4th Grade 4th Grade Reading: The Big Tryout
Read a story about a nervous tryout and answer questions about character, theme, and inference.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Centers
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No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 4th Grade
- Subject
- Reading
- Skill
- Reading Comprehension
- Topic
- theme, character, and inference
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, centers
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will determine the theme and infer character feelings using text evidence.
- Finding the theme/lesson
- Describing how a character changes
- Supporting inferences with the text
Worksheet Preview
From plot to theme
By fourth grade, comprehension goes beyond what happened to why it matters — the theme, or lesson. This story shows that preparation and persistence pay off, and asks readers to infer feelings from clues like “butterflies” and “heart pounded.”
How to use it
Remind students that theme is the lesson, not the plot, and require a line of text as proof for every inference. Builds on The Science Fair.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Theme is the lesson, not the plot. Guide students to 'practice and courage pay off' rather than 'a girl tried out for a team.' Require evidence for inferences.
🏠 Parent note
Ask 'What lesson does this story teach?' and 'How do you know how she felt?'
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Stating a plot event as the theme
- Inferring without text support
Answer Key
Sample answers are provided; wording may vary but should be grounded in the text.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Related Worksheets
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