Inventions of Thomas Edison (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What does it take to keep trying after many failures? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 210 words in 5 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Students then answer five questions on page 2, three multiple choice and two written. Ask them to cite a detail from the text in each written response. Check the work with the answer key.

Inventions of Thomas Edison gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about Thomas Edison, his many inventions and the long search for a lasting light bulb, 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.4.2. An answer key is included.

Inventions of Thomas Edison is a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about Thomas Edison, his many inventions and the long search for a lasting light bulb. 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, cause and effect, the main idea and making inferences. Questions include "Why did Edison test so many filament materials" and "Why was Edison's bulb better than earlier bulbs". 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: What does it take to keep trying after many failures? Let students skim the title, then read once for the gist. A second pass with a pencil helps them mark the facts they need.

Set aside roughly 20 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 the main idea and vocabulary in context.