Mercury and the Woodman
by Aesop from The Aesop for Children
Although they were written centuries ago, Aesop's fables are still full of useful lessons today. Students will read this fable and answer questions about the story and the theme.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Mercury and the Woodman
by Aesop from The Aesop for Children
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- despair
- wringing
- straightway
- declared
- wailed
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1. “The Woodman was in despair”
a. shady area b. a rush or hurry c. wanting or need d. unhappiness; sadness
2. “As he stood wringing his hands and weeping”
a. twisting or squeezing b. clapping; making noise c. waving; flapping d. scratching
3. “and straightway the kind Mercury dived into the pool”
a. carefully or slowly b. happily or with joy c. quickly; right away d. later, after a time
4. “the Woodman declared again that his axe was just an ordinary one”
a. whispered b. dreamed or imagined c. forgot d. stated; said
5. “Then they wept and wailed and called on Mercury to help them”
a. hit things b. cried or howled c. waited; paused d. ran about