Daily Reading Practice

Day 1 of 5
Grade 3 ELA | Theme | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.1.2 - Explain a theme and how it develops, using details, in a literary text.
IXL Skills: Determine the themes of myths, fables, and folktales
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Directions: Read the passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to how the character changes and what lesson the story teaches.
The Crow and the Pitcher

A thirsty crow flew over the hot, dry land looking for water. He had been flying for hours, and his throat felt like sand. Just when he was ready to give up, he spotted a tall pitcher sitting in a garden.

The crow landed on the edge of the pitcher and looked inside. There was water at the bottom! But when he tried to reach it with his beak, the water was too far down. He tried tilting the pitcher, but it was too heavy to move.

"I will not give up," said the crow. He sat on the edge and thought carefully about what to do.

Then the crow noticed small pebbles scattered around the garden. One by one, he picked up pebbles in his beak and dropped them into the pitcher. Plink! Plink! Plink! Each pebble made the water rise a little higher.

After dropping many pebbles, the water finally rose high enough for the crow to drink. He dipped his beak into the cool water and drank until he was satisfied.

"Little by little does the trick," said the crow as he flew away, no longer thirsty.

Questions 1-2: Theme
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What is the THEME of this story?
A
Crows are very smart birds.
B
Thinking carefully and not giving up can help solve problems.
C
Water is important for all living things.
D
Gardens are good places to find water.
Part B
Which detail from the story BEST supports your answer in Part A?
A
"A thirsty crow flew over the hot, dry land looking for water."
B
"He spotted a tall pitcher sitting in a garden."
C
"'I will not give up,' said the crow. He sat on the edge and thought carefully about what to do."
D
"He dipped his beak into the cool water and drank until he was satisfied."
Practice this skill on IXL: Determine the themes of myths, fables, and folktales
Questions 3-4: Theme Development
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What lesson does the crow learn in this story?
A
Flying is easier than walking.
B
Pitchers are good places to find water.
C
Small efforts added together can solve big problems.
D
Pebbles are useful for many things.
Part B
Which sentence from the story BEST shows the crow learning this lesson?
A
"'Little by little does the trick,' said the crow as he flew away."
B
"He had been flying for hours, and his throat felt like sand."
C
"But when he tried to reach it with his beak, the water was too far down."
D
"There was water at the bottom!"
Practice this skill on IXL: Use key details to determine the theme
FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 Daily Reading Practice | Day 1
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.1.2 | Lexile: 530L-650L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
Back to Grade 3 ELA
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: B - Thinking carefully and not giving up can help solve problems.
The story shows the crow refusing to give up and using creative thinking to solve his problem.
Question 1 Part B: C - "'I will not give up,' said the crow..."
This directly shows the crow's determination, which is central to the theme.
Question 2 Part A: C - Small efforts added together can solve big problems.
The crow drops pebbles one by one, showing how small actions lead to success.
Question 2 Part B: A - "'Little by little does the trick,' said the crow..."
This quote directly states the lesson the crow learned from his experience.