The Laurence Boy
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
Chapter Three passage: Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women" has been enjoyed by generations of youngsters. In this passage, Jo and Meg attend a party, and Jo has a chance to have a good talk with Laurie, the neighbor boy. After reading the passage, students will answer questions on the language and the characters.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Laurence Boy
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.
1. Trifle
2. Stately
3. Jovial
4. Telegraphed
5. Forlornly
6. Refuge
7. Thrash
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1. “Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them.”
a. great amount b. little c. frequently d. unusually
2. “Mrs. Gardiner, a stately old lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters.”
a. feeble b. unstable c. noble d. beautiful
3. “Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room, and she longed to go and join them, for skating was one of the joys of her life.”
a. mean b. jolly c. talented d. young
4. “She telegraphed her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir.”
a. telephoned b. texted c. instant-messaged d. signaled
5. “She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began.”
a. happily b. hopefully c. hopelessly d. eagerly
6. “Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'.”
a. locker b. safe place c. spot d. dance floor
7. "I can't thrash Aunt March, so I suppose I shall have to bear it." And Jo resigned herself with a sigh.”
a. slam b. copy c. criticize d. tease