English Reading Comprehension

What is the meaning of whether in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of wore in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of shaggy in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of sizzled in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

How did the wild horsemen fled?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

Who were left behind in the street?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of vanished in context to the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Piffle and poffle!” cried Mandarin. “You are not a dragon! Everyone can see that you are only a dusty old wanderer. We have no time to give you free meals or to talk politely. Get out of the way.”
And he ran home to the palace and crawled under the bed where he lay shivering.
“ My gallant army,” command the Captain, “follow me!”
He turned and ran to the barracks and all his soldiers followed him. They all hid under their beds and lay there shaking.
The Merchant, The Wise Man, and the Chief of the Workmen fled to their own houses and all the people hurried after them. In a few minutes, the streets were empty except for Han and the little fat old man.
“Well,” said Han, “I don’t think we have much time. The enemy will be here soon. I don’t know whether you are a dragon or not, but if you are hungry and thirsty, please do me the honour of coming into my humble house.”
With a low bow, he showed the old man the way into his tiny hut.There, he gave him the bowl of rice and the cup of wine, which were all he had.
The old man ate and drank. Then he stood up.
“I don’t think much of the people of Wu,” he said, “but for your sake I will save the city.”
He went out to the gate. The Wild Horsemen were very close. There wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.
The little fat man puffed out his checks.He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escaped turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty.
The little fat man said, “Now I will show you what a dragon looks like.”
He sprang up into the air and his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the colour of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. He was more beautiful and more frightening than anything Han had ever seen.
He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky. Han gave a long sigh and went to tell the Mandarin what had happened.
The people of the city crowded around to hear the tale. They could see for themselves that the enemy had vanished. They cheered Han, pinned medals on him, gave him many gold pieces, and from that day on called him “The Honourable Defender of the city.”

What is the meaning of wrong?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of pocketful?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What did they hear from outside?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of too hard?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of tough?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of proud?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of interrupted?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.

What is the meaning of trumpets?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question:

“Now, look here,” said the Mandarin. “Every-body knows what dragons look like. They are proud lords of the sky. They were gold and purple silk. They look like Mandarins.”
“How do you know?” asked the little man. “Have you ever seen one?”
“Certainly not,” said the Mandarin. “But everyone knows what they look like. Isn’t that true, Captain?”
The Captain of the Army say up straight, brushing grains of rice from his uniform.
“Not at all,” said he. “Everyone knows that the dragon are fierce and brave, like warriors. The sight of them is like the sound of trumpets. They look like Captains of the Army.”
“Nonsense!” interrupted the Leader of the Merchants. “Dragons are rich and splendid .They are as comfortable as a pocketful of money. They look like merchants. Everybody knows that.”
The chief of the Workmen put in, “You are wrong. Everyone knows that dragon are strong and tough. Nothing is too hard for them to do. They look like workmen.”
The wisest of the Wise Men pushed his glasses up on his forehead. “The one thing that is known – and indeed I can show it to you in forty-seven books – is that dragon are the wisest of all creatures,” he said. “Therefore, they must look like wise men.”
At that moment, they heard screams and yells from outside. A messenger came running into the palace.
“My lords,” he shouted, “the enemy is coming! The Wild Horsemen are riding across the plain towards the city gates. What shall we do?”
Everyone rushed out to the gate to look. Far away, but coming closer every second, was the dark mass of horseman. Dust rose high from their horse’s hooves and their swords and spears twinkled in the sunlight.