The Moon Landing (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What jobs would a crew need to do on a trip to the Moon? 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 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 Moon Landing gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Apollo 11 mission that put people on the Moon, 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.

The Moon Landing is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Apollo 11 mission that put people on the Moon. 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 order of events, making inferences, vocabulary in context and comparing and contrasting. Questions include "Which list shows the correct sequence" and "Why did the astronauts feel lighter on the Moon". 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: What jobs would a crew need to do on a trip to the Moon? 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.

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 vocabulary in context and making inferences.