Adrift at Sea Reading Comprehension

What is the MOST LIKELY reason Tuan and his mother leave Vietnam?

• for vacation

• because of the Vietnam war

• to be with Tuan's grandparents

• because there has been a dangerous earthquake

Where in Vietnam is Tuan from?

Why do Ma and Tuan leave without Van, the little sister? Give evidence from the text.

How do you think Tuan feels as he runs to the boats? Give evidence from the text.

On page 12, what do you think "scrabbles" means?

• a type of boat

• walks nervously

• clambers or climbs

• waddles like a penguin

Why does Tuan put his shirt on his head? Give evidence from the text.

What is Ma and Nghia's reward for bailing (helping to remove water from the ship)?

• milk

• a new life in America

• a new ship

• a bottle of water

On the third day, what makes one man say "We're all going to die."?

• the boat catches fire

• the boat leaks

• the motor stops working

• the motor makes a strange noise

On p29, what do you think the dolphins are a sign of?

• danger

• hope

• playfulness

• saltwater

On p33, what is a challenge of getting on the American ship? Give evidence from the text.