WorksheetsShort Story: Surprise! — Reading Comprehension (Grade 12)
Total questions: 17
Worksheet time: 9mins
Directions: Select the correct answer. Based on the short story Surprise!, what is the main idea of the story?
Emma wants to surprise her husband for his birthday.
Emma wants to surprise her sister for her birthday.
Emma wants a birthday party for herself.
Emma wants to surprise her brother.
Directions: Select the correct answer. In Surprise!, what does Emma decide to do to prepare the present without Jerry knowing?
She tells her husband about the present.
She asks her husband to find out what he wants.
She tells him about the secret.
She uses a secret technique.
Directions: Select the correct answer. In the story Surprise!, why does Emma want to keep everything as a secret?
Emma wants it to be a surprise.
Emma wants to tell her sister-in-law.
Emma likes to have a birthday party.
Emma wants her husband to have a birthday party for her.
Directions: Select the correct answer. How does Emma decide to use the secret technique for the surprise in Surprise!?
She tells her brother to help her.
She tells her friend to help her.
She listens very carefully for clues.
She tells her husband to help her.
Directions: Select the correct answer. In Surprise!, how does Emma discover what Jerry wants for his birthday?
Emma’s sister-in-law, Mary talks to him.
Emma’s sister talks to him.
Emma asks him to tell her.
Emma’s mom asks Jerry.
Directions: Select the correct answer. In Surprise!, what does Emma think that Jerry wants for his birthday?
speakers
computer
sneakers
cell phone
Directions: For #s 7–10, select the correct definition for each word. approaching
to speak or act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact is not
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
come near or nearer to someone or something
a skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something
Directions: For #s 7–10, select the correct definition for each word. technique
to speak or act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact is not
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
come near or nearer to someone or something
a skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something
Directions: For #s 7–10, select the correct definition for each word. pretend
to speak or act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact is not
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
come near or nearer to someone or something
a skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something
Directions: For #s 7–10, select the correct definition for each word. clues
to speak or act so as to make it appear that something is the case when in fact is not
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
come near or nearer to someone or something
a skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something
Directions: Select the correct definition for the word wonder.
assign responsibility for a fault or wrong
desire or be curious to know something
a feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness
Directions: Select the correct definition for the word blame.
assign responsibility for a fault or wrong
desire or be curious to know something
a feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness
Directions: Select the correct definition for the word excitement.
assign responsibility for a fault or wrong
desire or be curious to know something
a feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness
Directions: Answer each question with complete sentences in the space provided. At the end of the story, when Emma gives the present to Jerry, which statement best explains Jerry’s reaction and whether he got what he wanted, supported by evidence from the story?
Jerry was surprised because the gift was unexpected and different from what he had asked for, as shown by his shocked reaction.
Jerry was not surprised because he had chosen the gift earlier and knew exactly what Emma would give him, as shown by his calm response.
Jerry was angry because he received nothing at all, as shown by him leaving without speaking.
Jerry was confused because he did not recognize Emma, as shown by him asking who she was.
Directions: Answer each question with complete sentences in the space provided. What does related mean, and how are Jerry and Emma related? Choose the option that best matches the meaning and relationship described in the story.
Related means connected by family; Jerry and Emma are married.
Related means having the same job; Jerry and Emma are coworkers.
Related means living in the same neighborhood; Jerry and Emma are neighbors.
Related means sharing a hobby; Jerry and Emma are teammates.
Directions: Answer each question with complete sentences in the space provided. Which approach best describes how to decide what birthday present to buy for someone and how to respond if the person does not want or need the gift?
Consider the person’s interests and needs, ask for hints, keep the receipt, and politely offer to exchange the gift if it isn’t useful.
Buy the most expensive item available and insist they keep it even if they dislike it.
Choose something you personally want so you can use it if they refuse it.
Ignore the person’s preferences and select a random item without a gift receipt.
Directions: Answer each question with complete sentences in the space provided. Which explanation best supports why the story is titled "Surprise" using three specific types of details?
The title fits because the characters plan a secret gift, the recipient does not expect it, and the ending reveals an unexpected twist.
The title fits because nothing unusual happens, the characters follow a routine, and the ending is fully predictable.
The title fits because the story is about a calendar of holidays, includes no gifts, and ends with a schedule.
The title fits because the setting changes locations often, features travel descriptions, and concludes with a map.
