Abraham Lincoln, the Inventor
Abraham Lincoln is well-known as the 16th President of the United States, but he was also an inventor. Abe loved tinkering and had a deep curiosity about mechanical things. Questions for this passage focus on context clues and comprehension.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Abraham Lincoln, the Inventor
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- Shallow
- Afloat
- Inflate
- Grand
- Cargo
- Examined
- Manufactured
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “Abe shook his head. “I’ll sit, but while I’m sitting I’m going to figure out something to stop these boats from getting stuck in shallow water or on sandbars.””
a. deep b. not deep c. cold c. rough
2) “You’ll see. I’ll create something to keep these boats afloat or my name isn’t Abe Lincoln. Think of all the time we have to waste when we’re stuck like this.”
a. above water b. in water c. below water d. on land
3) “…The thing though is to figure out how to inflate the bellows when needed.”
a. fill with water b. fill with air c. inhale d. deflate
4) “Sam studied the drawing. “That’s a grand idea, Abe. And with your curiosity of mechanical things, I know you’ll find a solution.”
a. silly b. fun c. great d. small
5) “Hours passed as the crew unloaded the steamboat. They pushed it passed the sandbar, then reloaded the cargo.”
a. goods and packages b. bellows c. passengers d. sand and shells
6) “Mr. Robbins examined the boat and the accompanying notes.”
a. fixed b. cleaned c. outlined d. studied
7) “Abe rushed over to Sam’s house. “I’ve got it! I’ve got! Now I can get started on getting my invention manufactured!”
a. approved b. made in a factory c. digitized d. patented