Spiders and Their Webs (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What do you already know about the way spiders catch their meals? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 240 words in 5 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. The second page asks five questions. Have students mark the sentence that proves each choice, then write the two responses in complete sentences. Check the work with the answer key.

Spiders and Their Webs gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 240 words about how spiders are different from insects and how different spiders catch food, 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.

Spiders and Their Webs is a nonfiction passage of about 240 words about how spiders are different from insects and how different spiders catch food. 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, key details, the main idea and comparing and contrasting. Questions include "Which detail shows that not all spiders use webs to catch food" and "Why does an orb weaver hurry over to its web". 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 already know about the way spiders catch their meals? Before reading, preview the title and ask students what they already know. After reading, have them restate the topic in one sentence before they answer the questions.

Expect about 20 minutes from first read to last answer. It suits homework, a sub plan or small group reading time, and the answer key makes it quick to check the main idea and vocabulary in context.