★Compare Stories
Grade 3 Reading Worksheet
Circle the answer.
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Two Stone Soup Stories
Story 1: Stone Soup
A tired traveler named Pell walked into a small village. He asked for food, but every door closed. "We have barely enough for ourselves," the people said.
So Pell set a big pot of water over a fire in the square. He dropped in a smooth, round stone. "I am making stone soup," he said loudly.
A curious woman peeked out. "Soup from a stone?" she asked.
"It is delicious," said Pell. "But it would be even better with a carrot."
The woman brought a carrot. Then a farmer brought onions. A boy brought potatoes. Soon the whole village had added something. They all sat down and shared a giant pot of soup.
Story 2: Classroom Soup
Ms. Okafor's third graders wanted a class feast, but no one could bring a whole meal. Some families were busy. Others did not have much extra food.
Then Jamal had an idea. "Let's each bring one small thing," he said. "Like in Stone Soup!"
On Friday, Ms. Okafor filled a slow cooker with broth. Amara brought beans. Diego brought corn. Lin brought a bag of noodles. Jamal brought a single onion.
By lunchtime, the classroom smelled wonderful. Everyone had a warm bowl. "One onion is not much," Jamal said. "But all of us together made a feast."
What theme do both stories share?
- A stone can make soup taste delicious.
- When everyone gives a little, there is plenty for all.
- Class feasts should only happen on Fridays.
- Travelers should cook for the people they meet.
How is the setting of Story 1 different from Story 2?
- Story 1 is in a classroom, and Story 2 is in a village.
- Story 1 is in a forest, and Story 2 is in a kitchen.
- Both stories take place in a village square.
- Story 1 is in a village, and Story 2 is in a classroom.
Who gets the idea to share food in Story 2?
- Amara
- Jamal
- Pell
- Ms. Okafor
Why did the people in Story 1 first say no to Pell?
- They did not like the traveler's stone.
- They were too busy to cook soup.
- They thought they had barely enough.
- They had already eaten their dinner.
How is Pell's plan different from Jamal's plan?
- Pell uses a trick, but Jamal asks openly.
- Pell brings beans, but Jamal brings corn.
- Pell asks openly, but Jamal uses a trick.
- Both of them use a smooth, round stone.
Which story tells about a curious woman who peeks out?
- Story 2
- both stories
- neither story
- Story 1
How does Story 2 connect to Story 1?
- Amara is the curious woman from Story 1.
- Pell visits Ms. Okafor's class.
- The village sends food to the school.
- Jamal's idea comes from the Stone Soup tale.
A curious woman peeked out. What does curious mean?
- afraid of strangers
- angry about a noise
- too tired to work
- wanting to know more
How are the endings of the two stories alike?
- The cooks run out of food before lunch.
- One person eats all the food alone.
- Everyone shares a meal they made together.
- The stone is passed around the village.
What small thing does Jamal bring?
- a single onion
- a can of beans
- a smooth stone
- a bag of noodles
