Instructions
Read the story below carefully. Once you have finished reading, answer the questions that follow. Try to answer in full sentences where you can.
The Secret of Shimmering Falls
The afternoon sun dappled through the dense leaves of the ancient forest. Lily, with her bright red backpack and a heart full of adventure, followed the sound of rushing water. She loved exploring the woods behind her house, discovering hidden paths, mysterious footprints, and colourful birds. Today, she felt particularly brave.
Soon, she emerged into a small clearing. Before her, a magnificent waterfall tumbled down a wall of mossy rock, crashing into a crystal-clear pool below. The waterfall wasn't just water; it was like a shimmering curtain of silver, catching the sunlight perfectly. "Wow!" she whispered. As she stepped closer, she noticed something peculiar. Behind the cascade of water, there seemed to be a dark opening. A cave!
Taking a deep breath, Lily cautiously stepped through the cool spray of the waterfall and into the darkness. Her eyes took a moment to adjust. The air was damp and smelled of earth and stone. Then, she saw it. The walls of the vast cave were not completely dark. They were covered in a soft, glowing green moss that illuminated the space with a gentle, magical light. In the centre of the cavern sat a heavy, wooden chest bound with rusty iron straps. The wind, which had followed her in, seemed to whisper secrets around the ancient object. What could possibly be inside?
Questions
- What three things did Lily enjoy discovering in the woods?
- In the final paragraph, the author writes that the cave was vast. What do you think the word vast means?
a) Tiny
b) Very large
c) Damp - The author uses a simile to describe the waterfall. Find and copy the simile from the text.
- How do you think Lily was feeling when she decided to go behind the waterfall? Find one word from the first paragraph that supports your answer.
- What was giving off a "gentle, magical light" inside the cave?
- Why do you think the chest's iron straps were rusty?
- If you were Lily, would you try to open the chest? Explain your answer.
Answer Key
1. What three things did Lily enjoy discovering in the woods?
Lily enjoyed discovering hidden paths, mysterious footprints, and colourful birds.
2. In the final paragraph, the author writes that the cave was vast. What do you think the word vast means?
b) Very large
3. The author uses a simile to describe the waterfall. Find and copy the simile from the text.
The waterfall was like a shimmering curtain of silver.
4. How do you think Lily was feeling when she decided to go behind the waterfall? Find one word from the first paragraph that supports your answer.
She was feeling brave. The word from the text is "brave". (Accept similar answers like "adventurous" or "curious").
5. What was giving off a "gentle, magical light" inside the cave?
The soft, glowing green moss on the walls was giving off the light.
6. Why do you think the chest's iron straps were rusty?
The straps were probably rusty because the chest was very old and had been in the damp, wet cave for a long time.
7. If you were Lily, would you try to open the chest? Explain your answer.
(Answers will vary. The answer should be justified.) Example: Yes, I would open the chest because I am adventurous like Lily and I would want to know what secrets were inside. OR No, I would not open it because it might be dangerous, and I would go and get an adult to help.