Helen Keller (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How would you learn words if you could not see or hear? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 230 words in 5 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written responses. Ask students to name the paragraph or detail that supports each answer before they write it. Check the work with the answer key.

Helen Keller gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 230 words about Helen Keller, who could not see or hear, and the breakthrough that opened up language for her, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

Helen Keller is a nonfiction passage of about 230 words about Helen Keller, who could not see or hear, and the breakthrough that opened up language for her. It is written for 4th grade readers (ages 9-10) and has 5 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice vocabulary in context, figurative language, the main idea and cause and effect. Questions include "The simile in paragraph 3 shows that words came to Helen" and "Which detail shows that Helen wanted to help other people". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: How would you learn words if you could not see or hear? 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.

Plan about 20 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 the main idea and vocabulary in context.