Character Development | Practice Worksheet

Passage 1: The Garden Project

Mia groaned when her teacher announced the class garden project. "I hate getting dirty," she complained to her friend. "Plants are boring. I'd rather read books inside."

During the first week, Mia barely touched the soil. She stood back and watched while others planted seeds. "This is a waste of time," she muttered.

Then something amazing happened. A tiny green sprout poked through the dirt in her section. Mia couldn't believe it! She rushed to school each morning to check on her plant. She learned that her tomato plant needed water, sunlight, and care.

By the end of the project, Mia had the biggest tomatoes in the class. "Can we do another garden project next year?" she asked her teacher. "I want to try growing peppers!"

Questions About Passage 1

1. At the beginning of the story, how does Mia feel about the garden project?

2. What event caused Mia to start caring about the garden?

3. How is Mia different at the end of the story compared to the beginning?

4. Complete this sentence: Mia changed from ____________ to ____________ BECAUSE ____________.

Passage 2: The Swimming Test

Carlos stood at the edge of the pool, his heart pounding. He had to pass the swimming test to join the summer camp trip to the water park. But Carlos had always been afraid of deep water. His legs felt frozen.

"I can't do this," he whispered. He remembered when he was little and got water in his nose. It had scared him so much.

His swim teacher, Ms. Kim, swam over. "One stroke at a time, Carlos. I'll be right here." Carlos took a shaky breath and jumped in. The water felt cold, but he kicked and moved his arms just like he'd practiced.

"You're doing it!" Ms. Kim cheered. Carlos reached the other side, gasping but grinning. He had done it! He had faced his fear.

After class, Carlos couldn't wait to tell his mom. "I passed! And guess what? I want to take more swim lessons. Maybe I'll even try the diving board next!"

Questions About Passage 2

5. How does Carlos feel at the beginning of the story? Give evidence from the text.

6. What did Carlos believe about himself before the test?

7. How do Carlos's feelings and beliefs change by the end of the story?

8. What caused Carlos to change? (Include what Ms. Kim did and what Carlos did)

Passage 3: Two Neighbors

Amara didn't like the new family that moved in next door. "They're too loud," she complained. She frowned whenever she saw their daughter, Sofia, playing in the yard. Amara made sure to look away.

One rainy afternoon, Amara's cat Whiskers escaped through an open window. Amara searched everywhere, calling and calling. She was in tears when Sofia walked over.

"Is this your cat?" Sofia asked, holding Whiskers gently. "I found her hiding under our porch. She was scared of the thunder."

Amara hugged Whiskers tight. "Thank you so much!" For the first time, she really looked at Sofia. Sofia was smiling kindly.

"Want to come over sometime?" Sofia asked. "I have a cat too. They could be friends." Amara hesitated, then smiled. "I'd like that." Maybe she had been wrong about the new neighbors after all.

Questions About Passage 3

9. Fill in the character tracking chart for Amara:

BEGINNING	WHAT HAPPENED	END

10. What lesson does Amara learn about judging people?

11. How does Amara's relationship with Sofia change? Explain WHY it changes.

12. Which sentence from the passage BEST shows that Amara has changed?

○ A. "They're too loud," she complained.

○ B. Amara searched everywhere, calling and calling.

○ C. "I'd like that."

○ D. Sofia was smiling kindly.