Chapter: 06. Tom Has A Toothache
Additional Comprehension Questions
A. Answer these questions.
How did Tom’s internal thought process lead him from one fake ailment to another? What was Tom’s reaction when he realized Aunt Polly might actually pull out his loose tooth? Describe the initial atmosphere in Tom’s room on Monday morning before he started his act. What specific details did Tom provide to Sid to make his “dying” act more believable? B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“But now he did not know the necessary symptoms. However, it seemed well worthwhile to chance it, so he fell to groaning with considerable spirit.”
a. What “it” is being referred to in the first sentence?
b. What does “chance it” mean in this context?
c. What does “groaning with considerable spirit” suggest about Tom’s approach to his act? “Oh, Tom, you ain’t dying, are you?”
a. Who is the speaker of this line, and what emotion are they expressing?
b. What did Tom say or do just before this line to provoke such a response?
c. How does this line show the effectiveness of Tom’s performance on the speaker? C. Think and answer.
Critical Thinking: Tom is very clever and uses his imagination to avoid school. Can imagination also be used in positive and productive ways in real life? Give examples. Communication: Imagine you are Aunt Polly. How would you explain to Tom the importance of honesty and why lying, even for playful reasons, isn’t a good idea? Write a short speech you might give him. 
Comprehension