Dusty's Big Dream
Dusty's Big Dream
Dusty wasn't like the other robot vacuum cleaners in the SmartHome. While they contentedly zipped around, sucking up dust bunnies and crumbs, Dusty dreamed of something more. He yearned to be a street sweeper, one of those big, powerful machines that kept the city streets clean.
"Imagine," he'd say to his friend Rosie, a small, pink robot vacuum, "being able to clear entire leaves, twigs, and even the occasional lost sock!" Rosie, ever practical, would reply, "But Dusty, you're only six inches tall, and your battery lasts for just an hour. Street sweeping is for big bots with all-day power."
Dusty knew Rosie was right, but he couldn't shake his dream. Every night, while plugged into his charging station, he watched videos of street sweepers in action. He studied their movements, the way they efficiently cleared debris, and the satisfaction they seemed to derive from their important work.
One day, Mrs. Davis, the owner of the SmartHome, spilled a large bag of potting soil in the entryway. The other robot vacuums scattered, unable to handle the mess. Dusty saw his chance. "This is it!" he exclaimed. He charged full speed ahead, his tiny brushes whirring. He pushed, he shoved, he spun, and he sucked.
- Persevered:
- Continued trying to do something, even though it was difficult.
- Efficiently:
- Doing something well without wasting time or energy.
- Debris:
- Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
- contentedly:
- In a happy and satisfied manner.
- yearned:
- Wanted or longed for something very much.
- derive:
- To get or receive something from a specific source.
- accomplishment:
- Something impressive that has been completed successfully through hard work.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What was Dusty's dream?
- 2Why did Rosie think Dusty's dream was unrealistic?
About this short story passage for Middle School
“Dusty's Big Dream” is a short story reading passage about Robotics, written for Middle School. It takes about 2 minutes to read (337 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.