Short Story Reading Guide
The Gift of the Magi
by O. Henry
Est. Time
45 mins
Level
B1
Themes
Love, Sacrifice, Poverty
1Quick Reading Guide
Warm Up
Reflect: What is your most prized possession? Would you sell it?
Reading
Character Motivation Map: Analyze Jim vs Della (Want/Fear/Sacrifice).
Evidence
Foreshadowing Hunt: What hints suggests the twist ending?
Discussion
Value Debate: "What makes a gift truly meaningful?"
2Scaffolds for Support
Sentence Starters
- •"Della sells her hair because..."
- •"The ending is ironic because..."
- •"Jim and Della are wise because..."
3Vocabulary & Grammar
Key Words
sacrificecherishbargainshabbypridepovertyglitterrepaywisdomirony
Grammar Focus
Tone (Gentle irony + narrator commentary)
4Writing Task
Shift Perspective
Rewrite the last scene from Jim’s first-person perspective.
Rubric Checklist
- Maintain the surprise
- Show Jim's internal reaction
- Correct pronoun usage