Printable reading comprehension worksheet titled "Making Inferences" featuring a short story and questions to practice inference skills.

Problem: Making Inferences from the Story

The task involves reading a passage and making inferences based on the details provided. Below is the solution with explanations for each question.

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#### Passage Summary
The story describes two children sneaking through a house, trying to be quiet as they approach an ancient wardrobe in a spare bedroom. They are curious about what might be inside the wardrobe and feel nervous but excited. When they open the doors, a bright light reveals a mysterious world hidden behind the wardrobe.

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Question 1: Why do you think the children were trying to be quiet?

#### Answer:
The children were likely trying to be quiet because they did not want to be caught by adults or anyone else in the house. The phrase "trying hard to keep their footsteps silent" suggests they were being cautious, possibly because they were exploring without permission or were afraid of getting into trouble.

#### Explanation of Inference:
- The children's actions (creeping and keeping their footsteps silent) indicate they were trying to avoid detection.
- This behavior is typical when someone is doing something they shouldn't or wants to remain undetected.

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Question 2: Do you think the story took place during the day or the night?

#### Answer:
The story likely took place at night. This inference is based on the description of "glimmers of moonlight" shining into the room and the fact that the children needed to rely on this light to see. Additionally, the atmosphere described (creeping quietly, feeling nervous) is more consistent with nighttime activities.

#### Explanation of Inference:
- The mention of "moonlight" directly indicates it is nighttime.
- The children's need to be quiet and cautious aligns with the idea that they are exploring in the dark, which is more common at night.

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Question 3: How do you think the children felt before opening the doors?

#### Answer:
Before opening the doors, the children likely felt a mix of curiosity, excitement, and fear. The text describes their hands shaking, hearts racing, and hesitant steps, indicating nervousness. However, their eagerness to discover what was inside also shows excitement and curiosity.

#### Explanation of Inference:
- The physical reactions (shaking hands, racing hearts) suggest fear or nervousness.
- Their cautious yet eager behavior ("took a deep breath," "peered in cautiously") shows a blend of curiosity and excitement.
- The overall tone of the passage emphasizes a sense of mystery and anticipation, which contributes to these feelings.

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Final Answers:

1. Why do you think the children were trying to be quiet?
- Answer: They were trying to avoid being caught by adults or anyone else in the house.
- How did you make this inference? They were creeping and keeping their footsteps silent, which is typical behavior when someone is trying to remain undetected.

2. Do you think the story took place during the day or the night?
- Answer: The story likely took place at night.
- How did you make this inference? The mention of "moonlight" and the need for the children to be quiet and cautious aligns with nighttime activities.

3. How do you think the children felt before opening the doors?
- Answer: They likely felt a mix of curiosity, excitement, and fear.
- How did you make this inference? Their physical reactions (shaking hands, racing hearts) and cautious yet eager behavior suggest a combination of nervousness and excitement.

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Final Answer Box:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
\text{1. They were trying to avoid being caught by adults or anyone else in the house.} \\
\text{How did you make this inference? They were creeping and keeping their footsteps silent.} \\
\text{2. The story likely took place at night.} \\
\text{How did you make this inference? The mention of "moonlight" and the need for silence.} \\
\text{3. They likely felt a mix of curiosity, excitement, and fear.} \\
\text{How did you make this inference? Their physical reactions and cautious yet eager behavior.}
\end{array}
}
\]