Rikki-tikki-tavi
by Rudyard Kipling
Name___________________________________
Period_______
BEFORE READING
You see a small child stepping in front of a speeding car…You get the chance to sing in
front of a thousand people…Your best friend needs help standing up to a bully…All of
these are occasions that might make you feel brave- full of energy and courage to meet a
tough challenge.
What do you think it means to be brave?
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Think of a time you have felt brave. Create a sketch of the occasion, including a caption
explaining what was happening and why it made you brave.
In the story you’re about to read, you will see bravery in action.
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VOCABULARY
A. Vocabulary in Context
Directions: Rudyard Kipling uses the following boldfaced words in telling his tale of
bravery. Restate each sentence, using a different word or phrase for the boldface word.
1. She made a valiant effort to overcome hardship.
WORD:_____________________
2. She tried to revive the unconscious woman.
WORD:_____________________
3. He cunningly outsmarted the other contestants.
WORD:_____________________
4. Do not cower in scary situations.
WORD:_____________________
5. The dog had a peculiar limping gait.
WORD:_____________________
6. The fledgling made its first trip outside the nest.
WORD:_____________________
7. We offered them consolation in their sorrow.
WORD:_____________________
8. Be careful not to singe the hair on your arms.
WORD:_____________________
B. Vocabulary Definitions
Directions: Write the definition and part of speech for each vocabulary word.
valiant
POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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revive
POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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cunningly
POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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cower
POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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gait POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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fledgling
POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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consolation POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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singe POS________
definition________________________________________________________
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Name _______________________________________ Period _____________________
RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI
Vocabulary Practice
valiant
revive
cunningly
cower
gait
fledgling
consolation
singe
A. Write the word from the list that best completes each sentence.
1. A puppy might ____________________ if it hears an angry voice or loud noise.
2. After they faint, people need to __________________ before they can stand up again.
3. A ___________________ might be a pat on the back or a kind word.
4. Most heroes are ______________________; they are very brave.
5. Someone who is trying to trick another person needs to act ____________________
to be successful.
6. A horse with a hurt leg will walk with an irregular ___________________.
7. A ___________________ will not fly as well as an adult bird.
8. You can make paper look old if you ___________________ the edges carefully.
B. Writing Imagine that you are looking out a window and can see what happens in
Rikki-tikki’s garden. How would you explain what is going on to someone who cannot
see out the window? Write two sentences that describe events in the story. Use at least
one word from the box in each sentence.
1.
2.
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RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI
Literary Analysis
SUSPENSE
Suspense is a feeling of growing tension and excitement. You may feel suspense when
you watch a mystery on TV and you’re about to find out who committed the crime.
Writers may build suspense by using foreshadowing, clues or hints about what will
happen later. Some foreshadowing clues are unusual statements or strong warnings made
by characters in the story.
Directions: Record clues in the first column that suggest Rikki-tikki will win his battle
with the snakes. In the second column write clues that indicate he will lose. Then answer
the question below.
Clues That Indicate Rikki-Tikki Will
Win
The first line describes “the great war that
Rikki-tikki-tavi fought single-handed”
Clues That Indicate Rikki-Tikki Will
Lose
How does Kipling use different kinds of foreshadowing clues to create suspense?
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RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI
Question Support: Literary Anaylsis
Directions: Answer the questions.
1.Recall Why is Rikki-tikki grateful to Teddy’s family?
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2. Recall Why does Rikki-Tikki destroy Nagaina’s eggs?
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3. Represent At first, Teddy’s mother doesn’t want the mongoose too close to Teddy.
What are some events in the story that help Rikki-Tikki prove himself?
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4. Analyze Suspense Write W next to any clues that tell you that Rikki-tikki will beat the
snakes. Write L before any clues that tell you Rikki-tikki will lose.
___ a. Rikki-tikki does not have a lot of experience fighting snakes.
___ b. Nag knows that a mongoose in the garden means death for him and his family.
___ c. Rikki-tikki saves Teddy by killing Karait.
___ d. Rikki-tikki is afraid that he will not be able to bite and kill Nag.
5. Make Judgments Write an X next to the statement that describes your opinion of this
story.
_____ a. “Rikki-tikki-tavi” is a great adventure story.
_____ b. “Rikki-tikki-tavi” is not a great adventure story.
Give two reasons that support your opinion.
1. _____________________________________________________________
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2. _____________________________________________________________
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