The Three Statues

How does the author use paragraph 3 to prepare the reader for the rest of the story?

• by establishing the prince as wise and all-knowing

• by showing the relationship between the king and his court

• by setting up the conflict between the king and his neighbor

• by foreshadowing the explanation of the mysterious statues

The statues were passed on to the other ministers and courtiers, but all were baffled. (paragraph 5)

What does the word baffled mean as it is used in this sentence?

• confused

• frustrated

• easily tricked

• easily angered

How do paragraphs 3–6 contribute to the plot?

• by introducing a different problem

• by providing more details about the setting

• by developing the king as a troubled character

• by building the conflict around the mystery of the statues

"My lord, your friend wishes to convey that one should not keep the company of such people." (paragraph 16)

What does the word convey mean as it is used in this sentence?

• agree

• communicate

• pretend

• respond

How are the king and the prince different in the story?

• The king is unable to solve the problem, but the prince keeps trying.

• The king is powerful, but the prince gets no respect.

• The king is easily angered, but the prince is calm and friendly.

• The king is fascinated by the mystery, but the prince is troubled by it.

Which detail supports that the King is a quitter, but the young Prince is determined?

• The king summons ministers and courtiers, but the prince has no one to help him.

• The king calls for help, but the prince spends all night solving the mystery.

• The king looks at the statues with amusement, while the prince performs scientific tests.

• The king demands a clever courtier, while the prince patiently feeds the birds in the garden.

Which sentence describes a theme of the story?

• Good things come in all shapes and sizes.

• It is not always better to give than to receive.

• The solution to a problem is not always easily seen.

• After getting a gift you should always send a gift in return.