The Great Wall of China (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How did people send a message quickly before phones? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 250 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.

The Great Wall of China gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 250 words about the Great Wall of China, why it was built and how it sent messages, 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 Wall of China is a nonfiction passage of about 250 words about the Great Wall of China, why it was built and how it sent messages. 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 1 compares the wall to a" and "Which detail shows the wall was built over a long time". 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 did people send a message quickly before phones? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

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.