Reading a Playscript
Grade 5 - Reading - Building Confidence
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The Science Fair Surprise
CAST OF CHARACTERS: Nora, a nervous student presenting her first science project. Theo, Nora's calm and cheerful project partner. Ms. Ortiz, the school's science teacher.
SETTING: The story takes place in the school science lab and, later, in the school gym.
SCENE ONE: The science lab, after school, the day before the fair.
Nora paces beside a half-finished poster, checking the clock every few seconds.
NORA: Theo, our volcano still isn't bubbling right. What if it fails tomorrow?
THEO: It bubbled fine this morning. Maybe we just need more vinegar.
Ms. Ortiz walks in, carrying a stack of graded papers.
MS. ORTIZ: You two look worried. What seems to be the trouble?
NORA: Our volcano barely erupts. I don't think it's ready for tomorrow.
MS. ORTIZ: Let's test it together right now instead of guessing.
Theo pours more vinegar into the volcano while Nora watches anxiously.
THEO: There! Look at that eruption!
NORA: It worked! I was so sure we would fail.
SCENE TWO: The school gym, the next afternoon, during the science fair.
Rows of tables fill the gym, each covered with a different project.
NORA: Theo, our table is right next to the robotics display.
THEO: Perfect. Let's set up the volcano exactly like we practiced.
Ms. Ortiz stops by their table and watches closely.
MS. ORTIZ: Can you explain what causes this reaction?
NORA: The vinegar and baking soda react and release gas bubbles.
MS. ORTIZ: Well explained. This is a strong project.
Nora relaxes for the first time all day as Ms. Ortiz walks away smiling.
NORA: Theo, I'm actually glad we tested it again last night.
THEO: Me too. Now let's see how the judges score us.
What is this playscript mostly about?
- overcoming stage fright with a friend's support
- neighbors working together to build something new
- practicing and testing a project before it is judged
- testing an idea honestly instead of just arguing about it
How many characters are in the cast list?
- 2
- 5
- 4
- 3
Which character is described as "a nervous student presenting her first science project"?
- Aisha
- Malik
- Nora
- Simone
Where does Scene One take place?
- the science lab, after school, the day before the fair
- the school gym, during the science fair
- the school office, right after the fair ends
- the school library, during a study hall
Where does Scene Two take place?
- the science lab, after school, the day before the fair
- the school gym, during the science fair
- the school office, right after the fair ends
- the school library, during a study hall
What does a stage direction show happening in Scene One?
- hangs a labeled sign above each new recycling bin
- shuffles a deck of cards nervously, dropping a few on the floor
- stands with a clipboard, staring at the overgrown weeds
- pours more vinegar into the volcano during the retest
What problem comes up in this playscript?
- the lot was empty and overgrown with weeds
- Jamal doubted that new recycling bins would make a difference
- the volcano was not erupting properly
- Malik felt too nervous to perform his trick
How is the problem in this playscript resolved?
- they tested the plan for two weeks and recycling increased
- neighbors worked together to clear it and plant a garden
- Grace encouraged him, and he performed the trick successfully
- they tested it again and added more vinegar, and it worked
Who says, "The vinegar and baking soda react and release gas bubbles."?
- Theo
- Nora
- Ms. Ortiz
- Malik
What does the word "anxiously" mean in this playscript?
- in a way meant to give someone confidence
- does not feel sure something will work
- in a worried, nervous way
- covered with plants that grew wild and thick