Reading to Answer Specific Questions – The River’s Gift

READING PASSAGE: The River’s Gift

The villagers of Lantana depended on the river that flowed beside their town. Every morning, people fetched water, washed clothes, and fished along its gentle banks. The river provided everything they needed — food, water, and even stories told by the elders about its mysterious spirit.

One summer, the rains did not come. The river shrank, and soon only a narrow stream remained. The villagers grew worried. Without the river, their crops withered and the fish disappeared.

A young girl named Asha decided to help. Every day, she walked upstream, planting small trees along the dry banks. She told her friends that the trees would bring back the rain by calling to the clouds with their leaves. Many laughed at her, but Asha continued. Months passed, and slowly, green shoots covered the banks. When the next rainy season arrived, the river began to flow again—stronger than before.

The elders called it “The River’s Gift”, but Asha knew it was the result of patience, hope, and the power of small actions.

Questions:

1. Where did the villagers of Lantana get their water and food?

2. What problem did the villagers face one summer?

3. What did Asha do to help the river?

4. How did the villagers react to Asha’s idea at first?

5. What lesson can be learned from Asha’s actions?

Answers (Quick Check) 

1. Where did the villagers of Lantana get their water and food? They got their water and food from the river beside their town.

2. What problem did the villagers face one summer? The rains didn’t come, the river dried up, and their crops and fish disappeared.

3. What did Asha do to help the river? She planted small trees along the dry riverbanks to help bring back the rain.

4. How did the villagers react to Asha’s idea at first? Many villagers laughed at her and didn’t believe her plan would work.

5. What lesson can be learned from Asha’s actions? That patience, hope, and small actions can make a big difference.