The Light Bulb (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What would an evening at home be like without electric lights? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 180 words in 4 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. On page 2 students circle three answers and write two. Encourage them to go back to the text and underline the words that back up each answer. Check the work with the answer key.

The Light Bulb gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about how the electric light bulb changed everyday life, 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.3.2. An answer key is included.

The Light Bulb is a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about how the electric light bulb changed everyday life. It is written for 3rd grade readers (ages 8-9) and has 4 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the main idea, cause and effect and vocabulary in context. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage" and "How did light bulbs change daily life". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.3.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What would an evening at home be like without electric lights? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

Set aside roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Families can use it for a calm reading session, and teachers can use it as homework, a center or a short formative check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.