Wolves of Yellowstone (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Can removing one animal change a whole habitat? 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. 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.

Wolves of Yellowstone gives 4th grade students a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about how bringing wolves back to Yellowstone changed the plants, rivers and other animals, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and figurative language, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.4.2. An answer key is included.

Wolves of Yellowstone is a nonfiction passage of about 210 words about how bringing wolves back to Yellowstone changed the plants, rivers and other animals. 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, the main idea and figurative language. Questions include "After the wolves returned, the elk became more" and "What does the simile about a stone in a pond tell you about the wolves". 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: Can removing one animal change a whole habitat? Let students skim the title, then read once for the gist. A second pass with a pencil helps them mark the facts they need.

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.