Every Act Counts: The Boy and the Starfish – Reading Comprehension for Class 5 

This Grade 5 reading comprehension worksheet retells the inspiring story The Boy and the Starfish, a timeless fable that teaches children how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. With simple narration and thoughtful exercises, students learn to interpret moral lessons while improving their reading and critical thinking skills. 

The story follows a young boy who rescues stranded starfish on a beach after the tide goes out. When told that he can’t save them all, he replies, “I made a difference to that one.” This message helps children reflect on empathy, compassion, and the value of helping others, no matter how small the effort. 

Why Reading Comprehension Matters in Grammar? 

Reading comprehension strengthens every aspect of English learning. For Grade 5 learners, this topic is important because: 
1. It helps students read and infer meaning from real-life situations. 
2. It improves sentence interpretation and vocabulary. 
3. It develops moral understanding and emotional intelligence. 
4. It supports creative and reflective thinking through story-based learning. 

What’s Inside This Worksheet? 

🧠 Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 
Students choose the correct answers based on the story, identifying the setting, character actions, and moral message. 

✏️ Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions 
Learners answer factual questions like why the starfish were stranded and how the boy changed the old man’s thoughts. 

📖 Exercise 3 – Critical Thinking Questions 
Students reflect on moral values, kindness, and life lessons through open-ended questions and vocabulary enrichment. 

✅ Answer Key (For Parents & Educators) 

Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Option 
1. (b) On a beach 
2. (c) Threw them back into the sea 
3. (a) Small acts can make a big difference 

Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions 
1. They were left on the beach after the tide went out. 
2. The old man understood the power of small deeds. 
3. The boy said, “I made a difference to that one.” 

Exercise 3 – Critical Thinking 
1. The story teaches that kindness matters, even in small ways. 
2. Small efforts add up to meaningful change. 
3. The boy’s attitude inspires others to act with compassion. 
4. Synonym of “stranded”: stuck (The starfish were stuck on the sand.) 

Help your child discover the joy of kindness and reflection through this heartwarming reading activity. 
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