Why Leaves Change Color (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Why do you think leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn? 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. The second page asks five questions. Have students mark the sentence that proves each choice, then write the two responses in complete sentences. Check the work with the answer key.

Why Leaves Change Color gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about why leaves change color in fall and why some trees stay green, 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.

Why Leaves Change Color is a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about why leaves change color in fall and why some trees stay green. 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, cause and effect, the main idea and comparing and contrasting. Questions include "What is the cause of green leaves turning yellow and orange" and "How are pine trees different from maples in fall". 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: Why do you think leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn? 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.