1. The cookies were eaten after dinner, as Mrs. Baker explicitly told the children "No cookies until after dinner!"
2. When Mrs. Baker returned from the garden, she found the plate empty and crumbs around the children's mouths.
3. Ben claimed he was too busy reading a book, which is unlikely because reading doesn't typically leave crumbs around the mouth.
4. Emily claimed she was playing with her dolls, which also wouldn't result in crumbs around her mouth.
5. Sam insisted he was drawing a picture, which similarly wouldn't explain the crumbs.
6. The only child whose activity could reasonably account for crumbs around the mouth is Sam, as drawing often involves holding a pencil or crayon near the mouth, but this is not a strong explanation.
7. However, the most logical conclusion is that Sam ate the cookies because his excuse is the least plausible for avoiding crumbs, and he is the only one who might have been able to eat without being noticed while pretending to draw.
8. Therefore, Sam is the most likely culprit who ate the cookies.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 4 reading worksheet.
