The Hidden Door in the Library (Fiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What would you do if you found a secret door at school? Then have students read the story on page 1, about 280 words in 6 short paragraphs. Ask them to notice what the characters say, do and feel. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written responses. Have students quote or paraphrase the text evidence in each written answer, then compare their thinking with a partner. Check the work with the answer key.

The Hidden Door in the Library gives 5th grade students a fiction passage of about 280 words about two students who notice a hidden door in the school library, followed by five questions. The questions practice vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.5.1. An answer key is included.

The Hidden Door in the Library is a fiction passage of about 280 words about two students who notice a hidden door in the school library. It is written for 5th grade readers (ages 10-11) and has 6 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice making inferences and vocabulary in context. Questions include "What can you infer about the cold breeze at the shelf" and "What does Rafael's last line show about the room". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.5.1, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What would you do if you found a secret door at school? Before reading, ask students to predict what might happen from the title. After reading, have them retell the story in two or three sentences before they answer the questions.

Set aside roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Families can use it for a calm reading session, and teachers can use it as homework, a center or a short formative check of vocabulary in context and making inferences.