Page 154 - New Grammar with a Smile 5

3 The Black Bull

Read this passage.

A beautiful black calf was born on a rice farm in India. As he was perfectly formed and

strong his master named him Beauty. He was fed by his master the finest rice and treated
with kindness. With time, Beauty grew into a giant bull with the most amazing strength.
He thought he should do something to repay his master’s kindness!

He said to his master, ‘Oh my kind master! Why don’t you organise a contest for a
thousand gold pieces to see which bull can pull a hundred carts loaded with stones!’ His
master found the idea very interesting and arranged a grand race. No sooner did the
race begin, he jumped on Beauty’s back and fiercely whipped his sides. Then he shouted,
‘Pull, you demon! Pull!’ It came as a surprise for Beauty as he had never heard such

words or felt his master’s whip before. The bull would not budge an inch. His master
lost the contest and went home in defeat. He went to bed even though the sun was
shining. Beauty strolled over to his window and looked in. He asked, ‘Master, why are
you taking a nap?’ ‘Taking a nap? I’ve lost so much money I’ll never sleep again!’ Beauty
asked, ‘Master, in all my life, have I ever hurt you or your children?’ ‘Never,’ said his
master. ‘Then why were you so cruel to me? Did the thought of so much money make
you forget all respect for your friend and servant?’ His master was silent. Beauty said,

‘Arrange another contest, this time for two thousand gold pieces, but remember to treat
me kindly.’ So, his master arranged another contest. This time, he stroked Beauty’s back
and said softly, ‘Beautiful bull, please show us your amazing strength!’ And Beauty gave
a single pull and moves so far ahead of all the other bulls that he beat them by many
miles.

Select the correct answer for each question.

1. Where was the beautiful black calf born?

a. in a mustard field b. on a rice farm

c. in the corn field d. in an orchard

2. Why was he named Beauty?

a. He was fed with the finest rice. b. He was treated with kindness.

c. It was weak and shrivel. d. He was perfectly formed and strong.

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