The Amazon River (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What do you think a huge river and rainforest give to the world? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 260 words in 4 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.

The Amazon River gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Amazon River, the rainforest around it and how it compares with another great river, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.2. An answer key is included.

The Amazon River is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Amazon River, the rainforest around it and how it compares with another great river. It is written for 5th grade readers (ages 10-11) and has 4 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice comparing and contrasting, the main idea, vocabulary in context and cause and effect. Questions include "How are the Amazon and the Nile different" and "Which detail in paragraph 3 explains why fish swim among trees". 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 do you think a huge river and rainforest give to the world? 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.

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 the main idea and vocabulary in context.