WorksheetsThe Gift of the Magi
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 1hrs 15mins
How does the first paragraph develop the plot of the story?
It illustrates how rude Della is.
It illustrates how independent Della is.
It illustrates how expensive it is to live in London.
It illustrates how concerned with money Della is.
Which of the following answer choices best states a theme from the story?
Your status doesn’t define you.
Beauty isn’t everything.
It’s the thought that counts.
Unselfish love is the greatest gift.
Which of the following pieces of textual evidence best demonstrates the theme of the story?
“One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.”
"Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present. I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs. And now suppose you put the chops on."
“Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to find it.”
“The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men.”
What is the purpose of paragraph 5’s discussion of the name “Dillingham”?
It acts as a symbol of their decreasing wealth.
It shows that they do not like their last name.
It shows that last names are not important.
It shows that Jim comes from a wealthy family but is not worthy of the family name.
What does the term “pier-glass” mean, as it is used in paragraph 7?
decorative glass
a mirror
a wall
a shiny floor
Which detail from the text best supports the answer to the meaning of the word pier-glass?
“Perhaps you have seen a pier-glass in an $8 flat.” (Paragraph 7)
“…by observing his reflection…” (Paragraph 7)
“Della, being slender, had mastered the art.” (Paragraph 7)
“…whirled from the window and stood before the glass.” (Paragraph 8)
Reread paragraph 45. How are Jim and Della similar to the Magi?
Jim and Della are shopping for Christmas presents; the Magi invented the tradition of giving Christmas presents
Jim and Della make great sacrifices to give each other special Christmas gifts
Jim and Della are poor, and cannot give each other what they want for Christmas
Jim and Della are deeply religious, and hold the Magi in high esteem
What is Della’s concern as she waits for Jim to come home?
She worries that Jim won’t like the present.
She is concerned that he won’t like the chops that she is making for dinner.
She is concerned because Jim is arriving home later than usual.
She is concerned that he will no longer think she is pretty.
How is the idea of family portrayed in the story?
A mother with many children
two parents and a baby
a husband and wife
a husband, a wife, and their friends
Della’s hair and Jim’s watch have always been a source of ____________ for the two of them.
pride
shame
happiness
nervousness
“There was nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl.” This quotation shows Della’s sense of __________.
control
anger
loneliness
helplessness
Della’s finest possession is her hair. “Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window … just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.” This reference alludes to a famous ancient Arabian monarch known for her wealth and beauty. The purpose of this comparison is to show how _____ Della’s hair is.
blonde
shiny
decent
magnificent
What is the tone of the story?
cautionary
sad
irritated
affectionate
Jim’s reaction to Della’s gift shows that he is…
appreciative
forgiving
mean
disapproving
The author considers Della and Jim wise because…
They chose gifts that were expensive.
They chose gifts that they knew could not be exchanged.
They chose gifts that they knew that the other would like.
They chose gifts that were true expressions of their love.
