Ancient Rome (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What does a big city need so people can travel and have clean water? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 250 words in 6 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. 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.

Ancient Rome gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 250 words about ancient Rome and the roads and aqueducts its builders created, followed by five questions. The questions practice vocabulary in context, making inferences and key details, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.1. An answer key is included.

Ancient Rome is a nonfiction passage of about 250 words about ancient Rome and the roads and aqueducts its builders created. 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 key details, making inferences and vocabulary in context. Questions include "Which detail shows that Roman builders were skilled" and "How did Rome's government change over time". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.1, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What does a big city need so people can travel and have clean water? Before reading, preview the title and ask students what they already know. After reading, have them restate the topic in one sentence before they answer the questions.

Most students need about 20 to 25 minutes for the passage and the questions together. The sheet works at a kitchen table with a parent talking through the written answers, or at a reading center as independent work on vocabulary in context and making inferences.