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With trembling hands, the oldest brother fitted

the key into the lock and turned it. It opened
with a click. The son flicked open the lid and then
they all stared with disbelief at the contents-just

ordinary pebbles. “The gems might be below,”said
the youngest son. The oldest brother frantically
overturned the contents. All they found was a note

from their mother.
It read: Great disappointment awaits those whose

lives centre around money. It is sad that an old
woman has to resort to trickery to get her sons to

take care of her. It shows lack of character. But you
still have time to change yourselves. My last message to you is: ‘Try to do so’.

–Adapted from a Chinese tale
Word Power

cordial: friendly and warm true colours: real nature distressed: sad
chest: box riveted: not be able to stop looking at something interesting

casket: box (for jewellery) obvious: easy to recognize gems: precious gems
wily: clever funeral: ceremony after a person’s death
huddled: crowd together click: a short, sharp sound flicked: caused a movement

pebbles: small round stones frantically: anxiously or showing worry trickery: cheating

Comprehension Skills

A. Choose the right option.

1. Ah-Ling distributed her wealth on her _____________.

th
th
th
a . 84 birthday b. 75 birthday c. 80 birthday
2. Ah-Ling stayed with each of her sons for _____________.
a . three months b. six months c. nine months

3. Jing-Mei saw her friend in ___________.

a . a happy state b. an unhappy state c. a bedridden state
4. Ah-Ling went out ____________.

a . at noon b. at dawn c. towards sunset

5. The casket contained _____________.

a . pebbles b. gemstones c. coins

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