The Homesick Connecticut Yankee
by Mark Twain from "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court "
Chapter VII passage: Mark Twain published "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court" in 1889. It’s the story of Hank Morgan, a 19th century Connecticut man, who suffers a blow to the head and is transported back centuries to the time of King Arthur. Once there he has many adventures while he struggles to apply 19th century American ideas to medieval England. In this passage, Hank has been named Arthur’s chief minister.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Homesick Connecticut Yankee
by Mark Twain from "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court "
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.
- rushes
- misfit
- chromos
- gaudy
- botched
- formidably
- bird
- unconventional
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “the stone floors had nothing but rushes on them for a carpet”
a. furs or pelts b. thin rugs or mats c. sand; pebbles d. grass stems; reeds
2) “they were misfit rushes at that, being not all of one breed”
a. not fitting together; unusual b. ugly; unattractive c. poor size d. badly made
3) "had been used to chromos for years, and I saw now that without my suspecting it a passion for art"
a. stained glass window b. colored bowls c. colored pictures d. illustrated books
4) “It made me homesick to look around over this proud and gaudy but heartless barrenness”
a. comfortable or homey b. flashy; glaring c. noble or kingly d. sad; depressing
5) “Raphael himself couldn’t have botched them more formidably”
a. painted or drawn b. bought or purchased c. described; explain d. messed up; ruined
6) “Raphael himself couldn’t have botched them more formidably”
a. often or frequently b. carefully; correctly c. impressively or effectively d. officially; formally
7) “Raphael was a bird”
a. odd person; character b. animal with wings c. fancy dresser d. famous artist
8) “I always admired to study R.’s art, it was so fresh and unconventional”
a. cheap; affordable b. popular or fashionable c. original; different d. emotional or warm