It was eleven o'clock, and Mr. Sims had just asked the class to pay attention for the fiftieth time
while he explained a math problem. Carson Webster was sitting over by the window trying to listen to
the teacher, but his mind was not on the problem Mr. Sims was discussing. Carson's mind was on a
little mouse named Millie that was busily moving around in his pocket. Millie was not very happy. At
breakfast, she had climbed into Carson's pocket and gone to sleep while Carson ate two pieces of
bread and read the newspaper. Carson had forgotten Millie was there until he was halfway in class.
Now that M
illie's morning sleep was over, she was ready to exercise. Luckily for Carson, Millie was
in a pocket with a button, or he might be in serious trouble.
"Carson?" Mr. Sims, who was usually rather strict with his students, was suddenly looking at Carson
with his eyes wide open, rolling his stick in his hand. Carson had to pay attention.
"Could you please repeat the question?" said Carson, feeling his pocket.
"I asked if you would agree with the statement," said Mr. Sims pleasantly.
"Well, I'm not really attentive at the moment," said Carson. "I think I would need to give it more
consideration." Carson did not have the slightest idea as to what Mr. Sims was talking about.
"I see, "said M
r. Sims seriously, "Then I guess you're uncertain about whether the product of
zero by any other number is always zero?"
"Oh, I know that," said Carson, who could feel himself turning red as a couple of kids including Bob
began to laugh. He knew his punishment would come soon. To his surprise, however, the teacher
didn't seem angry.
"I'm so glad, "said Mr. Sims, turning back to the blackboard. "Oh, and by the way, Carson,"he
continued, "I think a cage would be a healthier place for your little friend. Would you agree with that
statement?" Just at that time, Millie let out a weak but clear cry and stuck her head out of Carson's
pocket.
"Yes," Carson said with a smile, "I would totally agree with that statement!"
1. Which of the following is NOT a person's name?
A. Carson.
B. Sims.
C. Millie.
D. Bob
2. Which of the following statements is true according to the story?
A. Bob was not the only student who laughed at Carson.
B. The little mouse escaped from Carson’s pocket in class.
C. Mr. Sims was too anxious to satisfy his students in class.
D. When Carson was in class, Millie was fast asleep in his pocket.
3. What do you think of Mr. Sims after reading the story?
A. He always gave his students punishment when they made trouble.
B. He was a teacher who was not only strict but also humorous.
C. He liked to ask his students to repeat what he said in class.
D. He was a teacher who was always kind to his students.
