Shrewd Todie Comprehension Quiz

1. [Vocabulary] Todie's nickname is "Shrewd Todie." What does the word shrewd suggest about Todie?

• He is clever.
• He is a storyteller.
• He is very poor.
• He is a thief.

2. [Vocabulary] What is the meaning of the word stinginess as used in the sentence from the story? "Because of his stinginess, he was known as Lyzer the Miser."

• not kind
• not cheap
• not generous
• not poor

3. [Fact] What reason does Todie give for wanting to borrow a silver spoon?

• He wants to watch it give birth.
• His family is celebrating Passover.
• His daughter's admirer is coming over.
• He needs it to eat borscht.

4. [Sequence] What does Todie do right after taking Lyzer's candlesticks?

• He goes to the rabbi and gets a divorce.
• He returns home and gives them to Shaindel.
• He returns home and set them on a table.
• He goes to a merchant and sells them.

5. [Inference] Based on her decision to keep the money on page 64, what is most important to Shaindel?

• taking care of her family
• being very rich
• getting revenge on Lyzer
• being very clever

6. [Inference] On page 61, what is the most likely reason that Lyzer interrupts Todie to tell him he can borrow another spoon?

• He is surprised that Todie is asking for another spoon.
• He is eager to get back to eating his borscht.
• He is annoyed that Todie talks too much.
• He is excited to find out if the spoon gives birth.

7. [Summary] What is Todie's main problem in the story?

• marrying off his oldest daughter
• feeding his wife and children
• tricking the village rabbi
• stealing Lyzer's goat