Vocab
The Story
Detail Detail Who's Got the Detail
Questions
Miscellaneous
100
small bags used for carrying small items
satchels
100
What point is the author trying to make when she says that the Ingalls family arrived at the station an hour early?
They are nervous about missing the train
100
How fast could the train in the story travel?
20 mph
100
What contrasting feelings does Laura have about making this trip?
excitement and fright
100
moving unsteadily from side to side
lurching
200
a person in charge of a train
conductor
200
Why might the author have Mary be the first to hear the train?
to show how good her hearing is
200
What detail shows that Laura is torn between being a child and acting like an adult?
Laura wants to bounce on the springy seats but know she should behave properly
200
In the 1870's, how much faster was it to travel by train than by horse?
It would take a horse and entire day to travel 20 miles
200
Why does Laura start a guessing game with Carrie about the new homestead?
to distract Carrie and keep her from worrying
300
a train or bus station
depot
300
The story says that the depot slid backward. Is that really what happened? Why or why not?
No. the depot didn't really slide backward. The train moved forward, making the depot appear to slide backward.
300
What makes this train ride special for Laura and her family?
It is their first train ride.
300
Why might a train's whistle blow when the train is getting ready to go?
to warm passengers and bystanders that the train is about to move
400
raised floor or surface
platform
400
How does Mary use her other senses to make up for her blindness?
She hears that the conductor is tall. She feels that the train is going fast.
400
Laura "sees out loud" for Mary, but Mary also notices things on her own. Give examples of how Mary observes her surroundings.
Mary can tell that Carrie and Laura are fidgeting. She hears the train first. She knows that the conductor is tall because is voice is high up.
400
How can you tell that Ma is nervous about the family's trip?
When the train arrives, Ma takes hold of Grace and Carrie and reminds Laura to lead Mary carefully.
400
Why does the author describe the candy in such detail?
to show how special is looks to Laura and her sisters
500
moving in a jerky, bumpy way
jolting
500
How is Laura's second trip to the water fountain different from her first?
On her first trip, Laura has difficulty walking because the train is moving. On her second trip, she is able to walk almost as well as the conductor
500
How do you think Laura and Mary feel about each other? What clues does the story give?
They are close. Laura doesn't mind guiding and describing things for Mary. Mary acts like Laura's big sister even though she depends on Laura's eyes.
500
How do you think "seeing" for Mary may have helped Wilder become a writer?
Wilder had to describe things in great detail
500
Does the author succeed in making the main character complex and true to life? If so, how?
Answers vary
M
e
n
u