Once upon a time in the magical land of Zephyria, there were three adventurous siblings named Mia, Max, and Ben. They had always dreamed of going on exciting quests and uncovering hidden treasures. One sunny day, they stumbled upon a dusty old book in their attic. This book contained a tale about “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx.” The kids were amazed and decided to embark on a daring journey to solve the mystery.

Their adventure began as they found themselves standing in front of a towering pyramid deep in the heart of the desert. Guided by the ancient clues in the book, they carefully ventured inside, facing countless booby traps and riddles along the way. Finally, they reached a grand chamber guarded by a majestic sapphire sphinx. The sphinx challenged them to a riddle contest, where they had to answer three riddles correctly in order to proceed.

Although nerves were running high, Mia, Max, and Ben remembered a valuable lesson their wise grandmother once taught them: “Never underestimate the power of teamwork and creativity.” They put their heads together and successfully solved the riddles, outsmarting the sapphire sphinx.

Behind the sphinx, they discovered a hidden vault filled with glittering jewels and precious artifacts. But there, they also found a letter from the ancient king of Zephyria. It explained the true secret of the sapphire sphinx: it was not guarding treasure, but knowledge. The sphinx had been created to test the wisdom and determination of those who sought it. The siblings realized that the real treasure was the knowledge they had gained during their journey.

With that newfound wisdom, Mia, Max, and Ben returned home as heroes. They shared their adventure with their friends and family, inspiring them to embrace challenges with courage and to never stop seeking knowledge. From that day forward, the siblings would always cherish the memory of “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx”, reminding them that the greatest treasures are often found within ourselves.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Who were the three adventurous siblings in the story?
2. Where did the siblings find the dusty old book?
3. What did the book contain a tale about?
4. Where did the adventure begin for the siblings?
5. What did the siblings have to do in order to proceed past the sapphire sphinx?
6. What valuable lesson did the siblings remember from their wise grandmother?
7. What did the siblings find behind the sapphire sphinx?
8. What did the letter from the ancient king of Zephyria reveal about the sapphire sphinx?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in the (1)______ land of Zephyria, there were three adventurous siblings named Mia, Max, and Ben. They had always dreamed of going on exciting quests and uncovering hidden treasures. One sunny day, they stumbled upon a (2)______ old book in their attic. This book contained a tale about “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx.” The kids were amazed and decided to embark on a (3)______ journey to solve the mystery.

Their adventure (4)______ as they found themselves standing in front of a towering pyramid deep in the heart of the desert. Guided by the ancient clues in the book, they carefully ventured inside, facing (5)______ booby traps and riddles along the way. Finally, they reached a grand chamber guarded by a majestic (6)______ sphinx. The sphinx challenged them to a riddle (7)______, where they had to answer three riddles correctly in order to proceed.

Although nerves were running high, Mia, Max, and Ben (8)______ a valuable lesson their wise grandmother once taught them: “Never underestimate the power of teamwork and creativity.” They put their heads together and successfully solved the riddles, outsmarting the sapphire sphinx.

Behind the sphinx, they discovered a hidden vault (9)______ with glittering jewels and precious artifacts. But there, they also found a letter from the ancient king of Zephyria. It explained the true secret of the sapphire sphinx: it was not (10)______ treasure, but (11)______. The sphinx had been created to test the wisdom and (12)______ of those who sought it. The siblings realized that the real treasure was the knowledge they had gained during their (13)______.

With that newfound wisdom, Mia, Max, and Ben (14)______ home as heroes. They (15)______ their adventure with their friends and family, inspiring them to embrace challenges with courage and to never stop seeking knowledge. From that day forward, the siblings would always cherish the memory of “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx”, reminding them that the greatest (16)______ are often found within ourselves.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is an adventure that you have always dreamed of going on?
2. How would you feel if you stumbled upon a dusty old book in your attic? Why?
3. Do you like solving riddles? Why or why not?
4. What do you think is the most valuable lesson that you have learned from someone wise in your life? Why?
5. How would you feel if you were faced with countless booby traps and riddles on a daring journey? Why?
6. Do you think teamwork and creativity are important in overcoming challenges? Why or why not?
7. What is the greatest treasure you have ever found within yourself? Why?
8. How would you feel if you discovered that a treasure you sought was actually knowledge? Why?
9. Do you think it is important to embrace challenges with courage? Why or why not?
10. How would you feel if you were able to inspire your friends and family with an adventure you had? Why?
11. What is a memory that you cherish? Why?
12. Do you believe that the greatest treasures are often found within ourselves? Why or why not?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. adventurous
2. quest
3. ancient
4. towering
5. booby traps
6. riddles
7. majestic
8. chamber
9. creativity
10. glittering
11. artifacts
12. wisdom
13. determination
14. heroes
15. cherish

Meanings:
(A) Hidden or secret devices designed to catch or surprise an intruder
(B) Firmness of purpose
(C) Extremely tall or high
(D) Individuals admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
(E) The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
(F) Having beauty that inspires admiration or awe
(G) A long or arduous search for something
(H) Willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences
(I) Puzzles or conundrums that require ingenuity to solve
(J) Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence
(K) To hold something dear or to value it highly
(L) A room used for a specific purpose
(M) Shining brightly with flashes of light
(N) The use of imagination or original ideas to create something
(O) Objects made by humans, typically of cultural or historical interest
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did the siblings find in their attic?
(a) A dusty old book
(b) A treasure map
(c) A magic wand
(d) A talking parrot

2. Where did the adventure take place?
(a) Atlantis
(b) Neverland
(c) Narnia
(d) Zephyria

3. What did the siblings have to do to proceed past the sapphire sphinx?
(a) Solve a crossword puzzle
(b) Answer three riddles correctly
(c) Sing a song
(d) Dance a jig

4. How did the siblings successfully solve the riddles?
(a) By bribing the sapphire sphinx with jewels
(b) By consulting a wise old owl
(c) By guessing randomly
(d) By working together and using their creativity

5. What did the siblings find in the hidden vault?
(a) A magical potion
(b) A time machine
(c) Glittering jewels and precious artifacts
(d) A talking statue

6. What did the letter from the ancient king reveal about the sapphire sphinx?
(a) It was created to test wisdom and determination
(b) It was a mythical creature
(c) It was a shape-shifting guardian
(d) It was cursed and had to be destroyed

7. What did the siblings learn from their adventure?
(a) The importance of never leaving the house without sunscreen
(b) The secret to eternal youth
(c) The greatest treasures are often found within ourselves
(d) The recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookie

8. How did the siblings inspire their friends and family?
(a) By throwing a grand party
(b) By sharing their adventure and encouraging them to embrace challenges
(c) By giving everyone a piece of the treasure
(d) By starting a treasure hunting club

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The three siblings in the story are named Lila, Leo, and Bob.
2. The siblings choose not to embark on a journey to solve the mystery.
3. The book does not contain a tale about “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx.”
4. They face booby traps and riddles as they venture inside the pyramid.
5. They find themselves in front of a towering pyramid in the desert.
6. The real treasure they find is the lack of knowledge they gained during their journey.
7. The siblings find a dusty old book in their attic.
8. The siblings successfully solve the riddles and outsmart the sapphire sphinx.
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. Who were the three adventurous siblings in the story?
– Mia, Max, and Ben.

2. Where did the siblings find the dusty old book?
– In their attic.

3. What did the book contain a tale about?
– “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx.”

4. Where did the adventure begin for the siblings?
– In a towering pyramid deep in the heart of the desert.

5. What did the siblings have to do in order to proceed past the sapphire sphinx?
– They had to answer three riddles correctly.

6. What valuable lesson did the siblings remember from their wise grandmother?
– “Never underestimate the power of teamwork and creativity.”

7. What did the siblings find behind the sapphire sphinx?
– A hidden vault filled with glittering jewels and precious artifacts.

8. What did the letter from the ancient king of Zephyria reveal about the sapphire sphinx?
– It revealed that the sphinx was not guarding treasure, but knowledge.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) magical
(2) dusty
(3) daring
(4) began
(5) countless
(6) sapphire
(7) contest
(8) remembered
(9) filled
(10) guarding
(11) knowledge
(12) determination
(13) journey
(14) returned
(15) shared
(16) treasures
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

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

2. quest
Answer: (G) A long or arduous search for something

3. ancient
Answer: (J) Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence

4. towering
Answer: (C) Extremely tall or high

5. booby traps
Answer: (A) Hidden or secret devices designed to catch or surprise an intruder

6. riddles
Answer: (I) Puzzles or conundrums that require ingenuity to solve

7. majestic
Answer: (F) Having beauty that inspires admiration or awe

8. chamber
Answer: (L) A room used for a specific purpose

9. creativity
Answer: (N) The use of imagination or original ideas to create something

10. glittering
Answer: (M) Shining brightly with flashes of light

11. artifacts
Answer: (O) Objects made by humans, typically of cultural or historical interest

12. wisdom
Answer: (E) The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment

13. determination
Answer: (B) Firmness of purpose

14. heroes
Answer: (D) Individuals admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities

15. cherish
Answer: (K) To hold something dear or to value it highly
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did the siblings find in their attic?
Answer: (a) A dusty old book

2. Where did the adventure take place?
Answer: (d) Zephyria

3. What did the siblings have to do to proceed past the sapphire sphinx?
Answer: (b) Answer three riddles correctly

4. How did the siblings successfully solve the riddles?
Answer: (d) By working together and using their creativity

5. What did the siblings find in the hidden vault?
Answer: (c) Glittering jewels and precious artifacts

6. What did the letter from the ancient king reveal about the sapphire sphinx?
Answer: (a) It was created to test wisdom and determination

7. What did the siblings learn from their adventure?
Answer: (c) The greatest treasures are often found within ourselves

8. How did the siblings inspire their friends and family?
Answer: (b) By sharing their adventure and encouraging them to embrace challenges
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The three siblings in the story are named Lila, Leo, and Bob. (Answer: False)
2. The siblings choose not to embark on a journey to solve the mystery. (Answer: False)
3. The book does not contain a tale about “The Secret of the Sapphire Sphinx.” (Answer: False)
4. They face booby traps and riddles as they venture inside the pyramid. (Answer: True)
5. They find themselves in front of a towering pyramid in the desert. (Answer: True)
6. The real treasure they find is the lack of knowledge they gained during their journey. (Answer: False)
7. The siblings find a dusty old book in their attic. (Answer: True)
8. The siblings successfully solve the riddles and outsmart the sapphire sphinx. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧