The Whispering Music Box - Exposition (Grade 6)

What object does Eliza find at the beginning of the story that seems to cause the supernatural event?

• A wooden music box

• A box labeled 'Attic Treasures'

• A tiny silver key

• An old book that smells like cinnamon

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'she found a small wooden music box.' The ghost appears right after she plays it, introducing the central object of the mystery.

Based on the introductory dialogue, what is the main difference between how Eliza and Finn see the ghost?

• Eliza is terrified of the ghost, while Finn is excited.

• Eliza feels empathy for the ghost, while Finn thinks of it as something scary.

• Eliza wants to get rid of the ghost, while Finn wants to study it.

• Eliza thinks the ghost is a prank, while Finn believes it is real.

Answer explanation

The dialogue shows Eliza saying she 'felt bad for him' because he looked 'lost' and 'sad.' Finn's first questions are, 'Was it scary? Did it rattle chains?', which shows he is thinking of ghosts in a typical, scary way. This contrast introduces their different perspectives.

Which of these details is used in the exposition to establish the setting?

• Eliza misses her friends.

• Finn's eyes widened.

• The house smelled like cinnamon and old books.

• The ghost looked about her age.

Answer explanation

This detail is part of the initial description of the house where the story takes place. It helps the reader imagine the setting. The other options describe character feelings or actions, not the setting itself.

The beginning of the story introduces facts about the situation and feelings of the characters. Sort the following details into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) Facts Introduced in the Exposition

,

(b) Character Feelings or Goals

• Eliza feels a 'sudden ache' for the boy.

• A key is in the music box's lock.

• Eliza wants to help the ghost.

• The bedroom is in the attic.

• Finn is curious and asks if the ghost was scary.

• The house belonged to Eliza's grandmother.

Answer explanation

The exposition sets up the story with factual details about the setting and objects (attic room, grandmother's house, key in lock) and introduces the characters' initial emotions and motivations (Eliza's empathy and goal, Finn's curiosity).

Match each part of the exposition to the role it plays in starting the story.

• Sets up the main conflict or goal for the plot.

• The description of the dusty attic bedroom

• Shows a contrasting, more typical reaction to a ghost.

• Finn's question, 'Was it scary?'

• Introduces the story's theme of empathy.

• Eliza's thought that she 'felt bad for him'

• Establishes the supernatural genre's setting.

• Eliza's statement, 'I want to find out why he's here'

Answer explanation

The dusty attic sets a classic mysterious mood. Eliza's feeling of compassion introduces the core theme. Finn's reaction provides a different perspective that highlights Eliza's unique empathy. Eliza's final statement clearly defines the mystery she intends to solve, driving the plot forward.

Imagine that instead of being sad, the ghost had looked angry. Based on the personality Eliza shows in the passage, how might her final line to Finn have been different? Explain your reasoning using evidence from the text.