📚 Part 1: Read and Think

Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions. Remember: The topic is what the story is mostly about. The theme is the lesson or message the author wants readers to learn.

The Garden Gate

Maya loved helping in her grandfather’s garden. One Saturday, she noticed that the wooden gate was hanging crookedly. “I can fix it quickly,” Maya said. She picked up a hammer and began working without asking for help.

After a few minutes, the gate fell off its hinges. Maya felt embarrassed. She wanted to hide the broken gate, but instead she told her grandfather what had happened.

Grandfather did not get angry. He showed Maya how to measure the hinges and hold the gate steady. Together, they repaired it. The work took longer than Maya expected, but the gate was stronger than before.

“I should have asked for help first,” Maya admitted.

Grandfather smiled. “Asking for help is not giving up. It is a smart way to learn.”

✏️ Part 2: Prove the Theme

In the story, Maya ________________________________. When ________________________________, she ________________________________. In the end, Maya learns that ________________________________.

✅ Answer Key

1. B

2. A

3. C

4. Possible answer: Asking for help is a smart way to learn and solve problems.

5. Possible details: Maya told her grandfather the truth after breaking the gate. Grandfather taught Maya how to repair it. Maya admitted that she should have asked for help first.

6. Topic: A, C. Theme: B, D.

7. Answers will vary. A complete summary should include Maya, the broken gate, her decision to tell the truth and accept help, and the lesson about asking for help.

8. Possible answer: A topic is a word or phrase that tells what a story is about. A theme is the lesson or message the story teaches.