Columbus and the Egg

Why was Columbus getting so much attention?

• because he was a great captain who changed how people sailed

• because he was the most famous explorer in the entire world

• because people were throwing parties for him

• because he had been made an admiral for discovering the Americas

What do the people talking to Columbus think of his discovery?

• They are unimpressed.

• They are excited for him.

• They think they could have done better.

• They think he is just lucky.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

Why couldn’t Columbus’ critics make the egg stand?

• They did not try long enough to balance it.

• They did not think to change the egg’s shape.

• It is impossible to make an egg stand.

• They were waiting to be shown how.

PART A: Which of the following best identifies a theme in this story?

• Success is possible once you overcome your fears and doubts.

• Solutions to problems can seem easy once someone has already discovered them.

• People are usually not supportive of others who succeed because they are jealous.

• The most important quality in a leader is the ability to stand up to criticism.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which phrase from the text best supports the theme of the story?

• “He was made an admiral. That means he was a leader.” ( Paragraph 2)

• “Several persons were present who were jealous of the great admiral's success.” (Paragraph 3)

• “When the egg had gone entirely around and none had succeeded, all said that it could not be done.” (Paragraph 6)

• "'Anybody can do it—AFTER HE HAS BEEN SHOWN HOW!'" (Paragraph 8)

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

How does the phrase “'Anybody can sail across the ocean...It is the simplest thing in the world'” from paragraph 4 contribute to the development of the main ideas of the story?

• It proves that the Spanish gentleman only threw the party to embarrass Columbus and make him feel unimportant.

• It shows that the people who were jealous of Columbus only went to the party to take credit for his discovery.

• It shows that the party guests were trying to make Columbus’ achievements seem easy and unimpressive.

• It proves that Columbus did not deserve to be honored by the Spanish because he had not accomplished anything special.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.4

What is the author’s main purpose in writing the article?

• to provide an example of how successful people think creatively

• to encourage people not to be too proud of their accomplishments

• to tell the true story of Columbus’ discovery of the New World

• to illustrate the importance of respecting leaders

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

How do the men in the story feel about Columbus?

• They admire him for his accomplishments.

• They are jealous of the attention he is getting.

• They want to learn from him.

• They think of him as a great explorer.