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An Ant went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream,

was on the point of drowning. A Dove sitting on a tree overtop the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into

the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a

bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the

branches. The Ant, perceiving his intent, stung him in the foot. In pain the bird catcher threw down the

twigs, and the noise made the Dove fly away.

Moral

ne good turn deserves another

Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases

bank of a river - the side of the river where you can stand
to quench your thirst - to drink when you are thirsty
on the point of - just about to do something
to drown - to die in the water because you can't swim
to overhang - to be in a position over something else
twigs - small branches usually with leaves attached
to perceive - to understand

What is the moral of the story?

ne good turn deserves another - ˜  


 
  
    
 
  
 

  


ëuestions / Discussion

RÊ ahat did the Dove do for the Ant?

RÊ ahat did the Ant do for the Dove?
RÊ Jocabulary Building - Make a list of words related to these categories presented in the
fable:
1.Ê water
2.Ê trees
3.Ê animals
RÊ Do you have any stories / fables in your culture that has a similar message? If so, try to
tell the story or fable in English.
RÊ Tell a story of when you helped someone who helped you. Explain why.
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Two Frogs lived together in a marsh. But one hot summer the marsh dried up, and they left it to

look for another place to live in: for frogs like damp places if they can get them. By and by they

came to a deep well, and one of them looked down into it, and said to the other, "This looks a

nice cool place. Let us jump in and settle here." But the other, who had a wiser head on his

shoulders, replied, "Not so fast, my friend. Supposing this well dried up like the marsh, how

should we get out again?"

Moral

Look before you leap.

Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases

marsh - wet area, pond

to dry up - to loose all water
damp - humid, wet
by and by - overtime, eventually
well - hole in ground used to access fresh water
to settle - to begin living in a new place
to leap - to jump into

What is the moral of the story?

Look before you leap. - ÿ  
   

 
  

ëuestions / Discussion

RÊ ahy did the Frogs decide to move?

RÊ ahy did they decide not jump into the well?
RÊ Jocabulary Building - Make a list of words related to these categories presented in the
fable:
1.Ê nature
2.Ê movement
RÊ Do you have any stories / fables in your culture that has a similar message? If so, try to
tell the story or fable in English.
RÊ -ave you ever moved? If so, explain why you moved with as many details as possible
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A man who wanted to buy an Ass went to market, and, coming across a likely-looking beast, arranged
with the owner that he should be allowed to take him home on trial to see what he was like. ahen he
reached home, he put him into his stable along with the other asses. The newcomer took a look round, and
immediately went and chose a place next to the laziest and greediest beast in the stable. ahen the master
saw this he put a halter on him at once, and led him off and handed him over to his owner again. The
latter was a good deal surprised to see him back so soon, and said, "ahy, do you mean to say you have
tested him already?" "I don't want to put him through any more tests," replied the other. "I could see what
sort of beast he is from the companion he chose for himself."

Moral

A man is known by the company he keeps.

Key Vocabulary Words and Phrases

ass - like a donkey

to come across - find by chance
to take home on trial - not purchase, but try to see if something works
stable - place where horses, donkeys, asses, etc. live
newcomer - someone who is new to a group
greedy - desire to have everything
halter - equipment put onto a horse, donkey, ass, etc. to make movement easier
companion - friend

What is the moral of the strory?

A man is known by the company he keeps. - [  


   
  

  



ëuestions / Discussion

RÊ -ow did the man decide to keep or not keep the Ass?
RÊ ahy did the man decide to not keep the Ass?
RÊ Jocabulary Building - Make a list of words related to these categories presented in the
fable:
1.Ê markets - exchanging goods or services
2.Ê animals - stables
RÊ Do you have any stories / fables in your culture that has a similar message? If so, try to
tell the story or fable in English.
RÊ Tell a story of when you chose not to be friends with someone. Explain why.
Ê