The Mystery of the Missing Mascot
The Mystery of the Missing Mascot
It was the day of the annual school trip to the science museum, and excitement buzzed through the air at Maplewood Elementary. Ten-year-old Maya and her best friend, Alex, were practically bouncing with anticipation. This year, however, there was an extra layer of excitement. Their beloved school mascot, Wally the Wildcat, was joining them!
The Disappearance
Before they boarded the bus, Mr. Thompson, their teacher, made sure everyone knew the plan. "Stay with your buddy, and keep an eye on Wally!" he reminded them. Wally, a large, plush wildcat, was carefully placed on the front seat of the bus. But when they arrived at the museum, disaster struck. Wally was gone!
"Where's Wally?" Alex shouted, his eyes wide with alarm. A frantic search of the bus ensued. Under the seats, behind backpacks, even in the overhead compartments – Wally was nowhere to be found.
Maya, ever the observant one, noticed something peculiar. "Look!" she exclaimed, pointing to a muddy paw print on the bus floor. "Wally wouldn't have muddy paws. He's made of plush!" This was their first clue.
The Investigation Begins
- Mascot:
- A character or symbol that represents a school or team.
- Frantic:
- Feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry.
- Observant:
- Quick to notice things.
- Clue:
- A fact or object that helps to solve a mystery.
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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
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Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What was the special event happening at Maplewood Elementary?
- 2Who are the main characters in the story, and what is their relationship?
Where this passage belongs
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About this fiction passage for Upper Elementary
“The Mystery of the Missing Mascot” is a fiction reading passage about School Mystery, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (360 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.