John Henry Races the Steam Drill

Reading Comprehension Questions

After reading the Tall Tale; “John Henry Races the Steam Drill”, circle the letter of answer that
correctly responds to each comprehension question.

1. How did Little Bill, the shaker, help John Henry?
 a. He played the drum to keep the steel drivers working at a steady pace.
 b. He supplied water and food between hammer blows.
 c. He turned the drill and pulled it out when the hole was done.
 d. He oiled the hammer and stood watch over it every night.

2. What happened after John Henry drilled enough holes?
 a. The shakers searched the holes for gold dust and copper.
 b. The steel drivers placed lard oil torches in the holes.
 c. The post drivers placed steel posts in them and filled them with dirt.
 d. The demolition crew filled them with explosives to blow up the rock.

3. While he drove steel, John Henry always ...
 a. sang.
 b. cried.
 c. prayed.
 d. told jokes.

4. In John Henry’s song, the next line after “This old hammer” is ...
 a. “knocks those rocks”.
 b. “rings like silver”.
 c. “swings so smooth”.
 d. “sings like a bird”.

5. If John Henry beat the steam drill, Captain Tommy offered to give him ...
a. one hundred dollars and a new suit.
 b. a new job on the demolition crew.
 c. one year’s pay.
 d. a farmhouse with animals


6. Select an example from the story which shows that the main character is responsible. Don't forget to write down the page number.