Swimming Lessons
This passage is about a girl who is embarrassed about learning something new. Students will answer questions about details, character, plot, comparing and contrasting, and cause and effect.
Reading Comprehension Passage
Swimming Lessons
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.
- observation
- anguished
- scowl
- inflatable
- improvise
- paralyzed
- assured
- flushing
- reassuringly
- astonished
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) "Devi looked through the observation window"
a. front of a business b. slightly open c. secret or hidden d. surveillance or viewing
2) "She turned to her mother with an anguished scowl on her face."
a. unusual, odd b. suffering or distressed c. casual d. determined
3) "She turned to her mother with an anguished scowl on her face."
a. smile or grin b. scarf c. tear d. frown or glare
4) "The closest Devi had been to a swimming pool was the inflatable alligator pool"
a. imaginary b. almost extinct c. able to be blown up with air d. infant-like
5) "'I really can’t swim, and I can’t even improvise!'"
a. fake it, or pretend b. dog paddle c. improve d. breathe
6) "Devi sat on the side on a bench, paralyzed with fear."
a. weeping b. screaming c. trembling d. immobile, unable to move
7) "so you’ll learn how to swim just like everyone else,” she assured Devi. "
a. gently asked b. guaranteed c. begged d. commanded
8) Devi nodded her head silently, flushing with embarrassment.
a. cringing b. becoming red c. running away d. crying
9) “You know what, Devi?” Angela said reassuringly. “I didn’t learn to swim until I was 20 years old, and now I’m a teacher!”
a. comfortingly b. slowly with intensity c. dryly d. inquiringly
10. Devi was astonished. “Wow! Didn’t you feel stupid, learning next to all the kids?”
a. furiously angry b. snide and sarcastic c. greatly surprised d. thrilled