The Treasure Map (Fiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What is the best way to follow a trail of clues? Then have students read the story on page 1, about 220 words in 7 short paragraphs. Ask them to notice what the characters say, do and feel. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written responses. Ask students to name the paragraph or detail that supports each answer before they write it. Check the work with the answer key.

The Treasure Map gives 4th grade students a fiction passage of about 220 words about a girl who finds a hand-drawn map tucked in a library book and follows the clues, followed by five questions. The questions practice summarizing, vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.4.2. An answer key is included.

The Treasure Map is a fiction passage of about 220 words about a girl who finds a hand-drawn map tucked in a library book and follows the clues. It is written for 4th grade readers (ages 9-10) and has 7 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, summarizing and making inferences. Questions include "Why did Grace and Theo go back to the park at four o'clock" and "Why do you think Mr. Reed hid the puzzle". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.4.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What is the best way to follow a trail of clues? Invite students to share a similar experience first, then read to compare. Afterward, ask what the main character learned.

Most students need about 20 minutes for the passage and the questions together. The sheet works at a kitchen table with a parent talking through the written answers, or at a reading center as independent work on summarizing and vocabulary in context.