The Underground Railroad

Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. What is Caesar’s proposal to Cora?

2. What is Cora’s reputation with the other slaves?

3. Why isn’t Cora’s mother with her on the plantation?

4. How is Caesar different than many other slaves?

5. Why is Fletcher annoyed that Caesar has brought Cora along on his escape?

6. What system exists that challenges Ridgeway’s job catching runaway slaves?

Multiple Choice

1. What is Ajarry’s fantasy of her separated family?

A) They were never stolen from their village.

B) They died of the plague on board a slave ship.

C) They worked on a neighboring plantation.

D) They bought their freedom and escaped to the North.

2. Why does Caesar choose Cora to escape with?

A) Caesar says she is good luck.

B) It’s safer to escape in pairs.

C) Caesar is in love with Cora.

D) Caesar owes Cora a favor.

3. How does the author characterize Cora’s relationship with the other slaves on the Randall plantation?

A) reserved and respectful

B) violent and without trust

C) supportive and loving

D) licentious and manipulative

4. What point is Lumbly making when he says “If you want to see what this nation is all about […] you have to ride the rails.