Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-8

1. Why does Dorothy not go immediately to the cyclone cellar when Aunt Em calls her?

2. Who comes to Dorothy’s house after she lands in Oz?

3. What gift does the Witch of the North give to Dorothy to thank her for killing the Wicked Witch of the East?

4. How do Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion cross the two deep ditches they encounter in the land of the Khalids?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Contrast Kansas and the Land of Oz.

2. The Scarecrow mourns the fact that he has no brain. What evidence suggests that he is a thoughtful and intelligent character despite not having a literal brain?

3. Is the Woodman a heartless character?

4. Does the Lion lack courage?

Paired Resources

Movie Clip: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

• In this 3-minute clip, Judy Garland sings the iconic song from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz. Remind students that there are some differences in plot and character depictions between the novel and the film adaption.