The Life of Harriet Tubman (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What qualities does a person need to lead others through danger? 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. 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.

The Life of Harriet Tubman gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about the life of Harriet Tubman and the secret network that helped people reach freedom, followed by five questions. The questions practice summarizing, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

The Life of Harriet Tubman is a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about the life of Harriet Tubman and the secret network that helped people reach freedom. 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, summarizing and cause and effect. Questions include "Which detail shows that Harriet cared about other people" and "What kind of person was Harriet Tubman". 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 qualities does a person need to lead others through danger? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

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 summarizing and vocabulary in context.