Available Answers

1. 1.

   Choose the correct answers to complete these sentences.

   1. The abbot knows that the tomtit will need
      1. twenty days to lay its eggs.
      2. twenty days to hatch its eggs.
      3. twenty-one days to lay its eggs.
      4. twenty-one days to hatch its eggs.
   2. The bishop wanted to offer the charge of the parish to the abbot of St. Philemon because
      1. he knew the abbot was a capable man.
      2. the abbot was his friend.
      3. he wanted to show his appreciation to the old man.
      4. there was no other candidate who was more worthy.
   3. The letter reached the house of the abbot
      1. on the same day that the tomtits hatched.
      2. after the tomtits had flown away.
      3. on a day when the abbot was out.
      4. on the same day that the abbot had gone to meet the bishop.
2. 2.

   Do the abbot and his housekeeper react differently to the tomtits? If so, how?

3. 3.

   How do we know that the abbot is child-like, despite his age? Pick out lines from the passage to support your answer.

4. 4.

   What does the bishop's suggestion say about the abbot?

5. 5.

   Do you think the abbot would have accepted charge of the parish? Why do you think so?

6. 6.

   Extend the story and give it an ending of your own. Give reasons for your choice.