"The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree" Context Clues

"The wise folk said the old woman in the sky was picking her geese, for the Appalachian Mountains lay blanketed with snow." Which word below could replace "blanketed?"

• revealed

• covered

• disclosed

• exposed

"It is the custom in our village," said Papa. What is the definition of "custom?"

• the irregularities

• the departure

• the difference

• the practice

"Other years the holler folk may bring a cedar to spread its fragrance throughout the village." What is the best meaning of the word "fragrance?"

• odor

• stink

• aroma

• stench

"The balsam grows up the rocky craigs where only a venturesome man may go." Which word below means the same as "venturesome?"

• intelligent

• afraid

• coward

• daring

"That year the timber was not cut." What is timber?

• the wood of growing trees

• vegetable grown in the garden

• vegetation grown in a valley

• corn growing in the fields to be cut

"Together they tended the little garden, growing vegetables to eat." What does the word "tended" mean?

• action or operation

• take care of

• think a certain way

• to lead on a journey

"The preacher said the benediction, and St. Nicholas wished to one and all a Happy Christmas." Which word below means the same as "benediction?"

• disfavor

• prayer

• criticism

• song

"When the program was over, Ruthie went to sit with Mama on the front pew? Using context clues, what is a "pew?"

• bench

• slip

• stall

• smell

"Then the three kings came walking down the aisle, carrying lard pails filled with Christmas treat pokes. Each bag contained a soft peppermint stick, some chocolate drops, an orange, and some hazelnuts." What is a "poke?"

• push

• shove

• bag

• move slowly

"I had hoped you would heed my wish, said the preacher." What does it mean to "heed?"

• take

• carry

• disregard

• obey