Tone Prediction

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen reading comprehension by predicting story tone based on opening sentences. By analyzing early textual cues such as word choice, pacing, and descriptive hints, students practice inference, mood recognition, craft analysis, and anticipatory reading skills that support deeper understanding of narrative texts.

Learning Goals

• Predictions and Inferences (Grades 4-6) – Use opening sentences to predict the likely tone of a story.
• Tone and Mood Recognition – Identify emotional direction using subtle narrative signals.
• Craft and Structure Awareness – Analyze how authors establish tone at the very beginning of a text.
• Story Opening Analysis – Understand the role of first sentences in shaping reader expectations.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support reading craft standards.
• Short, Focused Texts – Opening lines keep the task accessible and engaging.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for warm-ups, close reading lessons, small groups, or independent practice.
• Builds Reading Confidence – Encourages students to make and justify predictions based on evidence.

This printable worksheet helps students recognize that tone is often established immediately through careful language choices. By predicting tone from story openings, learners build confidence in inference, comprehension, and narrative analysis. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens tone awareness and anticipatory reading skills.

This worksheet is part of our Narrative Voice and Tone Worksheets collection.