Grade 3 English Comprehension Exercises for 9-Year-Olds

Instructions

Read the short story below carefully. Once you have finished reading, answer the questions that follow. Try to use full sentences for your written answers.

The Magical Seed

Lily was helping her grandmother in the garden when she saw something shimmer in the soil. It wasn't a rock or a piece of glass. It was a smooth, rainbow-colored seed. Her grandmother smiled and said, "That looks like a special seed, Lily. Why don't you plant it in this pot?"

Lily carefully planted the seed, gave it some water, and placed the pot on her windowsill so it could get plenty of sun. She was excited to see what would grow. The very next morning, Lily gasped. A tiny, glowing plant had sprouted! It wasn't just a sprout; it had grown into a small tree overnight, with leaves that sparkled like emeralds. Hanging from its branches were three star-shaped fruits that glowed with a soft, warm light.

She picked one of the fruits. It felt warm in her hand. Taking a small bite, her eyes widened in amazement. It tasted like sweet strawberries, bubbly lemonade, and her favorite chocolate bar all at once! She ran outside to share the incredible fruit with her best friend, Sam.

Part 1: Multiple Choice

Circle the correct answer for each question.

1. What did Lily find in the garden?
   • a) A shiny coin
   • b) A rainbow-colored seed
   • c) A sparkling rock


2. How long did it take for the seed to grow into a small tree?
   • a) One week
   • b) One year
   • c) Overnight


3. What shape was the fruit on the magical tree?
   • a) Star-shaped
   • b) Round
   • c) Square

Part 2: Short Answer

Write your answer on the line provided.

1. Who did Lily share the magical fruit with?
   __________________________________________________________________


2. Describe what the fruit tasted like to Lily.
   __________________________________________________________________


3. Why do you think the seed was "magical"? Give one reason from the story.
   __________________________________________________________________

Answer Key

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. b) A rainbow-colored seed
2. c) Overnight
3. a) Star-shaped

Part 2: Short Answer

1. Lily shared the magical fruit with her best friend, Sam.
2. The fruit tasted like sweet strawberries, bubbly lemonade, and her favorite chocolate bar.
3. (Accept any one of the following, or similar answers)
   • It was magical because it was rainbow-colored.
   • It was magical because it grew into a tree overnight.
   • It was magical because the leaves sparkled.
   • It was magical because the fruit glowed.