Leo and the Puzzle Box — Reading Comprehension

Grades

About This Reader

This interactive reading passage is specifically designed for 3rd-5th grade students and aligns with the Common Core Standard **CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.4**. The story follows Leo as he tackles a puzzle box, providing a rich context for students to determine the meaning of words and phrases, distinguishing between literal and nonliteral language. The passage highlights key vocabulary and phrases in bold, such as **head-scratcher** and **brick wall**, to support student learning. This resource is more than just a passage; it's a complete learning module. It is audio-integrated for diverse learning needs and includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' comprehension of vocabulary in context. The entire unit is easily assessable and can be assigned to a classroom through an LMS, making it a seamless addition to any ELA curriculum. It provides a comprehensive tool for teachers to evaluate student understanding of vocabulary and inferential skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Leo, with his ever-present curiosity, found his next project: a mystery puzzle box from his grandmother. The box was a true head-scratcher. He shook it, turned it over, and listened closely, but he couldn't figure it out. His sister, Mia, watched from the doorway. "Looks like you've hit a brick wall," she said, using a familiar phrase.

Leo knew she meant he had reached a difficult point he couldn't get past. He sat on the floor, surrounded by a whirlwind of books and tools, trying to find a clue. His mind felt like a tangled mess. Suddenly, a small button on the side of the box gleamed in the light. Leo pressed it, and a tiny drawer popped open. Inside was a piece of paper with a riddle. He felt a bolt of an idea flash in his mind.

"Mia, I think I've got it!" he shouted. The riddle was the key! He knew a "bolt of an idea" wasn't a real flash of lightning, but a sudden, brilliant thought. After solving the riddle, the box's lock clicked open. Inside was a small, polished stone. "What is it?" Mia asked, intrigued. "It's a true gem," Leo declared, holding it up. He didn't mean it was a valuable jewel, but that it was a special, wonderful treasure to him.

Leo had successfully solved the mystery. He had to dig deep into his understanding of riddles and phrases. It wasn't always as simple as it looked; sometimes you have to look for a deeper meaning to figure things out. With a sense of pride, Leo placed the puzzle box back on his shelf.

Q1: In the passage, what does gleamed mean?

It was old and rustyIt was hidden from viewIt shone brightlyIt felt very cold

Q2: What does curiosity mean in the passage?

Being easily boredBeing full of interestBeing very tiredBeing very sad

Q3: What does it mean to hit a brick wall?

To hit a physical wallTo stop and take a breakTo find a difficult problemTo feel hungry

Q4: What does the phrase a bolt of an idea mean?

A sudden, brilliant thoughtA loud and scary noiseA real flash of lightningA feeling of being surprised

Q5: Which sentence has a similar meaning to "It's a true gem"?

The stone is valuableThe puzzle was a great treasureThe box was made of goldThe stone was very shiny

Q6: What does it mean when Leo had to dig deep into his understanding?

He had to use a shovelHe had to think very hardHe had to look under the booksHe had to get a dictionary

Q7: Which phrase has a meaning similar to head-scratcher?

A very easy puzzleA very difficult problemA very simple questionA very loud noise

Q8: Why is the phrase whirlwind of books not literal?

The books were physically spinning in the airIt describes a large number of books scattered everywhereThe books were literally being pushed by the windIt describes a single book that was spinning very fast