Rikki Tikki Tavi Test

What does the word "cunningly" most likely mean in the sentence below? "There, in the warm litter about the melons, very cunningly hidden, he found twenty-five eggs, about the size of a bantam's eggs, but with whitish skin instead of shell."

• Carefully and skillfully

• Messily and carelessly

• Loudly and clumsily

• Slowly and lazily

What does the word "cowered" most likely mean in the sentence below? "Darzee and his wife only cowered down in the nest without answering, for from the thick grass at the foot of the bush there came a low hiss — a horrid cold sound that made Rikki-tikki jump back two clear feet."

• Stood up tall and proud

• Hid in fear and shrank back

• Ran quickly toward the danger

• Made a loud and angry noise

What does "singed" most likely mean in the sentence below? "He was dizzy, aching, and felt shaken to pieces when something went off like a thunderclap just behind him; a hot wind knocked him senseless, and red fire singed his fur."

• Burned slightly

• Covered in water

• Blown away

• Frozen solid

What does "cultivated" mean in the sentence below? "It was a large garden, only half cultivated, with bushes as big as summer-houses of Marshal Niel roses, lime and orange trees, clumps of bamboos, and thickets of high grass."

• Overgrown and abandoned

• Neatly cared for and farmed

• Filled with only weeds and dirt

• Used as a home for wild animals

What does Nag’s introduction to Rikki reveal about his personality?

• He is arrogant and wants to intimidate Rikki.

• He is kind and willing to share his territory.

• He is fearful and unsure of Rikki’s strength.

• He is uninterested in Rikki and ignores him.

What type of conflict is introduced between Rikki and Nag?

• Character vs. Self – Rikki struggles with his own fears.

• Character vs. Character – Rikki and Nag are natural enemies.

• Character vs. Nature – Rikki must survive in the wild.

• Character vs. Society – Rikki is not accepted by the other animals.

How does Nag and Nagaina’s conversation about attacking the family reveal their personalities?

• Nag is the true leader, and Nagaina follows his orders.

• Nagaina is more cunning and strategic than Nag.

• They both want to make peace with Rikki and the humans.

• Nag is hesitant, while Nagaina tries to convince him to leave.

What does Rikki’s reaction to being woken up by Teddy’s parents reveal about his character?

• He is proud but does not seek attention for his bravery.

• He is upset that they disturbed his sleep.

• He demands a reward for his efforts.

• He feels guilty for his actions against the snakes.

What does the contrast between Rikki’s curiosity and the fear of the other animals suggest about his role in the story?

• He is inexperienced and does not understand the dangers in the garden.

• He is meant to be a leader who brings change to the environment.

• He is reckless and will cause more harm than good.

• He is an outsider who does not belong in the garden.

What does the phrase “the garden was his kingdom” mean in the story?

• The garden is a place where Rikki-Tikki enjoys peace.

• Rikki-Tikki is the protector and ruler of the garden.

• The garden is dangerous and full of snakes.

• Rikki-Tikki is afraid to enter the garden.