Sharks Are Not Monsters (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What do you think about sharks, and where do your ideas come from? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 220 words in 5 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Next comes page 2: three multiple choice questions and two written responses. Before writing, students should find the evidence that supports their thinking. Check the work with the answer key.

Sharks Are Not Monsters gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about sharks, why people fear them and why the ocean needs them, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and figurative language, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

Sharks Are Not Monsters is a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about sharks, why people fear them and why the ocean needs them. 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 key details. Questions include "The simile in paragraph 4 compares the ocean to a" and "Which detail shows that people are a danger to sharks". 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 do you think about sharks, and where do your ideas come from? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

Most students need about 20 minutes for the passage and the questions together. The sheet works at a kitchen table with a parent talking through the written answers, or at a reading center as independent work on the main idea and vocabulary in context.