Reading comprehension questions and vocabulary list for "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson, organized by chapter.
A worksheet with reading comprehension questions and vocabulary words for "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson, covering Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
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Step-by-step solution for: Old Yeller Guided Reading Student | PDF | Livestock Farming
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Step-by-step solution for: Old Yeller Guided Reading Student | PDF | Livestock Farming
Since I can't view or access images directly, I cannot see the content of the image you uploaded. However, based on your description, it appears to be a worksheet with comprehension questions for the first three chapters of *Old Yeller* by Fred Gipson.
Below is a detailed answer key and explanation for each question based on the book's content:
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1. When does the story take place?
The story takes place in the 1860s, shortly after the American Civil War. This is evident from references to the war’s aftermath and the setting in post-war Texas.
2. Where does the story take place?
The story takes place in rural Texas, specifically on a frontier homestead near the Salt Licks. The setting is a rugged, isolated area typical of the American West during the late 19th century.
3. Why is the father leaving?
Papa (the father) is leaving to go to town to buy supplies and possibly to find work or help with the family’s needs. He also mentions needing to check on the herd and make repairs, indicating that he’s managing the family’s livelihood.
4. Name the two boys in the story?
The two boys are Travis and Arliss. Travis is the older brother, around 14 years old, while Arliss is the younger, about 5 or 6 years old.
5. Who is telling the story?
The story is told from the perspective of Travis Coates, the older brother. The narrative is in the first person, so Travis is both the protagonist and narrator.
6. Who was Bell and what happened to him?
Bell was the family’s mule, used for carrying goods and helping with farm work. He was injured when he stepped on a snake, which caused him to become lame. Eventually, he dies from his injuries, marking a significant moment of loss for the family.
7. Who was Jumper and how does Travis make him behave?
Jumper is the family’s horse. He is stubborn and hard to control. Travis makes him behave by using patience, consistency, and discipline—especially by not giving in to his temper and teaching him through firm but fair handling.
Vocabulary:
- Dingy: dirty, shabby
- Writhing: twisting or squirming in pain or discomfort
- Dun: a dull brownish-gray color
- Mule: a hybrid animal, offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
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1. Describe Old Yeller’s appearance.
Old Yeller is a large, yellow dog with a broad head, long ears, and a thick coat. He has a white patch on his chest and looks like a mix between a hound and a shepherd. His eyes are kind but alert, and he appears strong and muscular.
2. Does his appearance reveal anything to us?
Yes, his appearance suggests he is tough, resilient, and capable of surviving in the wild. His yellow coat and size hint at his role as a protector and worker, rather than just a pet.
3. How does Arliss react when he first sees the dog?
Arliss is immediately excited and curious. He runs up to the dog, touches him, and wants to play with him. He is fascinated and full of joy, showing his childlike innocence and love for animals.
4. What decision does Mama make concerning the dog? Why?
Mama initially wants to send the dog away because she thinks he might be dangerous or a burden. She fears he could hurt the children or cause trouble. However, after seeing how loyal and protective the dog becomes, especially toward Arliss, she changes her mind and allows him to stay.
Vocabulary:
- Bobbed: cut short or trimmed
- Clout: a blow or slap
- Sober: serious, calm, or dignified
- Doe: a female deer
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1. What advice had Papa given Travis about hunting?
Papa advised Travis to never shoot unless he was sure of his target and to always aim carefully. He emphasized responsibility, respect for animals, and the importance of being prepared before taking a shot.
2. What are the Salt Licks and why are they important?
Salt Licks are natural deposits of salt that attract animals like deer, deer, and other wildlife. They are important because they provide essential minerals for animals and serve as a good location for hunting. The family relies on hunting to supplement their food supply.
3. Why did Travis refuse to shoot at the javelina hogs?
Travis refused to shoot because he felt the hogs were too small and didn’t want to waste ammunition or risk missing. He also wanted to prove himself by making a clean, ethical kill, not just shooting randomly.
4. What game does Travis finally kill?
Travis finally kills a deer. After careful preparation and waiting, he successfully shoots a deer at the Salt Licks, marking a major milestone in his journey toward becoming a responsible hunter and man.
Vocabulary:
- Withers: the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal
- Wallowing: rolling or lying down in mud or water
- Sulk: to be angry or sulky; to withdraw from activity due to annoyance
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This worksheet tests comprehension of the early chapters of *Old Yeller*, focusing on character development, plot progression, and vocabulary. The story centers on themes of family, responsibility, survival, and growing up in the harsh frontier environment. Travis's journey from boyhood to maturity is central, with Old Yeller playing a crucial role in shaping his character.
Let me know if you'd like help creating answers for later chapters or analyzing deeper themes!
Below is a detailed answer key and explanation for each question based on the book's content:
---
Chapter 1
1. When does the story take place?
The story takes place in the 1860s, shortly after the American Civil War. This is evident from references to the war’s aftermath and the setting in post-war Texas.
2. Where does the story take place?
The story takes place in rural Texas, specifically on a frontier homestead near the Salt Licks. The setting is a rugged, isolated area typical of the American West during the late 19th century.
3. Why is the father leaving?
Papa (the father) is leaving to go to town to buy supplies and possibly to find work or help with the family’s needs. He also mentions needing to check on the herd and make repairs, indicating that he’s managing the family’s livelihood.
4. Name the two boys in the story?
The two boys are Travis and Arliss. Travis is the older brother, around 14 years old, while Arliss is the younger, about 5 or 6 years old.
5. Who is telling the story?
The story is told from the perspective of Travis Coates, the older brother. The narrative is in the first person, so Travis is both the protagonist and narrator.
6. Who was Bell and what happened to him?
Bell was the family’s mule, used for carrying goods and helping with farm work. He was injured when he stepped on a snake, which caused him to become lame. Eventually, he dies from his injuries, marking a significant moment of loss for the family.
7. Who was Jumper and how does Travis make him behave?
Jumper is the family’s horse. He is stubborn and hard to control. Travis makes him behave by using patience, consistency, and discipline—especially by not giving in to his temper and teaching him through firm but fair handling.
Vocabulary:
- Dingy: dirty, shabby
- Writhing: twisting or squirming in pain or discomfort
- Dun: a dull brownish-gray color
- Mule: a hybrid animal, offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
---
Chapter 2
1. Describe Old Yeller’s appearance.
Old Yeller is a large, yellow dog with a broad head, long ears, and a thick coat. He has a white patch on his chest and looks like a mix between a hound and a shepherd. His eyes are kind but alert, and he appears strong and muscular.
2. Does his appearance reveal anything to us?
Yes, his appearance suggests he is tough, resilient, and capable of surviving in the wild. His yellow coat and size hint at his role as a protector and worker, rather than just a pet.
3. How does Arliss react when he first sees the dog?
Arliss is immediately excited and curious. He runs up to the dog, touches him, and wants to play with him. He is fascinated and full of joy, showing his childlike innocence and love for animals.
4. What decision does Mama make concerning the dog? Why?
Mama initially wants to send the dog away because she thinks he might be dangerous or a burden. She fears he could hurt the children or cause trouble. However, after seeing how loyal and protective the dog becomes, especially toward Arliss, she changes her mind and allows him to stay.
Vocabulary:
- Bobbed: cut short or trimmed
- Clout: a blow or slap
- Sober: serious, calm, or dignified
- Doe: a female deer
---
Chapter 3
1. What advice had Papa given Travis about hunting?
Papa advised Travis to never shoot unless he was sure of his target and to always aim carefully. He emphasized responsibility, respect for animals, and the importance of being prepared before taking a shot.
2. What are the Salt Licks and why are they important?
Salt Licks are natural deposits of salt that attract animals like deer, deer, and other wildlife. They are important because they provide essential minerals for animals and serve as a good location for hunting. The family relies on hunting to supplement their food supply.
3. Why did Travis refuse to shoot at the javelina hogs?
Travis refused to shoot because he felt the hogs were too small and didn’t want to waste ammunition or risk missing. He also wanted to prove himself by making a clean, ethical kill, not just shooting randomly.
4. What game does Travis finally kill?
Travis finally kills a deer. After careful preparation and waiting, he successfully shoots a deer at the Salt Licks, marking a major milestone in his journey toward becoming a responsible hunter and man.
Vocabulary:
- Withers: the ridge between the shoulder blades of an animal
- Wallowing: rolling or lying down in mud or water
- Sulk: to be angry or sulky; to withdraw from activity due to annoyance
---
Summary:
This worksheet tests comprehension of the early chapters of *Old Yeller*, focusing on character development, plot progression, and vocabulary. The story centers on themes of family, responsibility, survival, and growing up in the harsh frontier environment. Travis's journey from boyhood to maturity is central, with Old Yeller playing a crucial role in shaping his character.
Let me know if you'd like help creating answers for later chapters or analyzing deeper themes!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of old yeller worksheet.
