Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How can one person's choice lead a whole community to act? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 270 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.

Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 270 words about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott, 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.

Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott is a nonfiction passage of about 270 words about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. 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 vocabulary in context, making inferences and cause and effect. Questions include "In the last paragraph, the word symbol means" and "Why is Rosa Parks called a symbol of courage". 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 one person's choice lead a whole community to act? Ask students to name one thing they wonder about the topic, then read to find out. Come back to the question after the last paragraph.

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 making inferences.