10th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to answer the questions based on the story “The Ghost in Chains.”

---

Question 1: What does Jacob realize about the ghost?

In the story, Jacob sees a ghost dragging chains. At first, he thinks it’s just scary — but then he notices something important:
> “You’re not evil,” said Jacob. “You’re just sad.”

Then the ghost says:
> “I was greedy when I was alive... Now I’m chained to this place because of my greed.”

So Jacob realizes the ghost isn’t trying to hurt anyone — it’s trapped because of its own past mistakes (greed). The ghost is suffering, not dangerous.

✔ Answer for Q1: Jacob realizes the ghost is not evil — it’s sad and trapped because of its own greed from when it was alive.

---

Question 2: How do you think the story ends? Why?

The last part of the story says:
> “Jacob smiled. ‘Then let me help you.’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silver key... ‘This belonged to your brother,’ Jacob said. ‘He kept it safe… until now.’”

And then:
> “The ghost looked at the key. Its eyes filled with tears. ‘Thank you,’ it whispered. Then, slowly, the chains began to fall off...”

So we can guess what happens next:

- The ghost uses the key (which belonged to its brother) to unlock the chains.
- Since the chains were punishment for greed, and the ghost has shown remorse and been helped by kindness (Jacob), it is finally free.
- The ghost probably disappears peacefully — maybe going to rest or heaven — no longer chained to Earth.

Why? Because stories like this usually end with redemption — if someone learns their lesson and gets help, they get freed. Also, the ghost says “thank you” and cries — that shows relief and healing.

✔ Answer for Q2: The story likely ends with the ghost using the key to break free from the chains. It becomes peaceful and disappears, finally at rest, because Jacob helped it find forgiveness and release from its guilt.

---

Final Answer:
1. Jacob realizes the ghost is not evil — it’s sad and trapped because of its own greed from when it was alive.
2. The story likely ends with the ghost using the key to break free from the chains and disappear peacefully, finally at rest, because Jacob helped it find forgiveness and release from its guilt.