The Mississippi River (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How do rivers help people travel and move goods? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 200 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 Mississippi River gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about the Mississippi River, its size and the people who have lived and worked along 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 Mississippi River is a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about the Mississippi River, its size and the people who have lived and worked along it. 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 figurative language. Questions include "Which detail shows that the river grows bigger as it flows south". 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 do rivers help people travel and move goods? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

Plan about 20 minutes in all: the reading first, then the five questions. At home, a parent can read the questions aloud and talk through the written answers. In class, it works well for independent practice or a quick check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.