Reading Comprehension/ Biography
SOJOURNER TRUTH
Isabella Baumfree was born in New York, just before
1800. She was born a slave. She escaped when she was
in her twenties. She took her youngest child and ran away.
She was a religious woman. She was a traveling preacher.
She took the name “Sojourner Truth”. Sojourner means
traveler. She joined a group of abolitionists. Abolitionists
were people who wanted to end slavery. Sojourner Truth
was a popular speaker on the subject of abolition. She
also fought for equal rights for women.
Sojourner Truth had a famous speech. Its title was “Ain’t I
a Woman?” In the speech, she spoke for the rights of
women. The speech said that women are as strong as
men – or stronger.
Sojourner Truth never learned to read. But she was a
great speaker. She was a strong opponent of slavery. She
was a powerful fighter for equal rights.
Sojourner Truth died in 1883.
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Reading Comprehension/ Biography
Name _____________________________ Date _____________________
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOJOURNER TRUTH
4.
1.
When was Sojourner Truth born?
a. 1883
b. shortly before 1800
c. 1820
d. about 1730
2.
What does “Sojourner” mean?
a. truth
b. strong
c. traveler
d. woman
3.
Sojourner Truth was famous as a…
a. mother
b. traveler
c. weight-lifter
d. public speaker
Who did Sojourner Truth try to help?
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©2009-2011 abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Biography
Name _____________________________ Date _____________________
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ABOUT SOJOURNER...
1.
What is an abolitionist?
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2. Why did Sojourner Truth run away when she was in her
twenties?
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3. What sentence in the text best shows that Sojourner Truth
was an inspiring public speaker?
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©2009-2011 abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Biography
Name _____________________________ Date _____________________
Answers to SOJOURNER TRUTH
Multiple-choice
1.
b
2.
c
3.
d
4.
Answers will vary. Accept answers approximating the following:
Sojourner Truth tried to help slaves and women.
Short-answer
1. An abolitionist is a person who is against slavery.
2. She wanted to escape a life of slavery.
3. “But she was a great speaker.”
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