Grade 7 reading comprehension worksheet with the story "Around The Spade Wagon" by Andy Adams, including instructions and questions for students.

Worksheet: Grade 7 Reading Comprehension – "Around The Spade Wagon" by Andy Adams

#### Passage Summary
The passage describes a group of cowboys on their way to represent the Coldwater Pool in the western division for a cattle round-up. They arrive at a camp where they find the Spade wagon already set up. The cook welcomes them, and they meet an old friend of Billy Edwards, named Babe Bradshaw. During their conversation, Bradshaw shares his experiences with different outfits and emphasizes the importance of asking for the best job. Edwards then tells a touching story about Patsy St. John, a small but kind-hearted fiddler who passed away, leaving everyone moved.

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Questions and Solutions

#### 1. What is the main idea of the whole passage?
The main idea of the passage is the camaraderie and shared experiences among cowboys during a cattle round-up. It highlights themes of friendship, storytelling, and the emotional impact of remembering a beloved colleague, Patsy St. John, who had passed away.

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#### 2. Underline the most important information in each paragraph.

- Paragraph 1:
*It was an early spring. The round-up was set for the 10th of June.*
*We were on our way to represent the Coldwater Pool in the western division.*
*We found the Spade wagon already there.*
*To hungry men like us, the welcome of their cook was hospitality in the fullest sense of the word.*

- Paragraph 2:
*A stranger came and asked if Billy Edwards was there.*
*The stranger proved to be "Babe" Bradshaw, an old chum of Edwards's.*
*Bradshaw sat around while we ate.*
*He shared stories about his experiences with different outfits.*

- Paragraph 3:
*Edwards asked Bradshaw what he was doing in the country.*
*Bradshaw explained that he dissolved with the 'Ohio' outfit and joined the 'LX' people.*
*He emphasized the importance of asking for the best job.*

- Paragraph 4:
*Bradshaw wanted to go somewhere else but kept returning.*
*He inquired about someone who was sick in the camp.*
*Mouse mentioned Patsy St. John, a fiddler who had died.*

- Paragraph 5:
*Edwards told a story about Patsy St. John, a small man with a big heart.*
*Patsy struggled hard to avoid death but eventually passed away.*
*His voice trembled as he finished the story, and everyone was moved.*

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#### 3. Write a summary. Tell what is most important.

The passage recounts the experiences of a group of cowboys traveling to a cattle round-up. Upon reaching the Spade wagon camp, they are welcomed warmly by the cook and meet Babe Bradshaw, an old friend of Billy Edwards. Bradshaw shares his journey through different cattle outfits and emphasizes the importance of seeking the best opportunities. The mood shifts when Edwards tells a poignant story about Patsy St. John, a beloved fiddler who passed away despite his strong will to live. The story highlights the deep bonds and emotions shared among the cowboys, emphasizing themes of friendship, resilience, and remembrance.

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Final Answer

1. Main Idea: The passage focuses on the camaraderie and shared experiences among cowboys during a cattle round-up, highlighting themes of friendship and remembrance.
2. Important Information Underlined: See above.
3. Summary: The passage describes cowboys traveling to a round-up, meeting an old friend (Bradshaw), and sharing a touching story about a deceased colleague (Patsy St. John), emphasizing themes of friendship and emotion.

Boxed Final Answer:
\boxed{\text{See detailed explanations above.}}