Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Reading Comprehension Questions
by Alvin Schwartz
Book Summary
This book is a collection of short horror stories, many based on American folklore and urban legends. It features tales designed to be told aloud, often with a jump scare ending. The stories explore themes of fear, the unknown, and the consequences of curiosity, accompanied by famously unsettling illustrations.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
1.What did the boy find sticking out of the ground in his garden in the story 'The Big Toe'?
2.What did Lucy put in her pocket after finding it sticking out of a grave in 'The Hairy Arm'?
3.What did Jenny always wear around her neck that she refused to take off in 'The Green Ribbon'?
4.Why do you think the voice kept asking 'WHERE'S MY TOE?' in 'The Big Toe'?
5.Why do you think Jenny never took off her green ribbon, even for her husband, in 'The Green Ribbon'?
6.What do you think would have happened if Lucy had not taken the hairy arm from the grave in 'The Hairy Arm'?
7.What is a common feeling these scary stories try to make you feel?
8.What lesson might the story of Jenny and the green ribbon teach about secrets?
9.How are the stories 'The Big Toe' and 'The Hairy Arm' similar?
10.What does the word 'dismal' mean when the story says the old house was 'dismal'?
11.What does 'peculiar' mean when Jenny's green ribbon was described as 'peculiar'?
12.What does 'moaning' mean when the voice was 'moaning' for its toe?
13.Which of these stories did you find the scariest and why?
14.If you were telling a scary story to your friends, what kind of details would you include to make it extra spooky?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with children.
What was your favorite part of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Alvin Schwartz wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz is recommended for grades 1-3 readers with an AR level of 3.8. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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