The Wright Brothers (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How do inventors learn from failed attempts? 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. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written responses. Ask students to name the paragraph or detail that supports each answer before they write it. Check the work with the answer key.

The Wright Brothers gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 240 words about Wilbur and Orville Wright and the experiments that led to the first airplane flight, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

The Wright Brothers is a nonfiction passage of about 240 words about Wilbur and Orville Wright and the experiments that led to the first airplane flight. 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 making inferences. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage" and "Why did the brothers make their own wing charts". 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 inventors learn from failed attempts? 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.

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.