Introduction
In this short tale by Rudyard Kipling, we learn how the Cat tried to get all the comforts of domestic life without doing any work in return.
AFTER he was tamed by Woman, Wild Man tamed Wild Cow and Wild Horse with food and shelter, but not Wild Cat. ‘I am the Cat who walks by himself’ he said haughtily, ‘and all places are alike to me’.
And Woman laughed, for though the wild woods were cold and wet, the Cat would not serve.
But at that, the cat grew sly. ‘For three words of praise from your lips’ he said, ‘will you let me enter your cave, and sit by your fire, and drink Wild Cow’s milk, for ever and ever?’
Woman laughed again, and agreed the bargain, for three words of praise would never pass her lips.
But one day the Bat, little upside down Bat that lived in the Cave, told the Cat that there was now a baby in the family. ‘Ah’ said the Cat. ‘My time has come’.
Précis
In the beginning of days, Man tamed all the wild animals with food and shelter except the cat, who refused to work in exchange. Instead, he struck a bargain with Woman, that for three words of commendation from her he could live in idle luxury. Confident she would never say them, she agreed; but then a baby came along. (59 / 60 words)
In the beginning of days, Man tamed all the wild animals with food and shelter except the cat, who refused to work in exchange. Instead, he struck a bargain with Woman, that for three words of commendation from her he could live in idle luxury. Confident she would never say them, she agreed; but then a baby came along.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, because, besides, if, may, must, otherwise, since.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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