Sally Ride (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What does it take to be the first person to do something? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 260 words in 7 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.

Sally Ride gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, followed by five questions. The questions practice the theme or lesson of the story, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.2. An answer key is included.

Sally Ride is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. It is written for 5th grade readers (ages 10-11) and has 7 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the theme or lesson of the story, vocabulary in context, key details and cause and effect. Questions include "Which theme does Sally Ride's life best show" and "Why do you think she founded a company for young people". 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: What does it take to be the first person to do something? 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.

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 theme or lesson of the story and vocabulary in context.