5.2 - Comprehension

What was the Big Bend Tunnel?

• the tunnel under the English Channel

• a subway tunnel in New York City

• a railroad tunnel through mountains

• a tunnel made by Captain Tommy

What is the sound of John Henry's hammer like?

• a crash of thunder

• the splashing of waves

• a lion's roar

• the hum of a car's motor

What does the selection say John Henry always did while driving steel?

• He challenged his fellow workers to races.

• He stopped frequently to rest.

• He drank lots of water.

• He sang.

What conclusion can you draw about Captain Tommy's offer of the money and the suit?

• He does not think John Henry can win.

• He wants steam drills to replace steel drivers.

• He wants to encourage John Henry to win.

• He wants to make Polly Ann happy.

What happens to the suit of clothes that John Henry wins?

• They will be given to Captain Tommy.

• He wears them to a party the next weekend.

• His wife gives them to her brother.

• He is buried in them.

What is the difference between what the company men and the steel-driving men think will happen in the contest?

• Company men think John has no chance. Steel drivers think he can win.

• Company men think John has a chance. Steel drivers think he doesn't.

• Company men think John has no chance. Steel drivers don't think so either.

• Company men think John has a small chance and Steel drivers thinks no.

Why does John Henry ask for a new hammer?

• His old one is feeling too heavy and he wants a lighter one so he can win.

• His old one is feeling too light and he wants an even lighter one to win.

• His old one is feeling too light and he wants a heavier one so he can win.

• His old one is feeling too plain and he wants a new shiny one.

Why does John Henry name his new hammer Polly Ann?

• John Henry names his old hammer in honor of his wife.

• John Henry names his new hammer in honor of his wife.

• John Henry names his new hammer in honor of his captain.

• John Henry names his new hammer Ann Polly.

Why does John Henry die at the end of the selection?

• He pushes himself too hard in the contest and his hands give out.

• He pushes himself too hard in the contest and he goes to sleep.

• He pushes himself too hard in the contest and his head starts hurting.

• He pushes himself too hard in the contest and his heart gives out.

What is different about how John Henry dies in the selection and how the real John Henry probably died?

• The real John Henry probably died in an accident, and not after a contest.

• The real John Henry probably just died from old age.

• The real John Henry probably died from competing with the machine.

• The real John Henry probably never died.