The Mystery in the Attic (Fiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What clues would you look for to solve a mystery? Then have students read the story on page 1, about 230 words in 8 short paragraphs. Ask them to notice what the characters say, do and feel. The second page asks five questions. Have students mark the sentence that proves each choice, then write the two responses in complete sentences. Check the work with the answer key.

The Mystery in the Attic gives 4th grade students a fiction passage of about 230 words about a boy who hears strange noises in an attic and tries to explain them, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.4.1. An answer key is included.

The Mystery in the Attic is a fiction passage of about 230 words about a boy who hears strange noises in an attic and tries to explain them. It is written for 4th grade readers (ages 9-10) and has 8 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice cause and effect, vocabulary in context, the main idea and making inferences. Questions include "In the story, the word convinced means". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.4.1, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What clues would you look for to solve a mystery? Invite students to share a similar experience first, then read to compare. Afterward, ask what the main character learned.

Plan about 20 minutes in all: the reading first, then the five questions. At home, a parent can read the questions aloud and talk through the written answers. In class, it works well for independent practice or a quick check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.