Calls
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
Chapter XXIX passage: Little sisters sometimes can be quite bossy to their older sisters. Amy March from "Little Women" proves this when she tries to tell Jo, her older sister, how to behave when the two go calling on friends. Jo makes sure Amy gets what she asks for, although the result is not what Amy intended. Students will read the passage and respond to questions on the theme and the language.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Calls
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.
- elegant
- abrupt
- demure
- covert
- audible
- noiselessly
- prim
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) "Now, Jo dear, the Chesters consider themselves very elegant people, so I want you to put on your best deportment.
a. important b. poor c. fancy d. nice
2) “Don't make any of your abrupt remarks, or do anything odd, will you?”
a. annoying b. rude c. loud d. sudden
3) “Misses Chester introduced parties, picnics, the opera, and the fashions; each and all were answered by a smile, a bow, and a demure "Yes" or "No,"
a. quick b. shy c. clear d. confusing
4) “In vain Amy telegraphed the word "Talk," tried to draw her out, and administered covert pokes with her foot.”
a. hidden b. strong c. sharp d. obvious
5) "What a haughty, uninteresting creature that oldest Miss March is!" was the unfortunately audible remark of one of the ladies, as the door closed upon their guests. “
a. loud b. rough c. piercing d. quiet
6) “Jo laughed noiselessly all through the hall…”
a. loudly b. quietly c. obnoxiously d. repeatedly
7) "I've played the part of a prim young lady on the stage…”
a. beautiful b. refined c. lonely d. scary