The Wolf and the Crane

Question

Kathleen Berlew

1Long ago, a wolf was eating meat when a bone became stuck in his throat. He cried out in pain. A crane standing nearby heard his cries. She offered to help the wolf, who promised her a large reward if she would put her head into his mouth and remove the bone. The crane accepted his offer. She reached her long, thin beak into the wolf’s mouth and gently pulled out the bone. Then she asked, “Will you kindly give me the reward you promised?”

2The wolf showed his teeth and growled at the crane. “I have already given you a reward,” he said. “I let you put your head in my mouth and did not eat you. Now go away before I change my mind.”

3The crane flew away and promised herself that she would never again help a wolf in pain.

4Never trust the wicked.

Annika and the Hamster
Kathleen Berlew

1On Monday morning, Annika could not wait to go to school. It was her week to take care of the classroom hamster, Squirmy. When Annika arrived at school, she first refilled Squirmy's water bottle. Next, she emptied the old food from Squirmy's bowl. But when Annika reached for the box of hamster food, she realized that the shelf was too high.

2Peter saw Annika standing on her toes and offered to help. But Annika didn't want help. She wanted to take care of Squirmy by herself. Peter reached the box of hamster food easily and gave it to Annika. Annika’s face turned red. She grabbed it and didn't even thank Peter. When Annika finished feeding Squirmy, she left the box of food on Squirmy's table, so she would be able to reach it the next day.

3On Tuesday, Annika once again refilled Squirmy's water bottle and emptied his food dish. But when Annika looked for the hamster food, she saw someone had put it back on the shelf. Once again, Annika tried to reach the shelf. Once again, Peter offered assistance. "Please let me get it for you, Annika," he said. "I'd really like to help. Don’t get mad at me."

4Annika realized that Peter was trying to be kind. "Thank you, Peter," Annika said. "I guess we can take care of Squirmy together."

Which is the BEST comparison or contrast of the dialogue in these two short stories?
Responses
A Both stories use dialogue to reveal their anger toward other characters.Both stories use dialogue to reveal their anger toward other characters.
B Both stories use dialogue to learn about each other and get along better.Both stories use dialogue to learn about each other and get along better.
C Only the dialogue between the wolf and the crane includes a polite request.Only the dialogue between the wolf and the crane includes a polite request.
D Only the dialogue between Annika and Peter result in a friendlier understanding of each other.

Answer 1

The BEST comparison or contrast of the dialogue in these two short stories is:

D Only the dialogue between Annika and Peter results in a friendlier understanding of each other.

In the first story, the dialogue between the wolf and the crane ends in deception and anger, while in the second story, the dialogue between Annika and Peter leads to mutual understanding and cooperation.