Letters Across Miles Worksheet
Chapter 2 IAS 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 • 3.W.3.2
Name:
Date:
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 2: Letters Across the Miles • Maine Letters, Seal the Cat, & Songs
Reading Worksheet
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 2?
A Sarah and the family exchange letters to learn about one another and arrange her one-month visit. B Papa decides to sell the prairie farm so the family can move to Maine to live by the sea. C Sarah sends a letter saying she cannot leave her home because she would miss her brother too much.
2
Words from Sarah's Letters (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
- Sarah describes herself as “plain and tall.” In this story, the word plain means:
A Simple and ordinary looking, not fancy
B Loud, humorous, and cheerful
- Sarah writes that she will wear a yellow bonnet on the train. A bonnet is a:
A Type of hat tied under the chin with ribbons
B Warm woolen traveling shawl
3
Key Details from the Letters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What question did Caleb ask in his letter to Sarah, and how did Sarah answer?
B. What animal companion does Sarah say she will bring with her on the train?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite Text
Prompt: What do Sarah's letters tell Anna and Caleb about her personality? Use at least two specific examples from the letters to support your answer.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 2 Study Worksheet
Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Letters Across Miles Key
Teacher Answer Key IAS 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 • 3.W.3.2
Grade 3 • Reading Literature
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 2: Letters Across the Miles • Instructional Scoring & Answer Guide
Master Key
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
Correct: A
What is the main idea of Chapter 2?
A
Sarah and the family exchange letters to learn about one another and arrange her one-month visit.
Why this is correct: The letters form the heart of Chapter 2, establishing the relationship and the plan for Sarah's trial stay.
B Distractor: Papa never considers moving away from the prairie farm.
C Distractor: Sarah eagerly agrees to come visit, stating she will stay for a month.
2
Words from Sarah's Letters (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. plain Key: A
“plain and tall”
A. Simple and ordinary looking, not fancy
Note: Highlights Sarah's honesty and unpretentious character.
2. bonnet Key: A
“wear a yellow bonnet”
A. Type of hat tied under the chin with ribbons
Note: Historical clothing detail; will help them spot Sarah at the train depot.
3
Key Details from the Letters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. Caleb's question & Sarah's answer:
Question: Caleb asked, “Do you sing?”
Answer: Sarah answered that she has always sung, including songs of the sea, the seal, and the gull.
B. Animal companion on the train:
Sarah will bring her cat named Seal, described as gray, fat, and having gray eyes.
4
Written Evidence Response Scoring Guide (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Rubric: 4 Points Max
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.): Restate • Answer • Cite • Explain
[Restate & Answer] Sarah's letters tell Anna and Caleb that she is an honest, kind, and hardworking person who loves animals and music. [Example 1] First, she shows honesty and humility by directly stating that she is "plain and tall." [Example 2] Second, she reveals her warmth and love for nature by writing that she sings songs about the sea and will bring her beloved cat, Seal, with her on the train. [Explanation] These details show the children that Sarah is thoughtful and willing to share her life with them.
1 Pt Restates prompt
1 Pt Identifies traits
1 Pt Cites 2 examples
1 Pt Complete sentences
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Teacher Answer Key & Scoring Rubric
Classroom Assessment Resource
