Compare & Contrast
Problem & Solution
Chronological Sequencing
Cause & Effect
100
Name one difference between the office before and after the key disappeared.
- Before: desk was neat / After: papers were scattered everywhere
- Before: key was on the hook / After: hook was empty
100
What was the main problem?
The library’s master key was missing.
100
What is the very first event that happens in the story?
Mrs. Benton tells Millie the master key is missing.
100
Why did Millie suspect Mr. Thompson?
- She found a trail of sunflower seeds, and she remembered that Mr. Thompson always ate sunflower seeds during tutoring.
200
Name one thing that stayed the same throughout the story.
- It was still the same library office.
- Mrs. Benton still worked there.
- The hook was still on the wall (even though the key was missing).
200
Name one clue that helped solve the problem.
- Footprints on the dusty floor
- Messy office
- Trail of sunflower seeds
200
After Millie looks in the library office, what clue does she find that shows someone had been there?
Millie sees papers scattered and the hook behind the desk is bare.
200
What was the effect of Mr. Thompson forgetting to return the key?
The library couldn’t be opened in the morning.
300
What were 2 differences in Ms. Benton's office that helped Millie solve the mystery?
A messy desk/ Different footprints/ Empty key hook/ Sunflower seeds
300
Who caused the main problem?
Mr. Thompson (he borrowed the key and forgot to return it).
300
What two things does Millie notice on the floor that help her follow a clue?
Two sets of footprints and a trail of sunflower seeds.
300
What caused Millie to search the reading corner?
She followed the unfamiliar footprints, which led to the corner.
400
What actions did Millie take at the start of the story that were different from those she took at the conclusion? 
At the beginning she read about mysteries; At the end she solved a real mystery.
400
Describe how Millie solved the mystery of the missing key.
She followed the clues, suspected Mr. Thompson, she asked Mr. Thompson - who admitted he had the key and returned it.
400
What happens last that solves the mystery and lets the library open?
Mr. Thompson shows the found library key, admits he made the mess, and they open the library.
400
Give one example of an original cause & effect pair from the story.
Ex. Because of....., _____ happened.
(Samples students might give)
- Cause: Mr. Thompson looked for the microscope manual.
Effect: He made a mess in the office. - Cause: Millie noticed the office was different.
Effect: She started investigating. - Cause: Millie found sunflower seeds. Effect: She suspected Mr. Thompson.