The Dark Is Rising

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. Whom does Will see on the road to farmer Dawson’s farm?

2. What does farmer Dawson tell Will to do with the iron ornament?

3. What stops Will from getting the second sign from the Walker?

4. Whose voice does Will hear calling for him from outside the hall?

5. What does Will do that allows Maggie to find him?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Will feel afraid when he goes to feed the animals?

2. Why is it important that it begins to snow on the night before Will’s birthday?

3. Why does Will tell the smith that he must go on foot to find the Walker?

4. How does the Dark finally trick Will into opening the doors?

5. What two things saved Will from the witch-girl?

Paired Resource

“Weland’s Sword” from Puck of Pook’s Hill by Rudyard Kipling

• Puck of Pook’s Hill is a collection of short stories and poems related by the fairy Puck to two children. “Weland’s Sword” gives readers a history of the character on which Wayland-Smith is based.