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“Wanga”
Reading Comprehension – Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
I, Nancy Norris, believer of nothing, order my spell kit on the Internet.
I feel pretty silly, but I have run out of more sane ideas.
I have looked in the want ads. I have sent my resume to a million companies. I
have gone to businesses up and down my block asking for work.
I need a job. I need money. I need these things fast. I am desperate.
I am about to lose my house. I am about to lose my car. I have been out of work
for 8 months.
The Internet is free at the library. This is a very good thing. I see a site that sells
witch doctor spell kits.
WARNING: Do not ask for something unless you truly want it to come true!
There are Love Kits. These get someone to love you back. There are New Life
Kits. These make you happy. There are Money Kits. These bring you money,
riches and an easy life.
Of course, I choose the Money Kit. This is what I need. I truly want it to come
true.
I have $20 left on my credit card. I use it all to order my spell kit. Don’t laugh.
The kit arrives in three days, as promised. I hope the spell works more quickly.
Inside the kit is a wanga doll. The doll has been blessed by an actual witch
doctor and is a very important part of making my spell come true. That is what
the box says, anyway.
Wanga is about 6 inches tall. It has bushy black hair. It is dressed in a furry outfit
that looks like a bathrobe. Hopefully, he will be my new best friend.
There are three different powders in the kit. Each has its own separate bag.
The kit also comes with a set of detailed instructions. I am to follow them exactly.
I spread the powders out on the floor and place my wanga doll next to them. I
hope for the best. My mortgage is due tomorrow.
Questions:
1) What is the meaning of the 2) Why does Nancy order a spell kit?
word sane ?
▼Check all that are correct.
A.
B.
something that is foolish
something that is powerful A. □ She needs a job.
C. something that makes sense B. □ She needs money.
D. something that makes money C. □ She wants a boyfriend.
D. □ She wants to be a witch.
3) Given what is said in the passage, 4) What can be said about Nancy from
what is another way to write the this passage?
following sentence?
A. She is well read.
“I am desperate.” B. She is very serious.
C. She was once very wealthy.
A. I am crazy. D. She can make fun of herself.
B. I full of hope.
C. I am willing to try anything.
D. I am not sure about anything
anymore.
5) What does it mean for something 6) Which kit does Nancy order?
to come true ?
A. ____________________
A. It happens.
B. It tells the truth. _______________________
C. It brings money.
D. It is a fairy tale. _______________________
7) What does the wanga doll look like? 8) Which sentence from the story is
most likely an exaggeration?
▼Check all that are correct.
A. □ It is black. A. I need a job.
B. Wanga is about 6 inches tall.
B. □ It is 6 inches tall. C. The kit arrives in three days, as
C. □ It has bushy hair. promised.
D. □ It has on a furry outfit. D. I have sent my resume to a
million companies.
Questions (continued):
9) According to the story, why would a 10) What is special about the wanga
person buy the New Life Kit? doll?
A. to have a baby A. It is full of money.
B. to become happy B. It has bushy black hair.
C. to move to a new town C. It is Nancy’s best friend.
D. to be cured from sickness D. It has been blessed by a witch
doctor.
11) How long does it take for the kit to 12) What would be the opposite
arrive? of detailed instructions?
A. ____________________ A. many instructions
B. basic instructions
_______________________ C. specific instructions
D. funny instructions
_______________________
13) How does Nancy pay for her spell
kit?
A. with cash
B. with a check
C. with a credit card
D. with a money order
Are you superstitious? Why or why not?
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