How word choice sets the tone

Grade 6 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer.

1. Read this first

   The Library Window (story)

   [1] Ari stood beside the school library window while a bright spring rain tapped against the glass. [2] Ari had promised to read a short story aloud, but the empty chairs made the room seem enormous. [3] A small group arrived with wet coats, and Ari tucked the pages beneath one arm. [4] The first sentence came out as a whisper, nearly lost under the patter at the window. [5] A younger student leaned forward and asked Ari to read that funny line again. [6] Ari tried the line once more, and a ripple of laughter crossed the room. [7] The rain softened while Ari turned the page and found a steadier voice. [8] Soon the words bounced between the shelves like a ball in a friendly game. [9] When Ari paused, the listeners waited without speaking and watched the next page. [10] Ari finished the story and felt closer to the listeners, although the chairs had not moved. [11] The younger student asked whether Ari would read another story next week. [12] Ari smiled at the window, where the last drops slid slowly down the glass.

2. 1.

   Ari reads the text. How does “whisper” shape the tone in sentence [4]?

   • “whisper” suggests Ari wants everyone to leave.
   • “whisper” makes the moment feel confident.
   • “whisper” makes the moment feel uncertain.
   • “whisper” names a quiet voice.
3. 2.

   Bo reads the text. How does “ripple” shape the tone in sentence [6]?

   • “ripple” makes the moment feel gently cheerful.
   • “ripple” suggests the room is flooded.
   • “ripple” names a small wave on the surface of water.
   • “ripple” makes the moment feel frightened.
4. 3.

   Esme reads the text. How does “bounced” shape the tone in sentence [8]?

   • “bounced” makes the moment feel heavy and gloomy.
   • “bounced” suggests a ball struck the shelves.
   • “bounced” names moving words.
   • “bounced” makes the moment feel playful.
5. 4.

   Jun reads the text. Which margin note best links words in [4] and [8] to a tone shift?

   • “whisper” alone shows that Ari spoke softly first.
   • “whisper” and “bounced” suggest Ari left the library early.
   • “whisper” and “bounced” shift the tone from playful to fearful.
   • “whisper” and “bounced” shift the tone from uncertain to playful.
6. 5.

   Luz reads the text. Which margin note best links words in [2] and [11] to a tone shift?

   • “enormous” alone shows that there are chairs and stories.
   • “enormous” and “another” suggest Ari plans to stop reading.
   • “enormous” and “another” shift the tone from uneasy to hopeful.
   • “enormous” and “another” shift the tone from hopeful to uneasy.

7. The Paper Bridge (story)

   [1] Bo and a classmate carried paper and tape to a table in the science room. [2] Their bridge needed to hold a stack of books above a narrow gap. [3] Bo folded a flat sheet, set it across the gap, and watched the center sag. [4] The thin span drooped beneath the first book as if it were already tired, although the gap between the tables was narrow. [5] Bo stared at the wrinkled paper, then asked the classmate for a new idea. [6] The classmate folded the next sheet into a row of crisp ridges. [7] Bo added careful strips of tape where the ridges met the tabletop. [8] The new bridge stood firm when they placed the first book on top. [9] Another book joined the stack, and the paper held without a tremble. [10] Bo grinned at the sturdy little bridge between the two tables. [11] They drew the ridged pattern in a notebook so another group could try it during the next crowded science workshop. [12] At cleanup time, Bo saved the drawing even though the paper bridge was recycled.

8. 6.

   Esme reads the text. How does “drooped” shape the tone in sentence [4]?

   • “drooped” suggests Bo has finished the contest.
   • “drooped” names a low paper span.
   • “drooped” makes the moment feel triumphant.
   • “drooped” makes the moment feel discouraged.
9. 7.

   Jun reads the text. How does “crisp” shape the tone in sentence [6]?

   • “crisp” names folded paper.
   • “crisp” makes the moment feel fresh and purposeful.
   • “crisp” suggests the paper is food.
   • “crisp” makes the moment feel careless and unprepared.
10. 8.

    Kira reads the text. How does “sturdy” shape the tone in sentence [10]?

    • “sturdy” makes the moment feel uncertain and a little nervous.
    • “sturdy” suggests the bridge is made of stone.
    • “sturdy” names a bridge.
    • “sturdy” makes the moment feel proud and satisfied.
11. 9.

    Milo reads the text. Which margin note best links words in [6] and [9] to a tone shift?

    • “crisp” and “tremble” suggest the books fall.
    • “crisp” and “tremble” shift the tone from careful effort to quiet relief.
    • “crisp” and “tremble” shift the tone from relief to panic.
    • “crisp” alone shows that there are folds and books.
12. 10.

    Noah reads the text. Which margin note best links words in [5] and [10] to a tone shift?

    • “wrinkled” and “sturdy” shift the tone from concern to pride.
    • “wrinkled” and “sturdy” shift the tone from pride to concern.
    • “wrinkled” and “sturdy” suggest Bo gives up the project.
    • “wrinkled” alone shows that Bo sees paper.