Migration of Whales (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Why might an animal travel thousands of miles every year? 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. The five questions on page 2 push students to explain, not just choose. Ask for text evidence in both written responses and invite a short discussion afterward. Check the work with the answer key.

Migration of Whales gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the yearly journey of gray whales between cold feeding waters and warm waters, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.2. An answer key is included.

Migration of Whales is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the yearly journey of gray whales between cold feeding waters and warm waters. 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 cause and effect, the main idea and vocabulary in context. Questions include "Why do mother whales swim to warm lagoons" and "How does the passage show that migration is a cycle". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: Why might an animal travel thousands of miles every year? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

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 the main idea and vocabulary in context.