3rd Grade LEAP A/B Writing - The Great Desert Adventure

Part A: Read paragraph 10 from the story.

Maybe it was the change in altitude, or maybe the cap wasn’t screwed on tightly, because as soon as Dad tilted the canteen, water gushed out, soaking our blankets and food supplies.

What does "water gushed out" mean as used in the paragraph?

• The water poured out forcefully.

• The water froze inside the canteen.

• The water was warm and refreshing.

• The water was lost in the desert sand.

Part B: Which two details from paragraph 10 best support the answer to Part A?

• "Maybe it was the change in altitude . . ."

• "The cap wasn’t screwed on tightly . . ."

• "Water gushed out, soaking our blankets and food supplies."

• "We scrambled to dry off our sleeping bags."

• "Dad tilted the canteen."

Part A: Marco laughs about the sandstorm. How does this affect what happens next in the story?

• It helps Dad relax, and he jokes along.

• It causes Dad to worry about the trip.

• It makes Marco want to go home early.

• It forces them to find a different campsite.

Part B: Choose two details from paragraphs 20 through 22 that support the answer to Part A.

• "Marco laughed. 'I think I have more sand in my ears than on the ground.'"

• "Dad grinned. 'That’s desert hiking for you. What an adventure, huh?'"

• "The wind howled for a few minutes, then died down."

• "We shielded our faces and held onto each other."

• "We looked around, brushing dust off our clothes."

Part A: Marco asks if the desert always gets so cold at night. How does Dad respond to this event?

• Dad starts telling jokes to keep Marco entertained.

• Dad explains the desert’s temperature changes.

• Dad says they need to go back home.

• Dad ignores the question and keeps hiking.

Part B: Which two details from the story best support the answer to Part A?

• "Marco zipped up his jacket." (paragraph 7)

• "'Temperatures drop fast at night,' Dad explained." (paragraph 8)

• "'Wait until you see the view from up there.'" (paragraph 13)

• "'Follow my voice!'" (paragraph 18)

• "We huddled around the fire, eating sandwiches." (paragraph 9)

Part A: What is a central message of the story?

• Being prepared for anything can help in unexpected situations.

• People should avoid taking trips to unfamiliar places.

• The desert is too dangerous for hiking.

• People should always follow strict schedules on trips.

Part B: Which two sentences from the story best support the answer to Part A?

• "'A small setback,' Dad said as Marco and I climbed out to help." (paragraph 5)

• "Marco laughed. 'I think I have more sand in my ears than on the ground.'" (paragraph 20)

• "That’s desert hiking for you. What an adventure, huh?" (paragraph 21)

• "'Yeah,' I said. 'I wonder what’ll happen next.'" (paragraph 24)

• "'Probably just the wind,' Dad said, though he didn’t sound too sure." (paragraph 28)

This story tells about Marco’s first desert hiking trip. Write Marco’s journal entry about this adventure. Include details about how the characters reacted to the challenges they faced.