Question

Claire was excited that her friend Mai was coming to stay with her. Mai lived in Japan. She had never been to America before. Claire was happy that she would get to show Mai what life was like in a different country.

The two girls were surprised how many differences there were between their two countries. Mai told Claire that in Japan, people eat with chopsticks instead of a knife and fork. When Claire didn't finish all her dinner, Mai was surprised. She told her that in Japan, it is rude to leave food on your plate.

Claire asked Mai what her life was like at school. She discovered that students in Japan spend much more time at school than students in America. They do not get as many vacation days. Mai said that most students in Japan walk or cycle to school. Claire told her that in America most students take the bus. They discovered that students in Japan have fewer lessons each day than students in America, but that the lessons in Japan are longer. Claire was shocked to discover that Mai's school had cleaning time. All the students had to help clean the school. Mai was surprised that Claire's school had a cafeteria. She told Claire that students in Japan eat lunch in their classrooms.

At the end of her trip, Mai told Claire that she had learned a lot about life in America. Maybe one day, Claire will visit Japan.


Based on the reading passage, how are the two characters DIFFERENT?
a
Mai uses chopsticks to eat, but Claire uses a knife and fork.
b
Mai has three brothers, but Claire only has one brother.
c
Mai likes math, but Claire prefers science.
d
Mai takes the bus to school, but Claire walks.

Answer 1

a — In Japan people (like Mai) eat with chopsticks, while in America (like Claire) people use a knife and fork.