Observation vs Interpretation

Question 1

During recess you look at the sandbox and notice three things: the sand looks dry, there is a small pile of yellow leaves in one corner, and there are no footprints leading away from it. Which sentence tells only what you saw, without adding a reason?

Accepted Answer

The sand in the sandbox is dry, a pile of yellow leaves is in one corner, and there are no footprints leading away from it.

Answer

The sand is dry because it has not rained today.

Answer

The sandbox is empty because the children took the sand home.

Answer

The sand feels dry because the sun was shining all afternoon.

Question 2

Sam puts a cup of water in the freezer. After an hour, the water is no longer liquid. Which sentence describes what Sam actually saw, not why it happened?

Accepted Answer

The water is now solid and looks like ice.

Answer

The water turned into ice because the freezer is cold.

Answer

The water disappeared because it melted.

Answer

The water is still liquid because it is warm.

Question 3

You are at a birthday party watching a red balloon. After a few minutes you notice three things: the balloon looks a little flat, the string is hanging lower, and the surface of the balloon has small wrinkles. Which sentence tells only what you saw, without adding a reason or a guess?

Accepted Answer

The balloon looks flat, the string hangs lower, and the surface has small wrinkles.

Answer

The balloon looks flat because air is leaking out.

Answer

The balloon looks flat, so it will pop soon.

Answer

The balloon is turning into a torn piece of rubber.

Try three questions

During recess you look at the sandbox and notice three things: the sand looks dry, there is a small pile of yellow leaves in one corner, and there are no footprints leading away from it. Which sentence tells only what you saw, without adding a reason?

Sam puts a cup of water in the freezer. After an hour, the water is no longer liquid. Which sentence describes what Sam actually saw, not why it happened?

You are at a birthday party watching a red balloon. After a few minutes you notice three things: the balloon looks a little flat, the string is hanging lower, and the surface of the balloon has small wrinkles. Which sentence tells only what you saw, without adding a reason or a guess?

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