Compare and Contrast Texts

Text 1

Once a mighty deer bent down to drink water from a stream. As it did, it saw its reflection in the water. “Oh, my,” the deer said as it looked at itself. “I have such wonderful antlers on my head, but my legs are thin and weak.” At that moment, the deer heard hunters coming through the woods with their dogs. The deer started to run. It started to pull safely away from the dogs and the hunters. Suddenly, its antlers became tangled in some low tree limbs. The dogs came nearer and nearer. The deer realized too late that its true strength was in its legs, not in the antlers on its head. adapted from “The Stag at the Pool” by Aesop

Text 2

Two rabbits were traveling together when a bear suddenly met them on the road. One of them quickly climbed into a bush and hid among the branches. The other, afraid he might be attacked, fell flat on the ground. The bear came up, touched him with his nose, and smelled him all over. The rabbit held his breath and acted like he was dead. The bear soon left him and went on his way. When the bear had been gone a while, the other rabbit climbed out of the bush. He jokingly asked his friend what it was the bear had whispered in his ear. “He gave me this advice,” his companion replied. “Never travel with a friend who leaves you when danger arrives.” adapted from “Two Travelers and a Bear” by Aesop