What lesson does the fable teach?

Visible symbols of importance have value only when they connect to real responsibility and useful work. (The empty camel attracts requests it cannot meet, while the smaller bell works by identifying actual water.)

Why does the young camel refuse bundles at first?

He wants his large polished bell to remain visible. (The second paragraph says bundles might hide the bell he uses to display importance.)

What does “symbolizes” mean in the final sentence?

represents or stands for (The bell points toward useful work but cannot do that work, so it symbolizes importance.)

What does the camel carry on the next journey?

two grain sacks (The final paragraph states that he removes the bell and accepts two sacks of grain.)

The Camel's Empty Bell: Level 3 Reading Comprehension Questions

A caravan gave its loudest bell to the camel that carried medicine, maps, and water. A young camel admired the sound. Before the next journey, he traded his blanket for an even larger bell and hung it proudly around his neck.

“Make way for the important camel,” he called as the caravan loaded. He accepted no bundles because they might hide the polished brass. All morning, his bell rang at the front while the other camels carried the tents and grain.

At the noon stop, a guide heard the grand bell and asked for a map. The young camel had none. A thirsty traveler came next, followed by a cook seeking flour. The bell announced him clearly, but it could supply nothing.

That evening, the camel moved behind an older animal carrying water. “Your bell is smaller,” he said. “It needs only to tell people where the water is,” she replied. The young camel removed his bell and accepted two grain sacks. On the next journey, he still walked proudly, but his pride came from arriving with a useful load. A symbol can point toward important work; it cannot perform the work it symbolizes.

Comprehension questions