Characters
The characters of the story
Joe, his friend, and the carpenter
The setting of the story
the countryside, Saturday
Main problem of the story
the best friends were fighting over the calf
What does the word spite mean in the following sentence?
You see that creek running down our property line? That creek wasn't there last week. He did that to spite me.
anger, annoy, hurt
How did the men respond after they argued and would not give in?
they stopped talking, stomped off, slammed doors
What was the creek used for?
It was used to separate the neighbors.
What is another possible problem in this story?
the creek was built
How did Joe and his neighbor respond to the carpenter helping solve the problem? Use specific evidence from the story.
they offered him more work
Joe wanted the carpenter to build a...
a. bridge
b. fence
c. creek
B. a fence
How did Joe respond to his neighbor digging the creek?
he was angry or he asked the carpenter to build a tall fence
Why was the creek made?
Joe's neighbor was mad at Joe and made a creek to separate them.
How was the problem solved?
the carpenter built a bridge and Joe's neighbor apologized for the misunderstanding
What does the word hoisted mean in the following sentence?
The carpenter hoisted his toolbox onto his shoulder and started to leave.
a. closed
b. threw
c. lifted
c. lifted
The character trait that best describes both men at first.
a. stubborn
b. friends
c. hard working
a. stubborn
Which sentence from the following paragraph best shows that Joe appreciates the carpenter's work?
"You keep the calf," said Joe. "I want us to be friends, too. The bridge was this young fellow's idea. I'm glad he did it."
I'm glad he did it.
Which paragraph best shows a change in Joe's neighbor? How do you know?
8
What setting would not fit in the story and why?
answers may vary
What did the carpenter mean when he said he had more bridges to build?
a. more neighbors had creeks they wanted to build bridges on
b. he wanted to help people fix friendships
c. he liked making bridges
b. he wanted to help people fix friendships
What was one possible lesson taught in this story?
answers may vary