Once upon a time in a small village, there lived a young girl named Maya. Maya was adventurous and always on the lookout for new discoveries. One sunny day, as she strolled through the village market, her eyes widened when she spotted a peculiar fruit stand. Nestled amidst the usual oranges and apples was a vibrant mango that glistened with a radiant glow. Curiosity piqued, Maya approached the vendor and asked about the mysterious mango.

The vendor, an old man with a twinkle in his eye, said, “This mango is no ordinary fruit, young one. Legend has it that anyone who eats it will be granted one wish, but only if they can solve a riddle.” Maya’s heart raced with excitement. Eager to taste the mango and make her wish, she eagerly accepted the challenge. The old man handed her the mango and posed the riddle, “I have a heart that doesn’t beat. What am I?”

Maya pondered for a moment, scratching her head in confusion. Suddenly, she chuckled and exclaimed, “A deck of cards!” The vendor’s face beamed with a wide smile. Impressed by Maya’s wit, he nodded and handed her a knife to slice into the mango. As she took her first bite, a burst of flavor danced on her taste buds, and she felt a warmth spread throughout her body.

Just as Maya was about to make her wish, something unexpected happened. The mango began to quiver and shake, and out popped a mischievous mango sprite, eager to play. The sprite giggled and declared, “Congratulations, Maya! Since you solved the riddle, I shall grant you your wish. But be careful what you wish for, for my mischief may take a twist!”

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Maya decided to wish for endless laughter. The sprite clapped its tiny hands, and instantly, the entire village was immersed in joyous laughter. People laughed like they’ve never laughed before, doubling over with tears of joy streaming down their faces. The village became filled with happiness, and the laughter brought the tight-knit community even closer together.

As the days went by, Maya realized that laughter truly was a magical gift. It not only lifted her own spirits but also brightened the lives of those around her. Maya learned that sometimes the most unexpected things could bring the greatest joy. She cherished the memory of the mysterious mango and the mischievous sprite and promised to share the power of laughter whenever she could.

From that day forth, Maya became known as the village’s laughter ambassador. She brought laughter to hospitals, schools, and even to the old man’s fruit stand. Maya’s wish had reminded everyone that amidst life’s twists and turns, a good laugh could heal and unite, leaving a positive ripple in its wake. And so, the mysterious mango and Maya’s wish served as a reminder to always treasure the joy of laughter and spread it far and wide.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What caught Maya’s attention at the village market?
2. What did the old man say about the mango?
3. What did Maya have to do in order to make a wish?
4. How did Maya solve the riddle?
5. What happened when Maya took her first bite of the mango?
6. What did Maya wish for?
7. How did the village react to Maya’s wish?
8. What did Maya learn from her experience with the mango and the sprite?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in a (1)______ village, there lived a young girl (2)______ Maya. Maya was adventurous and always on the (3)______ for new discoveries. One sunny day, as she strolled through the village market, her eyes widened when she spotted a peculiar fruit stand. Nestled amidst the usual oranges and apples was a vibrant mango that glistened with a radiant glow. Curiosity piqued, Maya approached the vendor and asked about the mysterious mango.

The vendor, an old man with a twinkle in his eye, said, “This mango is no (4)______ fruit, young one. Legend has it that anyone who eats it will be granted one wish, but only if they can solve a riddle.” Maya’s heart raced with excitement. Eager to taste the mango and make her wish, she eagerly accepted the challenge. The old man handed her the (5)______ and posed the riddle, “I have a heart that doesn’t beat. What am I?”

Maya pondered for a (6)______, (7)______ her head in confusion. Suddenly, she chuckled and exclaimed, “A deck of cards!” The vendor’s face beamed with a wide smile. Impressed by Maya’s wit, he nodded and handed her a knife to slice into the mango. As she took her first bite, a burst of flavor danced on her taste buds, and she felt a warmth spread throughout her body.

Just as Maya was about to make her wish, something (8)______ happened. The mango began to quiver and shake, and out popped a mischievous mango sprite, eager to play. The sprite giggled and declared, “Congratulations, Maya! Since you solved the riddle, I shall grant you your wish. But be (9)______ what you wish for, for my mischief may take a twist!”

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Maya decided to wish for endless laughter. The sprite clapped its tiny (10)______, and instantly, the entire village was immersed in joyous laughter. People laughed like they’ve never laughed before, doubling over with (11)______ of joy streaming down their (12)______. The village became filled with happiness, and the laughter brought the tight-knit community even closer together.

As the days went by, Maya realized that laughter truly was a magical gift. It not only lifted her own spirits but also brightened the lives of those around her. Maya learned that sometimes the most unexpected (13)______ could (14)______ the (15)______ joy. She cherished the (16)______ of the mysterious mango and the mischievous sprite and promised to share the power of laughter whenever she could.

From that day forth, Maya became known as the village’s laughter ambassador. She brought laughter to hospitals, schools, and even to the old man’s fruit stand. Maya’s wish had reminded everyone that amidst life’s twists and turns, a good laugh could heal and unite, leaving a positive ripple in its wake. And so, the mysterious mango and Maya’s wish served as a reminder to always treasure the joy of laughter and spread it far and wide.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is something unexpected that has brought you joy in the past?
2. How would you feel if you were given the opportunity to make a wish? What would you wish for?
3. Do you think laughter has the power to bring people together? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever experienced a moment when laughter helped you through a difficult time? Can you share that experience?
5. What do you think is the importance of spreading joy and laughter in our communities?
6. Do you believe in the power of legends and myths? Why or why not?
7. How do you think Maya’s life changed after she became the village’s laughter ambassador?
8. What is something that you treasure and hold dear in your life? Why is it important to you?
9. Have you ever had a moment when you realized that the unexpected can bring the greatest joy? Can you share that experience?
10. How do you think the world would be different if everyone had the power to grant wishes?
11. Do you think it’s important to have a sense of humor? Why or why not?
12. Can you think of a time when laughter helped you connect with someone new? How did it make you feel?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. adventurous
2. peculiar
3. nestled
4. vibrant
5. riddle
6. wit
7. quiver
8. mischievous
9. sprite
10. joyous
11. immersed
12. tight-knit
13. cherish
14. ambassador
15. ripple

Meanings:
(A) Inclined to play pranks or cause trouble in a playful way
(B) Settled comfortably and snugly
(C) Completely involved or absorbed in something
(D) To hold something dear or to value it highly
(E) To shake or move with slight trembling motions
(F) A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by an object dropping into it or a slight breeze
(G) Strange or odd; unusual
(H) A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer
(I) Willing to take risks or try out new methods, ideas, or experiences
(J) Mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence
(K) Closely connected or bonded
(L) A mythical creature or a small supernatural being
(M) Filled with happiness and delight
(N) A representative or promoter of a specified activity
(O) Full of energy and life; bright and striking
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Maya wish for?
(a) Wealth and riches
(b) Endless laughter
(c) Superpowers
(d) Fame and fortune

2. How did Maya solve the riddle?
(a) A clock
(b) A deck of cards
(c) A computer
(d) A book

3. What happened when Maya took her first bite of the mango?
(a) The mango turned into a different fruit
(b) Maya started to feel sleepy
(c) A burst of flavor danced on her taste buds
(d) Maya’s wish was immediately granted

4. What did the mischievous mango sprite warn Maya about?
(a) The danger of eating too much mango
(b) The possibility of the wish backfiring
(c) The need to share her wish with others
(d) The mischief that may come with her wish

5. What did Maya become known as in the village?
(a) The mango queen
(b) The wish-granter
(c) The mischievous sprite
(d) The laughter ambassador

6. Where did Maya bring laughter to?
(a) Hospitals, schools, and the fruit stand
(b) Parks, beaches, and the market
(c) Restaurants, theaters, and the library
(d) Museums, zoos, and the post office

7. What did Maya learn about laughter?
(a) It can make people cry and feel sad
(b) It can cause mischief and chaos
(c) It can lift spirits and bring people together
(d) It can grant wishes and fulfill dreams

8. What did Maya promise to do after her wish was granted?
(a) Share the power of laughter whenever she could
(b) Keep the mysterious mango a secret
(c) Never eat another mango again
(d) Forget about the mischievous sprite

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Maya becomes known as the village’s laughter ambassador and spreads laughter to different places in the community.
2. Maya comes across a common fruit stand in the village market.
3. Maya wishes for endless laughter, which brings joy to the entire village.
4. Maya is a young girl who lives in a small village.
5. Maya is uninterested in a mango that has a dull glow.
6. Maya fails to solve the riddle and is denied her wish by a mischievous mango sprite.
7. Maya is known for being adventurous and always seeking new discoveries.
8. The vendor tells Maya that the mango grants three wishes if she can solve a riddle.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What caught Maya’s attention at the village market?
Maya’s attention was caught by a peculiar fruit stand with a glowing mango.

2. What did the old man say about the mango?
The old man said that the mango was no ordinary fruit and that it had the power to grant one wish if a riddle was solved.

3. What did Maya have to do in order to make a wish?
Maya had to solve a riddle in order to make a wish.

4. How did Maya solve the riddle?
Maya solved the riddle by guessing that the answer was “a deck of cards.”

5. What happened when Maya took her first bite of the mango?
When Maya took her first bite of the mango, it began to shake and a mischievous mango sprite popped out.

6. What did Maya wish for?
Maya wished for endless laughter.

7. How did the village react to Maya’s wish?
The village was filled with joyous laughter and people were overcome with happiness.

8. What did Maya learn from her experience with the mango and the sprite?
Maya learned that laughter was a powerful and magical gift that could bring joy and unity to a community. She also learned to cherish unexpected moments and to spread laughter wherever she could.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) small
(2) named
(3) lookout
(4) ordinary
(5) mango
(6) moment
(7) scratching
(8) unexpected
(9) careful
(10) hands
(11) tears
(12) faces
(13) things
(14) bring
(15) greatest
(16) memory
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. adventurous
Answer: (I) Willing to take risks or try out new methods, ideas, or experiences

2. peculiar
Answer: (G) Strange or odd; unusual

3. nestled
Answer: (B) Settled comfortably and snugly

4. vibrant
Answer: (O) Full of energy and life; bright and striking

5. riddle
Answer: (H) A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer

6. wit
Answer: (J) Mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence

7. quiver
Answer: (E) To shake or move with slight trembling motions

8. mischievous
Answer: (A) Inclined to play pranks or cause trouble in a playful way

9. sprite
Answer: (L) A mythical creature or a small supernatural being

10. joyous
Answer: (M) Filled with happiness and delight

11. immersed
Answer: (C) Completely involved or absorbed in something

12. tight-knit
Answer: (K) Closely connected or bonded

13. cherish
Answer: (D) To hold something dear or to value it highly

14. ambassador
Answer: (N) A representative or promoter of a specified activity

15. ripple
Answer: (F) A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by an object dropping into it or a slight breeze
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Maya wish for?
Answer: (b) Endless laughter

2. How did Maya solve the riddle?
Answer: (b) A deck of cards

3. What happened when Maya took her first bite of the mango?
Answer: (c) A burst of flavor danced on her taste buds

4. What did the mischievous mango sprite warn Maya about?
Answer: (d) The mischief that may come with her wish

5. What did Maya become known as in the village?
Answer: (d) The laughter ambassador

6. Where did Maya bring laughter to?
Answer: (a) Hospitals, schools, and the fruit stand

7. What did Maya learn about laughter?
Answer: (c) It can lift spirits and bring people together

8. What did Maya promise to do after her wish was granted?
Answer: (a) Share the power of laughter whenever she could
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Maya becomes known as the village’s laughter ambassador and spreads laughter to different places in the community. (Answer: True)
2. Maya comes across a common fruit stand in the village market. (Answer: False)
3. Maya wishes for endless laughter, which brings joy to the entire village. (Answer: True)
4. Maya is a young girl who lives in a small village. (Answer: True)
5. Maya is uninterested in a mango that has a dull glow. (Answer: False)
6. Maya fails to solve the riddle and is denied her wish by a mischievous mango sprite. (Answer: False)
7. Maya is known for being adventurous and always seeking new discoveries. (Answer: True)
8. The vendor tells Maya that the mango grants three wishes if she can solve a riddle. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧