Passage 1

Question

adapted from The Frogs Desiring a King
by Aesop

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined to send up a petition to Zeus to give them what they wanted.
"Mighty Zeus," they cried, "send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order."
Zeus laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the swamp a huge log, which came down splashing into the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move. Then the greatest hero of the frogs jumped upon the log and commenced dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same; and for some time the frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst. But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Zeus, and said to him, "We want a real king; one that will really rule over us."
Now this made Zeus angry, so he sent among them a big stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented when too late.



Passage 2

adapted from The Town Mouse and Country Mouse
by Aesop

Once, a mouse that lived in the local town went into the country to visit his cousin. When he came to the hole where his country cousin lived, he was disappointed to see that it was so plain.
"Come in, cousin," the country mouse cried, "I was just about to dine, please join me."
The town mouse sat down at the table and saw that it was well-made with sturdy wood, but it was plain. On it was hearty food of the country variety. Stout grains, hearty cheese, and green vegetables, but none of it was what he was used to living in the city. His country cousin dug in to his meal, eating happily.
"Do you really eat this for your meals?" asked the town mouse.
"Yes, I do," said the country mouse. "Is it not good?"
"The food is nourishing, but it is plain," said the town mouse. "You must come with me to the town; I will show you a real meal."
So the two of them set off for the town, and the town mouse took his country friend to the richest house in the entire city. Laid out on the dinner table were cakes and sausages, fat slabs of roast beef, juicy fruits, and roasted potatoes—such a fabulous feast.
"Dig in to that, country cousin," said the town mouse. And the two mice began to eat to their hearts' content.
Suddenly, two of the house cats burst into the room and started to chase the mice. The town mouse ran for his hole, but his country cousin ran for the window.
"Wait, where are you going, country cousin?" the town mouse called.
The country mouse said, "I'm headed back home. I'd rather have my plain meal in peace than your rich meal in fear."
6
Which of the following is a theme of passage 1?
A.
Be careful about what you wish for.
B.
The city is more fun than the country.
C.
It is better to be a frog than a bird.
D.
Be kind to everyone that you meet.

Answer 1

The theme of passage 1 is:

A. Be careful about what you wish for.

This is evident as the Frogs wished for a king and did not realize the consequences of their request, ultimately leading to their regret when they received a stork that began to eat them.