Instructions
Read the story carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Make sure to read each question twice before writing your answer.
The Secret of the Attic
Leo and Mia were helping Leo’s grandmother clean out her attic. It was a dusty, shadowy place, filled with forgotten treasures and ancient furniture covered in white sheets, making them look like silent ghosts. Sunlight streamed through a single, grimy window, lighting up the swirling dust motes in the air.
“Be careful with that pile of old blankets in the corner,” Grandma called from the bottom of the stairs. “There might be moths!”
Mia giggled and started to lift the heavy, woollen blankets. Underneath, she didn't find moths. Instead, she found a small, dark wooden box. It wasn't very big, but it was beautifully carved with swirling patterns of leaves and stars. It had a rusty, heart-shaped lock on the front, but there was no key.
“Leo, come look at this!” she whispered excitedly. Leo hurried over. He ran his fingers over the carvings. “Wow! I wonder what’s inside.” They searched around the box and, tucked just behind it, they found a tiny, ornate brass key. It fit perfectly into the lock. With a soft *click*, the lock sprang open.
Slowly, Leo lifted the lid. Inside, resting on a bed of faded red velvet, was a single rolled-up piece of parchment, tied with a thin leather string. With trembling fingers, Mia untied the string and they carefully unrolled it. It was a map! But it wasn't a map of their town. It was covered in strange symbols, drawings of a three-headed dragon, and a dotted line that led to a large ‘X’ on an island they had never seen before.
Questions
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What were Leo and Mia supposed to be doing in the attic?
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Find and copy one word from the first paragraph that tells you the furniture was very old.
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What was special about the lock on the box?
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Why do you think Mia whispered “excitedly” when she found the box?
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Number these events from 1 to 4 to show the order they happened in.
______ They unrolled the map.
______ Mia found a wooden box.
______ They found a small brass key.
______ Grandma warned them about moths.
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The author writes that Mia had "trembling fingers" when she untied the map. What does this tell you about how she was feeling?
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What do you think the 'X' on the map marks?
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Answer Key
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What were Leo and Mia supposed to be doing in the attic?
They were helping Leo's grandmother clean the attic.
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Find and copy one word from the first paragraph that tells you the furniture was very old.
ancient
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What was special about the lock on the box?
It was shaped like a heart.
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Why do you think Mia whispered “excitedly” when she found the box?
(Answers may vary). Example: She whispered because she had found something secret and mysterious and didn't want Grandma to hear. She was excited because it looked like a special discovery.
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Number these events from 1 to 4 to show the order they happened in.
__4__ They unrolled the map.
__2__ Mia found a wooden box.
__3__ They found a small brass key.
__1__ Grandma warned them about moths.
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The author writes that Mia had "trembling fingers" when she untied the map. What does this tell you about how she was feeling?
She was excited and a little nervous.
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What do you think the 'X' on the map marks?
(Answers will vary). Example: The 'X' marks where a hidden treasure is buried.