Needs vs Wants — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Mom has $5. Bread costs $4 and a toy costs $4. What should she buy first?
A) Bread because food is a need
B) Toy because it is fun
C) Both items together
D) Neither item today
Bread is food, which is a need, so smart shoppers buy needs first.
2. Dad has $10. Shoes cost $9 and candy costs $2. What is the best choice?
A) Buy candy and skip shoes
B) Buy shoes because feet need them
C) Buy nothing at all
D) Buy two bags of candy
Shoes are a need, so wise families spend money on needs first.
3. Sam has $3. A drink costs $2 and a sticker costs $1. He is very thirsty. What should he pick?
A) Buy two stickers only
B) Buy nothing today
C) Buy the drink because water is a need
D) Buy a sticker first
Drinks help his body when thirsty, so the drink is the need first.
4. Lily has $6. A coat costs $5, gum costs $1, and it is cold outside. What is smart?
A) Buy only gum and skip the coat
B) Save money and stay cold
C) Buy gum first then a coat
D) Buy the coat because warmth is a need
A coat keeps her warm, which is a need in cold weather every time.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When money is small, buy needs before wants.
Smart shoppers always pay for needs first because life depends on them.
2. Food, water, shelter, and clothes are basic needs.
Clothes protect our bodies, joining food, water, and shelter as needs.
3. A bag of candy is a sweet want, not a need.
Candy is a want because our bodies live just fine without any sugar.
4. Saving money helps families buy needs later.
Saving lets families pay for important needs even when prices change.
5. A new toy is a fun want for many kids.
Toys are wants because kids can grow up healthy without owning them.