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.
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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
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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.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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