Tornado Safety (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Where is the safest place in your building during a storm? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 260 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.

Tornado Safety gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how to stay safe in a tornado and the difference between a watch and a warning, 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.

Tornado Safety is a nonfiction passage of about 260 words about how to stay safe in a tornado and the difference between a watch and a warning. 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 comparing and contrasting. Questions include "Which detail shows a warning is more urgent than a watch" and "Why should you pick a room with no windows". 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: Where is the safest place in your building during a storm? 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.