The Great Barrier Reef (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What do you think builds a reef in the ocean? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 220 words in 4 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.

The Great Barrier Reef gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about the largest coral reef in the world and the scientists who study it, 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.

The Great Barrier Reef is a nonfiction passage of about 220 words about the largest coral reef in the world and the scientists who study it. It is written for 4th grade readers (ages 9-10) and has 4 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice vocabulary in context, the main idea, key details and cause and effect. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage". 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 builds a reef in the ocean? 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.

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.