Name _____________________________________
5th
Grade English Summer Reading
Matilda is a sweet young girl who loves to read and learn, but her parents and brother don’t. They think she’s
practically an alien from outer space, so Matilda finds happiness in books at the library. Longing for school,
Matilda is unprepared for Miss Trunchbull, the kid-hating headmistress. What will happen to Matilda, Miss
Honey and all of her classmates in Roald Dahl’s whimsical story? You’ll just have to read it and see for
yourself!
After you read the book, answer this question—
If you could have a power, like Matilda’s, that could help solve problems for the
people you love, what power would you like to have and how would you use it?
Think about it for a few moments, and then write a three paragraph essay.
 Paragraph 1 - Tell me about Matilda’s power and how she used it in the book. Then, in one sentence,
tell me about your power and how you think it might make your life, and those of your friends and
family, easier.

Paragraph 2 - Write a three or four sentences telling me about a typical day with this power. How
would you use it and who would you help? Be descriptive. Make me want to read your essay!

Paragraph 3 – Conclusion. Wrap up your essay with two or three sentences by repeating the power you
would like to have and some of the things you might do with it. Think of a good ending sentence that
summarizes your essay.
You may type this essay on the computer, or write it out by hand either in cursive or neat printing. Have a
parent read it over to make sure I can read your words. Use proper punctuation and capitalization in your essay,
and be sure to spell all words correctly.
_____ /5 points for a strong introduction paragraph that grabs my attention.
_____/5 points for a good body paragraph that describes your power and the people you would help, taking us
through your day to day activities and using excellent descriptive adjectives.
_____/5 points for a strong conclusion that sums up your essay and repeats you power and some of the ways
you might use it.
_____/5 points for neatness and correct punctuation, spelling, and capitalization.