The Printing Press (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How did people copy a book before there were machines? 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. Then students move to page 2 for three multiple choice items and two written responses, citing evidence for each answer in their own words. Check the work with the answer key.

The Printing Press gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how the printing press made books faster to produce and spread ideas, followed by five questions. The questions practice vocabulary in context, cause and effect and the order of events, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.5.1. An answer key is included.

The Printing Press is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how the printing press made books faster to produce and spread ideas. 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, comparing and contrasting, vocabulary in context and cause and effect. Questions include "Which shows the correct steps for printing one page" and "Why does the author begin with copying a book by hand". 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 did people copy a book before there were machines? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

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.