This module is for ElementaryActivity 5

Activity 5 - Passage 4

Now try one more time with a final passage from the story.

Think back again to the steps for generating a text-dependent question. Step One requires that students focus on core understandings. Additionally, remember to anchor your questions in the standards. Notice the portions of the standard that are highlighted and direct your attention to what is most important. Also consider the culminating assessment when crafting the series of text-dependent questions.

Step Four requires students to tackle tough questions head on. Since this is the final passage, this last question should require students to dig into the deepest meanings of the text.

  • ELA-Literacy RL.3.1 - Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
  • ELA-Literacy RL.3.7 - Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

In this next passage from the story, the author returns to the image of the night sky. You learn that Trisha learns to read and begins to discover the great triumph that comes with reading. Notice the following words and phrases that bring Trisha’s joy for reading to life for the reader.

  • as if it were magic,
  • as if light poured into her brain,

Consider in particular the imagery that best represents the process of reading as it emerges in Trisha’s mind. This imagery relates to the overall purpose of the entire story. As you consider these important words and phrases, if you have access to the book, also examine the illustrator’s artistic choices for representing this passage. (Note: one significant image from the book is presented at 13:57 of the video.)

Locate Passage 4:

If you are reading the book, start on page 30 with the sentence that begins with, "And then one spring day – had it been three months or four months since they had started?"

End the first passage on page 33 with the sentence, "She climbed up on the cupboard and grabbed a jar of honey."

If you are watching the video, begin listening at 13:40 and stop reading at 14:48.

Thank you, Mr. Falker read by Jane Kaczmarekopens in new window (Source: YouTube)

Check Your Understanding

Now choose the best text-dependent question for this passage.


When constructing text-dependent questions, you should have a good understanding of the kinds of responses to expect from students and a target response that best demonstrates close reading, use of accurate, relevant text support, and a deep understanding of the core ideas in the text.