Instructions
Read the passage below about Charlie Bucket and his family. Then, answer the questions that follow to test your understanding.
Charlie Bucket is a kind young boy who lives with his family in a small, wooden house on the edge of a great town. The house is not nearly large enough for so many people, and life is very uncomfortable for them. There are six grown-ups in the house—Charlie's father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Bucket, and his four grandparents. The grandparents, Grandpa Joe, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georgina, are so old and tired that they never get out of the one bed they share.
The Bucket family is extremely poor. Mr. Bucket is the only one with a job, where he works in a toothpaste factory screwing the little caps onto the tops of tubes of toothpaste. His small income is not enough to buy proper food for the family. Their meals consist mainly of bread, margarine, and boiled potatoes. For supper, they all share a watery cabbage soup. Charlie longs for chocolate more than anything, but he only ever receives one small chocolate bar a year, as a special present on his birthday.
Despite their hardships, the family is full of love. Every evening, Charlie goes into his grandparents' room to listen to their stories. His favorite is Grandpa Joe, who tells him wonderful tales about the mysterious and magical chocolate factory in their town, owned by the famous Willy Wonka.
Part 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
- How many people live in the Bucket household altogether?
- a) Four
- b) Six
- c) Seven
- d) Eight
- What does the Bucket family usually eat for supper?
- a) Chicken and rice
- b) Cabbage soup
- c) Hamburgers
- d) Bread and cheese
- When does Charlie get to eat a chocolate bar?
- a) Every Sunday
- b) On Christmas
- c) Whenever he wants
- d) On his birthday
- Which grandparent shares a special bond with Charlie and tells him stories?
- a) Grandma Georgina
- b) Grandpa George
- c) Grandpa Joe
- d) Grandma Josephine
Part 2: True or False
Read each statement. Write 'True' or 'False' on the line provided.
- _________ The Bucket family lives in a large brick house in the center of town.
- _________ Mr. Bucket earns a lot of money at the toothpaste factory.
- _________ All four grandparents share a single bed.
- _________ Charlie loves his family very much.
Part 3: Short Answer
Write your answer to each question in a complete sentence.
- Describe the main problem the Bucket family faces every day.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ - Besides his parents, who are the other four adults living with Charlie?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ - Why is Charlie's annual birthday present so special to him?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Part 1: Multiple Choice
- c) Seven
- b) Cabbage soup
- d) On his birthday
- c) Grandpa Joe
Part 2: True or False
- False The Bucket family lives in a large brick house in the center of town.
- False Mr. Bucket earns a lot of money at the toothpaste factory.
- True All four grandparents share a single bed.
- True Charlie loves his family very much.
Part 3: Short Answer
(Note: Student answers may vary slightly but should contain the following ideas.)
- The main problem the Bucket family faces is their extreme poverty, which means they do not have enough money to buy food or live comfortably.
- The other four adults living with Charlie are his grandparents: Grandpa Joe, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georgina.
- Charlie's birthday present is special because it is the only time all year he gets to eat a chocolate bar, which is his favorite treat.