Main Idea Lesson 1
Here is an animated PowerPoint lesson on main idea. The slideshow explains main idea and how to identify it in a text. There is also a practice activity at the end of the lesson with five practice problems.
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Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Here are a bunch of free reading comprehension worksheets. These will help students master reading skills. You can print, edit, or complete these worksheets online. Try the nonfiction or short story reading worksheets to cover general reading skills. Or focus on specific reading skills like making predictions.
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Nonfiction Passages with Questions
Chess
Chess has been played for hundreds of years. This test covers some basics of the game of kings. This test is for earlier readers, but the multiple-choice and long response questions are rigorous and aligned with Common Core State Standards. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 1-5.
TV
Where would American culture be without TV? Television has impacted society in profound ways. Modern streaming options may be taking over living rooms today, but TV has played a significant role in culture since its creation. Learn about its history and answer multiple-choice and long response questions in this reading test. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 1-5.
Metal Detectors
Metal detectors aren't just for treasure hunters. Find out some of the ways that metal detectors are used in our society in this text. Then answer multiple choice and extended response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
Seat Belts
Wearing your seat belt is such a simple thing, but it can save your life. Find out why in this short persuasive text, and then answer Common Core aligned multiple-choice and extended-response questions. This is more great practice for standardized tests. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
Tetris
There's a reason why Tetris is the most popular video game of all time. Learn about this classic game and then answer multiple-choice and long response questions in this fun and exciting reading practice test. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6
The Coliseum
The Coliseum is one of the world's most recognizable images. Learn about its rich and interesting history and then answer multiple-choice and extended response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
The Pony Express
The Pony Express was the fastest way to get mail from California to the rest of the nation in the early 1860s. The exciting nature of the enterprise has earned the Pony Express a place in American folklore. Learn about the Pony Express in this text and answer multiple-choice and extended response questions based on the passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
Wintertime
Wintertime can be rough. Getting through the wintertime is harder on some species than on others. Learn about how different animals survive the winter and then answer multiple-choice and long response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6
Y2K
Computers control so many aspects of our lives. As a society, we depend on them in many regards. What if these systems went down? This passage explains the Y2K bug to readers. Students answer multiple-choice and extended response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Money
Money is a great way to get students' attention. This passage summarizes the origins and evolution of money. Readers answer multiple-choice and long-response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Redwoods and Arms Races
Redwoods are known for being the largest trees in the world. Why do they grow so tall? How does that affect their lives? How does that connect to human activity? Learn more by reading this interesting text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
The Cobra Effect
Our actions can have far reaching consequences. Sometimes these consequences can surprise us. Learn about a phenomenon known as the cobra effect and answer comprehension and inference questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday. It is the most notorious shopping day of the year. Learn about this cultural phenomenon in this short text and then answer multiple-choice and long response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
The Act of Reading
This is a reading passage about reading. Isn't that meta? The passage questions why so many students work so hard to get out of reading assignments in this short persuasive piece. Of course, this activity includes multiple-choice and extended-response questions after the passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are some of nature's most interesting creatures. Students will learn about these remarkable creatures while answering multiple-choice and extended response questions in this activity. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7
The Dodo
The dodo is probably the world's most popular and well known extinct animal. Learn more about these fascinating creatures and their disappearance in this short text. Answer multiple-choice and long response questions to sharpen skills. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Phishing
Computer hackers are scary, but learning about their attacks can help to keep you safe. This text teaches readers about a common attack, and how to protect against it. It covers reading skills like main idea, author's purpose, and making inferences. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Diamonds
Diamonds are not only beautiful, they are the hardest material on Earth. They also come in many colors. Find out why in this informative passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Child Inventors
You don't have to be big to make a big discovery. This short reading passage about child inventors will inspire your students. It will also give them practice with nonfiction reading skills. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Honey Badgers
Did you know that honey badgers can sleep off cobra venom? It's true. Though small in size, the honey badger is renowned for its fighting spirit. Learn how they fight off much larger animals in this reading passage. Then answer Common Core aligned multiple-choice and extended response questions, so that you can run up on a standardized test like a honey badger! Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Carnivorous Plants
Plants are known for sitting still, but some plants are devious killers. Learn more about the amazing world of carnivorous plants with this short text. Then answer CCSS aligned multiple-choice and extended-response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8
Hyperinflation
Paper money is a funny thing. The only value it really has is given to it by society. This value can change rapidly under certain conditions. Learn more about hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic (Germany) after World War I in this interesting short passage. Then answer Common Core aligned multiple-choice and extended-response questions. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Koko
Koko is one special gorilla. Not only can she communicate in sign language, but her Facebook page has more Likes than mine. Learn about this unique creature in this short nonfiction passage and then answer multiple-choice and extended-response questions. All questions are aligned with Common Core State Standards. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Worst Game Ever
E.T. for the Atari has been widely condemned as the worst game ever. Learn why while answering reading comprehension questions in this awesome nonfiction reading test. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8
"A Mystery of Heroism"
This is a thoughtful yet simply written piece set during a battle in the American Civil War. Crane, while capturing the terror and foolishness of war, dispels a heroic myth. WARNING: This text contains graphic descriptions of a violent battle. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
All Nonfiction Passages
Short Stories with Questions
"The Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger"
From the man who imagined the Land of Oz comes a short story about peer pressure and testing one's morals. Students will like reading about these memorable characters and they should find the ironic outcome to be humorous. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
"The Tell-Tale Heart"
This is one of Poe's more accessible works. When I teach this text, I tend to play up the insanity of the narrator. It makes for a pretty good hook. This is also a good text to study when discussing the reliability of the narrator. Warning: This text contains a murder and may be unsuitable for some audiences. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9
"The Gift of the Magi"
This is probably O. Henry's best known work. It is the classic Christmas tale of a young couple who sacrifice their most valued treasures for one another. It is a story that sticks with readers. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
"The Cat That Walked by Himself"
Written in the style of a folktale, this Kipling classic explains the origins of the domestic cat. This fun and cleverly written tale was borrowed from Kipling's Just So Stories. It is a great tale to study when discussing folkloric traits. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
"The Lottery Ticket"
A wise man once said, "Mo'money; mo'problems." This Chekhov classic brings those harsh words to life. The story is about a married couple who have a close encounter with a winning lottery ticket. This story helps to remind readers about what's really important in life. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
"The Ransom of Red Chief"
This is the classic O. Henry tale of a pair of kidnappers who find themselves at the mercy of their hostage. It's hard to read this one without laughing out loud at least a few times. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
"A Respectable Woman"
A houseguest causes tension and excitement in a married woman's home. As with some of Chopin's other texts, this story deals with issues of infidelity, or at least the implications of such; however, if you are working with a mature group of students, this story is worth studying. Still, BE SURE TO READ THIS STORY FIRST BEFORE ASSIGNING IT. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
"A Piece of Steak"
This is the tale of a boxer who has come to the twilight of his career. The narrator follows him from his home to the ring, and readers learn about the passage from youth to wisdom. The resolution is unforgettable. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
All Short Stories
Inferences Worksheets
Inferences Worksheet 1
Looking for a worksheet on making inferences? Check this out. Students read the short passages and then answer the inferential questions. Then they explain their answers by referencing details from the text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8
Inferences Worksheet 2
Here is another worksheet on making inferences. Students read the passages and answer inferential questions. Then they support their answers with evidence from the text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7
Inferences Worksheet 3
Here's another inference worksheet to give students practice with this challenging reading skill. Students will read the passages, answer the questions, and support their answers with textual evidence. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
All Inferences Worksheets
Main Idea Worksheets
Main Idea Worksheet 1
Here is a double-sided main idea worksheet. Students read seven original nonfiction passages and summarize the main idea of each passage. Also, students must think of a title for each passage that relates to the main idea of the text. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
Main Idea Worksheet 2
Here is another double-sided main idea worksheet. This worksheet features six more original nonfiction passages for your students to analyze. Students read the passages, disregard nonessential information, express the main idea, and think of a title for each passage related to the main idea. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
Main Idea Worksheet 3
Here is yet another double-sided main idea worksheet. This one is themed around robots and robotic technologies. Students practice identifying main ideas and coming up with appropriate titles for each passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10
Main Idea Worksheet 4
Here is one more double-sided main idea worksheet. Students read seven passages about money and systems of exchange. They summarize each paragraph, state the main idea, and think of an appropriate title for the passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9
Main Idea Worksheet 5
Here's another great activity to help students master main idea. Learn about some of the greatest scientists in human history while reviewing main idea. Read the passages, identify the main idea, and create appropriate titles for each passage. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 7-11.
All Main Idea Worksheets
Theme Worksheets
Theme Worksheet 1
Are you looking for an engaging activity to help your students review or practice identifying themes in short stories? Good news! You've found one here. In this worksheet students will practice identifying themes in five short stories. Students will read each story, determine the theme, and explain their answers. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Theme Worksheet 2
Here's another engaging activity to help students practice identifying themes in short stories. In this worksheet students will read five original short story passages and determine the theme or message of the story. Also, they will explain how they got their answers. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
Theme Worksheet 3
Here's yet another theme worksheet to help your students master this challenging skill. Students read the short stories and extract the message. Then they support their answers with textual evidence. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
All Theme Worksheets
Story Structure Worksheets
"The Breakaway"
Here's an activity to help students review plot and story structure. Students will read a motivational story about an athlete who sustains an injury and has to find another way to succeed. Then they will analyze and identify structural elements of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
"When Gertrude Grew Great"
Students read a motivational story and identify the story structure parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This activity includes a skill sheet that tests students' understanding of other reading skills as well. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
"The Phone Call"
Still looking for more worksheets about story structure and plot? Here's one more! This story is about a young man who overcomes an internal problem created by negligent family member. Students read the story and then complete a reading skill sheet that includes an analysis of the narrative structure. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
All Story Structure Worksheets
Characterization Worksheets
Characterization Worksheet 1
Here is a worksheet to help students practice characterizations. Students read ten short examples of character interactions. They identify an indirect character trait in each and explain their answers by referencing the text.
Characterization Worksheet 2
Here is another worksheet to help students practice identifying characterizations. Students read ten short passages. They identify an implied character trait in each. Then they explain their answers using text.
Characterization Worksheet 3
Here is yet another characterization worksheet to give students ample practice with this core reading skill. This worksheet has got another ten more problems. Students must identify characters' traits based on their actions in each. Then they explain their answers using text. This worksheet is great for homework or class work.
All Characterization Worksheets
Setting Worksheets
Setting Worksheet 1
Looking for a worksheet to help students practice identifying setting? In this double-sided worksheet, students read short stories. They determine the setting based on textual details and explain their answers. It has five passages and ten problems. This worksheet gives students great practice with determining story settings. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
Setting Worksheet 2
Here is another worksheet that will give students practice with identifying and describing settings in stories. This worksheet has five short passages and ten questions. Students read each passage and determine the setting based on textual clues. Then they explain their answers. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 2-6.
Setting Worksheet 3
Here is one more setting worksheet. This one has five passages and ten problems. Students determine the setting of each passage based on textual clues and explain their responses. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 1-5.
All Setting Worksheets
Summary Worksheets
Summarizing Worksheet 1
Here is a worksheet to help students practice summarizing. Read four nonfiction paragraphs about trains, highlight or underline important information, and write a title for the passage related to its main idea. Then create a summary.
Summarizing Worksheet 2
My students loved reading these four nonfiction passages about ninjas. In this summarizing worksheet, students read the passages, summarize the content, and express the main idea of each passage.
Summarizing Worksheet 3
Here's another activity to give your students practice summarzing nonfiction texts. Students read a long passage about the lost colony of Roanoke, highlight or underline important information, and summarize each paragraph.
All Summary Worksheets
Making Predictions Worksheets
Making Predictions Worksheet 1
Looking for worksheets on making predictions? Here's one with ten practice problems. Students read short passages, determine what will happen next, and support their predictions with evidence. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.
Making Predictions Worksheet 2
Here is another worksheet on making predictions. This one has five reading passages and ten questions. Students read the passages, predict what will happen next, and support their predictions with textual evidence. What more could you ask for in a prediction worksheet? Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Making Predictions Worksheet 3
Looking to give your student more practice with making predictions in stories? Here's another double-sided prediction worksheet! Students read the passages, predict what will occur next, support their answers with text. This is great practice. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
All Prediction Worksheets
These activities will help students master reading skills.
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We think your worksheets are too long. We’re using something similar from a competitive site that has shorter stories and 4 to 5 reading comprehension questions. That seems about right for our needs.
I have enough to last about 3 months. After that, I’ll probably rework yours to be shorter… unless, in the mean time, it occurs to you that offering both a short and long version of each could expand your customer base.
Mr. Morton
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Mr. Morton
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/ May 29, 2015please send me the answers the last three issues of “A Tale of Two Countries | Nonfiction Reading Test”
Mr. Morton
/ May 30, 2015The questions are open-ended. I could suggest answers, but they would not be definitive. I encourage you to either read each answer and grade the responses based on their merit or just give them credit for completion. Best wishes!
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Mr. Morton
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Mr. Morton
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Mr. Morton
/ March 2, 2015The answers are listed on the paper versions of the tests. Click the link that says, “View Answers.”
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Mr. Morton
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/ November 20, 2013As for the text “Castles”, my students and I were not quite sure about the answer to question 6 (which of the following best describes the structure of the text in the fifth paragraph?) whose answer was letter a – compare and contrast. Wouldn’t that be c?
Well, forgive me if I am wrong since we are a bilingual school in south America and English is not our native language. I look forward to a response.
Mr. Morton
/ November 20, 2013Yes, you are right.
I made an error on the key in haste.
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Doroteia
/ November 20, 2013As for the text “Castles”, my students and I were not convinced about the answer to question 6 (which of the following best describes the structure of the text in the fifth paragraph?) whose answer was letter a – compare and contrast. Wouldn’t that be c?
Well, forgive me if I am wrong since we are a bilingual school in south America and English is not our native language. I look forward to a response.
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Trying to look for what grade/level these are for. I’m looking for materials for my 9th grader.
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Mr. Morton
/ September 28, 2013These should be appropriate for a ninth grade student, but read them yourself first to check.
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Mr. Morton
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Mr. Morton
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Mr. Morton
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