Look these words up in a dictionary and tell us what they mean:
Calabash any of various hard-shelled gourds, or the vine that bears such a gourd.
Tempt to entice or try to entice (someone) to do something unwise or wrong, as by promising pleasure or reward.
Incantation the words or sounds that are uttered or chanted as part of a magical ritual or spell, or the act of uttering such words or sounds.
mere (Māori dictionary)
This dictionary also tells you the synonyms of the word. (A synonym is a different word that has the same meaning). What are the synonyms for these words? Note: Sometimes words have more than one meaning! Look at the sentence it is used in and pick the meaning that makes more sense)
wily (But wily Te Wheke slipped out of his cage during the night and escaped.)
splintered (Wood splintered in his grip.)
shudder (With a tremendous shudder, Te Wheke fell limp.)
grim (His face was grim.)
mimicked ("Fine," mimicked Muturangi,)
Which parts of the story seem to be true? The octopus was eating the bait
Which parts of the story probably didn't happen in real life? When he was talking to the octopus
Describe Kupe in a few words. Brave
Describe Muturangi in a few words. selfish
How does this story try to explain how Kupe discovered New Zealand? he was trying to kill an octopus
How could Kupe and Muturangi have solved their disagreement about Te Wheke?tell the octopus not to eat the bait
