Ticket to 1904
Sarah rested her head against the cool window of the modern train. Outside, the highway flashed by in a gray blur. The train car was very quiet. The only sounds were the soft hum of the electric engine and the gentle tapping of passengers on their tablets. Sarah's mother sat next to her, busy working on her screen. Sarah sighed. Her eyes grew heavy as the train gently shook. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
When Sarah opened her eyes, the soft hum was gone. Instead, she heard a loud, clattering clack-clack, clack-clack. The train shook so hard she could feel it in her shoes.
She sat up quickly. Her blue plastic seat was gone. Now, she was sitting in a high-backed wooden booth with soft red velvet cushions. The air smelled of coal smoke, hot oil, and old paper.
Sarah looked out the window. The glass was framed in shiny brass. Outside, she saw rolling green hills and a horse-drawn carriage waiting by a dirt road. Huge clouds of white steam floated in the sky.
"Tickets, please!" a voice called out.
Sarah turned around. Walking down the aisle was a conductor in a dark blue uniform with shiny metal buttons. He held a metal hole-puncher.
"Excuse me," Sarah whispered. "Where is my mom? Where are we?"
- Conductor:
- A person on a train who collects tickets and helps the passengers.
- Sovereign:
- Something that is grand, powerful, or royal.
- Antique:
- An object that is very old and has historical value.
- Modern:
- Relating to the present day, using up-to-date technology.
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Work out the meaning and effect of words by using clues in the passage.
Summarize
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Purpose
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Structure
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Language & Tone
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Writing Prompts
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What kind of train is Sarah riding at the very beginning of the story?
- 2Why does Sarah fall asleep at the start of her journey?
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About this short story passage for 4th Grade
“Ticket to 1904” is a short story reading passage about Time Travel, written for 4th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (498 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.