Literary Lessons
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
Chapter XXVII passage: As the sisters in "Little Women" grow up, changes are afoot. Meg is married, and now Jo is concentrating on being a writer. In this passage, she wins an award with a hefty prize. Students will read the passage and respond to questions on vocabulary, theme, and character traits.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Literary Lessons
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.
- amiable
- devote
- seldom
- fortune
- plump
- satisfied
- several
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “If the amiable gentleman who wrote that kindly note could have known what intense happiness he was giving a fellow-creature…”
a. talented b. lonely c. cordial d. silly
2) “I think he would devote his leisure hours, if he has any, to that amusement…”
a. commit b. exchange c. borrow d. share
3) “A prouder young woman was seldom seen than she…”
a. periodically b. commonly c. rarely d. frequently
4) "I think the money is the best part of it. What will you do with such a fortune?" asked Amy, regarding the magic slip of paper with a reverential eye.
a. future b. paper c. luck d. jewels
5) “Won't it be fun to see you come home plump and rosy again?”
a. sunburned b. thin c. fat d. relaxed
6) “Jo was satisfied with the investment of her prize money…”
a. upset b. unhappy c. disinterested d. pleased
7) “She did earn several that year, and began to feel herself a power in the house…”
a. a few b. one c. millions d. many