Halloween Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The old mansion on Maple Hill sat silent as a stone, it's windows dark and empty for decades.
Corrected: The old mansion on Maple Hill sat silent as a stone, its windows dark and empty for decades.
The corrected sentence is: "The old mansion on Maple Hill sat silent as a stone, its windows dark and empty for decades.". The original sentence "The old mansion on Maple Hill sat silent as a stone, it's windows dark and empty for decades." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
Every October, the neighborhood children dare eachother to walk past the creaky iron gate.
Corrected: Every October, the neighborhood children dare each other to walk past the creaky iron gate.
The corrected sentence is: "Every October, the neighborhood children dare each other to walk past the creaky iron gate.". The original sentence "Every October, the neighborhood children dare eachother to walk past the creaky iron gate." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Some say a ghostly figure appears at the window but noone has ever proved it.
Corrected: Some say a ghostly figure appears at the window, but no one has ever proved it.
The corrected sentence is: "Some say a ghostly figure appears at the window, but no one has ever proved it.". The original sentence "Some say a ghostly figure appears at the window but noone has ever proved it." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The phrase "silent as a stone" is an example of a simile.
A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as.' 'Silent as a stone' uses 'as.'
2. A story's central message or lesson is called the theme.
The theme is the universal message the author wants the reader to take away from the story.
3. When you use clues from the text to figure out something not stated directly, you are making an inference.
An inference combines text evidence with background knowledge to draw a conclusion not explicitly stated.
4. The feeling or atmosphere a story creates for the reader is called the mood.
Mood is the emotional atmosphere of a text. A Halloween story might create a spooky or suspenseful mood.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why do you think the author described the mansion as "silent as a stone"? What mood does this create?
Sample answer: The simile compares the mansion to a stone to show it is completely still, lifeless, and unchanging. This creates a spooky and mysterious mood.
The comparison emphasizes stillness and lifelessness, setting a suspenseful, spooky tone.
2. Based on the passage details, what inference can you make about why the children dare each other to walk past the gate?
Sample answer: The children are both scared and curious about the mansion. Daring each other shows they find it frightening but also exciting to test their bravery.
Text clues: 'dare each other,' creaky gate, mysterious figure — all suggest fear mixed with curiosity.