The dusty streets of Luwanda Town buzzed with unusual tension. For weeks, rumors of a hidden treasure buried beneath the abandoned railway station had spread like wildfire. Some believed it was just folklore; others swore it was true.
Among the hopeful treasure seekers was Madalitso, a young historian who had recently discovered old maps in the library. Unlike the rest, his interest wasn’t in the gold or jewels, but in the truth behind the legend.
One late evening, armed with his lantern and the fragile maps, Madalitso crept into the silent station. The wooden beams groaned, and cobwebs clung to his shoulders. After hours of searching, he stumbled upon a trapdoor concealed under rusted rails. His heart pounded. He pushed it open, revealing a narrow staircase that spiraled downward into darkness.
At the bottom lay a chamber filled not with gold, but with ancient books, diaries, and records — the forgotten history of the town. It was the treasure of knowledge, more valuable than any coin.
When dawn broke, curious townsfolk gathered, expecting to see chests of riches. Madalitso held up a dusty manuscript and declared, “This is our true wealth — the wisdom of those who came before us.”
The crowd fell silent. For the first time, they realized that history itself could be the greatest inheritance.
❓ Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What first drew Madalitso to search for the treasure?
a) The chance to become rich
b) The challenge of solving a mystery
c) Old maps he discovered in the library
d) Pressure from townsfolk
2. The abandoned railway station is described as—
a) Bright and lively
b) Silent and eerie
c) Clean and welcoming
d) Modern and strong
3. What did Madalitso discover beneath the trapdoor?
a) Gold and jewels
b) Ancient books and records
c) A group of treasure hunters
d) A hidden passage leading to another town
4. Why was the treasure considered more valuable than gold?
a) It could be sold at a higher price
b) It revealed the town’s forgotten history
c) It belonged to Madalitso’s ancestors
d) It proved the maps were authentic
5. How did the townsfolk react when Madalitso revealed the discovery?
a) They cheered loudly for him
b) They laughed at his foolishness
c) They fell silent in realization
d) They demanded their share of wealth
6. Which best describes Madalitso’s character?
a) Greedy and reckless
b) Brave and curious
c) Lazy but lucky
d) Arrogant and selfish
7. The phrase “the treasure of knowledge” suggests—
a) Knowledge is useless compared to riches
b) Knowledge has lasting value beyond material wealth
c) Knowledge is expensive to acquire
d) Knowledge can be hidden in physical objects
8. What is the main theme of the story?
a) Wealth is found in material possessions
b) Legends always turn out false
c) True riches lie in history and knowledge
d) Curiosity often leads to danger