Grandpa's Garden Gate – Reading Comprehension

A creaky gate hides a family secret — and a very good reason never to oil the hinges.

Printable worksheet

Grandpa's Garden Gate

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Read the story, then answer the questions.

0Grandpa's Garden GateAn original story
Every summer, Zoe visited her grandfather's cottage. And every summer, she heard the same sound: ‘Eeeeek-clunk!’ as the garden gate swung open.
“Why don't you oil it, Grandpa?” she asked. “It would only take a minute.”
Grandpa smiled. “When your grandmother was alive, she used to hear that squeak from the kitchen. She'd say, ‘That's my favourite sound — it means you are home.’”
Zoe felt a lump in her throat. The next time she opened the gate, she listened carefully. Eeeeek-clunk. It did sound like a welcome.
Years later, when Zoe had a garden of her own, she hung an old iron gate at the front. It squeaked loudly. She never oiled it.
1What sound did the gate make?
2Why didn't Grandpa oil the gate? A He was too busy B The sound reminded him of his wife C He did not own any oil
3What does “a lump in her throat” mean? A She was ill B She felt emotional C She was hungry
4What did Zoe do years later, and why?
5What is the theme of the story? A Gates need regular repair B Small things can hold precious memories C Grandparents live in cottages

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Answer key — Sheet A (5 answers)

1. Eeeeek-clunk!
2. B – The sound reminded him of his wife
3. B – She felt emotional
4. She hung an old squeaky gate and never oiled it, to remember Grandpa and Grandma.
5. B – Small things can hold precious memories

A tender story about memory and family traditions, suitable for discussion about what we keep and why.