Let's solve this pre-reading activity from *The Gift of the Magi* by O. Henry.
Task: Match the words with the pictures and write the numbers 1–7 in the boxes.
We are given 7 vocabulary terms and 7 images. Let’s analyze each word and match it to the correct image.
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List of Words:
1.
A grocer – A person who sells groceries (fruits, vegetables, etc.)
2.
A butcher – A person who sells meat
3.
A shabby coach – An old, worn-out couch (note: "coach" here means a sofa)
4.
A powder rag – A small cloth used for cleaning or dusting; often associated with powdered substances
5.
Fence – A barrier made of wood or metal (like a wooden wall)
6.
A pier-glass – A tall mirror that stands on a stand or is mounted on a wall (often ornate)
7.
A janitor – A person who cleans buildings
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Now let’s examine the images:
1.
Top right image: A tall, ornate mirror with a decorative frame → This is a
pier-glass →
#6
2.
Middle right image: A wooden fence → This is a
fence →
#5
3.
Bottom left image: A man standing behind fruits and vegetables → This is a
grocer →
#1
4.
Bottom middle image: A worn-out, old-looking couch → This is a
shabby coach →
#3
5.
Middle center image: A small container with white powder and a cloth → This is a
powder rag (used for applying face powder) →
#4
6.
Right bottom image: A man holding meat in front of a meat counter → This is a
butcher →
#2
7.
Top center image: A man with a mop and cleaning clothes → This is a
janitor →
#7
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Final Matching:
Now assign the numbers to the boxes next to the images:
-
Image of the grocer (bottom left) →
1
-
Image of the butcher (bottom right) →
2
-
Image of the shabby coach (bottom middle) →
3
-
Image of the powder rag (middle center) →
4
-
Image of the fence (middle right) →
5
-
Image of the pier-glass (top right) →
6
-
Image of the janitor (top center) →
7
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Answer Key (Box Numbers):
- Top center (janitor):
7
- Top right (pier-glass):
6
- Middle right (fence):
5
- Middle center (powder rag):
4
- Bottom left (grocer):
1
- Bottom middle (shabby coach):
3
- Bottom right (butcher):
2
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✔ Final Solution:
| Image Location | Number |
|--------------------------|--------|
| Janitor (top center) | 7 |
| Pier-glass (top right) | 6 |
| Fence (middle right) | 5 |
| Powder rag (middle center)| 4 |
| Grocer (bottom left) | 1 |
| Shabby coach (bottom middle)| 3 |
| Butcher (bottom right) | 2 |
This matches all the vocabulary terms correctly with the pictures!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of the gift of the magi worksheet.
