Choose the best answer for each question. At the end of the quiz, your score will appear here. Note: this quiz is based on the original story. Some of the questions and answers may not be applicable to our simplified story.
Why were Della's cheeks sometimes red with shame?
Because she only had $1.87 to buy Jim a Christmas present.
Because the shop-keepers must think that she is very poor.
Because she always got into arguments when she went shopping.
What had happened to Jim that made their life so difficult?
He was out of work and looking for a job.
He was getting paid a lot less than before
He was sick and could only work part time.
Why did Della have a bright look in her eyes as she ran out the door and down the stairs to the street?
She had an idea about how to get some money.
It was a hot, sunny day and she did not have a hat.
She was late for an appointment with her hairdresser.
Why did Della cut her hair?
Because she thought that Jim might like it shorter.
It was the only way she could get some money.
She wanted to look like a dancer in a musical show.
In the story, it says that after Della had sold her hair "the next two hours flew by quickly". What does this mean?
She had to find Jim's present quickly so that she could get home before him.
She was enjoying herself so much that she didn't notice the time.
It took a long time to find the store that had made the watch chain for Jim.
Why didn't Jim like looking at his watch at work?
It had been owned by his grandfather and looked very old.
He didn't want people to see what it was tied to.
Staff were not allowed to look at the time where he worked.
What would have been the most useful Christmas gift for Jim?
A watch chain.
A new overcoat.
A new watch.
When Jim came home the look on his face frightened Della. Why was this?
She could see that he did not like her new hair style.
She knew that he could not use his Christmas gift.
He looked at her in a way that she had not expected.
Why did Jim act strangely when he came home?
He thought Della looked like a dancer in a musical show.
He was angry at Della for cutting off her beautiful hair.
He knew that Della could not use his Christmas gift.
When Della asked to see Jim's watch to put on the chain, he did not give it to her. He sat down on the sofa, put his hands under the back of his head, and smiled. Why was he smiling?
The chain Della gave him looked beautiful on his grandfather's watch.
He could see that they had given each other the best gift in the world.
He thought Della's new hairstyle made her look even more beautiful.