The Magic Marker Mystery Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📖 Part 1: Read and Choose

Teacher-editable scene summary: Replace the bracketed words with details from your class version of the play.

In the [classroom], [Lead Character] notices that the magic marker is missing before the [poster or project] is finished. [Lead Character] wants to find it so the group can complete its work. [Partner] helps by asking questions and looking for clues. A stage direction says, “[Characters search beneath the table.]” The characters find a colored mark near the [shelf]. This clue leads them to check the [supply bin], where the marker is found. [Person who used it] explains that the marker was borrowed to label the [item]. The characters solve the mystery and finish the project.

Circle the best answer. Use the passage and your class play as evidence.

1. Why does [Lead Character] want to find the magic marker?

To finish the group’s project

To leave the classroom

To start a new game

To hide the marker

2. What is the main problem in this scene?

The classroom is too noisy.

The magic marker is missing.

The project is already finished.

The characters cannot find a table.

3. Which detail is evidence that the characters are investigating?

They finish the project.

They ask questions and look for clues.

They leave the classroom.

They begin a different play.

4. What does the colored mark near the shelf do in the story?

It gives the characters a clue.

It causes the project to disappear.

It introduces a new setting.

It tells the audience to go home.

5. Where does the scene take place?

In a classroom

In a forest

At a beach

In a restaurant

6. What is the purpose of the stage direction “[Characters search beneath the table.]”?

It tells the actors what to do.

It tells the audience the ending.

It names the setting.

It describes a character’s feelings only.

7. In a play, what is a scene?

A part of a play that happens in one place or time

A list of all the actors

A drawing of a costume

The lesson at the end of a story

8. How do the events build toward solving the mystery?

The characters find a clue, follow it, and locate the marker.

The characters ignore the missing marker.

The project is finished before the marker goes missing.

The characters move to a completely different story.

🔎 Part 2: Put the Mystery in Order

Teacher-editable sequence: Replace any event card with an event from your class version. Number the cards from 1–6 to show the order of events.

_____ The characters find the marker in the supply bin.

_____ The marker goes missing.

_____ A person explains why the marker was borrowed.

_____ The characters notice a clue near the shelf.

_____ The characters investigate by asking questions and searching.

_____ The characters follow the clue to the supply bin.

9. Challenge: What does the characters’ investigation show about one character? Use one detail from the passage or play.

✅ Answer Key

Multiple Choice: 1. To finish the group’s project; 2. The magic marker is missing; 3. They ask questions and look for clues; 4. It gives the characters a clue; 5. In a classroom; 6. It tells the actors what to do; 7. A part of a play that happens in one place or time; 8. The characters find a clue, follow it, and locate the marker.

Sequencing: 1. The marker goes missing; 2. The characters investigate by asking questions and searching; 3. The characters notice a clue near the shelf; 4. The characters follow the clue to the supply bin; 5. The characters find the marker in the supply bin; 6. A person explains why the marker was borrowed.

Challenge: Answers will vary. A strong answer names a character trait, such as curious, helpful, or determined, and gives a supporting detail.

Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3, RL.3.5, RL.3.10