You’ve likely come across the phrase grapes are sour in your English textbook or during a school exam. It’s more than just a saying—it’s part of a classic story that carries a simple yet powerful moral. In Bangladesh, especially in Class 9–10, SSC, and HSC English exams, this story is a frequent feature in the completing story or paragraph writing section. Teachers include it not just because of its simplicity but because it delivers a life lesson that is relatable to all ages.
The structure of this story is clear and predictable, which makes it perfect for timed exams. You are given a starting point—usually just a few lines—and you’re asked to complete the story in your own words. This allows you to showcase your writing skills, logical thinking, and understanding of moral values. The message behind grapes are sour completing story is tied to how people often make excuses when they can’t achieve something. This applies to real life as much as it does to story writing.
As a student, mastering this story gives you an edge. Not only will you be ready for questions that come with a fixed start, but you’ll also be able to write in different word lengths—150, 200, or even 300 words—based on the mark allocation.
Story Overview
Setting and Characters
In this well-known fable, the central character is a fox. You can imagine the fox walking alone through a forest or across a dry path on a sunny afternoon. It’s tired and very hungry, searching for something to eat. The scene is often described in a simple yet vivid way to help readers connect with the situation quickly. The environment is peaceful, yet the fox’s growing hunger creates tension. This contrast builds interest in what happens next.
Plot Progression
Suddenly, the fox spots a bunch of ripe grapes hanging from a vine. The grapes look fresh, juicy, and delicious. But there’s one problem—they are too high. The fox jumps again and again, trying to reach them. Each time it fails, it becomes more frustrated and exhausted. After several failed attempts, the fox gives up. But instead of admitting defeat, it pretends not to care. It walks away saying, “Those grapes are probably sour anyway.”
This turning point in the story is important. It shifts from action to reaction. The fox couldn’t get what it wanted, so it changes the way it thinks about the grapes to protect its pride.
Moral Interpretation
The real meaning behind the story is about human behavior. When people fail to achieve something they truly want—whether it’s a job, an award, or someone’s approval—they sometimes dismiss it to feel better. The fox’s words show a common habit: making excuses when facing failure. This is where the phrase “sour grapes” comes from. It reflects how we often cover disappointment with false reasoning.
Grapes Are Sour Completing Story of 150 Words (For Class 9–10)
Once there was a hungry fox. He was wandering in search of food. After walking for a while, he saw a bunch of ripe grapes hanging from a high vine. The grapes looked juicy and tasty. The fox’s mouth started watering. He jumped again and again to reach them, but they were too high. He tried his best but failed each time. Tired and angry, the fox gave up. While leaving, he said, “These grapes are probably sour. They are not worth eating.”
The moral of the story is: People often hate what they cannot have.
Grapes Are Sour Completing Story of 200 Words (For SSC)
One day, a hungry fox was walking through a forest. He hadn’t eaten for a long time. Suddenly, he saw a bunch of ripe, purple grapes hanging from a vine. The grapes looked delicious, and the fox’s mouth started watering. He jumped to reach them but failed. He tried again and again, using all his strength and energy, but still couldn’t reach the grapes.
The fox sat down, panting heavily. He looked at the grapes again but couldn’t find a way to get to them. After many failed attempts, he felt disappointed and angry. Instead of admitting that he failed, he said, “Those grapes are sour anyway. I don’t want them.” Saying this, he walked away with his head held high.
The grapes are sour completing story teaches us a clear lesson: People often pretend that something is not valuable when they fail to get it. It reminds us not to make excuses but to accept failure with honesty.
Grapes Are Sour Completing Story of 300 Words (For HSC)
Once there was a fox who hadn’t eaten all day. Tired and weak, he wandered through a forest in search of food. Suddenly, he noticed a bunch of ripe grapes hanging from a high vine. The grapes looked fresh, juicy, and sweet. The fox’s mouth started watering, and he became determined to get them.
He took a few steps back and jumped with all his energy. But the grapes were too high. He tried again and again, even climbing part of the vine, but it was no use. He became more and more frustrated with every failed attempt. Still, he didn’t want to give up. He tried using a stick to knock them down, but that didn’t work either.
Exhausted, the fox sat down and stared at the grapes. He was angry at himself. But instead of admitting that he failed, he stood up and said, “What a waste of time! These grapes must be sour. I wouldn’t eat them even if I could reach them.” With that, he walked away, trying to hide his disappointment.
The moral of the grapes are sour completing story is: It’s easy to blame or insult what we cannot have rather than accept our own limits. The story reminds you to face failure honestly and not fool yourself with excuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the meaning of the phrase “grapes are sour”?
The phrase “grapes are sour” means pretending something is not good or not worth having just because you failed to get it.
Q2: Why is this story common in Bangladesh board exams?
This story is short, moral-based, and fits well into the completing story format.
Q3: What moral lesson does the story teach?
The story teaches that people often insult or ignore things they can’t get.
Q4: How can I write this story in different word limits?
Start with the same structure every time: a hungry fox sees grapes, tries to reach them, fails, and walks away claiming they’re sour.
Q5: Can I change the ending of the story in exams?
It’s better to stick to the original moral for scoring higher marks.
Wrapping Up
As a student preparing for English exams in Bangladesh, understanding how to write the grapes are sour completing story can be a valuable advantage. This story may look simple on the surface, but it carries an important message that stays with the reader. Whether you’re writing a 150-word version for Class 9 or a 300-word version for HSC, your goal should be the same—clear language, logical flow, and a meaningful moral.
The structure of this story helps you write with confidence. You don’t have to invent complex plots or unusual characters. Instead, you get a clear starting point, a challenge faced by the fox, and an ending that teaches something about human nature. With a little practice, you can shape the story to fit any required word count and use it to secure marks in completing story or moral writing sections.