Grade 7 Reading Comprehension Worksheet - "In The Storm" by Joseph A. Altsheler.

Problem Analysis:

The task involves reading a passage from "In The Storm" by Joseph A. Altsheler and answering questions related to the main idea, supporting evidence, and summarization. Here's how we can approach each part of the task:

---

1. What is the main idea of this passage?

#### Solution:
The main idea of the passage is the journey of a young horseman (a Texan scout) as he rides through a desolate and cold landscape, searching for something or someone in the south while observing the changing weather conditions.

#### Reasoning:
- The passage describes the horseman's movements and observations in detail.
- Key elements include his search in the south, the changing weather (growing colder, darker), and the overall desolate environment.
- These details collectively suggest that the passage focuses on the horseman's solitary journey and his purposeful search.

---

2. How do you know?

#### Solution:
I know this because the passage repeatedly emphasizes the horseman's focus on the south, his careful observation of the surroundings, and the progression of time and weather. Phrases like "He never failed to search the plains on either side, but chiefly in the south" and "Again he gazed long and patiently into the south, but without reward" indicate his primary objective. Additionally, the description of the changing weather ("The air was growing perceptibly colder," "The day, which had not been bright at any time, was turning darker") suggests a sense of urgency or foreboding, reinforcing the importance of his mission.

---

3. Underline the five sentences that help you know the main idea.

#### Solution:
Here are five key sentences that support the main idea:

1. "The horseman rode slowly toward the west, stopping once or twice to examine the wide circle of the horizon with eyes that were trained to note every aspect of the wilderness."
- This sentence establishes the setting and the horseman's purposeful observation of the environment.

2. "On his left was the wide bed of a river which flowed through the sand, breaking here and there into several streams, and then reuniting, only to scatter its volume a hundred yards further into three or four channels."
- This provides context about the landscape, emphasizing the desolation and isolation.

3. "His glances into the north were few and brief. His was an attractive face. He was young, only a boy, but the brow was broad and high, and the eyes, grave and steady. He was clad completely in buckskin."
- This introduces the character and his appearance, highlighting his youth and determination.

4. "Several hours passed and the horseman rode on steadily though slowly. He never failed to search the plains on either side, but chiefly in the south."
- This sentence directly indicates the horseman's focused search in the south, reinforcing the main idea.

5. "The rider presently turned his horse toward the river and stopped on a low bluff overlooking it, as if his eyes failed to find objects for which they sought. Again he gazed long and patiently into the south, but without reward."
- This sentence underscores the horseman's persistent search and the lack of success, adding tension and purpose to the narrative.

---

4. Write a summary. Tell what is most important.

#### Solution:
The passage describes a young Texan scout riding through a vast, desolate landscape during a cold winter. He moves slowly, examining the horizon and focusing primarily on the south, where he seems to be searching for something or someone. The environment is characterized by a wide river, gentle plains, and increasingly dark and cold weather. Despite his efforts, he finds no signs of life or the object of his search, suggesting a sense of urgency and foreboding as the day turns darker and the wind grows stronger.

#### Most Important Points:
- The horseman's focused search in the south.
- The desolate and cold environment.
- The changing weather conditions, indicating a sense of impending danger or urgency.
- The horseman's persistence despite finding no signs of life.

---

Final Answer:

1. Main Idea: The passage describes a young Texan scout's solitary journey through a desolate landscape, searching for something or someone in the south while observing the changing weather.
2. How do you know? The repeated focus on the south, the detailed descriptions of the environment, and the changing weather all point to the horseman's purposeful search.
3. Key Sentences:
- "The horseman rode slowly toward the west, stopping once or twice to examine the wide circle of the horizon with eyes that were trained to note every aspect of the wilderness."
- "On his left was the wide bed of a river which flowed through the sand, breaking here and there into several streams, and then reuniting, only to scatter its volume a hundred yards further into three or four channels."
- "His glances into the north were few and brief. His was an attractive face. He was young, only a boy, but the brow was broad and high, and the eyes, grave and steady. He was clad completely in buckskin."
- "Several hours passed and the horseman rode on steadily though slowly. He never failed to search the plains on either side, but chiefly in the south."
- "The rider presently turned his horse toward the river and stopped on a low bluff overlooking it, as if his eyes failed to find objects for which they sought. Again he gazed long and patiently into the south, but without reward."
4. Summary: A young Texan scout rides through a cold, desolate landscape, searching intently in the south while observing the worsening weather. Despite his efforts, he finds no signs of life, creating a sense of urgency and foreboding.

\boxed{\text{See above for detailed answers.}}