Lazy Dog Comprehension Worksheet
Lazy Dog Poetry Comprehension
Reading Standards RL.4.1 • RL.4.4 • Grade 4
Score: Â / 5
Name:
Date:
Class:
Poem
"Dog"
Valerie Worth
Under a maple tree
The dog lies down,
Lolls his limp
Tongue, yawns,
Rests his long chin5
Carefully between
Front paws,
Looks up, alert;
Chops, with heavy
Jaws, at a slow fly,10
Blinks, rolls
On his side,
Sighs, closes
His eyes: sleeps
All afternoon15
In his loose skin.
Word Bank
lolls: hangs loosely or droops comfortably
alert: suddenly wide awake and paying close attention
Bonus Reflection (Optional)
Why do you think the dog goes right back to sleep after the fly buzzes by?
Directions: Read the poem. Fill in the circle for the best answer.
1 In line 3, the dog "lolls his limp tongue." What does the word lolls mean?
A Swallows quickly
B Hangs loosely out
C Bites down hard
D Barks at someone
2 What briefly interrupts the dog while he is resting under the maple tree?
A A falling leaf
B A slow-moving fly
C His owner calling
D Another dog running
3 In line 9, why does the poet use the word "Chops" instead of "bites"?
A To show how his heavy jaws snap shut with force
B To show that he is chewing crunchy dog treats
C To show that he is cutting branches near the tree
D To show how gently and softly he moves his mouth
4 Which lines provide the best evidence that the dog is relaxed and comfortable?
A "Looks up, alert;" (line 8)
B "Chops, with heavy / Jaws" (lines 9–10)
C "Carefully between / Front paws," (lines 6–7)
D "sleeps / All afternoon / In his loose skin." (lines 14–16)
5 What overall mood or feeling does the author create throughout this poem?
A Playful & energetic
B Peaceful & drowsy
C Scary & mysterious
D Nervous & frantic
Student Check: Reread the poem Checked line numbers Answered all 5 questions
Poem by Valerie Worth
