PART ONE: To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 1-11
PDF: To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapter 1-11
ANSWERS To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapter 1-11
Or copy questions from the list below.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 1
1) The telling of the story begins with a description of what injury?
A. Scout’s sprained ankle
B. Jem’s broken arm
C. Atticus’ bruised face
D. Calpurnia’s missing finger
2) The narrator explains how her ancestor, Simon Finch, moved from England to…
A. New York.
B. California.
C. Alabama.
D. Kansas.
3) What event led to the Finch family losing most of their wealth?
A. “A small matter of murder between sisters”
B. “The disturbance between the North and the South”
C. “The minor insult to French dignity”
D. Trick question! They are still extremely wealthy.
4) What does the narrator’s father do for a living?
A. Farmer
B. Sheriff
C. He “buys cotton” (does nothing)
D. Lawyer
5) What does Calpurnia do for a living?
A. Cashier / store clerk
B. Cook / caregiver
C. Farmer / horse trainer
D. Lawyer / sheriff
6) What nickname does Charles Baker Harris go by?
A. Pancho
B. Dill
C. Bulldozer
D. Sass
7) Jem Finch and the new boy have a fistfight over…
A. Football teams.
B. A girl at school.
C. The last piece of cake.
D. Trick question! They do not have a fistfight.
8) What is one activity the kids use to entertain themselves?
A. Acting out stories
B. A new spin on soccer
C. Chalk on the sidewalk
D. Collecting butterflies and insects
9) What did Boo Radley do to get arrested by the town the second time?
A. Stole a police horse
B. Stabbed his father with scissors
C. Blocked the road with piles of rocks
D. Went on a date with the judge’s daughter
10) Which words accurately describe the late (passed away) Mr. Radley (the father)?
A. Mean and unfriendly
B. Wealthy and fun
C. Sensitive and caring
D. Creative and unpredictable
SHORT ANSWER:
Describe the “dare” that Jem must complete to prove his bravery.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 2
1) What new experience does Scout look forward to at the start of Chapter 2?
A. Riding in an airplane
B. Going to a swimming pool
C. Starting school
D. Visiting the dentist
2) Jem tells Scout that when she is at school she should try to…
A. Leave him alone.
B. Look mean and tough.
C. Raise her hand for every question.
D. Sit in the back of the room.
3) Miss Caroline clearly disapproves that Scout is so good at…
A. Spitting.
B. Spying on the adults.
C. Playing baseball.
D. Reading.
4) Which words accurately describe young Walter and the other Cunninghams?
A. Lazy and dishonest
B. Snobby and self-important
C. Poor but proud
D. Courageous but foolish
5) The professionals of Maycomb are used to being paid…
A. In produce like vegetables and firewood.
B. In full BEFORE they do the work.
C. In money from other countries.
D. Trick question! They do not get paid.
6) Why does Dill get sent to the principal?
A. Fighting with Scout
B. Shooting spitballs at the blackboard
C. Coming to school with mice in his backpack and pockets
D. Trick question! This did not happen.
7) What punishment does Miss Caroline give Scout?
A. Scout gets sent to the principal’s office.
B. She makes Scout dig in a coal mine.
C. She makes Scout stand in the closet.
D. She taps Scout’s hand with a ruler.
8) Which words describe Miss Caroline?
A. Young and inexperienced
B. Old and grumpy
C. Wild and fun
D. Huge and psychotic
SHORT ANSWER: Explain how Scout manages to start school “on the wrong foot” (poorly).
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 3
1) What does Scout do to make Walter Cunningham feel better?
A. She gives him some candy.
B. She kisses him on the cheek.
C. She compliments his treehouse.
D. Trick question! She beats him up.
2) What does Jem do to make Walter Cunningham feel better?
A. He picks him first for the baseball team.
B. He invites him to lunch.
C. He lends him some comic books.
D. Trick question! He beats him up.
3) What unusual habit does Walter Cunningham exhibit (show)?
A. He wears his clothes inside out.
B. He always gives his answer to a question two times.
C. He pours syrup on all his food.
D. He sings when he is urinating.
4) How does Atticus correct Scout’s behavior regarding her treatment of guests?
A. He scolds her and makes her clean up after everybody.
B. He gives her a spanking in front of her friends.
C. He points to the naughty corner every time she makes a mistake.
D. Trick question! It is Calpurnia who corrects Scout’s behavior.
5) According to the narrator, little Chuck Little was a born…
A. Gentleman.
B. Criminal / villain.
C. Comedian / performer.
D. Animal trainer.
6) What is unusual about the Ewell kids?
A. They are obsessed with staying clean.
B. They ride horses to and from school.
C. They have invented their own language.
D. They only attend school one day a year.
7) Why do the kids in Scout’s class decide to be sweet to Miss Caroline?
A. Atticus tells the kids about Miss Caroline’s tough situation.
B. They witness her being verbally abused.
C. The principal threatens the entire first grade with detention.
D. They are setting her up for an elaborate prank.
8) Scout and Atticus make an agreement that Scout will go back to school if Atticus…
A. Fires Calpurnia.
B. Permanently discontinues use of the naughty corner.
C. Continues to read to her.
D. Trick question! They reach no agreement.
9) Which choice accurately reflects Atticus Finch as a father?
A. Strict and cruel
B. Uninterested and uninvolved
C. Silly and unpredictable
D. Calm and reasonable
SHORT ANSWER:
Describe the situation that led to Burris being sent home from school early.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 4
1) As Scout gets used to school, she changes her mind and decides that…
A. School is fun.
B. School is difficult but important.
C. School is where you make new friends.
D. Trick question! She does not change her mind.
2) Where does Scout find free chewing gum?
A. In a tree
B. In Jem’s trunk
C. Deep inside Gopher Cave
D. Under a park bench
3) Which of these is something that the kids find in the secret spot?
A. Magazines
B. Coins
C. Playing cards
D. A bottle of perfume
4) What is one thing that Scout eagerly anticipates (looks forward to) in her summer vacation?
A. Camping and hunting
B. Not having to read
C. Dill returning to town
D. Getting to play with the dogs
5) What new game does Jem invent?
A. The roof diving game
B. The kids’ courtroom game
C. The Boo Radley game
D. The hot steams game
6) How is the kids’ new play different from their previous dramas?
A. Scout gets to be the main character.
B. It is about real people that they know.
C. It is based on a movie that they all have seen.
D. There are no speaking parts.
7) What does Scout think of Dill’s acting ability?
A. He is a great actor.
B. He is a terrible actor.
C. He can only play the heroes.
D. Trick question! Dill refuses to play a role.
8) What does Jem call Scout when he wants to criticize her and get a reaction?
A. Dunce-cap
B. Cleopatra
C. Mop-top
D. A girl
9) What secret does Scout keep about her incident at the Radley house?
A. The inside of the house was filthy and infested with bugs.
B. She broke the railing on the steps.
C. She could hear someone laughing.
D. It may have looked like an accident, but she went there on purpose.
SHORT ANSWER:
Explain how Scout Finch ends up standing at the Radley’s porch.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 5
1) Why does Scout grow frustrated with Dill?
A. Dill is ignoring her.
B. Dill will not leave her alone.
C. Dill refuses to share.
D. Trick question! She is not frustrated.
2) Miss Maudie likes to joke around with the kids, but her passion is for…
A. Studying the Bible.
B. Washing her feet.
C. Plants.
D. Poetry.
3) Scout’s Uncle Jack pesters (annoys) Miss Maudie by…
A. Mixing up her socks.
B. Playing opera records at full volume with his window open.
C. Asking her to marry him.
D. Moving her furniture around the house.
4) Dill and Jem ensnare (trap) Scout into a scheme to…
A. Break into the corner store at night.
B. Take the bus to Mobile.
C. Deliver a note to Boo Radley.
D. Take a photograph of Boo Radley.
5) Which option identifies a subject about which Dill will frequently lie?
A. His age
B. His father
C. His grades
D. Trick question! Dill is known for telling the truth.
6) What puts an end to Dill and Jem’s latest scheme before they can complete their mission?
A. Atticus catches them in the act.
B. Dill falls out of the wagon and hurts himself.
C. Scout tells Miss Maudie what they are planning.
D. The janitor hears them flipping over the trash cans.
7) What does Jem Finch want to be when he grows up?
A. Fighter plane pilot
B. Egyptian pharaoh
C. Firefighter
D. Lawyer
SHORT ANSWER: Explain the details of Jem and Dill’s failed scheme in Chapter 5.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 6
1) At the start of Chapter 6, the school year is…
A. About to start.
B. Coming to an end.
C. Half-way through (winter break).
D. Being extended (made longer).
2) Which of the kids is opposed to trying to get a peek at Boo Radley at night?
A. Cecil
B. Jem
C. Scout
D. Dill
3) What stops Jem from trying to look in the second window?
A. The shadow of a man is moving toward them.
B. The pigs in the pen start to attack him.
C. Scout runs down the street and starts screaming.
D. Trick question! He looks in the second window and sees Boo Radley.
4) What happens as Jem, Dill, and Scout are making their escape?
A. Dill falls down a well.
B. A pack of neighborhood dogs chases after them.
C. Someone shoots a gun.
D. Cecil Jacobs takes a photo.
5) What clue does Jem leave behind at the scene of the crime?
A. His magnifying glass
B. An anonymous (no name) note
C. His pants
D. His hat
6) Jem’s mission to retrieve the evidence that he left behind is thwarted (ruined) by…
A. Mr. Radley’s dog.
B. A sudden rainstorm.
C. A tattletale named Scout Finch.
D. Trick question! Jem succeeds.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 7
1) When Jem went back to find his missing pants, …
A. The dogs had chewed them up.
B. Mr. Radley caught him and beat him.
C. They were repaired and folded.
D. Trick question! He did not go back for them.
2) What is something NOT found in the tree in this chapter?
A. A ball of twine
B. Soap carvings
C. A watch
D. TV remote
3) What is one subject that Jem is studying in grade 6?
A. Shakespeare’s plays
B. World War II
C. Ancient Egypt
D. Aerodynamics (planes and flight)
4) What do Jem and Scout attempt to leave in the tree?
A. A note
B. Miss Maudie
C. Fishing hooks
D. A piece of cake
5) What does Mr. Nathan Radley leave in the tree hiding spot?
A. Insect poison
B. A comic book
C. Cement
D. A bottle of holy water
6) According to Atticus, the tree on the corner is…
A. Sick.
B. Healthy.
C. Cursed (bad luck).
D. Charmed (good luck).
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 8
1) What natural phenomenon causes Scout to exclaim, “The world’s endin’, Atticus!”?
A. An earthquake
B. A flash flood
C. Snow falling
D. The cicadas swarming
2) According to Mr. Avery’s understanding of the Rosetta Stone (from the year 196 BCE), what causes the seasons to change?
A. Homeless spirits
B. Energy waves from the moon
C. Bad children
D. The mood of the emperor
3) What is the secret ingredient Jem uses to make a warm-climate snowman?
A. Dirt
B. Glue
C. Sheets and blankets
D. Ice cubes
4) Jem decides to make his snowman resemble (look like)…
A. Franklen D. Roosevelt, the president.
B. Loretta Young, a film actress.
C. Babe Ruth, a baseball legend.
D. Mr. Avery, his neighbor.
5) How does Atticus react when he sees Jem’s creation?
A. He is angry.
B. He is insulted.
C. He is impressed.
D. Trick question! Jem destroys it before his father can see it.
6) When Miss Maudie’s house catches fire, Atticus tells Jem and Scout to…
A. Stay in the house no matter what.
B. Stand outside in the cold.
C. Run down the street and switch on the emergency siren.
D. Help the fire department carry things.
7) What clue suggests that Scout did not obey Atticus?
A. A blanket
B. Her dirty face
C. A burnt branch
D. A jar of jelly
8) Scout was so focused on the emergency, that she did not notice…
A. Jem’s broken arm.
B. Boo Radley’s arrival.
C. The tub overflowing.
D. The wolves howling.
9) How does Miss Maudie react to losing her house?
A. She is angry and blames the town’s fire department.
B. She is overwhelmed by sadness.
C. She does not seem bothered about it.
D. Trick question! She is out of town.
SHORT ANSWER:
Describe how the people of the town react when Miss Maudie’s house catches fire.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 9
1) What issue does Cecil Jacobs bring up that causes Scout to fight him?
A. Scout wearing a dress
B. Last year’s spelling contest
C. How Scout is afraid of Calpurnia
D. Scout’s father’s job
2) Atticus tells Scout that Tom Robinson will win his court case because…
A. The truth is plain to see.
B. Everyone knows that the Ewells are dishonest.
C. He (Atticus) is the best lawyer around.
D. Trick question! Atticus is certain that they will lose.
3) What about Cousin Ike Finch makes him unique?
A. He fought in the Civil War.
B. He can juggle and sing at the same time.
C. He lives in a cave in the mountains.
D. He has six fingers on his right hand.
4) Uncle Jack gives Scout a lecture (talking to) regarding her…
A. Clothing.
B. Language.
C. Grades.
D. Generosity (or lack of).
5) What does Atticus (with help from Uncle Jack) give Scout and Jem for Christmas?
A. A puppy and a kitten
B. A trip to Birmingham, the big city
C. Air rifles
D. Samurai (practice) swords
6) What does Aunt Alexandra think of Scout?
A. She thinks Scout needs to behave more like a young lady.
B. She thinks Scout needs to care more about the needy.
C. She thinks Scout is perfect just the way she is.
D. She thinks Scout should focus on gymnastics and compete in the Olympics.
7) What prevents Scout from beating up her cousin Francis on Christmas?
A. She thinks about the message in a hymn from church.
B. She remembers the promise that she made to Atticus.
C. Her brother drags her away so that she can cool off.
D. Trick question! She beats him up.
8) What lesson does Scout teach Uncle Jack about kids?
A. You cannot trust anything that they say.
B. Never turn your back to an enemy.
C. Hear both sides of the story before anyone gets punished.
D. They will follow your example more than your instructions.
9) Atticus secretly wants Scout to eavesdrop (listen in) to his conversation about…
A. Why young girls decide to become young ladies.
B. Why the Finch family is better than all the rest.
C. The impending (occurring soon) trial.
D. How much he misses Scout’s mother.
SHORT ANSWER:
Briefly describe what Scout and her family do every Christmas.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 10
1) Compared to the parents of Scout and Jem’s classmates, Atticus is…
A. Over-protective (fearful).
B. Strict.
C. Young.
D. Old.
2) Atticus says that killing a mockingbird is…
A. Good luck.
B. Harmless fun.
C. a sin.
D. Sad but necessary.
3) At the start of Chapter 10, Jem wishes his father was willing and able to…
A. Play football.
B. Make more money.
C. Find a wife.
D. Cook a decent meal.
4) Why is Calpurnia so concerned about a dog named Tim Johnson?
A. He is known to attack kids.
B. His owner is cruel to him.
C. He is sick with rabies.
D. Trick question! She is not concerned.
5) Why don’t the people of the town take Calpurnia’s warnings seriously?
A. Because she is a Black woman
B. Because she is known for letting her imagination run wild
C. Because she is always spreading worry
D. Trick Question! They do take her warnings seriously.
6) Why doesn’t the Sheriff shoot the dog?
A. He says that the dog is not doing any harm.
B. Atticus is a better shot.
C. The dog is someone else’s legal property.
D. His rifle is broken.
7) By the end of the chapter, Jem realizes that…
A. His father cannot help being over-protective.
B. His father is exceptional (special in a good way).
C. Scout will never stop acting like a boy.
D. Scout understands some things better than he does.
SHORT ANSWER: Briefly explain the history of Atticus Finch’s hidden talent.
COMPREHENSION: CHAPTER 11
1) What does Mrs. Dubose do whenever the Finch kids walk past her house?
A. Tries to give them cakes or candy
B. Goes inside and slams the door
C. Sings arias (opera songs)
D. Scolds and insults them
2) What does Jem buy Scout with some of his birthday money?
A. A baton for twirling
B. Some bait for noodling
C. Scissors for scrapbooking
D. A kazoo for heralding
3) When Jem decides to vandalize (damage on purpose) Mrs. Dubose’ property, he…
A. Throws a rock through a picture window.
B. Destroys her flower garden.
C. Writes curse words on her wall.
D. Breaks the slats of her fence.
4) What town legend circulates regarding Mrs. Dubose?
A. She has chests of treasure buried under her porch.
B. She killed her last husband with a piano.
C. She has an army pistol hidden in her skirts.
D. She eats three pounds of lima beans every day.
5) Jem and Scout think that the inside of Mrs. Dubose’ house is…
A. Fancy and rich.
B. Dingy and gross.
C. Spotless and bright.
D. Trick question! They refuse to go inside.
6) What does Jem have to do as part of his punishment?
A. Read aloud
B. Scrub floors
C. Sing opera
D. Run long distances
7) Instead of going with Jem to Mrs. Dubose’ house every day, Scout chooses to…
A. Learn to bake.
B. Paint pictures for Dill.
C. Shoot her air rifle.
D. Trick question! She goes with him.
8) Atticus explains to Jem and Scout why Mrs. Dubose is addicted to…
A. Drugs.
B. Cigarettes.
C. Dancing.
D. Shopping.
9) What gift does Mrs. Dubose leave Jem when she dies?
A. Her piano
B. A flower
C. Her opera records
D. A cigarette case
SHORT ANSWER:
What quality of Mrs. Dubose earns Atticus’ respect and admiration? Explain your answer.
PART TWO: To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 12-31
To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapter 12-31 PDF
ANSWERS To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapter 12-31
Or you can copy questions from the list below.
Chapter 12 Comprehension Questions
1) It is bothering Scout now that her brother wants to…
A. Beat her up and steal her lunch money.
B. Train her to be “a lean, mean, fighting machine.”
C. Act grown up and spend time alone.
D. Follow her around every moment of the day.
2) What is one reason why this summer is going to be a bummer for Scout?
A. Dill is not coming to stay.
B. Aunt Alexandra has moved away.
C. She must take care of Atticus every weekday evening.
D. She has been assigned to summer school.
3) The first purchase by the newly emancipated (freed) Black people of the town was…
A. A general store.
B. A bridge.
C. A church.
D. A tractor and other farming equipment.
4) How does Reverend Sykes react to the presence of the Finch children?
A. He ignores them completely.
B. He is quietly unhappy about them being on his farm.
C. He shames them and makes an example of them.
D. He is pleased and welcoming.
5) Reverend Sykes announces that the church collection will be…
A. Donated to “the cause” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the NAACP).
B. Going to help Helen Robinson.
C. Used to buy a new bell.
D. Cancelled since everyone is struggling.
6) Which choice is NOT a difference the kids notice in visiting Calpurnia’s church?
A. The sermon takes a positive view on women.
B. They sing by repeating the verses of a hymn leader.
C. The Reverend points out the failings of individual church members.
D. The congregation is shut inside until everyone donates.
7) How did Zeebo learn to read?
A. Atticus taught him.
B. He taught himself.
C. Calpurnia taught him.
D. Trick question! He cannot read.
8) What request does Scout make of Calpurnia?
A. To allow her to come visit
B. To make Jem stay out of her room
C. To stop cooking liver and onions
D. To teach her to dance
9) What surprise is waiting for the kids when they get home from Calpurnia’s church?
A. A police officer
B. A box of puppies
C. Aunt Alexandra
D. Dill Harris
SHORT ANSWER:
Explain what Scout means when she says that Calpurnia has lived a “double life.”
Chapter 13 Comprehension Questions
1) What is the reason for Aunt Alexandra coming to stay?
A. To fill in for Calpurnia while she is away
B. To be a positive influence on Scout
C. To find a suitable wife for Atticus
D. She had to sell Finch’s landing.
2) Which of these words accurately describe Aunt Alexandra?
A. Silly and unpredictable
B. Impolite and cruel
C. Confident and snobbish
D. Affectionate and understanding
3) When the ladies visiting the house meet Scout, Aunt Alexandra feels…
A. Embarrassed.
B. Proud.
C. Amused.
D. Trick question! Scout runs away.
4) The fraud that led to the founding of Maycomb involved…
A. Changing maps.
B. Writing newspaper articles.
C. Burying gold nuggets.
D. Moving burial sites and gravestones.
5) Which of the following statements about Maycomb is true?
A. The town is growing rapidly in population and size.
B. Most people come to work for a year or two and then move away.
C. Most families stay put for many generations.
D. The town is shrinking rapidly in population and size.
6) Aunt Alexandra has difficulty fitting in when she comes to live in town because…
A. She is not religious.
B. She does not care about family history or reputations.
C. People do not want to socialize with a “deadbeat.”
D. Trick question! She fits in immediately.
7) Cousin Joshua was famous for writing a book and for…
A. Marrying a woman with giantism.
B. Trying to shoot the president.
C. Building rockets in his barn and launching them.
D. Inventing a machine for shearing sheep.
8) Aunt Alexandra asks Atticus to give the kids a lecture (talking to) about…
A. Saving their money.
B. Why they should never shoot their air rifles at mockingbirds.
C. What it means to be a Finch.
D. Where babies come from / “The birds and the bees”
9) Scout knows that Aunt Alexandra is behind her father’s lecture. She finds the speech…
A. Upsetting.
B. Comical.
C. Boring.
D. Inspiring.
Chapter 14 Comprehension Questions
1) How do the people of the town react when they see Scout and Jem about?
A. They ignore them completely.
B. They make comments on their father’s behavior.
C. They push them and call them names.
D. They pat them and give them hugs.
2) Of what crime does Tom Robinson, Atticus’ client, accuse Bob Ewell?
A. Theft of land
B. Assault (beating him)
C. Arson (setting a fire)
D. Trick question! Tom is the accused.
3) Aunt Alexandra involves herself in the discussion and states that Scout may not…
A. Miss any school.
B. Join the baseball team.
C. Talk about marrying Dill Harris.
D. Go visit Calpurnia’s house.
4) How does Atticus respond to Alexandra’s demand that Calpurnia be dismissed?
A. He agrees without arguing.
B. He says they’ll talk about it later.
C. He firmly refuses and says Calpurnia is part of the family.
D. Trick question! It is Atticus who wants to dismiss Calpurnia.
5) Scout feels bad after her father and aunt argue. What does she do soon after?
A. She punches her brother in the face.
B. She makes a written vow (promise) to change her ways.
C. She runs away to live in the forest.
D. She cries herself to sleep.
6) What does Scout find unexpectedly under her bed one night?
A. A mockingbird
B. Dill Harris
C. Boo Radley
D. A raccoon
7) What is one comical behavior of Dill Harris?
A. He gives over-the-top, made-up explanations.
B. He always wears the same purple suit.
C. He answers every question with a question.
D. He acts like a dog whenever he wants to avoid something.
8) What is the real reason that Dill ran away from home?
A. He missed Scout.
B. He felt overdue for an adventure.
C. He felt ignored and unneeded.
D. Trick question! He did not run away; his mom sent him away.
9) How does Atticus react when he learns of Dill’s arrival?
A. He calmly gives him something to eat and calls Dill’s aunt.
B. He scolds Dill for causing trouble.
C. He tells Dill to leave immediately and go back to the train station.
D. Trick question! Atticus does not know that Dill is in Maycomb.
SHORT ANSWER:
Why does Scout feel confused and hurt by Jem’s behavior in Chapter 14?
Chapter 15 Comprehension Questions
1) Why do a group of men visit Atticus at his house in the evening?
A. To arrest Tom Robinson
B. To borrow a book
C. To warn him about possible trouble
D. To invite him to a church meeting
2) What (or who) does Atticus bring with him on his unusual nighttime mission?
A. An electric light
B. A basket full of sandwiches
C. A camera
D. Maudie Atkinson
3) How does Scout convince Jem to join her in following Atticus instead of going to bed?
A. She promises to do his chores.
B. She makes him worried about what might happen if they don’t.
C. She threatens to tell Aunt Alexandra what Jem has been up to.
D. Trick question! It is Jem who wants to follow Atticus.
4) The kids do not find Atticus at his courthouse office. Where do they find him?
A. Standing at the window in the store
B. Sitting at the front door of the jail
C. On a bench in the town’s bandstand
D. Trick question! They cannot find him.
5) When Atticus believes he is thinking two steps ahead of someone, he likes to say, …
A. “Don’t go betting the farm.”
B. “Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
C. “Do you really think so?”
D. “I may just be a simple country lawyer, but I know what’s what.”
6) Why does Scout run into the center of the threatening mob?
A. She wants to save Tom Robinson’s life.
B. She wants to save her father’s life.
C. She thinks something fun is about to happen.
D. She is scared to be alone in the dark.
7) A man in the mob explains that the Sheriff will not be coming to the Jail because…
A. They created a diversion (distraction) off in the woods.
B. They left him tied up in his house.
C. He agreed to stay out of their business.
D. Trick question! Sheriff Tate is with the men at the jail.
8) Which choice explains Atticus’ plan to stop the lynch mob?
A. Threaten the mob leader with a gun
B. Lie and tell them that Tom Robinson is hidden in a secret location
C. Meet with them and talk to them calmly
D. Take photographs of everyone present to use as evidence
9) Which choice is NOT something that Scout mentions to Mr. Cunningham?
A. His court case (entailment)
B. His son, Walter
C. Tom Robinson (the defendant)
D. The hickory nuts that he gave Atticus
10) Atticus has a secret ally hiding in the shadows with a shotgun. Who is it?
A. Calpurnia
B. Heck Tate (sheriff)
C. Boo Radley
D. Mr. Underwood (newspaper reporter)
SHORT ANSWER:
Explain how Scout accidentally defuses (makes harmless) the scary situation at the jail.
Chapter 16 Comprehension Questions
1) Aunt Alexandra instructs her brother Atticus that he should not…
A. Keep his promise to Judge Taylor.
B. Share gossip in front of Calpurnia.
C. Make Jem and Scout observe the trial.
D. Force himself to eat a big breakfast.
2) What does Atticus say about mobs in small towns?
A. They are always full of trouble-making strangers from out of town.
B. They are usually young people looking to act out.
C. They are made up of people you know.
D. They make a big show but never do anything serious.
3) What is the general attitude in Maycomb as the trial begins?
A. Fearful and tense
B. Excited and curious
C. Angry and dangerous
D. Uninterested and preoccupied (busy with other things)
4) Atticus tells Jem and Scout to attend the trial so that…
A. He can keep an eye on them.
B. They can learn how the justice system really works.
C. They can learn the truth about the people of Maycomb.
D. Trick question! He tells them to stay home.
5) What makes Mr. Dolphus Raymond unusual in the town of Maycomb?
A. He buys every downtown building that comes up for sale.
B. He is a retired circus performer.
C. He is white but lives with Black people.
D. He always says what is on his mind and offends everyone.
6) How did Atticus Finch become Tom Robinson’s lawyer?
A. The judge appointed (assigned) him.
B. He volunteered.
C. He lost a bet with another lawyer.
D. Calpurnia asked him to do it.
7) How do the kids find seats in the court?
A. Reverend Sykes gets them seats in the balcony.
B. Maudie Atkinson instructs them to sit in front next to Atticus.
C. Bob Ewell tells them to use the folding chairs in the back.
D. Trick question! They must listen through an open window.
8) The judge for the case, Judge Taylor, can be described as…
A. Energetic and easily confused.
B. Formal but amiable (friendly).
C. Attractive and charming.
D. Sleepy but commanding (in charge).
9) What is Judge Taylor’s disgusting habit?
A. Hanging his socks on his chair
B. Sniffing and snorting while talking
C. Chewing on cigars
D. Keeping lunch meat in his pockets
SHORT ANSWER:
Describe the scene at the courthouse on the first day of the trial. What do the kids observe?
Chapter 17 Comprehension Questions
1) Who is the first witness to give testimony?
A. Sheriff Heck Tate
B. Mayella Ewell
C. Bob Ewell
D. Tom Robinson
2) According to the testimony so far, Sheriff Tate finds Mayella Ewell…
A. Walking next to the road.
B. Waiting for him at his office.
C. Lying on the floor of her house.
D. In the emergency room at the hospital.
3) Where do the Ewell’s live?
A. In a cabin near the town dump
B. In an apartment above the drug store
C. On a dairy farm by the railroad tracks
D. In a beautiful mansion on top of a hill
4) What detail receives great attention from Atticus in his questioning?
A. The amount of sunlight at the time of the incident
B. The position of the Ewell’s front door
C. Mayella Ewell’s bruises
D. Sheriff Tate’s car
5) Based on his behavior in court, one can conclude that Bob Ewell is…
A. Serious and shrewd (careful in a smart way).
B. Nervous and fearful.
C. Sad and remorseful (full of regret).
D. Ignorant and childish.
6) According to the prosecution testimony, who witnessed the sexual assault occurring?
A. Bob Ewell
B. Sheriff Tate
C. Dolphus Raymond
D. Trick question! Nobody else witnessed the crime.
7) Who physically removes the kids when the testimony becomes sexually explicit?
A. Samuel Samuels, the bailiff
B. Reverend Sykes
C. Calpurnia
D. Trick question! No one removes the kids from the courtroom.
8) What detail about that evening’s events seems surprising to Atticus?
A. Nobody called for a doctor.
B. None of the neighbors heard anything.
C. The sun seemed to be setting more slowly than usual.
D. The gun was still hanging on the wall.
9) Atticus asks Bob Ewell to demonstrate how he …
A. Ties his fishing line.
B. Signs his name.
C. Puts a muzzle on his dog.
D. Jumps down from his porch.
SHORT ANSWER:
Briefly describe Bob Ewell’s behavior and tone while on the witness stand.
Chapter 18 Comprehension Questions
1) What is Mayella Ewell’s immediate reaction to being on the witness stand?
A. She starts to cry.
B. She laughs like it is no big deal.
C. She tries to run out of the courtroom.
D. She yells angrily at the judge.
2) According to Mayella, how did her interaction with Tom begin?
A. Tom broke through the front door.
B. She asked Tom to help with a chore.
C. Tom’s son was in a fight with Mayella’s younger brother, Burris.
D. Tom asked Mayella to drive him to town so he could buy groceries.
3) Mayella believes that Atticus is mocking her when he…
A. Tugs at his jacket pockets.
B. Pours her two glasses of water.
C. Calls her “ma’am” and “miss.”
D. Turns his back to her during the questioning.
4) What fact about Tom Robinson is revealed in this chapter?
A. He has two wives.
B. He went to college.
C. One of his arms doesn’t work.
D. This is not the first time he has been accused of sexual assault.
5) Atticus angers Mayella Ewell again when he asks…
A. If she has any better clothing.
B. Why her younger siblings cannot read.
C. About the geranium flowers in front of the house.
D. If she has any friends.
6) When the two little ones, Janice and Burrell, saw what was happening, they…
A. Run to get their father.
B. Did not really understand what they were seeing.
C. Tried (ineffectively) to attack Tom.
D. Trick question! None of the little ones were around.
7) At first Mayella doesn’t trust Atticus, but by the end of her questioning she…
A. Has warmed up to him.
B. Realizes that he is easy to manipulate.
C. Hates his guts.
D. Trick question! She trusts him at first.
8) Atticus’ questions suggest that Mayella Ewell was actually assaulted by…
A. Sheriff Tate.
B. Her father.
C. Boo Radly.
D. Nobody.
SHORT ANSWER:
Describe home life at the Ewell’s. Include any details that you can.
Chapter 19 Comprehension Questions
1) Tom was sent to jail previously because…
A. He was caught stealing from a store.
B. He was a suspect in a murder.
C. He was in a fight with another man.
D. He was found guilty of abusing his wife.
2) Why was Tom Robinson often near the Ewell home?
A. He passed by on his way to work.
B. He was paid to work at the dump.
C. He liked Mayella romantically.
D. Trick question! He was not often near the Ewell home.
3) According to Tom Robinson’s testimony, he helped Mayella…
A. In exchange for homecooked meals.
B. For nickels and dimes.
C. Just to be nice.
D. To repay her father for his help.
4) What was different about the Ewell’s house on the day of the incident?
A. All the kids were gone.
B. The house and yard were spotless.
C. There were trucks parked all around.
D. The electricity was turned off.
5) Who gets thrown out of the courtroom for being disruptive?
A. Helen Robinson, Tom’s wife
B. Heck Tate, the sheriff
C. Link Deas, a farmer
D. Mr. Underwood, a reporter
6) On the day in question, what did Robinson do when Bob Ewell came back to the house?
A. He hid in a wardrobe.
B. He ran away.
C. He explained the situation to Mr. Ewell.
D. Trick question! Ewell did not return.
7) How did Bob Ewell manage to apprehend (catch) Tom Robinson?
A. He knocked him out with a metal pipe.
B. He trapped him in a wardrobe.
C. Mr. Ewell and his friend ran after Tom and tackled him.
D. Trick question! Ewell did not catch Tom.
8) What upsets Dill during Mr. Gilmer’s cross-examination of Tom Robinson?
A. The loud yelling in the courtroom
B. The way Mr. Gilmer disrespects Tom
C. The judge angrily scolding Atticus
D. The jury’s reaction to Tom’s story
SHORT ANSWER: Describe what Mayella Ewell did according to Robinson’s testimony.
Chapter 20 Comprehension Questions
1) What does Mr. Raymond keep in the paper sack?
A. Bird seed
B. Coca-Cola
C. Wine
D. Whiskey
2) Why is Mr. Raymond inebriated (drunk) most of the time?
A. He is depressed about his son’s death.
B. He enjoys it and has nothing to do.
C. It helps him forget the cruelty of society.
D. Trick question! He is not.
3) What does Mr. Raymond think of Atticus?
A. Atticus is uncommonly good.
B. Atticus is a gullible fool.
C. He is doing wrong for the right reasons.
D. Mr. Raymond says that Atticus thinks he is superior, but it isn’t true.
4) During the closing arguments, Scout is shocked to witness her father…
A. Yell and pound his fists on the table.
B. Pass out and fall down.
C. Unbutton his vest and loosen his tie.
D. Move the American flag to the hallway.
5) What does Atticus say motivated (caused) Mayella to lie about Tom Robinson?
A. Her envy of Tom Robinson’s life.
B. Her desire to protect her father.
C. Her fear and guilt for breaking the social rules.
D. Her confusion and lack of mental capacity (ability to think).
6) According to Atticus, what is the one place where “all men [people] are created equal”?
A. America
B. Alabama
C. The voting booth
D. The courtroom
7) Who makes a surprise appearance in the courtroom at the end of Chapter 20?
A. Calpurnia
B. Boo Radley
C. The governor of Alabama
D. Jackie Robinson
SHORT ANSWER: Describe Mr. Raymond’s fraud (fooling others) and the reasons behind it.
Chapter 21 Comprehension Questions
1) Why does Calpurnia come to the courtroom?
A. To deliver Dr. Watson’s report on Mayella Ewell
B. To comfort Helen Robinson
C. To tell Atticus that his kids are missing
D. Trick question! She is not allowed to enter the courtroom.
2) How does Jem react to the scolding he receives from Calpurnia?
A. He feels ashamed, and he apologizes.
B. He laughs about it and takes it lightly.
C. He tells her that she cannot talk to him like that anymore.
D. He gets angry and blames his sister.
3) At the start of this chapter, Jem is confident that…
A. The judge will declare a mistrial; the case will require a do-over.
B. The jury will find Tom Robinson guilty.
C. The jury will say Tom Robinson is NOT guilty.
D. The jury will not return a verdict (hung jury).
4) The kids do not witness the jury delivering the verdict because…
A. It is a school day.
B. They are at home in their beds.
C. Aunt Alexandra makes them stay in the waiting room.
D. Trick Question! They do witness it.
5) How long did the jury take to reach a verdict?
A. Several years
B. Several days
C. Several hours
D. Less than ten minutes
6) What is the verdict in the case against Tom Robinson?
A. Guilty
B. NOT guilty
C. The Ewells must pay Tom Robinson
D. Trick question! There is no decision.
7) What do the Black people in the balcony do as the trial comes to an end?
A. They stand to honor Atticus.
B. They each toss a flower down to Tom.
C. They stand with their backs to the court.
D. They celebrate, cry, and hug.
SHORT ANSWER: Describe the mood in the courthouse as the people wait for the verdict.
Chapter 22 Comprehension Questions
1) What is Jem’s reaction to the jury’s verdict?
A. He cheers.
B. He shrugs it off (no reaction).
C. He cries.
D. He physically attacks Mr. Gilmer.
2) Atticus says it is not time to worry about Tom Robinson because…
A. Mayella Ewell can still drop the charges.
B. They are going to make an appeal.
C. The governor said he might pardon Tom Robinson if he was convicted.
D. Trick question! He says it is time to worry about Tom Robinson.
3) The Finch family is surprised when they wake up to discover…
A. Someone has painted a message on the side of their house.
B. Tom Robinson has escaped.
C. A lot of food is behind the house.
D. A limousine is parked outside.
4) How does Atticus act on the morning after the trial ends?
A. He stays in his room and will not talk to anyone.
B. He angrily quits his job.
C. He walks by himself for hours beside the river.
D. He acts like it is any normal day.
5) How does Miss Maudie tell Jem that she thinks he is growing up?
A. She gives him a full-sized piece of cake.
B. She gives him her dead brother’s suit.
C. She shakes his hand instead of hugging him.
D. She asks him to prepare her income tax documents.
6) What clue suggests that Judge Taylor wanted Tom Robinson to get a fair trial?
A. The fact that the trial was open to the public
B. Judge Taylor came out of retirement to preside over the case.
C. The selection of Atticus for the defense
D. He decided to hold the trial in a different town.
7) What is Dill’s most recent idea about what he wants to be when he grows up?
A. An outlaw
B. A judge
C. A lawyer
D. A clown
8) What juicy gossip spreads through Maycomb at the end of this chapter?
A. Bob Ewell has threatened Atticus.
B. Boo Radley has been arrested (again).
C. Mayella Ewell has dropped the charges.
D. The governor of Alabama is visiting Maycomb.
Chapter 23 Comprehension Questions
1) Why doesn’t Atticus take Bob Ewell’s threats seriously?
A. Ewell has already apologized.
B. Atticus believes that Ewell just needed to blow off steam.
C. He knows Ewell is headed to prison.
D. Trick question! Atticus is worried.
2) What is Aunt Alexandra’s reaction to Ewell’s threat against Atticus?
A. She is genuinely worried.
B. She laughs it off.
C. She blames the sheriff, Heck Tate.
D. Trick question! She does not know.
3) What is Jem’s main criticism of the trial?
A. The jury failed.
B. The judge failed.
C. Atticus and Mr. Gilmer failed.
D. The courts should use the lie detector.
4) Why isn’t Miss Maudie allowed to serve on juries in Maycomb?
A. She lives outside of town.
B. She is a convicted felon.
C. She is a woman.
D. She is too busy with her job.
5) Atticus says that one member of the jury who wanted to acquit Robinson was…
A. A widow woman who rarely speaks.
B. A young man who had returned home from college.
C. A farmer who had been in the lynch mob at the jail.
D. A minister from a nearby town.
6) Why does Aunt Alexandra encourage Scout to have Walter Cunningham over?
A. She wants a chance to thank him.
B. She is worried that Walter is not being cared for.
C. She feels like he would make a good husband for Scout some day.
D. Trick question! This does not happen.
7) What new development is Jem excited to share with Scout?
A. He has a girlfriend.
B. He got the lead role in the school play.
C. His baseball coach is making him the starting pitcher.
D. He has grown a chest hair.
SHORT ANSWER: Why isn’t Scout allowed to have Walter Cunningham over for dinner?
Chapter 24 Comprehension Questions
1) What brings the ladies of Maycomb to the Finch household in Chapter 24?
A. Scout’s birthday party
B. A meeting of the Missionary Society
C. Choir practice (singing)
D. A meeting to support Tom Robinson’s appeal and legal costs
2) What is Scout expected to do at the gathering?
A. Serve refreshments and act like a lady
B. Give a speech about “Truth, Justice, and the American Way”
C. Play the piano
D. Keep Dill Harris entertained and out of trouble
3) What does Scout answer when the ladies ask her what she would like to be some day?
A. A lady
B. A musician
C. A judge
D. A big game hunter
4) Whom does Mrs. Merriwether blame for “stirring up” the resentment (bad feelings) of the Black residents?
A. Mayella and Bob Ewell
B. Miss Caroline
C. President Truman
D. Atticus Finch
5) What does Mrs. Merriweather think the town should do in response to the resentments caused by the trial?
A. Keep the status quo (normal state) as if nothing has happened
B. Force the Ewells to leave the county
C. Encourage integration (mixing) of the neighborhoods (white and Black)
D. Send a petition (formal request) to the Governor of Alabama
6) The narrator comments that _____________ are easier to understand than ladies.
A. Birds
B. Cats
C. Men
D. Differential equations
7) How does Tom Robinson die?
A. The prison guards shoot him.
B. He drowns in a river.
C. He hangs himself in his prison cell.
D. Trick question! He lives.
8) How does Aunt Alexandra react to Atticus’ shocking news?
A. She is pleased and satisfied.
B. She is sad and upset.
C. She is impassive (no feelings).
D. Trick question! He does not tell her.
9) Why does Calpurnia leave unexpectedly during the ladies’ gathering?
A. She is taken to the doctor after fainting.
B. Aunt Alexandra tells her to leave and never come back.
C. She goes to look for Scout.
D. She goes to see Helen Robinson.
SHORT ANSWER:
Explain the alliance (teaming up) of Miss Maudie and Aunt Alexandra in Chapter 24.
Chapter 25 Comprehension Questions
1) How do Jem and Scout stay cool at night in the hot weather?
A. They put wet handkerchiefs on their heads.
B. They sleep in the basement.
C. They leave a lit candle near the thermostat.
D. They sleep on the porch.
2) At the start of the chapter, Jem asks Scout to refrain (keep herself) from…
A. Leaving her shoes on the bed.
B. Practicing her trumpet after dinner.
C. Killing a bug.
D. Wearing pink.
3) What new skill has Dill acquired (with help from Jem) this summer?
A. Starting conversations with girls
B. Playing chess
C. Swimming
D. Making crude noises with his armpit
4) Who does Atticus pick up on the side of the road as he is headed to the Robinson home?
A. Jem and Dill
B. Mr. Underwood
C. Cliff Robinson (Tom’s father)
D. Helen Robinson
5) How does Helen Robinson react when Calpurnia delivers the tragic news?
A. She screams and pulls her hair.
B. She puts her fist through a glass window.
C. She doesn’t believe it (denial).
D. Trick Question! Atticus tells Helen.
6) How does the town of Maycomb react to the news of Tom Robinson’s death?
A. They hold a somber memorial.
B. They are outraged.
C. They gossip about it.
D. They celebrate.
7) How does one person shame the town for what happened to Tom Robinson?
A. Miss Maudie hangs a sign on the courthouse.
B. Mr. Underwood writes an opinion piece in his paper.
C. Helen Robinson stands on the sidewalk with her children.
D. Trick question! No one shames the town.
Chapter 26 Comprehension Questions
1) Why doesn’t Scout see Jem at school anymore?
A. Jem has been sent to a school for gifted youngsters.
B. Scout has been sent to a school for gifted youngsters.
C. They have agreed to stay away from one another.
D. Jem has graduated out of the elementary school.
2) What feeling does Scout have when she passes the Radley house now?
A. She is still terrified.
B. She feels guilty about pestering Boo.
C. She wishes they could keep playing like they used.
D. She feels angry about how Boo overreacted.
3) What secret does Atticus reveal to Scout in this chapter?
A. Boo Radley moved away years ago.
B. Tom Robinson and Mayella Ewell were lovers.
C. She is adopted.
D. He knew it was the kids trespassing on the Radley place.
4) What is Scout’s theory on why the other kids are not bullying her brother and herself?
A. Their parents have told them to be nice.
B. They are too afraid after Scout and Jem beat up Cecil Jacobs.
C. They are afraid that Atticus will use his lawyer skills against them.
D. They disagree with their parents and think Atticus did what was right.
5) What is one assignment given to students in Scout’s class?
A. Sewing a pillowcase
B. Interviewing a grandparent about “the old times”
C. Sharing a current event from the newspaper
D. Drawing a map of their neighborhood
6) What topic does Mrs. Gates try to explain to the third grade?
A. How early cartographers (map makers) made mistakes
B. How the Supreme Court can strike down (cancel) a law
C. How Nazi Germany is not a democracy
D. How the Native Americans helped the settlers survive the winters
7) Why is Jem “stuffing” down large amounts of bananas and milk?
A. He is training to be a competitive eater.
B. He needs to gain weight to play football.
C. He wants to get taller to impress a girl.
D. He thinks he can avoid getting sick during flu season.
8) Which choice accurately describes Mrs. Gates’ prejudicial views?
A. She is prejudiced against Black people but not Jews.
B. She is prejudiced against French people and Catholics.
C. She is prejudiced against Native Americans but not Black people.
D. Trick question! She does not seem to be prejudiced against any group.
9) What does Scout tell Jem she overheard Miss Gates say after the trial?
A. That Atticus is the best lawyer in town
B. That Black people need to be kept in their place
C. That Tom Robinson is innocent, and the trial was a “sham”
D. That she was glad Jem was being removed from her class
10) What does Scout do that accidentally throws Jem into a violent rage?
A. She draws Boo Radley on her neighborhood map.
B. She brags about her new school.
C. She drinks the last of the milk.
D. She mentions the Robinson trial.
Chapter 27 Comprehension Questions
1) What interrupts Judge Taylor’s quiet evening at home?
A. His wife starts demolishing (tearing down) the bathroom.
B. A pack of dogs attacks his scarecrow.
C. The high school marching band
D. A prowler at his back door
2) Why does Helen Robinson have to walk so far to get to her job?
A. She had to take a job in a different town where she is not known.
B. She avoids going by the Ewell place.
C. The bus driver refuses to stop for her.
D. Trick question! Atticus drives her.
3) Who intervenes (gets involved) to give Helen Robinson some much needed help?
A. Link Deas
B. Arthur “Boo” Radley
C. Judge Taylor
D. Mr. Underwood
4) What does Scout go as for Halloween?
A. Frankenstein
B. Boo Radley
C. A ham
D. A manticore (lion body, human face, shark teeth, scorpion tale)
5) What prank do the neighborhood kids play on Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti?
A. They put a flock of sheep in their house.
B. They keep changing the time on their clocks every day.
C. They hide all of their furniture in the basement.
D. They make the ladies think that their dolls have come to life.
6) Why do all the neighborhood kids suddenly start wearing their shoes?
A. The police are using tracking dogs to find the responsible villains.
B. There is a rumor that a witch has planted hookworms all over town.
C. A big newspaper made a joke about “barefoot back-woods hillbillies.”
D. Trick question! All the kids agree to NOT wear their shoes.
7) At the end of this chapter, Jem and Scout are headed to…
A. Calpurnia’s house.
B. The high school for an event.
C. Mobile to visit Dill.
D. Finch’s landing to visit their uncle.
SHORT ANSWER: Explain the town’s plan to keep Halloween mischief to a minimum.
Chapter 28 Comprehension Questions
1) What is the mood of this chapter as the kids make their way to the high school?
A. Jubilant (celebratory)
B. Remorseful (sad regret)
C. Relaxed
D. Spooky
2) As the kids walk to the school, they notice that the night is unusually warm and…
A. Noisy.
B. Bright.
C. Dark.
D. Rainy.
3) What scares Jem and Scout the first time they pass by the Radley house?
A. An owl on the hunt
B. Bob Ewell
C. A boy named Cecil
D. Mr. Nathan Radley
4) What is one attraction that Scout experiences at the Halloween event?
A. The dunk tank challenge
B. An illusionist and his magic goat
C. Soapbox car races
D. The House of Horrors
5) The Halloween play at the high school is mostly about…
A. The origins of Halloween.
B. Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula becoming friends.
C. The history of Maycomb.
D. The magic of sharing.
6) What makes the ending of the play hilarious for the audience (and the readers)?
A. Scout misses her cue and messes up the finale.
B. The set collapses on the performers.
C. The music teacher falls off the stage.
D. Several energetic toddlers wander into the last scene.
7) Scout knows exactly what happens during the attack because…
A. She has her back to the car headlights.
B. She can understand her dog’s barking.
C. The moonlight is unusually bright.
D. Trick question! She does not know what is happening.
8) How does Jem get back to his house after the attack?
A. Dr. Reynolds transports him in the ambulance.
B. He crawls on his hands and knees.
C. An unidentified man carries him.
D. Trick question! He is taken straight to the hospital.
9) Jem’s injury, mentioned at the start of the book, is finally explained in Chapter 28.
A. His broken arm
B. His missing tooth
C. The scar on his chin
D. His missing toe
10) Who dies in Chapter 28?
A. Mrs. Merriweather
B. Judge Taylor
C. Bob Ewell
D. Trick question! No one dies.
SHORT ANSWER:
Based on Scout’s observations, what occurred during the attack on the children?
Chapter 29 Comprehension Questions
1) How does Atticus react once he knows that Bob Ewell is certainly dead?
A. He smiles and whistles happily.
B. He starts crying with relief.
C. He becomes enraged and throws a chair against the wall.
D. He seems shocked and numb.
2) Who feels that the horrible incident was his/her fault?
A. Arthur Radley
B. Scout
C. Aunt Alexandra
D. Sheriff Tate
3) Who questions Scout about what happened on the way home from the Halloween pageant?
A. Nathan Radley
B. Heck Tate
C. Judge Taylor
D. Mr. Underwood
4) Why didn’t Atticus hear Jem yelling or the rest of the commotion during the attack?
A. He was at his office in town.
B. He was not wearing his hearing aids.
C. He had the radio on.
D. Trick question! He did hear it, but he thought they were just playing.
5) Sheriff Tate believes that __________ may have saved Scout’s life.
A. Her costume
B. Her decision to run to Boo Radley
C. Jem’s first-aid training
D. The clouds obscuring (blocking) the light of the moon
6) The evidence suggests that Bob Ewell only wanted to scare the kids because…
A. His knife was a prop (fake) knife.
B. He told his friend that the town would notice a change in the Finch kids.
C. In his pocket he had a note for them to take home.
D. Trick question! He meant to kill them.
7) What is one noticeable physical trait of Arthur “Boo” Radley?
A. His bloodshot eyes
B. He is gigantic and muscular.
C. He is extraordinarily pale.
D. His curly hair hangs all the way down to his waist.
8) What is Scout’s reaction when she finally meets Boo?
A. She runs to hug him.
B. She becomes emotional and says, “Hey, Boo.”
C. She hides behind Atticus.
D. She gives him a lecture about how he needs to start behaving properly.
Chapter 30 Comprehension Questions
1) How does Dr. Reynolds react when he realizes Boo Radley is in the room?
A. He greets him and acts nonchalant (calm and normal).
B. He stammers (trouble talking) and gets flustered (nervous).
C. He flips out and yells angrily.
D. Trick Question! He never realizes it.
2) At first, Atticus thinks that __________ killed Bob Ewell.
A. Boo Radley
B. Ninjas
C. Jem
D. Sheriff Tate
3) Why does Atticus want to cover up Jem’s involvement in Bob Ewell’s death?
A. He does not want the town to despise (look down on) Jem.
B. He does not want the town to celebrate Jem as a hero.
C. He is afraid that Jem will be found guilty of a crime.
D. Trick question! He does not want a cover-up.
4) Where do Atticus, Heck Tate, Arthur, and Scout hold their private discussion?
A. In the courthouse
B. In the waiting room at the hospital
C. On the front porch of the Finch house
D. At Miss Maudie’s kitchen table
5) The Sheriff does a reenactment (acting something out) to show Atticus how…
A. Jem acted in self-defense.
B. He found Arthur Radley’s hiding place.
C. Bob Ewell stabbed himself.
D. Scout could only see shadows during the event.
6) Why is Sheriff Tate determined to keep Boo out of the spotlight?
A. He thinks Boo is too mentally unstable for questioning.
B. He knows Boo saved the children and wants to protect him.
C. Boo begged him not to get involved.
D. He believes Boo would be convicted unfairly.
7) When the sheriff talks to Atticus about what happened, he is in possession of a…
A. Broken shotgun.
B. Soaking wet book.
C. Basket of cabbages and carrots.
D. Switchblade knife.
8) What does Scout think of the final decision reached by Sheriff Tate and her father?
A. She agrees that it is the right thing to do.
B. She trusts them even though she does not understand.
C. She thinks they are acting immorally (in the wrong).
D. Trick question! They never reach a decision.
SHORT ANSWER:
Give the true story of what happened in Bob Ewell’s death.
Chapter 31 Comprehension Questions
1) What physical / health issue does Scout observe in Arthur Radley?
A. A terrible cough
B. A nasty rash or infection
C. He has a clubbed foot.
D. He is losing his hearing.
2) What does Arthur Radley give Jem before leaving the Finch house?
A. A toy airplane
B. His favorite book
C. A pat on the head
D. A turtle to keep as a pet
3) What one request does Arthur ask of Scout?
A. To visit him on Christmas
B. To stop calling him “Boo”
C. To walk him home
D. Trick question! He asks for nothing.
4) Scout says that after the events of that fateful night…
A. Arthur Radley started to leave his house and talk to people.
B. She visited Arthur every Christmas until he passed away.
C. The Radleys sold their house and moved away.
D. She never saw Arthur Radley again.
5) Which choice best reflects the mood of the final chapter?
A. Quiet and thoughtful
B. Comical and silly
C. Excited and dramatic
D. Angry and regretful
6) What is the last thing that Scout and her father discuss in the novel?
A. Whether or not Jem will survive
B. Calpurnia’s chicken and dumplings
C. A book called The Gray Ghost
D. How they can show their gratitude to Arthur Radley
7) What is the last sentence spoken by Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird?
A. “I think you may have grown up enough for a lifetime.”
B. “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
C. “When he is ready, he will come to us, and we will be glad.”
D. “You can be proud, Jem. Very proud.”
8) Complete this statement to align with the ideas in the novel: “To kill a mockingbird…”
A. … is a sin because they are innocent.”
B. … you must think like a mockingbird.”
C. … you must first find a way to forgive yourself.”
D. … is sad but necessary.”
SHORT ANSWER:
How have Scout’s views on Arthur “Boo” Radley changed since the beginning of the novel?
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