Setting
Where did Sophie and Jake go at the beginning of the story?
The park
What strange thing did Jake notice in the woods?
A trail of footprints
What should the underlined word be changed to?
"Sophie and Jake was walking through the woods."
were
What does the word deserted mean in the story?
Empty or abandoned.
Mood: How does the author create a feeling of unease as Sophie and Jake explore the park and the woods? Use specific words or phrases from the text to support your answer.
The author creates unease by describing the park as “oddly deserted,” with the swings “creaking in the wind” and the only sound being the “rustling of leaves.” These descriptions give the setting an eerie and unnatural feeling, making the reader sense that something is wrong.
What was strange about the park when Sophie and Jake arrived?
It was deserted; no one was there
Why was Sophie hesitant to follow Jake into the woods?
She thought the woods were dark and mysterious
What should the underlined word be changed to?
"The swings creaks in the wind."
creak/creaked
What does dimmed mean when describing the woods?
The light became darker or less bright.
Setting:How does the setting of the woods differ from the park? Compare how the descriptions of the park and the woods affect the atmosphere of the story. Provide text evidence to support your comparison.
The park is described as usually being full of kids, but today it is “oddly deserted,” which creates a strange, uncomfortable feeling. In contrast, the woods are described as “dark and mysterious” with the trees growing taller and the light dimming as they go deeper. The park feels eerie because it's unexpectedly empty, but the woods feel more dangerous and foreboding. Both settings create suspense, but the woods heighten the tension with their darker, more enclosed atmosphere.
Where did Sophie and Jake follow the footprints to?
The woods
What happened to Jake when he crawled into the door?
The door slammed shut behind him, trapping him inside.
What should the underlined word be changed to?
"Jake noticed something strangely in the distance."
strange
What does mysterious mean in the story?
Something that is strange or hard to explain.
Inferences: What can you infer about Sophie's thoughts or emotions from her actions and dialogue when they find the tree?
We can infer that she is scared and unsure of what might happen next because she whispers, “We should go back,” and tries to stop Jake from continuing. Her hesitation and her later panic when the door shuts suggest that she feels frightened and overwhelmed.
What made the woods feel mysterious to Sophie?
The woods were dark, even in daylight, and seemed unsettling.
How did Sophie feel when the door wouldn’t open?
She felt panicked and started banging on the door.
What should the underlined word be changed to?
"Sophie run after Jake, calling his name."
ran/runs
What does it mean when the tree had a carved symbol?
The symbol was cut or engraved into the tree.
Compare/Contrast: Compare Sophie and Jake’s reactions to the strange events in the woods. How are their responses different? What does this tell us about their personalities? Use details from the story to explain.
Jake is excited and curious about the footprints and the tree, asking, “Should we follow it?” and rushing ahead without waiting for Sophie’s answer. This shows that he is adventurous and impulsive. Sophie, on the other hand, is hesitant and cautious, expressing doubt when she says, “We should go back.” This contrast reveals that Jake is more fearless and eager to explore the unknown, while Sophie is more thoughtful and wary of danger.
What was strange about the tree they found in the woods?
It had a carved symbol and a hidden door at its base.
What was the main conflict in the story?
Sophie had to figure out how to save Jake after he got trapped behind the mysterious door.
What should be added to the underlined word?
"Sophie said they seen the tree before."
"had" seen
What is a trail in the context of the story?
A path or series of footprints leading somewhere.
Figurative Language: Identify an example of figurative language (like a simile or metaphor) in the story. How does this figurative language enhance the reader’s understanding of the scene or mood? Provide the example and explain its effect.
An example of figurative language in the story is when Jake says, “It was like I was in another world, but now I’m back.” The simile “like I was in another world” helps the reader understand the strangeness and surreal feeling of Jake’s experience inside the tree. It enhances the mystery by suggesting that what happened was otherworldly or dreamlike, adding to the story's suspense and sense of the unknown.