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Matsuyama Mirror Vocabulary
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Matsuyama Mirror Vocabulary
Read the original mini-story, then use its clues to explore meaning, connotation, and word relationships.
Long ago, in a quiet village in Japan, a farmer named Kenji traveled to a distant city. Before he left, he promised to bring home something special for his wife and young daughter, Hana. He returned with a small, polished mirror. Such an object was rare in the village, so the family treasured it.
Hana had never seen her own reflection. When she looked into the mirror, she saw a face staring back. Bewildered, she asked her mother who the stranger was. Her mother smiled gently and explained that the mirror showed Hana herself. The mother's face looked radiant in the lamplight, and Hana noticed that the reflected smile seemed warm and familiar.
Years later, when Hana felt lonely, she would look into the mirror and remember her mother's gentle spirit. The mirror was more than a valuable object: it held memories of love and comfort.
Read Between the Words
Use details from the story to answer each question.
1.In the story, Hana is “bewildered” when she sees the mirror. Which meaning best fits the clue that she asks who the stranger is?
- Confused and puzzled
- Proud and pleased
- Sleepy and bored
- Angry and impatient
2.The story says the mother's face looked “radiant” in the lamplight. What does radiant mean here?
- Bright and glowing
- Pale and tired
- Hidden from view
- Frowning with worry
3.The mirror is called “rare” in the village. Which detail best supports that meaning?
- Hana had never seen her reflection before
- Kenji traveled to a distant city
- The family lived in a quiet village
- The mirror caught the lamplight
4.Imagine a story describes a family's home as modest and says they own only a few belongings. What does modest most likely mean? Explain which clue supports your answer.
5.In this story, what is the mirror's literal meaning, and what does it come to represent for Hana?
6.The final paragraph says the mirror held memories. What feeling does “treasured” add when describing the family's mirror?
7.Which three words are synonyms for sorrow? Select all that apply.
- Grief
- Delight
- Sadness
- Mourning
- Curiosity
8.Match each word from the story with its closest meaning.
- Distant
- Promised
- Familiar
- Comfort
- A feeling of ease and reassurance
- Far away
- Gave one's word
- Known or recognized
9.The phrase “gentle spirit” describes Hana's mother. What does the phrase suggest about her character? Give one reason based on the story.
10.Choose one vocabulary word from the story—bewildered, radiant, treasured, or familiar. Write a new sentence that makes the meaning clear from its context.
3 printable pages
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
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