1. Use the passage below to answer the question. Fox knew as soon as he woke up. He felt sure that today was going to be an awful day. He spilled his tea all over the floor. He tripped on a chair and stubbed his paw. He even ripped a hole in his favorite shirt. “Why should I even bother going outside?” He asked himself grumpily. Fox did have to go outside, though. He had plans with Groundhog to have lunch in his den. Fox made himself get ready and set off for Groundhog’s home at a slow pace. Fox sighed when he realized he’d forgotten the cake he made for Groundhog at home. I bet he won’t even like it, Fox thought to himself. Still, he turned around and returned home for it. When he got into his kitchen, he picked up the small lemon and blackberry cake and frowned. The frosting was starting to look crooked and the whole cake was leaning. He sighed and took the cake to Groundhog’s anyway.He stood at the entrance and waited for Groundhog to come and let him in. Groundhog opened the door with a wide smile on his face. He pulled Fox in for a gentle hug and exclaimed about how beautiful the cake was. Immediately, Fox started to feel better. He found himself laughing and joking with Groundhog all through lunch. What was I so angry about to begin with? He wondered. Groundhog cut both of them a slice and the two enjoyed the rest of their meal. Fox said goodbye to Groundhog and thanked him for his kindness.“I was having a terrible day before I came here. I must have just needed a friend. Thank you for having me!” Fox smiled widely at the groundhog and trotted happily home.

Based on his actions in the story, what inferences can you make about Groundhog?
A. He is always in a bad mood.
B. He is cheerful and friendly.
C. No one can make him have a good day.
D. He is unhappy and angry.

B. He is cheerful and friendly.

2. By the end of the story, Fox's mood changes. What piece of evidence demonstrates the change?

A. His cake tastes better than he thought it would.
B. Groundhog cancels their plans.
C. He fixes the hole in his shirt.
D. Groundhog is kind and friendly to him.
3. What is the central idea of the following paragraph from the passage?
Fox knew as soon as he woke up. He felt sure that today was going to be an awful day. He spilled his tea all over the floor. He tripped on a chair and stubbed his paw. He even ripped a hole in his favorite shirt. “Why should I even bother going outside?” He asked himself grumpily.
A. You always know when you are going to have a bad day.
B. Fox was having a very bad day from the moment he woke up.
C. Fox was going to meet the groundhog and bake him a cake.
D. Fox needs to turn that frown upside down.
4. What theme is developed in the story?
A. You always know when you are going to have a bad day.
B. No one can change a bad day to a good one.
C. He should not make cakes for people anymore.
D. What starts as a bad day might just end up being a good one.
5. In 2-3 sentences, explain your answer to question 4 about theme. Please include at least ONE piece of evidence from the story that helps support your answer.

5. The theme of the story seems to be that what starts as a bad day might just end up being a good one. Evidence of this is seen when Fox's mood improves after spending time with Groundhog. Initially, Fox believes that his day is terrible, but after interacting with Groundhog, he starts to feel better and even enjoys their lunch together. This demonstrates how a positive interaction with a friend can turn a bad day around.

2. By the end of the story, Fox's mood changes. What piece of evidence demonstrates the change?

A. His cake tastes better than he thought it would.
B. Groundhog cancels their plans.
C. He fixes the hole in his shirt.
D. Groundhog is kind and friendly to him.

D. Groundhog is kind and friendly to him.

3. What is the central idea of the following paragraph from the passage?

Fox knew as soon as he woke up. He felt sure that today was going to be an awful day. He spilled his tea all over the floor. He tripped on a chair and stubbed his paw. He even ripped a hole in his favorite shirt. “Why should I even bother going outside?” He asked himself grumpily.
A. You always know when you are going to have a bad day.
B. Fox was having a very bad day from the moment he woke up.
C. Fox was going to meet the groundhog and bake him a cake.
D. Fox needs to turn that frown upside down.

B. Fox was having a very bad day from the moment he woke up.

4. What theme is developed in the story?

A. You always know when you are going to have a bad day.
B. No one can change a bad day to a good one.
C. He should not make cakes for people anymore.
D. What starts as a bad day might just end up being a good one.

5. In 2-3 sentences, explain your answer to question 4 about theme. Please include at least ONE piece of evidence from the story that helps support your answer.

D. What starts as a bad day might just end up being a good one.

The theme of the story is that a bad day can turn into a good one with the help of a friend. This is evident when Fox's mood improves after spending time with Groundhog. Despite his initial belief that the day was going to be awful, Fox's interaction with Groundhog brings a positive change to his day, making him feel better and enjoy their lunch together. This shows that a single positive experience or interaction can turn a bad day around and bring happiness.