Adapted from “The Noblest Deed of All” - Weebly

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NC CH E C K-IN 1 GR A D E 4 EN G L I S H LA N G U A G E AR T S/RE A D I N G

Adapted from “The Noblest Deed of All” by Charles J. Barnes

A rich Persian, feeling himself growing old, and finding that the cares of business were too great for him, resolved to divide his goods among his three sons, keeping a very small part to protect him from want in his old age.

The sons were all well satisfied, and each took his share with thanks, and promised that it should be well and properly employed. When this important business was thus finished, the father addressed the sons in the following words:

“My sons, there is one thing which I have not included in the share of any one of you. It is this costly diamond which you see in my hand. I will give it to that one of you who shall earn it by the noblest deed.

“Go, therefore, and travel for three months; at the end of that time, we will meet here again, and you shall tell me what you have done.”

The sons thereupon departed, and traveled for three months, each in a different direction. At the end of that time they returned; and all came together to their father to give an account of their journey. The eldest son spoke first.

“Father, on my journey a stranger entrusted to me a great number of valuable jewels, without taking any account of them. Indeed, I was well aware that he did not know how many the package contained.

“One or two of them would never have been missed, and I might easily have enriched myself without fear of detection. But I gave back the package exactly as I had received it. Was not this a noble deed?”

“My son,” replied the father, “simple honesty cannot be called noble. You did what was right, and nothing more. If you had acted otherwise, you would have been dishonest, and your deed would have shamed you. You have done well, but not nobly.”



The second son now spoke. He said: “As I was riding along on my journey, I one day saw a poor child playing by the shore of a lake; and just as I rode by, the child fell into the water and was in danger of being drowned.

“I at once dismounted from my horse, and plunging into the water, brought the child safe to land. All the people of the village where this happened will tell you that what I say is true. Was it not a noble action?”

“My son,” replied the old man, “you did only what was your duty. You could hardly have left the child to die without exerting yourself to save it. You, too, have acted well, but not nobly.”

Then the third son came forward to tell his tale. He said: “Father, I had an enemy, who for years had done me much harm. . . .

“One evening during my journey, I was passing along a dangerous road which ran beside the summit of a cliff. As I rode along, my horse started at sight of something in the road.

“I dismounted to see what it was and found my enemy lying fast asleep on the very edge of the cliff. The least movement in his sleep and he must have rolled over and been dashed to pieces on the rocks below.

“His life was in my hands. I drew him away from the edge and then woke him and told him to go on his way in peace.”

Then the old Persian cried out with great joy, “Dear son, the diamond is yours, for it is a noble thing to help an enemy and return good for evil.”



1 What is the meaning of “the noblest deed” in the title of the text?

A giving all possessions to a family member

B stealing without getting caught

C being helpful to an unkind person

D saving someone’s riches

2 What is the meaning of resolved in the quote below from the first paragraph?

“A rich Persian . . . resolved to divide his goods among his three sons”

A made a decision

B broke into smaller parts

C gave money that was needed

D sold what was owned

3 According to the text, why did the father decide to divide his goods among his sons?

A The father was getting old.

B The sons were poor and hungry.

C The sons needed what their father had.

D The father was trying to be a good example.



4 What is the meaning of “well and properly employed” in the sentence below from

paragraph 2?

“The sons were all well satisfied, and each took his share with thanks, and promised that it should be well and properly employed.”

A used wisely without being wasteful

B shared with someone who needs it

C divided into equal parts for fairness

D made an important discovery about it

5 What is the meaning of dismounted in paragraph 10?

A ran away

B got down

C was helpful

D jumped up

6 Why were the acts of the first and second sons not considered noble by their father?

A They did something just to help themselves.

B They only did what they thought was right.

C They should have helped more people.

D They hurt more people than they helped.



7 What does the rich Persian’s reaction to his third son’s story tell the reader about

his feelings?

A He is upset with his son.

B He is proud of his son.

C He wants his son to go away.

D He dislikes his son.

8 Which sentence from the text explains the theme?

A “The sons were all well satisfied, and each took his share with thanks.”

B “ ‘But I gave back the package exactly as I had received it.’ ”

C “ ‘If you had acted otherwise, you would have been dishonest.’ ”

D “ ‘It is a noble thing to help an enemy and return good for evil.’ ”



Adélie Penguins by Catherine D. Hughes

Facts about Adélie Penguins:

Adélie penguins breed and raise their young farther south than any other penguin, on the continent of Antarctica. In September and October—springtime in that part of the world—thousands of Adélies gather on the rocky Antarctic shoreline. The huge gatherings are called colonies. This is where the Adélies breed and raise their young.

Adélie penguins build nests by scooping out areas in the ground. Then they line the depression with small stones. The female usually lays two eggs in the nest. The stones in the nest help keep the eggs dry and warm by keeping them off the bare ground.

Both parents care for the eggs. While one stays behind keeping the eggs warm and safe from predators, the other parent heads out to sea to eat. They feast mainly on krill, tiny shrimplike animals, but also eat fish and squid.

Adélie penguin eggs hatch in December, which is typically the warmest time of year in Antarctica. Parents take turns caring for their youngsters after they hatch—just as they did the eggs—until the chicks are about three weeks old. At that point, both parents may leave to forage for food while the chicks gather in the safety of a large group of other young penguins.

These groups of young Adélies are called creches. By March, when Adélie chicks are about nine weeks old, their downy baby feathers have been replaced by waterproof adult feathers. They head to sea, plunge in, and start hunting for food on their own. In the Antarctic winter, the Adélie penguins live at sea.

They usually hunt in shallow waters. Like other penguin species, Adélies are excellent swimmers. They’re powerful and graceful in the water, with torpedo-shaped* bodies that pierce through the water.

*torpedo-shaped: like a long cylinder or tube



Their modified wings help propel them through water instead of air. These birds are swimmers, not fliers.

Fast Facts

The scientific name for the Adélie penguin is Pygoscelis adeliae.

An Adélie penguin can live to be up to 20 years old. An adult Adélie penguin is about 27.5 inches (69.9 centimeters) tall, and weighs from 8.5 to 12 pounds (3.9 to 5.4 kilograms).

A group of penguins is called a colony. An Adélie penguin colony can be made up of 100 to 250,000 pairs of birds.

Adélie penguins were named by French explorer Dumont d’Urville. He named them after his wife, whose name was Adélie.

An Adélie penguin has white rings around its eyes. The feathers at the base of its bill are also white. Its bill is red. It has a solid black head and a white belly. The black feathers on its back are tipped with blue. An Adélie penguin’s tail is a bit longer than other penguins’ tails.

Adélie penguins often toboggan across ice. To toboggan, a penguin slides on its belly using its feet to push itself forward.

Most Adélie penguins return to the colony in the place where they hatched to mate and raise their own chicks. Adélies generally begin raising their own families when they are two to four years old.



9 What is the meaning of depression in paragraph 2?

A a sunken place

B a feeling of gloom

C a dry area

D a rocky area

10 According to the text, why do the penguins line their nest with stones?

A to keep the eggs off the ground

B to keep the eggs cool

C to keep the eggs hidden

D to keep the eggs close to them

11 Which statement supports the idea that male Adélie penguins are good fathers?

A Adélies breed and raise their young in colonies in the southern part of Antarctica.

B Both parents care for the eggs and the chicks after they hatch.

C Both parents search for food, leaving the chicks in a group.

D The young Adélies start hunting for their own food at an early age.



12 What is the meaning of forage in paragraph 4?

A to hatch

B to hide

C to search

D to eat

13 According to the text, at what age do Adélie penguins start to hunt for their own food?

A twenty years

B three weeks

C nine weeks

D one year

14 According to the text, why do Adélie penguins have waterproof feathers?

A They usually hunt in shallow water, but are excellent swimmers.

B They spend a good part of their time in the sea during the winter.

C They breed and raise their young farther south than any other penguin.

D They often toboggan across the ice, sliding on their bellies and pushing with their feet.



15 What does the word toboggan mean in paragraph 13?

A a group of Adélie chicks

B adult Adélie penguins

C a way to move on the ice

D a type of sled used in water

16 How does the author show she is knowledgeable about how Adélie penguins breed and raise their young?

A by explaining the steps from building nests to growing adult feathers

B by describing how they learn to start hunting for their own food

C by comparing how they parent to how other breeds of penguins parent

D by explaining the effect that living in colonies has on the creches



Marie’s Table “Well, look at you!” said Aunt Marie. “You’re growing like a weed!” She pulled Antoine in for a bear hug, squeezing him so hard he could barely breathe.

Aunt Marie was Antoine’s dad’s sister, and she was visiting from New Orleans, where she owned one of the most famous restaurants in the city, “Marie’s Table.” Antoine had never been to New Orleans, but he’d heard lots of stories about his aunt’s cooking. His dad said Aunt Marie’s fried chicken was the best he’d ever tasted and her cornbread would melt in your mouth.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Antoine, after his aunt let go of him. “I’m almost as tall as Mama.”

“You sure are!” exclaimed his aunt in a booming voice that could probably be heard at the other end of the street. “I guess I won’t have to scold your mama for not feeding you right,” she said, winking at his mother, who was still standing at the door holding Aunt Marie’s suitcase. Antoine’s father had picked Aunt Marie up at the airport and dropped her off at the house. Antoine and his mom were going to help Aunt Marie get settled in the guest room while Papa went to pick up Delia, Antoine’s sister, from her piano lesson.

“Now, Lela, hand me that suitcase and show me the way to the guest room,” Aunt Marie said to Antoine’s mom. “I need to unpack my apron and get cooking! Jonathan said you bought some collard greens at the farmer’s market this morning.”

“I did,” said Antoine’s mom, pleased. “I also got some good-looking sweet potatoes and okra.”

“Well, that takes care of the vegetables,” said Aunt Marie. “Did you get some good frying chicken?” she asked Antoine’s mother.

“Yes,” replied Lela. “They were having a sale, so I got extra.”

A few minutes later, Aunt Marie walked into the kitchen wearing a red apron that said “Marie’s Table” across the front. It tied at the neck and the waist and wrapped all the way around, reaching way past her knees.



Antoine’s mother was mixing cornbread batter at the kitchen counter. “You know, Marie, I’ve been waiting to learn your secret fried chicken recipe for eleven years. Jonathan has been talking about your chicken since before we got married. I can’t believe it’s taken us that long to get you here for a visit!”

“It’s hard to get away when you own a restaurant,” said Marie. “The only reason I could leave now is that my nephew, Tyrone, has been working with me for the past six months, learning how to run a restaurant. He’s been doing a real good job, and I figured it was time I gave him a chance to fly solo.”

“Well, I’m ready to get started,” said Antoine’s mom excitedly.

“Have you got the flour I told you to get?” asked Aunt Marie.

“Yes, ma’am! I had to go over to the fancy grocery store to get it, but I finally found it,” answered Antoine’s mom. “I also have salt, pepper, paprika, the special cooking oil you use, and fresh buttermilk from the local dairy.”

“The right ingredients make all the difference, Antoine,” said Aunt Marie, looking over to where Antoine stood leaning against the kitchen door watching the two women. “I don’t care if you’re the best cook in the whole world. If you don’t use good, fresh ingredients, the food just won’t taste as good.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Antoine respectfully. Aunt Marie had been like a mother to Antoine’s dad, and he always spoke of her with love and admiration. Antoine was a little in awe of this tall, larger-than-life woman, but he liked her, too.

“So, Antoine, would you like to help?” asked Aunt Marie.

Antoine’s heart leapt. “Yes, ma’am! I love to help Mama in the kitchen. She says I’ve got the makings of a real, honest-to-goodness chef!”

“Is that so?” said Aunt Marie, winking at Antoine’s mother. “Well, then I think a real, honest-to-goodness chef needs a real, honest-to-goodness chef’s apron. Why don’t you go get the green bag that’s lying on top of my suitcase and bring it in here?”

Antoine did as she said, running as fast as he could to the guest room and making it back to the kitchen in seconds.



“Go ahead,” said Aunt Marie. “It’s for you.”

Antoine reached in the bag and pulled out something made of red cloth. He unfolded it and gasped. “It’s a ‘Marie’s Table’ apron! Wow! Thank you!” He ran over and gave her a hug. Aunt Marie hugged him back and helped him put on the apron and tie it.

“Well, if you’re going to be one of Marie’s chefs, you’ve got to dress the part,” said his aunt. “Now, come on over here and help me bread this chicken!”

17 What is the meaning of “You’re growing like a weed!” in the first paragraph?

A Antoine is smaller than others his age.

B Antoine is the same height as Aunt Marie.

C Antoine is shorter than Aunt Marie expected.

D Antoine is much taller than Aunt Marie remembers.

18 What is the meaning of “melt in your mouth” in paragraph 2?

A get thick

B be very hot

C feel sticky

D taste delicious



19 What does Antoine’s reaction to Aunt Marie’s statement about good cooking tell

the reader about his character?

A He thinks his aunt is loud and rude.

B He thinks his aunt is too busy working all day.

C He is proud of the things his aunt has done.

D He is embarrassed by his fast-moving aunt.

20 What is the meaning of ingredients in paragraph 15?

A dishes that complete a meal

B foods bought in a restaurant

C foods and spices used in a recipe

D materials needed to repair something

21 What does Antoine’s reaction to Aunt Marie asking him to help tell the reader about Antoine?

A He likes to eat.

B He likes to cook.

C He likes to wear aprons.

D He likes to watch people cook.



22 Why has it taken Aunt Marie so long to visit her family?

A She has been feeling very tired.

B She has been taking piano lessons.

C She has been looking after her nephew.

D She has been busy running her restaurant.

23 Which statement from the text shows that Aunt Marie is kind?

A “Aunt Marie was Antoine’s dad’s sister, and she was visiting from New Orleans, where she owned one of the most famous restaurants in the city, ‘Marie’s Table.’ ”

B “Antoine had never been to New Orleans, but he’d heard lots of stories about his aunt’s cooking.”

C “Antoine was a little in awe of this tall, larger-than-life woman, but he liked her, too.”

D “Aunt Marie hugged him back and helped him put on the apron and tie it.”

24 Which statement summarizes the text?

A Antoine is not looking forward to Aunt Marie’s visit.

B Mama is worried about Aunt Marie.

C Antoine’s family is excited for Aunt Marie’s visit.

D Mama does not like Aunt Marie.

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