The Secret Garden Vocabulary Test

1.

Mrs. Sowerby thought that Mary needed to get stonger before she could have have a governess again. What is a governess?

A.

A woman employed to educate and train children in a private home
B.

A person who is hired to drive another around in a horse drawn vehicle
C.

An artist who captures a person's image in a painting or drawing
D.

A child with whom another another child spends time and plays games

Correct Answer
A. A woman employed to educate and train children in a private home

Explanation
A governess is a woman who is employed to educate and train children in a private home. Mrs. Sowerby believed that Mary needed to become stronger before she could have a governess again, implying that Mary needed to improve her physical and emotional well-being before resuming her education and training under a governess.

Rate this question:

2.

When Mary first saw Colin, he was lying in a four-poster bed hung with brocade. What is brocade?

A.

A clear, many-sided glass that sparkles when light shines on it
B.

A cord made of several strands twisted together
C.

A thick, heavy, expensive material with a raised pattern
D.

A vine that has shiny leaves that grow thickly on its stem

Correct Answer
C. A thick, heavy, expensive material with a raised pattern

Explanation
Brocade is a thick, heavy, and expensive material that is known for its raised pattern. It is often used for luxurious upholstery, curtains, and clothing. The raised pattern on brocade is created through a weaving technique that adds texture and visual interest to the fabric. This type of fabric is commonly associated with elegance and is often used in formal settings or for special occasions.

Rate this question:

3.

Everyone was too frightened to think of Mary when the cholera came. Cholera is a ...

A.

Large, rare member of the cat family from Asia
B.

Deadly disease caused by bad food and water sources
C.

War in which people attack their own country
D.

Tropical storm that causes flooding

Correct Answer
B. Deadly disease caused by bad food and water sources

Explanation
Cholera is a deadly disease caused by bad food and water sources. It is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and can spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Cholera outbreaks can be devastating, leading to high mortality rates if not treated promptly. Therefore, in the given context, when the cholera came, everyone was too frightened to think of Mary because they were likely preoccupied with the fear of contracting the disease and the urgency to find clean food and water sources.

Rate this question:

4.

Mary was imperious as she led Dickon to the door of the secret garden. To be imperious is to be....

A.

Exercisi power in an overly proud way
B.

Lighthearted and unaware of the world's evil
C.

Not able to focus one's attention
D.

Eager to talk and share ideas

Correct Answer
A. Exercisi power in an overly proud way

Explanation
The correct answer is "exercising power in an overly proud way". This is because the sentence states that Mary was imperious as she led Dickon to the door of the secret garden, implying that she was displaying a sense of superiority and dominance in her actions.

Rate this question:

5.

Martha had desscribed Mary to Mrs. Sowerby as a plain, sallow child. Sallow means....

A.

Loving and very gentle
B.

Sickly and having a yellowish color
C.

Slightly overweight and slow-moving
D.

Tall and clumsey

Correct Answer
B. Sickly and having a yellowish color

Explanation
The word "sallow" is used to describe someone who has a yellowish or sickly complexion. This implies that Mary's appearance is not healthy or vibrant, but rather pale and unwell.

Rate this question:

6.

Dickon said stoutly that he would come everyday to help Mary in the garden. To to something stoutly is to do it....

A.

Playfully with a teasing quality
B.

Without being invited or welcomed
C.

Boldly with strenghth and purpose
D.

In a tired, reluctant manner

Correct Answer
C. Boldly with strenghth and purpose

Explanation
To do something "stoutly" means to do it boldly with strength and purpose. In this context, Dickon is expressing his determination and commitment to come every day to help Mary in the garden. He is not hesitant or reluctant, but rather resolute and enthusiastic about his decision.

Rate this question:

7.

Mrs. Medlock looked discomforted by Mary's indifference about her new home. What does indifference mean?

A.

An unexpected knowledge
B.

A sense of horror and dread
C.

A lack of interest or concern
D.

A sense of faith and loyalty

Correct Answer
C. A lack of interest or concern

Explanation
The word "indifference" refers to a lack of interest or concern. In the given context, Mrs. Medlock appears to be uncomfortable or bothered by Mary's lack of interest or concern towards her new home. This suggests that Mary is not showing any enthusiasm or curiosity about her new living situation, which is causing Mrs. Medlock to feel discomforted.

Rate this question:

8.

The scent that Mary smelled on the wind was the gorse. What is the definition of gorse?

A.

A rich, dark soil in which farmers plant their crops
B.

An extremely large fire that is built out of doors
C.

A wet area with rotting plant matter
D.

A very spiney, dense evergreen shrub with golden flowers

Correct Answer
D. A very spiney, dense evergreen shrub with golden flowers

Explanation
Gorse is defined as a very spiney, dense evergreen shrub with golden flowers. Mary smelled the scent of gorse on the wind.

Rate this question: