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Mr. A's Writing Tools
writingtools.org
Writing Assignment
A Light in the Dark
Standard: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
What to Do
Assignment OverviewLet's read a story about a tiny ladybug lost in a dark forest — and the old firefly who helps her find the way home. Then you'll find details and examples that show why Pip helps Ruby. A Light in the Dark
1
Ruby the ladybug had wandered too far from home. Now the sun was gone, and the forest had turned as dark as ink. She could not find the path. She could not even see her own feet. Her heart pounded with fear.
2
"Is anyone there?" she called into the shadows.
3
A small, warm light blinked in the dark. It floated closer and closer, until Ruby could see that it was an old firefly. His glow was faint, for he had lived through many long summers, but it was steady and kind.
4
"You look lost, little one," the firefly said gently. "My name is Pip."
5
"I can't find my way home," Ruby whispered, "and I'm afraid of the dark."
6
"Then I will be your light," said Pip.
7
He flew a few inches ahead and glowed as brightly as he could. "Follow me. Stay close, and step where I step."
8
All through the long night, Pip led Ruby over tangled roots and around cold stones. When she stumbled, he stopped and waited. When she grew tired, he hummed a soft tune to keep her feet moving. Not once did he race ahead and leave her behind in the dark.
9
At last they reached the old oak tree where Ruby lived. "Thank you, Pip," she said. "But why did you help me? You don't even know me."
10
Pip's light flickered warmly. "When I was young, someone lit the way for me on a night just like this one," he said. "A light shared is never smaller. You needed a friend tonight — and a friend lights the way."
11
Then he blinked once and drifted off into the dark. Vocabulary Bank
Writing Steps
1
Understand the Story
In your own words, tell us:
- What is this story about? - Who are the important characters? - What question are we trying to answer about Pip's reasons for helping Ruby? You can use bullet points or short sentences. There's no wrong way to answer this! Read the story carefully. Pay attention to the characters, what happens, and how things turn out.
Then think about this question: What do Pip's words and actions tell us about why he helps Ruby? Before we start looking for evidence, let's make sure we understand the story and what we need to figure out.
Scoring Guidance — Step 1
Look for:
Main Idea Detail / Evidence 1 Detail / Evidence 2 Detail / Evidence 3
2
Find Details from the Story
Find ONE detail or example from the story:
1. Detail or quote: Copy the exact words in quotation marks, or describe a specific moment. 2. Where you found it: Tell us where in the story you found this detail (beginning, middle, or end). Try starting with: - "The story says..." - "One example from the text is..." Now let's be text detectives! Find details and examples from the story that help answer our question:
What do Pip's words and actions tell us about why he helps Ruby? Look for things characters say, do, or feel, and events that happen. These are your clues!
Scoring Guidance — Step 2
Look for:
What does the story actually SAY about this?
Can you find the exact words from the story?
What do the characters say or do that helps answer the question?
Try putting the story's exact words in quotation marks
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
3
What Can You Figure Out?
Make ONE inference (a smart guess based on the story):
1. Your inference: What can you figure out that the story doesn't say directly? 2. Your clues: What details in the story helped you figure this out? Try starting with: - "Based on the story, I can figure out that..." - "The story doesn't say this directly, but I think... because..." Great job finding that detail! Now let's make an inference - figure out something the story hints at about Pip's reasons for helping Ruby without saying it directly.
What do Pip's words and actions tell us about why he helps Ruby? 📘 What is an inference?: An inference is something you can figure out from the story even though it doesn't say it directly. You use clues from the text plus your own thinking - like a detective!
Ask yourself: - What does the story HINT at or SUGGEST without saying it? - What can you figure out by putting clues from the story together?
Scoring Guidance — Step 3
Look for:
What does the story HINT at without saying it directly?
What can you figure out by putting clues together?
Think: 'The story doesn't say this, but I can tell that...
What clues did the author leave for you?
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
4
Explain How Your Evidence Helps
Write 2-3 sentences explaining:
1. How does your detail from the story help answer the question? 2. How does your inference add to your answer? 3. What do they show when you put them together? Try using phrases like: - "This detail shows that..." - "This matters because..." - "Together, these clues tell us that..." Nice work finding evidence! Now let's explain WHY it matters.
Good readers don't just find evidence - they explain how it helps answer the question. Look back at your detail and your inference. How do they help answer: What do Pip's words and actions tell us about why he helps Ruby?
Scoring Guidance — Step 4
Look for:
Why does your evidence matter?
How does it help answer the question?
What do your detail and inference SHOW when you put them together?
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
5
Put It All Together
Write a complete paragraph (4-6 sentences) that:
1. Tells what you discovered about Pip's reasons for helping Ruby 2. Includes your detail or quote from the story 3. Includes what you figured out (your inference) 4. Explains how the evidence answers the question Make sure your ideas flow and connect to each other! Awesome work! Now let's combine everything into one complete paragraph.
Your paragraph should answer: What do Pip's words and actions tell us about why he helps Ruby? Include: - Your detail from the story (what it directly says) - Your inference (what you figured out) - Your explanation (how the evidence helps answer the question)
Scoring Guidance — Step 5
Target: ~60 words
Look for:
Start with your main idea about the question
Include your detail or quote from the story
Add what you figured out (your inference)
End by explaining what it all means together
Sentence Starters
In the text, the author shows that ___.
The author writes, "___," which shows ___.
This is important because ___.
Overall, the text shows that ___.
Target: about 60 words
Check Your Work
Before You Turn InI completed the planning step
I completed Step 2: Find Details from the Story
I completed Step 3: What Can You Figure Out?
I completed Step 4: Explain How Your Evidence Helps
I completed Step 5: Put It All Together
My put it all together is about 60 words
I re-read my writing and fixed any spelling or grammar mistakes
I am proud of this work
ReflectionWhat was the hardest part of this assignment? What would you do differently next time?
For the Teacher
Teacher Guide — A Light in the DarkRL.4.1 — Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. · Grade 4 · ~30 min
The student pages show a simplified 3-level Check Your Work chart. Score finished work against the full rubric below. Scoring Rubric
Step-by-Step Coaching Notes
Step 1 — Understand the Story
Step 2 — Find Details from the Story
Step 3 — What Can You Figure Out?
Step 4 — Explain How Your Evidence Helps
Step 5 — Put It All Together
Students on devices? Coach this assignment live.
Scan the code — or visit the link — for the AI-coached version: step-by-step feedback on every draft, auto-scored on the rubric, no answer key to grade. Free for teachers.
writingtools.org/free/literary4_charlotte_web_v1
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