Let’s go through each question one by one, using the story to find clues and make smart guesses (inferences).
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1. What did Petey and Ralphie go out to collect?
In the first paragraph, it says:
> “Petey carried a net and a bag to put specimens in.”
“Specimens” means things they are collecting — like bugs, plants, or small animals. Later, Petey catches a “winged critter,” which is probably an insect. So they were going out to collect insects or small creatures.
✔ Answer: They went out to collect insects or small winged critters (specimens).
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2. What kind of critter Petey find?
The story says:
> “Petey followed behind bending to grab a small, red and black, winged critter.”
So we know exactly what it looked like!
✔ Answer: A small, red and black, winged critter (probably a bug like a beetle or ladybug).
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3. Why did Petey put on a hat and jacket?
Right after catching the critter, it says:
> “Petey looked up, held out his hand, and decided to put on his wide brimmed hat and jacket. He tucked the specimen bag under his jacket so it wouldn’t get wet.”
Then later:
> “When the sun came back out and the clouds moved away…”
That means it was raining or about to rain when he put on the jacket and hat — to stay dry and protect the specimen.
✔ Answer: Because it started to rain (or looked like it would), and he wanted to stay dry and keep the specimen safe from getting wet.
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4. What do you know about Ralphie?
Let’s look at what Ralphie does:
- He “ran ahead and stuck his nose into a bush searching” → He’s curious and active.
- He had a “big, juicy steak bone” for lunch → Maybe he likes meat or has a big appetite.
- He played catch with Petey → He’s friendly and likes to play.
- He helped observe the new pet → He’s interested in their discovery.
✔ Answer: Ralphie is curious, energetic, likes to eat hearty food, and enjoys playing and exploring with Petey.
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5. Why do you think Petey has to get up early?
The last sentence says:
> “Summer was over, and Petey had to get up early tomorrow.”
When summer ends, school usually starts! Kids often have to wake up early for school.
✔ Answer: Because summer vacation is over, and he probably has to go back to school.
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What do you think might happen next?
This is your chance to imagine! Based on the story:
- They caught a new pet (the winged critter).
- Summer is over → school starts.
- They played catch as the sun set → end of a fun day.
Maybe tomorrow they’ll take the critter to school for show-and-tell? Or maybe they’ll build a home for it? Or perhaps they’ll start looking for more critters after school?
✔ Possible answer: Maybe Petey and Ralphie will bring their new pet to school to show their class, or they’ll start planning their next adventure after school begins.
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Final Answer:
1. They went out to collect insects or small winged critters (specimens).
2. A small, red and black, winged critter.
3. Because it started to rain (or looked like it would), and he wanted to stay dry and keep the specimen safe from getting wet.
4. Ralphie is curious, energetic, likes to eat hearty food, and enjoys playing and exploring with Petey.
5. Because summer vacation is over, and he probably has to go back to school.
What might happen next? Maybe they’ll bring their new pet to school or plan another adventure after school starts.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of inference worksheet 3.
