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Free reading passage for children about Jasper's journey to compete in a race, including comprehension questions.

A free reading passage titled "Jasper and the Race" featuring a short story about a young runner and questions for comprehension, with a cartoon illustration of a boy wearing a race bib.

A free reading passage titled "Jasper and the Race" featuring a short story about a young runner and questions for comprehension, with a cartoon illustration of a boy wearing a race bib.

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Show Answer Key & Explanations Step-by-step solution for: 4th Grade Worksheets Spelling | Free reading passages, Reading ...
Let's solve the reading comprehension questions based on the passage "Jasper and the Race". Here’s a step-by-step explanation for each question, followed by complete sentence answers.

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Passage Summary:


Jasper is a dedicated long-distance runner who trains every day after school. He hopes to win a gold medal at the Junior Athletics Meet in September. However, when September arrives, his grandma has to go to the hospital, which makes Jasper sad and unmotivated to run. After visiting her and receiving encouragement, he decides to compete anyway.

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Question 1: What did Jasper hope to do in September?



Answer:
Jasper hoped to win a gold medal at the Junior Athletics Meet in September.

Explanation:
The first sentence of the second paragraph states: *"Jasper hoped to win a gold medal at the Junior Athletics Meet in September."* This directly answers the question.

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Question 2: Why did Jasper not feel like running when September came along?



Answer:
Jasper did not feel like running because his grandma had to go to the hospital, and he was very sad.

Explanation:
The passage says: *"When September came, Jasper's grandma had to go to hospital. Jasper was very sad and didn't feel like running at the meet."* This shows that his sadness over his grandma’s illness affected his motivation.

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Question 3: Why did Jasper decide to compete in the meet?



Answer:
Jasper decided to compete because his grandma smiled and encouraged him to try.

Explanation:
After visiting his grandma, she "smiled and encouraged him to compete," which inspired him to change his mind and give it a try. Her support motivated him.

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Question 4: What place do you think Jasper came in the race? How do you know?



Answer:
I think Jasper came in first place because he trained hard every day and was encouraged by his grandma to do his best.

Explanation:
This question asks for an inference (a logical guess based on clues). While the story doesn’t say exactly where he placed, we can infer:
- He was described as an "excellent long distance runner."
- He trained daily.
- His grandma’s encouragement gave him confidence.
- The title “Jasper and the Race” suggests a positive outcome.

So, even though it's not stated, it's reasonable to believe he performed well—possibly winning the race—due to his preparation and renewed determination.

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Final Answers (in complete sentences):



1) Jasper hoped to win a gold medal at the Junior Athletics Meet in September.
2) Jasper did not feel like running because his grandma had to go to the hospital, and he was very sad.
3) Jasper decided to compete because his grandma smiled and encouraged him to try.
4) I think Jasper came in first place because he trained hard every day and was encouraged by his grandma to do his best.

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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of reading and writing worksheet for 4th grade.
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