The Mermaids’ Lagoon
by J.M. Barrie from Peter Pan
Chapter 8 passage: Neverland in J. M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" is a magical place full of interesting people and wonderous beings. This passage tells about the characters' interaction with some of the mermaids who live in the Neverland lagoon. Students will read the passage and explain some of the language in it by using context clues.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Mermaids’ Lagoon
by J.M. Barrie from Peter Pan
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.
- Lagoon
- Contrary
- Civil
- Bask
- Intentionally
- Cheeky
- Utter
- Strict
- Interlopers
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “The children often spent long summer days on this lagoon, swimming or floating most of the time, playing the mermaid games in the water, and so forth.”
a. island b. boat c. raft d. body of water
2) “You must not think from this that the mermaids were on friendly terms with them: on the contrary…”
a. similar b. opposite c. imaginary d. list
3) “…it was among Wendy’s lasting regrets that all the time she was on the island she never had a civil word from one of them.”
a. swear b. angry c. unkind d. polite
4) “When she stole softly to the edge of the lagoon she might see them by the score, especially on Marooners’ Rock, where they loved to bask…”
a. sunbathe b. have fun c. hike d. walk
5) “…splashing her with their tails, not by accident, but intentionally.”
a. purposefully b. accidentally c. mistakenly d. thoughtlessly
6) “They treated all the boys in the same way, except of course Peter, who chatted with them on Marooners’ Rock by the hour, and sat on their tails when they got cheeky.”
a. silly b. offensive/rude c. tired d. curious
7) “The most haunting time at which to see them is at the turn of the moon, when they utter strange wailing cries…”
a. avoid b. prevent c. express d. create
8) “…because she had strict rules about every one being in bed by seven.”
a. loose b. many c. few d. rigid
9) “Nevertheless we have proof that they secretly watched the interlopers, and were not above taking an idea from them…”
a. crooks b. intruders c. helpers d. vacationers