1 Once there were two little mice. One of the mice was a very hard worker. Every morning she would go outside and fill her basket with beans and nuts. She would store them in her pantry, and then head out to find food for the day. If it was raining, she gathered food. If the sun was blazing, she gathered food. If she was feeling sick, she still gathered food.
2 The cousin of the hard working little mouse was the exact opposite. She stayed out late partying and slept half the day. When she woke up, she played video games and talked on the phone with her friends. While she relaxed, she snacked on her beans and nuts. Soon she ran out of food and realized she would not have anything to last her through the winter.
3 The lazy mouse went to her hardworking cousin and asked if she could have some of her food to get her through the winter.
4 "Why don't you have any food," the hardworking mouse asked.
5 "I've been too busy partying and playing video games," the lazy mouse said.
6 "Well, I don't see why I should help you because of that," said the hardworking mouse. "You are going to have to face the consequences for your actions."
7 "Can't you just help me out a little," pleaded the lazy mouse.
8 "Here's a basket," said the hardworking mouse. "Winter is a few days away. Stop being lazy and gather some food for yourself."
9 While the lazy mouse was out gathering food, she came across a grasshopper singing in the field.
10 "Hey mouse," said the grasshopper. "Come and talk with me instead of wasting your time gathering food!"
11 "I only have a few days to collect food," said the lazy mouse. "You should be gathering some too."
12 "Oh please," said the grasshopper. "I have plenty of food right now. I'd rather have fun."
13 The lazy mouse said goodbye to the grasshopper and continued to gather her own food.
14 A few weeks later, the lazy mouse stepped out of her house to go visit some friends. On the way she came across the grasshopper looking weak and hungry.
15 "Bet you wish you had gathered some food now," said the lazy mouse. Then she went on her way, glad her cousin had helped her before she made the same mistake.
Which paragraph BEST shows the character of the lazy mouse?
-
Paragraph 1
-
Paragraph 2
-
Paragraph 3
-
Paragraph 4
