Plot & Setting
“Missing Wheels”
It was the first day of summer break, and Jade was ready for freedom. She slipped on her new sneakers, grabbed her helmet, and ran to the garage. But the space where her bike always sat was empty. Only a dusty outline on the floor and a few tire tracks led toward the street. Her little brother looked up from a video game.
“Have you seen my bike?” Jade asked.
He shrugged. “Nope.”
Her excitement sank like a stone.
Question: Which part of the plot does this paragraph show?
A The problem is introduced
B The most exciting moment
C The ending of the story
D The solution to the conflict
✅ A – Exposition/Rising Action
“The Missed Goal”
Ben’s new soccer team barely noticed him at practice. They passed the ball to one another, but never to him. Each day, he stayed after everyone left, kicking the ball again and again until the sun dipped below the field. On Saturday, when their best player sprained his ankle, Coach called, “Ben, you’re in!” His heart raced as the ball came toward him. With one swift kick, it soared into the net. His teammates cheered, running to high-five him.
Part A: What is the best statement of the story’s theme?
A Hard work leads to success and respect.
B Winning is more important than teamwork.
C It’s better to work alone.
D Mistakes can’t be fixed.
Part B: Which sentence best supports your answer?
A “They passed the ball to one another, but never to him.”
B “Each day, he stayed after everyone left, kicking the ball again and again.”
C “Their best player sprained his ankle.”
D “His heart raced as the ball came toward him.”
✅ A
✅ B — shows persistence before success.
“ The Unsent Invite ”
Mia tossed her backpack on the bed and opened her phone. Her feed overflowed with pictures from Sara’s birthday party — the one she’d helped plan last week. Everyone was there except her.
“Maybe she forgot to text me,” Mia whispered, but her throat felt tight. She stared at the smiling faces, then muttered, “I helped her plan that.” When her mom called, “Dinner’s ready!” Mia wiped her eyes and said, “Coming!” Her fork barely touched her food.
Part A: What is Mia’s perspective?
A She feels proud of Sara.
B She feels hurt and left out.
C She feels relieved.
D She feels angry at her mom.
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “Everyone was there except her.”
B “Maybe she forgot to text me.”
C “I helped her plan that.”
D “Her fork barely touched her food.”
✅ B
✅ C — her dialogue reveals disappointment and exclusion.
“October Hallway”
The hallway after dismissal was a beehive of noise. Lockers slammed, sneakers squeaked, and laughter buzzed through the air. Ms. Kline leaned against her door, smiling at the swarm of students. By the time the last one left, silence wrapped the school like a blanket.
Part A: Which type of figurative language is used in the line “The hallway … was a beehive of noise”?
A Simile
B Metaphor
C Personification
D Hyperbole
Part B: What does this metaphor help the reader understand?
A The hallway was peaceful.
B Students were moving quickly and noisily.
C The hallway was shaped like a hive.
D The teacher disliked bees.
✅ B
✅ B
“Pumpkin Patch Morning”
The field was blanketed in fog as families searched for the perfect pumpkin. Lila’s boots squished through the damp dirt, and the gray mist covered every row.
Part A: What does the word blanketed most likely mean?
A Decorated
B Covered completely
C Hidden underground
D Painted orange
Part B: Which detail helps you understand the meaning?
A “as families searched for the perfect pumpkin.”
B “The gray mist covered every row.”
C “Lila’s boots squished through the damp dirt.”
D “The field was in fog.”
✅ B
✅ B
“Into the Fog”
Eli adjusted his backpack as gray fog settled over the forest path. Every branch looked the same. His map was damp and unreadable, and even the birds had gone quiet. He thought about turning back, but his best friend waited for him at the cabin up the hill.
If I don’t keep going, he told himself, he’ll think I gave up.
A twig cracked behind him, and he froze. Was it the wind—or something else?
Question:
Part A: How does the setting affect the mood of the story?
A It makes the scene cheerful.
B It makes Eli feel confident.
C It helps Eli find his friend easily.
D It creates tension and uncertainty.
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “Every branch looked the same.”
B “His best friend waited for him.”
C “He thought about turning back.”
D “He adjusted his backpack.”
✅ D
✅ A — This imagery builds confusion and suspense.
“Broken Promise”
Lila promised her friend Ava she’d help with the science project after school. But when Lila got home, her favorite show had just started.
I’ll call her after this episode, she thought.
One episode became three. The next morning, Ava sat quietly at her desk. Lila’s stomach sank when she saw the half-finished poster. At lunch, she took a deep breath and said, “I messed up. I’ll help finish it today.” Ava smiled. “Thanks. I knew you’d come through.”
Part A: What lesson does Lila learn by the end of the story?
A Keeping promises shows you care about others.
B Friends shouldn’t depend on each other.
C Projects are better alone.
D It’s fine to break promises sometimes.
Part B: Which sentence best supports that lesson?
A “Lila promised her friend Ava she’d help.”
B “I’ll call her after this episode, she thought.”
C “Lila’s stomach sank when she saw the half-finished poster.”
D “I messed up. I’ll help finish it today.”
✅ A
✅ D — her words show she takes responsibility.
“ Test Day Nerves ”
Mr. Green circled the classroom as students scribbled answers. Tara’s pencil tapped; Jason’s foot bounced. Mr. Green smiled. I remember feeling like that, he thought. Stopping at a desk, he whispered, “You’re doing great — take a breath.” The student relaxed and grinned. As he returned to his chair, he glanced at the wall of class photos and felt a small swell of pride.
Part A: What is Mr. Green’s perspective about his students?
A He’s impatient.
B He understands and encourages them.
C He’s disappointed.
D He’s worried they’ll fail.
Part B: Which line best shows how the author develops this perspective?
A “Mr. Green smiled.”
B “I remember feeling like that,” he thought.
C “Stopping at a desk, he whispered…”
D “The student relaxed and grinned.”
✅ B
✅ B — his inner thought reveals empathy.
“Autumn Field Trip”
Leaves chased each other across the playground, tumbling and twirling like acrobats. The air smelled sharp, the way it does before rain. When the wind whooshed through the trees, it whispered secrets the class couldn’t quite hear. “Listen,” said Mr. Alvarez. “Even the season is talking to us.”
Part A: Which sentence includes personification?
A “Leaves chased each other across the playground.”
B “The air smelled sharp.”
C “The wind whooshed through the trees.”
D “‘Listen,’ said Mr. Alvarez.”
Part B: What does this figurative language show about the leaves?
A They’re alive and playful in the wind.
B They’re heavy and still.
C They’re turning gray.
D They’re falling silently.
✅ A
✅ A
“Baker’s Helper”
When Owen opened the oven, the smell of cinnamon rolls made his mouth water. His grandmother smiled. “Don’t be so impatient, dear. They need a few more minutes.” Owen groaned but stepped back from the counter.
Part A: What does impatient mean?
A Tired from baking
B Unable to wait calmly
C Proud of his cooking
D Excited but relaxed
Part B: Which clue from the text supports that?
A “Owen groaned but stepped back.”
B “The smell of cinnamon rolls made his mouth water.”
C “They need a few more minutes.”
D “His grandmother smiled.”
✅ B
✅ A
“The Sandcastle Lesson”
Maya had been building her sandcastle for nearly an hour. The towers stood tall, decorated with seashells and smooth pebbles. Her little brother clapped.
“It’s perfect!” he said.
Just then, a wave rolled farther up the shore than any before. It crashed into the moat and pulled everything away in seconds. Maya stood frozen. Then she took a breath, smiled at her brother, and said, “Guess I’ll build it higher this time.”
Question:
Part A: How does the setting influence Maya’s actions?
A The rising tide challenges her, showing her determination.
B The beach helps her win a contest.
C The ocean makes her angry enough to quit.
D The sunny day keeps her distracted.
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “Her little brother clapped.”
B “Just then, a wave rolled farther up the shore than any before.”
C “The towers stood tall.”
D “She smiled at her brother.”
✅ A
✅ B
“The Last Paint Jar”
Tyler’s art project looked half-done without blue paint. His family was asleep, and the store was closed. He opened his box of old supplies and found only green and white. “Maybe if I mix them…” he whispered. The next morning, his painting gleamed with a new color no one had ever seen. During art show judging, the teacher announced, “First place for creativity—Tyler!” His classmates turned and clapped. Tyler grinned, proud not just of his win but of his idea.
Part A: What is the theme of the story?
A Creative thinking can lead to success.
B Always follow instructions exactly.
C Luck is more important than effort.
D Art is easier with help.
Part B: Which line best supports this theme?
A “He opened his box of old supplies and found only green and white.”
B “Maybe if I mix them…”
C “His painting gleamed with a new color no one had ever seen.”
D “During art show judging, the teacher announced, ‘First place!’”
✅ A
✅ C — the result shows creativity pays off.
“ Home to Harmony Street ”
“If you ever visit my town,” Clara told her cousin, “you’ll smell cinnamon from the bakery and hear Mr. Jenkins playing guitar on the corner.” She waved to Mrs. Perez sweeping her porch. Her cousin laughed, “You really do know everyone.” Clara nodded. “That’s what I love — no matter where you go, someone cares enough to say hi.” She smiled as the church bells rang across the quiet street.
Part A: What does Clara’s perspective reveal?
A She feels proud and safe in her town.
B She finds it boring.
C She wants to move away.
D She thinks people are nosy.
Part B: Which sentence best supports your answer?
A “If you ever visit my town…”
B “That’s what I love — no matter where you go, someone cares enough to say hi.”
C “Her cousin laughed.”
D “She smiled as the church bells rang.”
✅ A
✅ B — directly expresses her appreciation.
“Pumpkin Contest”
The gym glittered with orange decorations as students displayed their carved pumpkins. Jonah stared at his lopsided jack-o’-lantern and sighed. “Next to these,” he muttered, “mine looks like a potato with a smile.” His friend laughed. “Hey, yours has personality.” When the judges announced “Most Creative – Jonah M.,” his grin spread wider than the moon outside.
Part A: Identify the simile in the story.
A “Glittered with orange decorations.”
B “Mine looks like a potato with a smile.”
C “His grin spread wider than the moon.”
D “His friend laughed.”
Part B: What does this simile reveal about Jonah’s feelings?
A He thinks his pumpkin is silly compared to others.
B He believes his pumpkin is perfect.
C He wants to make another one.
D He doesn’t care about the contest.
✅ B
✅ A
“Science Fair Surprise”
Zoe’s volcano erupted perfectly, splattering red foam across the table. “That was spectacular!” her teacher said, clapping. Zoe grinned, proud that weeks of work had finally paid off.
Part A: What does the word spectacular mean?
A Very ordinary
B Messy and boring
C Very impressive or amazing
D Too small to notice
Part B: Which detail helps you determine the meaning?
A “Her teacher said, clapping.”
B “Zoe grinned, proud that weeks of work had finally paid off.”
C “Splattering red foam across the table.”
D “Zoe’s volcano erupted perfectly.”
✅ C
✅ B — the pride and clapping signal a positive meaning.
“Blizzard Night”
Snow whipped across the windows, rattling the panes. When the power blinked out, Nico’s little sister whimpered.
“It’s okay,” he said, feeling in the dark for the flashlight. “Remember the fort we built last weekend?”
She nodded. Together they dragged blankets to the living room. Nico stacked wood in the fireplace like he’d seen Dad do and struck a match. Soon orange light danced across the walls.
“Better?” he asked.
His sister grinned. “Way better.”
Question:
Part A: How does the author use the setting to move the plot forward?
A The setting has no real effect.
B The snowstorm makes the story humorous.
C The setting introduces a new character.
D The storm creates a problem Nico must solve.
Part B: Which sentence best supports your answer?
A “Better?” he asked.
B “She nodded.”
C “When the power blinked out, Nico’s little sister whimpered.”
D “His sister grinned.”
✅ D
✅ C — The power outage drives Nico’s actions.
“The Torn Page”
During independent reading, Zoe turned a page and froze. A corner of her library book was ripped.
“Oh no,” she whispered. “It wasn’t like that before.”
She could hide it. No one might notice. But all day, her stomach felt heavy. After school, she walked to the library desk and said, “I think I damaged this book by accident. I’m really sorry.” The librarian smiled. “Thank you for being honest, Zoe. I can fix it.” Zoe grinned. Somehow, telling the truth made her feel lighter.
Part A: Which theme fits best?
A Honesty helps fix mistakes.
B Books are hard to take care of.
C Accidents should be ignored.
D Friends forgive easily.
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “A corner of her library book was ripped.”
B “She could hide it.”
C “I think I damaged this book by accident. I’m really sorry.”
D “The librarian smiled.”
✅ A
✅ C — her confession reveals honesty as the lesson.
“ Splash of Laughter ”
Rain poured as Sophie and Jack raced down the sidewalk. “Last one home carries the umbrellas!” Sophie shouted. Jack’s shoes slipped, and he crashed into a puddle. Water splashed high onto both of them. Sophie gasped, covered her mouth, and then burst into a laugh. “Oh no — are you okay?” she managed between giggles. Jack scowled. “You think that’s funny?” Her smile faded. “I didn’t mean to — it just surprised me,” she said, offering her hand.
Part A: What is Sophie’s perspective?
A She finds the accident funny but still cares.
B She’s angry.
C She’s embarrassed.
D She ignores him.
Part B: Which line best shows how the author develops her perspective?
A “Oh no — are you okay?” she managed between giggles.
B “You think that’s funny?”
C “Her smile faded.”
D “She offered her hand.”
✅ A
✅ A — her dialogue shows mixed amusement and concern.
“Haunted Library Night”
During the school’s reading lock-in, thunder grumbled across the sky while the old library shivered under the wind. The flicker of flashlights danced on the walls as students whispered ghost stories. “Relax,” said Mrs. Ray, “the storm is just singing its spooky song.”
Part A: Which two examples of figurative language appear in this passage?
A Metaphor and Hyperbole
B Simile and Personification
C Personification and Alliteration
D Metaphor and Onomatopoeia
Part B: What effect does this language create?
A It makes the storm seem alive and adds an eerie mood.
B It confuses the setting.
C It turns the story funny.
D It distracts from the storm.
✅ C – “Thunder grumbled” & “library shivered.”
✅ A
“Fall Festival Booth”
The class booth was a chaotic scene of spilled popcorn, squeaky balloons, and shouting customers. “We need a plan!” shouted Avery. “This is a disaster!”
Part A: What does chaotic mean?
A Calm and peaceful B Busy and out of control C Neat and organized D Empty and quiet
Part B: Which phrase best supports your answer?
A “The class booth was.”
B “We need a plan!”
C “This is a disaster!”
D “spilled popcorn, squeaky balloons, and shouting customers.”
✅ B
✅D
“The Speech”
Leo waited backstage, gripping his note cards so tightly they bent. He could hear the crowd murmuring on the other side of the curtain.
“Next, please welcome Leo Ramirez!”
The spotlight cut across the stage. His heart pounded in his ears as he stepped forward.
He glanced at the first row—his teacher smiled and gave a thumbs-up. Leo took one steady breath, then began, “Good morning, everyone…”
Question: Which event is the climax of the story?
A When Leo thanks his teacher afterward
B When Leo begins his speech in front of the audience
C When Leo waits for his turn backstage
D When Leo practices at home
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “His heart pounded in his ears as he stepped forward.”
B “He gripped his note cards so tightly they bent.”
C “His teacher smiled and gave a thumbs-up.”
D “He waited backstage.”
✅ B
✅ A
“The Gift Box”
Nina’s brother accidentally dropped her new earbuds and cracked them. “Sorry,” he said quickly, setting them on her desk. “Whatever,” she muttered, turning away. For a week, they barely talked. Then, one morning, Nina found a small box on her pillow. Inside was a note: I can’t fix what I broke, but I used my allowance to buy you new ones. Nina blinked back tears and whispered, “Thanks, Leo.” When he peeked around the corner, she smiled and handed him a cookie.
Part A: Which statement best expresses the theme?
A Forgiveness matters more than things.
B People can’t change.
C It’s better to ignore mistakes.
D Gifts solve every problem.
Part B: Which line from the story best supports this theme?
A “‘I can’t fix what I broke, but I used my allowance to buy you new ones.’”
B “‘Whatever,’ she muttered.”
C “‘Sorry,’ he said quickly.”
D “Nina found a small box on her pillow.”
✅ A
✅ A
“ Helping Hands ”
Ravi watched his sister wobble beneath two grocery bags. “I can do it myself!” she said, her arms shaking. He hesitated; he didn’t want to make her mad again for “helping too much.” Still, he stepped forward. “Let me take one,” he said softly. She sighed but let him. When they reached the door, she grinned. “Fine, you’re stronger anyway.” Ravi laughed. “See? Teamwork’s better.” She nudged him. “Maybe sometimes.”
Part A: What does Ravi’s perspective show?
A Helping others shows kindness.
B He’s impatient.
C He’s selfish.
D He’s careless.
Part B: Which line best supports your answer?
A “Let me take one,” he said softly.
B “I can do it myself!” she said.
C “She sighed but let him.”
D “Maybe sometimes.”
✅ A
✅ A — his gentle dialogue shows caring perspective.
“Bonfire Glow”
Flames leapt into the sky, painting the night gold. Sparks floated upward like tiny stars escaping gravity. Students circled the bonfire, roasting marshmallows while the counselor strummed a guitar. For a moment, even the crickets paused to listen. The heat wrapped everyone in a bright, humming hug.
Part A: Which phrase is a metaphor?
A “Flames leapt into the sky.”
B “Sparks floated upward like tiny stars.”
C “The heat wrapped everyone in a bright, humming hug.”
D “For a moment, even the crickets paused.”
Part B: What does this metaphor show about the mood?
A The fire makes everyone feel cozy and connected. B It’s a dangerous scene. C Everyone is tired and silent. D The night feels cold and distant.
✅ C
✅ A
“Haunted Hayride”
As the tractor rumbled down the path, a dense fog rolled over the field. The driver slowed, squinting. “Can’t see a thing through this!” he said. The kids clutched their flashlights, beams bouncing off the thick white air.
Part A: What does the word dense mean?
A Heavy or thick
B Very light
C Loud and scary
D Empty and clear
Part B: Which clue helps you figure that out?
A “Can’t see a thing through this!”
B “The driver slowed.”
C “The tractor rumbled.”
D “The kids clutched their flashlights.”
✅ A
✅ A — the line shows the fog is hard to see through, so it’s thick.