THE SHADE TREE adapted from an Aesop fable

Two travelers who had been walking all morning came upon a large tree with widespread branches. The shade was inviting.

“Let’s rest here for a while, friend,” one traveler said to his companion.

The two stretched out on the ground, enjoying the cooling effects of the shade.

“Ah! This feels quite pleasant after a long morning of walking in the scorching sun, doesn't it?” the first traveler observed.

“Yes, it certainly does, my friend. But wouldn’t you say this tree is quite useless? It doesn’t bear any fruit, and all of these leaves are bothersome,” the companion responded, pushing aside a pile of leaves on the ground.

“You are very ungrateful!” came a voice from the tree. “Are you not enjoying the shade that my branches create? I would say that you should be thankful for I am of great use to you!”

For Question(s) 1,2,3,4,5

1.
What is a theme of the passage?

A. Life can often lead to many surprises.

B. People should appreciate what they have.

C. The earth has resources that can help people.

D. Relaxation should be enjoyed after a long day’s work.

2.
How do the words spoken by the tree help reveal the theme of the passage?

A. They show that the tree has very few uses.

B. They show that the tree is unable to grow fruit.

C. They show that the tree has many good friends.

D. They show that the tree knows its value to others.

3.

Select the three sentences that should be included in a summary of the passage.
You can select maximum of 3 choices

1.
A. The two travelers are friends.
2.
B. The tree is large with big branches.
3.
C. Two travelers walk all morning long.
4.
D. The travelers need rest, so they stop and sit under a shade tree.
5.
E. One friend says that the tree is useless because it doesn’t have fruit.
6.
F. The tree tells the friend he is ungrateful for not appreciating its shade.

4.
Reflection on My Learning

What details will you gather from stories, dramas, or poems that help you determine the themes and summarize the texts?

5.
Reflection on Critical Thinking – Examine and Link

How did you use the critical thinking traits examine and link to help you identify the theme of the story and summarize it?