Harriet Tubman: Bravery in Dark Times – Biography
Comprehension Questions – Harriet tubman
Here are some comprehension questions based on the provided text, ranging in difficulty. I’ve included answers at the very end, separated by “—ANSWER KEY—” so you can test yourself!
Multiple Choice:
- What was Harriet Tubman‘s birth name?
a) Harriet ross
b) araminta Tubman
c) Araminta Ross
d) Elizabeth Tubman
- what was the Underground Railroad?
a) A literal railroad used to transport slaves.
b) A system of tunnels leading to freedom.
c) A network of people who helped slaves escape to freedom.
d) A secret code used by slaves to communicate.
- Why did Harriet Tubman initially turn back with her brothers during her frist escape attempt?
a) She got lost.
b) She was afraid of being caught.
c) Her brothers convinced her to return.
d) She realized she missed her family too much.
- After reaching Pennsylvania, how did Harriet Tubman feel?
a) Relieved but still worried about her family.
b) Overwhelmed and scared.
c) as if she had entered Heaven and was a changed person.
d) Angry that the journey had been so challenging.
- what did Frederick Douglass say about Harriet Tubman’s work?
a) She was reckless and endangered many lives.
b) She worked during the day while others worked at night.
c) The night sky and stars witnessed her devotion to freedom.
d) She was a better scout than a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Short Answer:
- describe one hardship Harriet Tubman faced as a child.
- Why did Harriet Tubman return to Maryland after escaping to freedom?
- What roles did Harriet Tubman play during the Civil War?
- What nickname did people give Harriet Tubman,and why?
- what does the text suggest about Harriet Tubman’s character? Provide at least two traits and support them with evidence from the text.
—ANSWER KEY—
- c) Araminta Ross
- c) A network of people who helped slaves escape to freedom.
- c) Her brothers convinced her to return.
- c) As if she had entered Heaven and was a changed person.
- c) The night sky and stars witnessed her devotion to freedom.
- she was forced to work as a little girl, beaten and whipped, and suffered a traumatic head injury. (Any one of these is acceptable).
- She returned to Maryland to help her family and others escape slavery. She felt her own freedom was not enough if her loved ones remained enslaved.
- She worked as a cook, a nurse, a scout, and a spy for the Union army.
- They called her Moses,like the prophet who led the Hebrews from Egypt,because she led people to freedom.
- Resilient/Determined: She made 13 trips back to the South to rescue others despite the danger. compassionate/Selfless: She prioritized the freedom of others even after achieving her own freedom (“But her freedom was not enough. Her loved ones were still enslaved.”). Devout/Faithful: She found inspiration and faith in the Bible during her struggle. (Other valid traits and supporting evidence are possible).