The Gavel's Echo - Making Predictions in Literary Texts (Grade 7)

The gavel falling and the book being open to a specific page are clues that most likely predict what?

• That the courthouse is old and falling apart.

• That a ghost is trying to communicate something important.

• That Jackson is playing a prank on his friends.

• That a strong wind is blowing through the building.

Answer explanation

These events are not random. The gavel falls to get their attention, and the book is open to a specific case related to the legend of injustice. This suggests a deliberate, supernatural attempt to guide them, which predicts a ghostly communication.

What is the first thing Jackson says that predicts he will be scared during the visit?

• “How did that happen?”

• “I don’t like this place, Sloane.”

• “That’s the guy from the legend.”

• “He’s here! He’s trying to hide it!”

Answer explanation

This is the first line of dialogue from Jackson. His statement of dislike for the courthouse, combined with mentioning the ghost story, predicts his fearful reactions to later events.

According to the text, what did the note in the case file say?

• The defendant was found guilty.

• Judge Turner was a fair man.

• Evidence was dismissed without review.

• The case is now closed forever.

Answer explanation

The passage explicitly states what Sloane reads from the note in the margin of the case file.

Based on Sloane's dialogue at the end of the story, what will she most likely do next?

• Run out of the courthouse with Jackson.

• Try to find more information about Michael's case.

• Close the book and forget what she saw.

• Accuse Judge Turner's ghost of being evil.

Answer explanation

Sloane's final lines, “I think someone wants us to find the truth. And we’re not leaving until we do,” show her determination. This strongly predicts she will continue investigating the injustice she has uncovered.

Which event most clearly foreshadows that the friends will discover a secret about Judge Turner?

• The courthouse doors being heavy.

• Jackson pulling his jacket tighter.

• The book being open to a specific case.

• Dust motes dancing in the flashlight beam.

Answer explanation

While other elements create a spooky mood, the book being open 'as if waiting' to the specific case of Michael is a direct and clear clue that a secret about Judge Turner and his injustice is about to be revealed.

Match the character's dialogue to the action or belief it predicts.

• Predicts Sloane will dismiss early warnings.

• “...we’re not leaving until we do.”

• Predicts Jackson will want to flee from danger.

• “It’s just a story, Jackson.”

• Predicts Sloane will feel motivated to act.

• “He’s here! He’s trying to hide it!”

• Predicts Sloane will continue her investigation.

• “This is wrong. This is a total injustice.”

Answer explanation

Each line of dialogue foreshadows a character's future actions or reinforces their core personality. Sloane's dismissal of the story predicts her bravery. Jackson's fear predicts his desire to escape. Sloane's anger at the injustice predicts her motivation, and her final statement predicts her next steps.

Categorize the following details from the passage based on whether they are clues about the mystery or elements that create a scary feeling.

Groups:

(a) Clue About the Mystery

,

(b) Scary Element

• The freezing gust of wind

• The legend of the innocent man

• The note about dismissed evidence

• The unnatural coldness of the gavel

• The book being open to Michael's case

• The gavel falling on its own

Answer explanation

The items in 'Clue About the Mystery' directly relate to the story of injustice involving Michael and Judge Turner. The items in 'Scary Element' are classic horror details used to build suspense and a frightening atmosphere.

The story suggests an injustice occurred because evidence was ignored. Based on Sloane's reaction and her final words, how might her approach to fairness be applied to a situation at school, like if a friend was blamed for something they didn't do? Use at least one piece of evidence from the text to support your answer.

Answer explanation