Autumn Whispers Worksheet
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Autumn Whispers
Grade 3 Reading
Read the passage carefully, then answer the comprehension questions below.
Focus: Key Details • Main Idea • Vocabulary • Inferences
Barnaby's Autumn Rush
Fiction • 150 Words
Chilly autumn breezes whispered through the tall branches of Whisper Wood, scattering leaves of fiery red, gold, and bronze onto the mossy ground. High above, Barnaby the red squirrel flicked his bushy tail with determination. The signs of approaching winter were everywhere, and there was no time to dawdle.
While his playful brother Pip bounded through crunching leaf piles, Barnaby was already hard at work. He scampered across the grove, scouring the forest floor to gather plump acorns, hickory nuts, and sweet dried berries. Barnaby inspected every single treasure with care, nudging aside cracked shells to make sure he stored only the sturdiest food for the icy months ahead.
Until the amber sun dipped behind the hills, Barnaby hurried back and forth. He carefully buried his harvest under the roots of the grand oak tree and in secret bark hollows. When twilight settled cold and still, Barnaby curled up inside his leafy nest, warm, proud, and completely ready.
Question 1 Main Idea
What is the central idea of the passage?
A Pip enjoys playing games in leaf piles. B Barnaby works diligently to prepare food before winter comes. C Autumn leaves turn fiery red and gold before falling down. D Oak trees have large roots and deep hollows in their bark.
Question 2 Key Details
Why did Barnaby nudge aside the cracked nut shells instead of keeping them?
Write your answer in a complete sentence using facts from the text.
Question 3 Vocabulary in Context
In paragraph 2, what does the word scouring mean?
"...scouring the forest floor to gather plump acorns..."
A Searching thoroughly and carefully B Scrubbing with water and soap C Sleeping quietly under the bushes D Sweeping leaves into a neat pile
Question 4 Inference Skills
How is Barnaby different from his brother Pip? Give one piece of text evidence to support your answer.
Explain what the author suggests about both characters.
Autumn Reader Checklist:
Read text twice Found text clues Wrote in full sentences
