Context Clues
The story says, "A chill crept up Steve’s spine." What does this phrase suggest about how Steve is feeling?
scared or uneasy
What do you think will happen next after the end of the story?
What clues tell us that it was springtime in the story?
The grass turned green, flowers bloomed, and bees buzzed around.
Why did Steve and Alex go to the meadow?
Because they wanted to investigate why the flowers were wilting and the bees were vanishing.
What does the word "wilt" mean in the sentence: "The flowers are wilting, and the bees are vanishing!"?
drying up and drooping
Why does Steve feel uneasy when he sees the meadow?
Because the land looks unnatural, with dry, cracked dirt instead of lush grass.
What caused Alex to run to Steve’s house?
She saw that the flowers were wilting and the bees were disappearing.
Why does Alex touch the crumbling flower?
She wants to understand what is happening to the plants.
What does "vanishing" mean in the sentence: "The flowers are wilting, and the bees are vanishing!"?
disappearing
What might happen if Steve and Alex don’t stop the villager?
Spring could disappear entirely, and the land might remain dry and lifeless.
What effect did the glowing block have on the land?
It drained life from the land, causing the grass to wither and the flowers to crumble.
Why does Steve grip his pickaxe tightly?
He is preparing to confront the villager and possibly defend himself.
What does the phrase "gripping a strange, glowing block" suggest about how the villager is holding the object?
holding tightly
Why do you think the villager says, "You should not have come"?
He might be hiding something, not want to be stopped, or know something dangerous about the glowing block.
What was the effect of Steve and Alex following the shadowy figure?
They discovered the villager and the glowing block that was harming the land.
What might the villager be using the glowing block for?
He might have a plan to control nature, use its energy, or spread darkness.
The story describes the air around the block as "shimmering." What does this mean?
What does the villager’s dark robe suggest about his character?
It suggests he might be mysterious, dangerous, or connected to dark magic.
What might happen if the glowing block is destroyed?
Spring might return, and the land could become green and healthy again.
Why do you think the villager warns Steve and Alex instead of attacking them immediately?
He might not want to fight, he could be testing their bravery, or he may be waiting for the block’s power to grow stronger.