"The Buckwheat" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Answer Key

For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. "The Buckwheat" by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary tale about a young buckwheat whose pride becomes his tragic downfall. With this editable quiz on "The Buckwheat," English teachers will promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a self-grading Google Drive option is available.)

By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• The narrator's stated purpose for the narrative

• The description of a willow tree

• The personality trait associated with the buckwheat

• The buckwheat's treatment of the willow tree

• How the buckwheat exhibits defiance

• The antagonist of the narrative

• The willow tree's reaction to the buckwheat's fate

• The sparrow's compassionate nature

A variety of resources for teaching fairy tales, tall tales, and fantasy are available:

• "The Call of Cthulhu" by H.P. Lovecraft - Google and printable

• "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" by Mark Twain - Google and printable

• "The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet - Google and printable

• The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - Google and printable

• "The Juniper Tree" by the Brothers Grimm - Google and printable

• "The Wife’s Story" by Ursula K. Le Guin - Google and printable