Copy of The History of the "Slinky"

Why did Richard James make the first Slinky?

• He liked to play with toys.
• He was trying to make something for a ship.
• He wanted to make a lot of money.
• He was trying to make a part for his car.

Part A – What does the word “couple” mean in Paragraph 4?

• two people who are together
• three people who live in a house
• two people who don’t know each other
• three people who have an argument

Part B – Which words help you define “couple” from Part A? Put a check mark before the words.

• Betty loved it too!
• Richard and Betty,
• turn the invention
• into a new toy

How much money did Richard James borrow to start making Slinkys?

• $20
• $250
• $400
• $500

Before he made toys, what was Richard James’ job?

• a department store worker
• an engineer
• a telephone line worker
• a sailor

Why did Slinkys become so popular? Write a checkmark BEFORE the TWO reasons.

• They did not cost a lot of money.
• They were demonstrated at Christmas time.
• They were sold on ships
• They were part of a Broadway play.
• They had a commercial with a catchy jingle.

Part A - In which paragraph would you find a definition of the word, slinky?

• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Part B – What is the definition of the word from Part A?

• a new toy
• a fun time
• to repair a ship
• to move gracefully

How did Richard James react when he knocked the Slinky off the shelf?

• surprised
• angry
• confused
• frustrated

What is the central idea of the passage?

• Slinkys make good Christmas presents.
• A Slinky is a popular toy that was made by accident.
• Richard and Betty are very nice people.
• A Slinky is a toy that people don’t like anymore.