Ninjas!
Reading Comprehension Activity
Author: RV Staff Writer J.C.
Who makes messes when nobody is watching? It can’t be Kevin; it must be ninjas! Students will read this passage and answer questions on the plot and the language used in the passage.
Topic(s): Realistic Fiction. Skill(s): Summary, Context Clues, Story Elements. Genre(s): Prose
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Kevin was the kind of kid who couldn’t sit still for very long. He was sometimes forgetful, too. He often left a messy trail behind him, although he didn’t mean to. It was no fun being scolded by his parents, so sometimes Kevin stretched the truth a little.
“Who put the empty milk jug back in the fridge?” his father said, holding the jug upside down over an empty glass. He looked at Kevin and raised an eyebrow.
“Not me,” said Kevin. “It must have been ninjas. They get very thirsty doing martial arts. They could have tiptoed in here silently and finished the milk.”
“Hmm,” said his father.
His mother was going to warm up some lunch. She opened the microwave door. The inside was splattered with melted cheese and pepperoni. “Who left a mess in the microwave?” asked his mother. She looked at Kevin and frowned.
“Not me,” said Kevin. “It must have been ninjas. They get hungry practising their moves, so they must have secretly taken some pizza and warmed it up.”
“Hmm,” said his mother.
Later, his mom was carrying a basket of laundry up the stairs. She passed by Kevin’s room. He was sitting on his bed, playing on his game system.
“Why isn’t your bed made like I asked?” asked his mom. She looked annoyed.
“I did make it,” said Kevin. “But then ninjas must have snuck in my room to take a nap and messed it up. They get sleepy after a mission, you know.”
“Hmm,” said his mother.
Kevin went to watch TV after dinner. His favorite show was on. Naturally, it was about pizza-loving ninjas. When the show was over, Kevin walked back into the kitchen. He wanted some dessert. He looked at the empty cake stand where he had seen some chocolate cake earlier. But all that was left were a few cake crumbs! “Hey,” he called out, “Who ate the last piece of cake?”
His father came into the room, wiping his face. “Not me.” He smiled at Kevin. “Must have been ninjas.”
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