Hawaii's Volcanoes (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How can an island form in the middle of an ocean? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 260 words in 6 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Then students move to page 2 for three multiple choice items and two written responses, citing evidence for each answer in their own words. Check the work with the answer key.

Hawaii’s Volcanoes gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how volcanoes on the ocean floor built the Hawaiian Islands over millions of years, followed by five questions. The questions practice vocabulary in context, making inferences and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.1. An answer key is included.

Hawaii’s Volcanoes is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how volcanoes on the ocean floor built the Hawaiian Islands over millions of years. 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 the order of events, making inferences, vocabulary in context and comparing and contrasting. Questions include "Which sequence shows how a Hawaiian island forms" and "Lava moves slowly. Why is it still harmful". 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: How can an island form in the middle of an ocean? Let students skim the title, then read once for the gist. A second pass with a pencil helps them mark the facts they need.

Expect about 20 to 25 minutes from first read to last answer. It suits homework, a sub plan or small group reading time, and the answer key makes it quick to check vocabulary in context and making inferences.