Zel, the Gentle Donkey

Which detail in the first part of the story explains why Madame Charity is cruel to Zel?

• Zel does not walk to the market as fast as she is able to.

• Madame Charity is always angry and mean.

• Madame Charity does not have enough sugar and rice to sell.

• Everyone in town loves Zel because she is pleasant and kind.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

Part A

What is the central message of this story?

• Honesty is the best policy.

• Kindness gets better results than anger.

• Things are not always as they appear.

• Beware of strangers.

Part B

Which sentence from the story is most important to the central message of the story?

• "Madame Charity, you should get up earlier."

• "Then she got angry and yelled at Zel..."

• "From that day on, Madame Charity tried not to raise her voice in anger."

• "Today he felt sorry for her."

What is the meaning of the word market as it is used in this sentence from the story?

Every Saturday, Madame Charity sold sugar and rice at a market.

• a store where food and spices are brought

• a place where people buy and sell things

• a street fair where people gather

• a bank where money is exchanged

Plan Your Response

Make a list of things from the story that tells about the kindness of some characters.

Describe how Touloulou helps Zel.