12 Questions
In the poem, why did the boys pass by the old woman without offering help?
They assumed she did not need assistance.
What made the gayest laddie of the group pause beside the old woman?
He wanted to show off his strength.
Why did the gayest laddie feel proud after helping the old woman?
He proved his physical abilities.
What realization did the boy have about the old woman when he mentioned 'She's somebody's mother' to his friends?
She might be lonely and in need of care.
Why did the old woman later pray for the boy who helped her cross the street?
She wanted him to be rewarded with good fortune.
What lesson can be learned from the interaction between the boy and the old woman in the poem?
Kindness should be extended to all, regardless of appearance.
What physical condition is the old woman described as having in the poem?
Frail and feeble
Why did the other children pass by the old woman without offering help?
They assumed someone else would help her
How did the old woman feel about accepting the boy's help to cross the street?
Afraid and uncertain
What emotion did the gayest laddie feel after assisting the old woman?
Proud and content
What did the poem highlight through the contrast between the children and the old woman?
The importance of generosity
What did the old woman's prayer at home reveal about her feelings towards the boy who helped her?
She was grateful and appreciative
Study Notes
The Old Woman
- The old woman is described as old, ragged, and gray, and bent with the chill of the Winter's day.
- She stands alone at the crossing, waiting long, and is ignored by the passing crowd.
- Her feet are aged and slow, and she is afraid to move lest she be hurt by the carriage wheels or horses' feet.
The School Children
- A group of school children, glad to be out of school, pass by the old woman, laughing and shouting.
- They do not offer to help her, instead hastening on their way.
- One of the children, the gayest laddie of the group, pauses and offers to help the old woman cross the street.
The Kind Boy
- The boy takes the old woman's hand and guides her across the street without hurt or harm.
- He is proud that his own feet are firm and strong.
- He returns to his friends and tells them that the old woman is somebody's mother, implying that she deserves to be treated with kindness.
The Old Woman's Prayer
- The old woman bows her head and prays for the noble boy, wishing for God's kindness towards him.
- She sees him as somebody's son, and a source of pride and joy.
Test your reading comprehension skills with this quiz based on a poem about an old woman on a winter's day. Answer questions to demonstrate understanding of the text.
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