Jack: The True Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk

PART A: Which of the following best identifies a theme of the story? (RL.1.2)

• People who trust others should be rewarded.

• Courage and cleverness can lead to a great fortune.

• Those who steal will eventually get caught.

• Being smart and honest will lead to great riches.

PART B: Which phrase from the story best supports the answer to Part A? (RL.1.1)

• “‘We must sell Milky-White and with the money start a shop, or something.’” (Paragraph 4)

• “Why, the beans his mother had thrown out of the window into the garden had sprung up into a big beanstalk... So the man spoke truth after all.” (Paragraph 26)

• “But the harp called out quite loud, ‘Master! Master!’ and the ogre woke up just in time to see Jack running off with his harp.” (Paragraph 57)

• “Jack and his mother became very rich, and he married a great princess.” (Paragraph 62)

Which statement best explains how Jack and his mother deal with being poor? (RL.1.3)

• Jack knows how to become wealthy because his mother told him where to find treasure.

• Jack’s mother simply wants to make enough money to survive, but Jack takes many risks to become wealthy.

• Jack is nervous about the future, so his mother encourages him to be courageous and sell Milky White.

• Both Jack and his mother are confident that things will get better for them and they will no longer be poor.

How does the following phrase help develop the plot of the story: “It’s breakfast you’ll be if you don’t move off from here” (Paragraph 29)? (RL.2.5)

• It demonstrates that the ogre’s wife wants to eat him for breakfast.

• It shows that Jack is unprepared for the difficulties that he will face.

• It reveals the dangers that Jack will face if he steals from the ogre.

• It proves that the ogre’s wife will eventually help Jack escape.

Explain how the structure of the story contributes to the development of its theme. Cite evidence from the text in your response. (RL.2.5)

In the context of this story, does money buy happiness? Consider: Is the ogre happy with his fortune? Are Jack and his mother happy with theirs, once they acquire it? Be prepared to discuss your thinking based on evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

• Yes, money does buy happiness.

• No, money doesn't buy happiness.