1. What is the best summary of this passage?

• An old oak tree in a park was almost cut down, but an expert decided it was healthy, so it was saved.

• The tree was over a hundred years old, and children played beneath its branches.

• The townspeople argued because some liked the tree and others wanted it gone.

• The council decided to cut the tree down because it was dangerous.

2. Which detail is most important for understanding the passage’s main idea?

• Children played beneath the branches.

• The council thought about cutting the tree down.

• People sat on benches near the tree.

• The tree was more than one hundred years old.

3. What lesson can readers learn from this passage?

• Old trees are always dangerous.

• Experts can help make fair decisions.

• Benches in parks are important.

• Town councils always agree on everything.

4. Which statement best explains the problem in the passage?

• People wanted more benches in the park.

• The tree was not very old.

• The oak tree might have been unsafe.

• The townspeople didn’t like the tree.

5. Which event shows how the problem was solved?

• The tree was cut down by the council.

• The expert said the tree was healthy, so it stayed.

• The children played under the tree.

• The tree grew to be more than one hundred years old.

6. 6. Which sentence is the best sentence to start a summary of this passage?

• In the story, the townspeople were worried because

• The town council thought about

• An expert explained

• In the end

The Mystery of the Old Oak Tree

In the middle of Maple Grove Park stood a huge oak tree that everyone in town seemed to know. Children played beneath its branches, parents rested on the benches nearby, and older folks often told stories about how the tree had been there for more than a hundred years.

One summer, the town council announced that the tree might need to be cut down because its branches had become weak and could be dangerous. Many townspeople felt sad and worried. Some wanted the tree to stay because of its history, while others believed safety was more important.

Finally, the council decided to bring in an expert. After studying the tree, the expert explained that while some branches needed trimming, the tree itself was healthy and strong. The townspeople were relieved. With careful care, the oak tree could stay standing for many more years, continuing to be part of the community’s memories.

Reread the passage The Mystery of the Old Oak Tree. Then, write a short summary of the story in 3–4 sentences. Remember these tips:

• Include only the most important ideas.

• Do not retell every detail.

• Think about the problem and how it was solved.