The Cloud That Got Away

Lexile: 620 | Grade: 4

Passage

A cloud slipped loose from the sky one day,

It floated down where children play.

It brushed the grass, it kissed a tree,

Then danced around so wild and free.

It puffed like popcorn in the air,

It wore the breeze like silver hair.

It turned into a dragon’s nose,

Then shifted shape—a big red rose.

A girl looked up and laughed out loud,

She waved hello and named the cloud.

But just as quickly as it came,

It climbed back up from where it came.

Questions

Q1: What is the main idea of the poem?

  • A. A storm is about to begin.
  • B. A cloud turns into different animals.
  • C. A cloud visits Earth and brings imagination to life.
  • D. A girl flies into the sky to find a cloud.

Q2: What does the line 'It puffed like popcorn in the air' show?

  • A. The cloud turned into food.
  • B. The cloud was loud and scary.
  • C. The cloud looked soft and puffy like popcorn.
  • D. The cloud smelled like butter.

Q3: How does the cloud seem like a person in the poem?

  • A. It makes noise and talks.
  • B. It puts on clothes and walks.
  • C. It 'danced' and 'wore the breeze like silver hair.'
  • D. It writes a note to the girl.

Q4: Why did the girl name the cloud?

  • A. She thought it was scary.
  • B. She wanted it to stay forever.
  • C. She imagined it like a friend or creature.
  • D. She knew it was going to rain.

Q5: What feeling does the poem mostly create?

  • A. Excitement and fear
  • B. Wonder and playfulness
  • C. Sadness and worry
  • D. Anger and confusion

Printable Comprehension Practice

Visit us at https://readbuddies.com to practice interactively, track your progress, and explore more comprehension passages.

Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the main idea of the poem?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The poem describes a cloud floating down, changing shape, and sparking the imagination of a child before returning to the sky.

Q2: What does the line 'It puffed like popcorn in the air' show?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This simile compares the cloud’s shape to popcorn to help readers picture it as light and fluffy.

Q3: How does the cloud seem like a person in the poem?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: These are examples of personification—giving the cloud human-like actions and qualities.

Q4: Why did the girl name the cloud?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The poem suggests the girl used her imagination and treated the cloud like a friendly visitor.

Q5: What feeling does the poem mostly create?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The playful imagery and lighthearted mood encourage readers to feel curious and imaginative.