If
by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” was published in 1910. It was written as a father’s advice to his son.
Reading Comprehension Passage
If
by Rudyard Kipling
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.
- allowance
- knaves
- sinew
- virtue
- foes
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “But make allowance for their doubting too”
a. note or observe b. give money; pay c. ignore or disregard d. indulgence; have tolerance
2) “the truth you’ve spoken / Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools”
a. fakes or rascals b. sharp blades; knives c. insane people; lunatics d. decades
3) “If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew / To serve your turn long after they are gone”
a. tendon; muscle b. soul; spirit c. mind or intellect d. passion or enthusiasm
4) “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue”
a. sanity or stability b. imagination c. moral character or goodness d. nerve; composure
5) "If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you"
a. close family b. enemies or opponents c. insults; slurs d. troubles or worries