Plastic in the Ocean (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Where does the plastic we use go after we throw it away? 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. Page 2 holds five questions. Ask students to support each answer with evidence from the text, and have partners swap the two written responses to give feedback. Check the work with the answer key.

Plastic in the Ocean gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how plastic gets into the ocean, why it is hard to clean up and what people can do, followed by five questions. The questions practice vocabulary in context, cause and effect and figurative language, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.1. An answer key is included.

Plastic in the Ocean is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how plastic gets into the ocean, why it is hard to clean up and what people can do. 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 figurative language, vocabulary in context and cause and effect. Questions include "Why are microplastics so hard to clean up" and "Name one way you could keep plastic out of the sea". 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: Where does the plastic we use go after we throw it away? 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.

Plan about 20 to 25 minutes in all: the reading first, then the five questions. At home, a parent can read the questions aloud and talk through the written answers. In class, it works well for independent practice or a quick check of vocabulary in context and cause and effect.