Excerpt from Jungle Book

Read these sentences from paragraph 4.

“‘There is no harm in a man’s cub. I have no gift of words, but I speak the truth.’” What does Baloo mean when he says, “I have no gift of words”?

• He feels that his words are worthless.

• He does not have a present for the man’s cub.

• He does not express his thoughts beautifully.

• He fears the others will not understand him.

How are Baloo and Bagheera alike?

• They both offer to teach the man’s cub as he grows up.

• They both think the man’s cub should be accepted into the pack.

• They both offer a bull in return for allowing the man’s cub into the pack.

• They both believe the man’s cub will be useful to the pack someday.

Which sentence from the selection supports the idea that Bagheera does not have any real concern for Mowgli, even though he asks the Pack Council to accept him?

• “Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody cared to cross his path.”

• ‘To kill a naked cub is a shame.’”

• “‘Besides, he may make better sport for you when he is grown.’”

• “‘Baloo has spoken in his behalf.’”

Read this sentence from paragraph 1.

“Now, the Law of the Jungle lays down that if there is any dispute as to the right of a cub to be accepted by the Pack, he must be spoken for by at least two members of the Pack who are not his father and mother.”

What does the word dispute mean?

• argument

• opinion

• reason

• feeling

What is a theme of this selection?

• Important decisions should be made by the leader of a group.

• Wild animals are right to see humans as a great threat.

• Animals and humans need each other to stay safe in the jungle

• An outsider can learn the ways of others if they accept him.

How does the narrator’s point of view affect how the story is told?

• It suggests that Mowgli grew up faster than the wolf cubs.

• It suggests that the Law of the Jungle is foolish.

• It shows that Mowgli enjoys his childhood with the wolves.

• It shows that nature is cruel to those who do not belong.

Read this sentence from the selection.

“Mowgli forgot it because he was only a boy—though he would have called himself a wolf if he had been able to speak in any human tongue. . . .”

What is the meaning of the word tongue in this sentence?

• language

• time

• land

• instrument

How do the members of the Pack Council respond to Baloo’s and Bagheera’s suggestion?

• They refuse to honor it.

• They decide to change the law.

• They accept Mowgli into the Pack.

• They offer another answer