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Story Key Words Hunt

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Story Key Words Hunt

Read the story closely. Hunt for words that reveal what is happening, how characters feel and why events matter. Use clues in the story to explain your thinking.

The Footbridge

Rain rattled against the windows as Maia watched the creek rise. Across the water, the footbridge shuddered in the wind. Her little brother, Charlotte, had gone to fetch their neighbour’s runaway dog, and he had not returned. Maia grabbed a torch and pulled on her yellow raincoat. At the gate, she hesitated. The creek was usually a trickle, but tonight it surged between the banks, carrying branches and foam. Then she heard a sharp bark from the far side. She edged towards the bridge, gripping the rail. Each board groaned beneath her boots. Halfway across, a branch struck the supports. The bridge lurched. Maia froze, her heart hammering. She could see Charlotte and the dog crouched on the far bank. “Stay there!” she called. Instead of crossing farther, Maia backed carefully to solid ground. She sprinted to the farmhouse and rang the emergency number on the noticeboard. She gave the operator their location and described the rising creek. Soon, a rescue crew arrived with ropes and bright helmets. They brought Charlotte and the dog safely across. As the rain softened, Maia let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding. She had wanted to be brave enough to cross, but the safest choice had taken more courage.

Find the clues

Answer using evidence from the story. A key word is a word that carries important meaning or helps the reader understand the action, mood or character.

1.Choose two key words or short phrases from the story that make the creek seem dangerous. Write each one and explain what it helps you picture.
2.In the story, the bridge “shuddered in the wind”. What does shuddered mean here? Use another clue from the passage to support your answer.
3.Match each story word with the closest meaning.
  • hesitated
  • edged
  • lurched
  • sprint
  • moved slowly and carefully
  • run very fast
  • moved suddenly and unsteadily
  • paused because she was unsure
4.The writer says Maia’s “heart [was] hammering”. What does this phrase suggest Maia is feeling? Choose the best answer.
  • She is bored and ready to go home.
  • She is frightened or under pressure.
  • She is excited about the rain.
  • She is angry with the dog.
5.Complete the sentence with the best key word from the story: Maia to solid ground instead of crossing farther.
6.True or false: Maia’s decision to call for help shows that she gives up on Charlotte.
7.Maia backs away from the bridge and rings for help. Which words or details show that this is a sensible choice? Give two pieces of evidence.
8.Which word or phrase best creates tension when Maia is on the bridge? Copy it and explain how it affects the reader.
9.Retell the most important events in 2–3 sentences. Include at least three key words from the story and underline them.
10.Choose one key word from the story that best captures Maia’s character. Explain why that word fits, using an event from the story as evidence.

3 printable pages

  • Story Key Words Hunt, page 1 of 3: The Footbridge, Find the clues

    Page 1

  • Story Key Words Hunt, page 2 of 3: 2. In the story, the bridge “shuddered in the wind”. What does shuddered mean here? Use…

    Page 2

  • Story Key Words Hunt, page 3 of 3: 8. Which word or phrase best creates tension when Maia is on the bridge? Copy it and…

    Page 3

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