Mood Worksheets | Reading Comprehension Activities - Free Printable

Let’s go through each paragraph one by one. We’ll look for words that help us feel the mood — like how the character feels or what’s happening around them. Then we’ll name the mood and explain why.

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Paragraph 1: Trey and the Rain

Words that set the mood:
- “rain was still pouring down” → sounds gloomy
- “threw his baseball glove on the couch with a sigh” → shows he’s upset or disappointed
- “thunder cracked” → adds to the heavy, sad feeling
- “The game is cancelled because of the weather.” → big letdown
- “rubbed his temples” → stressed or frustrated
- “rain pattered on the roof” → quiet, lonely sound

Mood: Disappointed / Sad / Frustrated

Why? Because Trey wanted to play baseball, but the rain ruined it. He didn’t even reply to the message — he just threw his phone and rubbed his head. That shows he’s really bummed out.

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Paragraph 2: Brett and the Test

Words that set the mood:
- “sweated in his chair” → nervous
- “clock ticked loudly” → makes time feel scary
- “no clue what the answer was” → confused, panicked
- “teacher paced around the room” → adds pressure
- “felt like the teacher was circling him” → feels targeted, anxious
- “word soup” → can’t think clearly
- “second hand sounded like a butcher’s knife” → violent, stressful image
- “heart pounded” → physical sign of fear

Mood: Anxious / Nervous / Stressed

Why? Brett is taking a super important test, doesn’t know the answers, and everything around him (the clock, the teacher) makes him feel more panicked. His body is reacting — sweating, heart pounding — which means he’s really stressed.

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Paragraph 3: Kiki the Cat and Bitty the Bird

Words that set the mood:
- “licked her lips and stared” → sneaky, hungry
- “silly bird song” → lighthearted
- “Cartoon noises played” → fun, playful
- “tiptoed to the edge” → sneaky again
- “slipped on some milk” → oops! funny accident
- “landed in the trashcan” → silly ending
- “Laughter played on the television” → happy sounds
- “Bitty kept whistling” → carefree

Mood: Funny / Playful / Lighthearted

Why? Even though Kiki tries to catch the bird, she slips and falls into the trashcan — which is clumsy and funny. The kids are watching cartoons, laughing, and the bird keeps singing. Nothing bad really happens — it’s all silly and cheerful.

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Paragraph 4: Derrick’s Free Throw

Words that set the mood:
- “thought the game was over” → tense moment
- “buzzer rang… thought we had lost” → suspenseful
- “referee blew the whistle” → sudden hope
- “chance to win the game” → high stakes
- “stadium… completely silent” → everyone holding their breath
- “Everyone was still” → tension
- “Sweat beaded on his forehead” → nervousness
- “All eyes were on Derrick” → huge pressure

Mood: Tense / Suspenseful / Exciting

Why? Everything depends on this one shot. The crowd is silent, Derrick is sweating, and everyone is watching. It feels like the whole game hangs in the balance — that’s super tense and exciting!

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Final Answer:

1. Mood: Disappointed / Sad
Why: Trey sighs, throws things, and doesn’t reply after hearing the game is canceled. The rain and thunder add to the gloomy feeling.

2. Mood: Anxious / Nervous
Why: Brett sweats, can’t concentrate, hears the clock like a knife, and his heart pounds — all signs of stress during an important test.

3. Mood: Funny / Playful
Why: Kiki slips on milk and lands in the trashcan while cartoon laughter plays — it’s silly and lighthearted, not scary.

4. Mood: Tense / Suspenseful
Why: The stadium is silent, everyone watches Derrick, and he’s sweating before the winning shot — it feels like anything could happen.