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

CHAPTERS 1-6

Reading Check

1. How old is Matilda when she first learns to read?

2. What does Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood, do for work?

3. According to Mr. Wormwood, what is the secret to getting a car with worn gears to run smoothly?

4. On what item of Mr. Wormwood’s clothing does Matilda place superglue?

5. With what product does Matilda switch her father’s dark hair lotion ?

Short Answer

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

1. How does the school librarian, Miss Phelps, help Matilda become an even better reader?

2. How does Matilda get to “see the world” from the confines of her bedroom? What are some examples of the places she “travels” to?

3. When Mr. Wormwood tears up Matilda’s copy of The Red Pony, how does she get revenge?

4. Why does Mr. Wormwood accuse Matilda of cheating?

5. How does Matilda compare to Michael in terms of how they are treated by Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood?

Paired Resource

“Roald Dahl Wanted His Magical ‘Matilda’ To Keep Books Alive”

• In this 8-minute NPR interview, Lucy Dahl, the youngest of Roald Dahl’s five children, discusses Matilda.