The Questions We Carry
Lexile: 740 | Grade: 4
Passage
Some people think answers are the goal. But what if the questions are just as important?
A question is more than a sentence with a squiggly mark at the end. It’s a key. A flashlight. A hand reaching into the unknown.
When you wonder, you grow. When you ask, you begin to see more than what’s in front of you. That’s why questions matter. They open doors that answers alone can’t reach.
You might wonder why the stars don’t fall. Or how a seed knows to become a tree. You might ask, 'What makes someone kind?' or 'Can I try again?'
These aren’t small questions. These are big, brave ones. They say, 'I’m ready to learn,' or 'I care about something more than myself.'
You don’t have to know everything. No one does. But if you keep asking, you’ll keep growing. Even on the days that feel slow or stuck.
So carry your questions. Let them guide you, not scare you. They are signs that your mind is stretching, that your heart is paying attention.
And maybe—just maybe—the best questions don’t lead to just one answer. Maybe they lead to better questions.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Questions
Q1: What is the main message of the passage?
- A. You should only ask questions in science class.
- B. Answers are more important than questions.
- C. Asking questions helps you grow and learn.
- D. People who ask questions are usually wrong.
Q2: Why does the author compare a question to a 'key' and a 'flashlight'?
- A. To show that questions are tools that help us unlock new ideas or see things more clearly
- B. To say questions can be dangerous
- C. To suggest questions should be hidden
- D. To teach how to use tools in school
Q3: What does the author say about not knowing everything?
- A. It means you should stop asking questions.
- B. It’s okay—not knowing helps you grow if you keep asking.
- C. You must study more to be perfect.
- D. Only grown-ups know all the answers.
Q4: How does the author want readers to feel about asking questions?
- A. Nervous and embarrassed
- B. Bored and tired
- C. Brave and curious
- D. Silly and wrong
Q5: What does the author mean by 'the best questions don’t lead to just one answer'?
- A. Good questions are confusing on purpose.
- B. Some questions are too hard to ask.
- C. Great questions help us keep thinking and lead to more discovery.
- D. The best questions are easy to answer.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Answers & Reasoning
Q1: What is the main message of the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage encourages curiosity and explains that asking questions helps the mind grow and discover new ideas.
Q2: Why does the author compare a question to a 'key' and a 'flashlight'?
✅ Correct Answer: A
💡 Reasoning: The comparisons help explain that questions can open up thinking and help us understand things we didn’t see before.
Q3: What does the author say about not knowing everything?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The author reassures readers that not having all the answers is natural and part of learning.
Q4: How does the author want readers to feel about asking questions?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage encourages curiosity and describes question-askers as brave and thoughtful.
Q5: What does the author mean by 'the best questions don’t lead to just one answer'?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The final message reminds readers that powerful questions help us explore new ideas and keep learning.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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