Burdens
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
Chapter Four passage: “Little Women” is Louisa May Alcotts classic tale of the March sisters growing up during the American Civil War. This passage explains the challenges faced by Meg and Jo after their parents lose their fortune. Students will read the passage and respond to questions on the theme and the language.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Burdens
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
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.
1. Unfortunate
2. Cultivate
3. Injustice
4. Lame
5. Bliss
6. Devoured
7. Perilous
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1. “When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support, at least.”
a. underprivileged b. unkind c. unfair d. unruly
2. “Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy, industry, and independence…”
a. share b. open c. grow d. purchase
3. “Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.”
a. unkindness b. unfairness c. unfriendliness d. impolite
4. “Jo happened to suit Aunt March, who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her.”
a. annoying b. deaf c. blind d. disabled
5. “…the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.”
a. happiness b. calm c. beauty d. wealth
6. “…Jo hurried to this quiet place, and curling herself up in the easy chair, devoured poetry, romance, history, travels, and pictures like a regular bookworm.”
a. consumed b. ate c. destroyed d. critiqued
7. “…for as sure as she had just reached the heart of the story, the sweetest verse of a song, or the most perilous adventure of her traveler…”
a. lengthy b. dangerous c. miraculous d. pleasant