The Backpack Mix-Up

Lexile: 690 | Grade: 4

Passage

Nina raced out of the school building, waving goodbye to her friends. Her mom was waiting in the car, and they had to hurry to get to soccer practice.

When they got home, Nina dropped her backpack on the floor and went to get a snack. But when she opened it, she froze. Inside were books about dinosaurs, a toy car, and a lunchbox with the name 'Aiden' on it.

'Mom! This isn’t my backpack!' she shouted.

Her mom came over and looked inside. 'Oh no, you must have grabbed the wrong one by mistake.'

Nina felt worried. 'What if Aiden has mine? What if he needs it for homework?'

Her mom nodded. 'Let’s go back to school and check.'

When they returned, Aiden and his dad were already there. He held Nina’s backpack and smiled. 'I think this belongs to you.'

They laughed and traded bags. On the way home, Nina said, 'Next time, I’ll double-check before I grab my bag!'

Questions

Q1: What caused Nina to grab the wrong backpack?

  • A. She was rushing to get to soccer practice.
  • B. Aiden gave it to her by mistake.
  • C. She didn’t have her name on her bag.
  • D. She lost her bag earlier in the day.

Q2: What is the best summary of the passage?

  • A. Nina lost her backpack and never got it back.
  • B. Nina and Aiden traded backpacks on purpose.
  • C. Nina accidentally took the wrong backpack and returned it to Aiden.
  • D. Nina gave her backpack to her friend after school.

Q3: How does Nina feel when she realizes she took the wrong backpack?

  • A. Excited and happy
  • B. Worried and surprised
  • C. Angry at Aiden
  • D. Sad about her lunch

Q4: What does Nina mean when she says, 'Next time, I’ll double-check'?

  • A. She wants a new backpack.
  • B. She will carry two bags next time.
  • C. She will check more carefully before grabbing her bag.
  • D. She will never bring her backpack again.

Q5: What is the theme or message of the story?

  • A. Never bring toys to school.
  • B. It's okay to make mistakes if you fix them.
  • C. Soccer practice is more important than school.
  • D. Always label your things.

Q6: What happened right before Nina opened the backpack?

  • A. She finished her homework.
  • B. She went to soccer practice.
  • C. She got a snack at home.
  • D. She waved goodbye to Aiden.

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What caused Nina to grab the wrong backpack?

✅ Correct Answer: A

💡 Reasoning: The passage says Nina was rushing out of school to get to soccer practice, which led to the mistake.

Q2: What is the best summary of the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage explains how Nina grabbed the wrong bag and returned it after realizing the mistake.

Q3: How does Nina feel when she realizes she took the wrong backpack?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: Nina freezes and shouts when she realizes it, then worries that Aiden may need hers for homework.

Q4: What does Nina mean when she says, 'Next time, I’ll double-check'?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This expression means Nina learned a lesson and will be more careful in the future.

Q5: What is the theme or message of the story?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: Nina made a mistake but solved the problem kindly and learned to be more careful.

Q6: What happened right before Nina opened the backpack?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The story says Nina went to get a snack after coming home, then opened the bag and noticed the mistake.