Leaves from the Notebook of an Emigrant Between New York and San Francisco
by Robert Louis Stevenson from Across the Plains
“Across the Plains” was Robert Louis Stevenson’s travelogue and journal of a train trip he took across the United States in 1879. This passage is from his first entry. After reading the passage, students will respond to questions on Stevenson’s use of language.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Leaves from the Notebook of an Emigrant Between New York and San Francisco
by Robert Louis Stevenson from Across the Plains
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. Idle
2. Strolling
3. Wayside
4. Undulating
5. Contours
6. Splendor
7. Inspiriting
8. Accomplice
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1. “When I awoke, it was already day; the train was standing idle…”
a. tall b. alone c. inactive d. straight
2. “I was in the last carriage, and, seeing some others strolling to and fro about the lines…”
a. running b. jumping c. sliding d. walking
3. “I opened the door and stepped forth, as from a caravan by the wayside.”
a. edge b. north c. past d. village
4. “A green, open, undulating country stretched away upon all sides. “
a. sprawling b. vast c. waving d. spinning
5. “…but the contours of the land were soft and English.”
a. birds b. spaces c. valleys d. outlines
6. “…the sun rises with a different splendour in America and Europe.”
a. speed b. beauty c. order d. direction
7. “It may be from habit, but to me the coming of day is less fresh and inspiriting in the latter…”
a. encouraging b. condescending c. confusing d. disparaging
8. “If it be an illusion it is one very deeply rooted, and in which my eyesight is accomplice.”
a. misleading b. imaginary c. a partner d. realistic