Word Trek Worksheet
Word Trek Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Mission: As you read the first three chapters of Refugee, use the surrounding sentences to determine the meaning of the bolded words. Pay attention to synonyms, antonyms, and the overall mood of the scene.
Chapter 1: Josef
Berlin, 1938
1. "The Nazis had smashed the Jewish storefronts, leaving the street in a state of restitution and ruin as they demanded payment for the very damage they caused."
A. Absolute destruction
B. Compensation for loss or injury
C. A sudden celebration
D. A feeling of great fear
2. "After his father was taken by the Gestapo, Josef’s mother sat at the kitchen table, catatonic, staring at the wall for hours without blinking or speaking."
A. In a state of shock or unresponsiveness
B. Extremely angry and loud
C. Confused by a difficult puzzle
D. Full of energy and excitement
3. "When the news finally came that they could leave, his mother became manic, rushing around the apartment and throwing clothes into suitcases with shaking hands."
A. Sad and weeping
B. Careful and methodical
C. Showing wild, deranged energy
D. Deeply asleep
4. "The family hid in a thick thicket of trees, hoping the dense branches would shield them from the sight of the passing soldiers."
A. A wide, open meadow
B. A deep underground cave
C. A dense group of bushes or trees
D. A high mountain peak
5. "The official handed over the yellowed parchment, which felt thin and dry like old skin, but held the vital stamps they needed to travel."
A. A heavy metal shield
B. A durable writing surface or paper
C. A soft piece of clothing
D. A small wooden box
Chapter 2: Isabel
Havana, 1994
6. "The staccato sound of glass breaking and people shouting filled the air as the riot moved down the street."
A. Short, detached, or abrupt
B. Quiet and peaceful
C. Constant and unchanging
D. Musical and rhythmic
7. "Without a plan, the neighbors gathered for an impromptu meeting on the sidewalk to discuss how to leave the island."
A. Carefully scheduled
B. Done without being planned
C. Very long and boring
D. Violent and dangerous
8. "Isabel watched her father grab an old leather valise and begin stuffing it with whatever small items he could find."
A. A type of weapon
B. A small traveling bag or suitcase
C. A heavy piece of furniture
D. A map of the ocean
9. "The guajiro from the countryside wore a straw hat and simple clothes, looking out of place in the busy streets of Havana."
A. A high-ranking soldier
B. A wealthy business owner
C. A rural Cuban peasant or farmer
D. A famous musician
10. "The kitten was scrawny and weak, its ribs showing through its fur because it hadn't had a good meal in days."
A. Unattractively thin and bony
B. Very strong and muscular
C. Large and overweight
D. Fluffy and well-groomed
11. "Lito scoffed at the idea of leaving the island in a raft, rolling his eyes as if the plan was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard."
A. Cheered enthusiastically
B. Spoke in a mocking or derisive way
C. Agreed with a smile
D. Whispered a secret
Chapter 3: Mahmoud
Aleppo, 2015
12. "The constant droning of the fighter jets overhead was a sound Mahmoud’s family had learned to live with, even though it meant danger."
A. A sharp, loud whistle
B. A continuous low humming sound
C. Total and complete silence
D. The sound of rain on a roof
13. "When the missile struck the building next door, the once-quiet afternoon turned into total chaos as people scrambled for safety."
A. A planned exit
B. Complete disorder and confusion
C. A deep sense of relief
D. A gathering of friends
14. "The family hoped that by traveling to Europe, they could find asylum and start a new life away from the war."
A. Protection granted to a refugee
B. Wealth and great riches
C. A very long vacation
D. A job in a new factory
15. "The news anchor spoke in a flat monotone, never raising his voice or showing emotion as he listed the day's casualties."
A. A loud and angry shout
B. A beautiful singing voice
C. An unchanging tone or pitch
D. A quick and funny joke
Vocabulary words sourced from Refugee (Chapters 1-3) by Alan Gratz.
Word Trek Answer Key
Word Trek Answer Key
Teacher Resource
Reference Guide: This key provides the correct answers for all 15 context clue multiple-choice questions for Chapters 1-3.
Chapters 1-3: Context Clues
B. Compensation for loss or injury
Word: Restitution
A. In a state of shock or unresponsiveness
Word: Catatonic
C. Showing wild, deranged energy
Word: Manic
C. A dense group of bushes or trees
Word: Thicket
B. A durable writing surface or paper
Word: Parchment
A. Short, detached, or abrupt
Word: Staccato
B. Done without being planned
Word: Impromptu
B. A small traveling bag or suitcase
Word: Valise
C. A rural Cuban peasant or farmer
Word: Guajiro
A. Unattractively thin and bony
Word: Scrawny
B. Spoke in a mocking or derisive way
Word: Scoffed
B. A continuous low humming sound
Word: Droning
B. Complete disorder and confusion
Word: Chaos
A. Protection granted to a refugee
Word: Asylum
C. An unchanging tone or pitch
Word: Monotone
Vocabulary Insights
Cultural Terms
Guajiro
Refers specifically to rural Cubans, often farmers. It highlights the contrast between Lito’s rural roots and Havana’s city life.
Mood & Atmosphere
Staccato, Droning, Monotone
These sound-based words emphasize the mechanical, repetitive, and sudden nature of the various conflicts (riots, war, bureaucracy).
Answer key for Word Trek Worksheet - Refugee (Chapters 1-3).