singing sparrows.

Answer: Hissing shadows and startling goblins.

From page 9

In 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow', what did the kind old man do with his good fortune?

Choices

  1. He shared it with his neighbors. ✓
  2. He kept it all for himself.
  3. He gave it all to his wife.
  4. He bought a new house.

Answer: He shared it with his neighbors.

From page 10