Name ______________________ Class ___________ Date ___________
The Tail of the Sphinx
Worksheet · Grades 9+
Comprehension Questions
- What does the Dog wish to achieve regarding his emotions?
- How does the Tail respond to the Dog's aspirations?
- What are the qualifications that the Tail mentions the Sphinx has for being impassive?
- What is the underlying message of the story regarding self-acceptance?
- Can you identify any humorous elements in the story? Describe them briefly.
Vocabulary Exercise
Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Taciturn | A. To move back or in to avoid danger |
| Mercurial | B. An expression or indication of emotion |
| Impassive | C. Reserved or uncommunicative |
| Tuck | D. Subject to rapid changes in mood |
| Bristle | E. Not showing or feeling emotion |
Writing Reflection
Reflect on the story and answer the following questions:
- What do you think the Dog could learn from his Tail about expressing emotions?
- Can you relate to the Dog's desire to hide his emotions? Why or why not?
- Write about a time when you felt like you wanted to be 'impassive' like the Sphinx. How did that situation turn out?
Feel free to share your answers with a friend or discuss them in class!
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