Mei's Lantern – Reading Comprehension

A girl's paper lantern is damaged just before the festival — and the repair turns out better than the original.

Printable worksheet

Mei's Lantern

Name:Date:Score:

Read the story, then answer the questions.

0Mei's LanternAn original story
Mei had worked for a week on her paper lantern. It was shaped like a fish, with scales of silver paper and a tail that curled like a wave.
On the evening of the festival, she carried it carefully down the street. But a gust of wind snatched it from her hands and sent it tumbling into the gutter. The tail was torn clean off.
Mei stared in dismay. Her grandfather picked up the lantern and studied it. “Don't throw it away,” he said gently. “Let's see what it can become.”
Together they cut a new tail from gold paper and made it flutter on a thin wire. When they lit the candle inside, the golden tail glowed and danced with every step Mei took.
Other children gathered around. “Where did you get such a wonderful fish?” they asked. Mei grinned. “It had a little accident,” she said, “and became even better.”
1What was Mei's lantern shaped like? A a bird B a fish C a star
2What caused the lantern to be damaged?
3How did Mei's grandfather help?
4Which word best describes Mei's feelings in paragraph two? A proud B dismayed C bored
5What is the main message of the story? A Festivals are noisy B Mistakes can lead to something better C Always carry lanterns carefully

Printable Worksheets for Kids · printableworksheetsforkids.pages.dev

Answer key — Sheet A (5 answers)

Inspired by lantern festivals across Asia. Good for practising cause and effect and character change.