Barrett's Golden Goose - Irony in literary text (Grade 6)
Passage
•
English
•
6th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Barrett says his idea is a 'foolproof plan', what does he believe will happen?
He believes his plan cannot fail and will make him rich instantly.
He thinks Sofia will finally agree with his idea.
He believes the goose will lay more nuggets if he is nice to it.
He thinks the plan is foolish but wants to try it anyway.
Answer explanation
Barrett uses the phrase 'foolproof plan' to show his complete confidence. He believes his idea to get all the gold at once is guaranteed to succeed, which is stated when he says it will 'secure our future forever, right now!'
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The irony in Barrett's statement, 'True success means taking bold action,' is that his 'bold action' is actually...
a very cautious and slow plan.
a foolish and destructive idea.
the same advice Sofia gave him.
a plan to sell the goose.
Answer explanation
This is ironic because the reader understands that cutting open the goose is a terrible idea that will ruin his good fortune. What Barrett calls a 'bold' and successful action is actually a greedy and foolish one that will lead to failure.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
How does Sofia's patient plan to 'sell one each week' create irony when compared to Barrett's idea of 'true success'?
It shows that Sofia's plan is actually the bolder one because it requires self-control.
It highlights that what Barrett calls a 'bold action' is a foolish risk, while Sofia's patient plan is the true path to lasting success.
It proves that both characters are equally ambitious and want the same thing.
It suggests that Barrett will eventually listen to Sofia's advice about patience.
Answer explanation
The irony lies in the contrast. Barrett believes his risky, immediate plan is the key to 'true success,' but the reader understands that Sofia's slow, patient approach is the only way to preserve their good fortune. Barrett's 'boldness' is actually foolishness.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the central irony in Barrett's statement, 'Patience is for people who don't have big dreams'?
His 'big dream' is actually very small and unoriginal.
He is saying this to Sofia, who is not patient at all.
The very patience he dismisses is the only thing that can actually make his dream of lasting wealth come true.
He doesn't actually have any dreams and is just pretending to be ambitious.
Answer explanation
The statement is ironic because the reader knows that patience is exactly what is required to benefit from the goose long-term. By rejecting patience, Barrett is ensuring that his 'big dream' will fail, which is the opposite of what he intends.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Barrett calls himself a 'genius' for his plan to get all the gold at once, the effect is ironic because...
the reader knows his plan is actually brilliant and will work.
Sofia secretly came up with the same plan first.
the reader understands his plan is incredibly foolish and will destroy his source of wealth.
the term 'genius' is too formal for a conversation with his sister.
Answer explanation
This is an example of dramatic irony. Barrett sees himself as a 'genius,' but the audience, knowing the nature of such fables, understands that his plan is the opposite of intelligent and will lead to ruin. The word choice highlights his arrogance and ignorance.
6.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match Barrett's confident statements with the ironic reality that the reader understands.
His idea is actually foolish.
“True success means taking bold action.”
Tomorrow will likely bring ruin and regret.
“I’m a genius!”
The plan is guaranteed to fail.
“Tomorrow... It will be absolutely perfect.”
His 'bold action' is a destructive, greedy impulse.
“It’s a foolproof plan...”
Answer explanation
Each of Barrett's statements is filled with confidence, but the reader understands the ironic truth. His 'genius' idea is foolish, his 'foolproof' plan will fail, his 'bold action' is just greed, and his 'perfect' tomorrow will be a disaster. This gap between his words and reality is the source of the irony.
7.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
The irony in the story comes from the conflict between two mindsets. Categorize the phrases below based on whether they represent 'Impulsive Greed' or 'Wise Patience'.
Groups:
(a) Impulsive Greed
,
(b) Wise Patience
sell one each week
get it all at once
a foolproof plan
be grateful for what we have
taking bold action
we must be patient
Answer explanation
The phrases are sorted based on the underlying motivation they reveal. Barrett's phrases reflect a greedy, impulsive desire for instant wealth, while Sofia's phrases reflect a wise, patient, and grateful approach that would lead to long-term success.
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