The Underground Railroad (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What does it take to help someone when helping is dangerous? 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. The five questions on page 2 push students to explain, not just choose. Ask for text evidence in both written responses and invite a short discussion afterward. Check the work with the answer key.

The Underground Railroad gives 5th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Underground Railroad, the people who used it and the people who helped, 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 Underground Railroad is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about the Underground Railroad, the people who used it and the people who helped. 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 figurative language, making inferences, vocabulary in context and cause and effect. Questions include "Why is the name Underground Railroad a metaphor" and "What does Harriet Tubman's story show about her". 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 does it take to help someone when helping is dangerous? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

Set aside roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Families can use it for a calm reading session, and teachers can use it as homework, a center or a short formative check of vocabulary in context and making inferences.