comprehension passage- The Cunning Trick of Dinso the Tortoise - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Comprehension Passage 

Passage 1: The Cunning Trick of Dinso the Tortoise

There was once a terrible famine in the land of the animals. Food and money were scarce. Hunger made all the creatures very weak. The mother of Dino, the tortoise, fell ill and was at the point of death. Dinso became very worried because he had no money for her funeral ceremonies. He thought and thought but did not know what to do.

At last, he discovered a trick. He assembled all the animals and said to them, ‘I am going to a distant land in search of food for all of us who are hungry, do not send for me unless something unusual happens.’ The animals agreed. Three days later, Dinso’s mother died. Death is not unusual, and Dinso could not be sent for.

Discovering the trick, the elephant advised, ‘Let’s tell Dinso that the palm tree bears fruits at the end of its leaves. This is unusual and should make him return quickly.’ The other animals welcomed the idea, thanked the elephant for the good advice, and sent for Dinso. On hearing of palm trees bearing fruits at the end of the leaves, he hastened back. When he arrived, the animals said to him, ‘Your mother is dead; now arrange for her funeral according to our custom. You can’t deceive all the people all the time.’