Name______________________________
No Gumption
By Russell Baker
1. Baker’s mother said, “You’ve got no more gumption than a bump on the log.” What
evidence in the text supports mom’s belief about her son?
2. What qualities prevent Baker from being a good salesperson? Use evidence from the story to
support your answer.
3. Based on information in the selection, why was Doris able to sell magazines easily? Include
two details in your answer.
4. Fill in the chart below:
Mother’s Maxims
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”
“The early bird gets the worm”
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again.”
“The Lord helps those who help themselves.”
What is the mom trying to teach Buddy?
5. According to the text, what are two ways during Baker’s childhood are similar and two ways
they are different from the children of today. Include information from the selection in your
answer.
6. Use evidence from the text to complete the chart:
Goals for Baker
Evidence from text
Baker’s goal:
Mother’s goal for Baker:
7. When the author’s mother called him Russell, this was a sign that she was unhappy with him,
and when she approved of him, she called him Buddy. What is it that you parent(s) do to signal
their approval or unhappiness with you?