Identifying text evidence worksheet - Free Printable

Let's go through each of the four short stories and identify the correct text evidence that supports the inference in the question. Text evidence means a direct quote or statement from the passage that helps prove or support the answer.

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1. The Dull Pencil

Story Summary:
Zach uses a pencil sharpener. The sound changes from buzzing/grinding to a high-pitched whir. He checks the pencil, finds it not sharp enough, puts it back, and it still isn't sharp.

Question: Which statement could be text evidence to infer that he was using an electric pencil sharpener?

Options:
a. “the buzzing and grinding noises had stopped and were replaced by a high-pitched whir.”
b. “it still wasn’t sharp enough.”
c. “It was just as dull as before.”

✔ Correct Answer: a. “the buzzing and grinding noises had stopped and were replaced by a high-pitched whir.”

Explanation:
This sentence describes the sounds made by the sharpener — "buzzing," "grinding," and a "high-pitched whir." These are typical sounds associated with electric devices, especially electric pencil sharpeners. The other options describe the pencil’s condition, not the type of sharpener.

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2. Mr. Wilson’s Phone

Story Summary:
Mr. Wilson uses an old phone. A student jokes about it, and Mr. Wilson responds that if his mom saw him with a smartphone, she’d think he can afford to move out or pay rent.

Question: Which statement could be text evidence to conclude that Mr. Wilson still lives with his mother?

Options:
a. “Mr. Wilson flipped open his phone to check the time.”
b. “Why do you still have a phone like that?”
c. “If my mom sees me with a smart phone, she’ll think that I can afford to move out or start paying rent.”

✔ Correct Answer: c. “If my mom sees me with a smart phone, she’ll think that I can afford to move out or start paying rent.”

Explanation:
This quote implies that Mr. Wilson does not currently pay rent and doesn’t live independently — otherwise, his mom wouldn’t assume he could afford to move out. This suggests he is still living at home, likely with her.

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3. Hangry Jack

Story Summary:
Jack is on vacation but is irritable. He stares out the window, and his mother notices he’s grumpy and gives him a granola bar.

Question: Which statement could be text evidence to conclude that Jack was not in a good mood?

Options:
a. “It was the fifth day of their family vacation.”
b. “Jack’s mother saw him grimace.”
c. “He stared out the window.”

✔ Correct Answer: b. “Jack’s mother saw him grimace.”

Explanation:
A grimace is a facial expression showing discomfort or annoyance — a clear sign of being upset or not in a good mood. While “he stared out the window” might suggest boredom, it’s less direct than seeing a grimace. Option (a) gives context but no emotional clue.

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4. Snow at Last!

Story Summary:
Shelby waits for snow, builds a snowman, but when she returns home, it has melted. She exclaims, “Oh, no!” upon seeing the puddle.

Question: Which statement could be text evidence to infer that Shelby was upset that the snow had melted?

Options:
a. “Shelby had been waiting and waiting for snow.”
b. “Shelby rushed outside to build a snowman.”
c. “When she got home – Oh, no!”

✔ Correct Answer: c. “When she got home – Oh, no!”

Explanation:
The phrase “Oh, no!” is a direct expression of disappointment or sadness. It shows her emotional reaction to the melted snow. The other choices show her excitement about snow, but not her reaction to its melting.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. a
2. c
3. b
4. c

These choices provide direct text evidence that supports the inferences asked in each question.