Have you already assigned all five of our conversation-sparking passages? Here are five more guaranteed to get your students discussing! Each passage includes five Common Core-aligned questions, testing your students’ ability to:
Use Context Clues • Interpret Figurative Language • Draw Inferences
Recall Supporting Facts • Identify the Main Idea • Analyze Perspective
Passage 1: The Human Camera
In this true account of an artistic genius, readers learn about Stephen Wiltshire. Wiltshire can draw entire cities from memory. Wiltshire is also a person with autism. Use The Human Camera as a way to kick-start a conversation about learning differences. View Resource…
Passage 2: Wakaliwood
Isaac Nabwana is man who refuses to be held back by his circumstances. Despite being born into poverty in Uganda, he has become a world-famous YouTube filmmaker. Wakaliwood will inspire a conversation about privilege and motivation in your classroom. View Resource…
Passage 3: Mobile Money
For the two billion people across the world who do not have access to banks, a new solution has appeared as a result of advances in technology. It is called “mobile money,” and it brings access to banking services to poor people. Spark a discussion about the privileges we take for granted with Mobile Money. View Resource…
Passage 4: Ransomware
Ransomware: it will shut down your computer and threaten to delete your files unless you send money to an online address. Kickstart a conversation about online safety and the downsides of technology with Ransomware. View Resource…
Passage 5: A Unique Solution to Traffic
In Jakarta, Indonesia, a group of people have taken it upon themselves to deal with the city’s traffic problem. They are called Pak Ogah, and they work as unofficial traffic police in exchange for tips. But not everybody appreciates the Pak Ogah. What should a society do when people cannot find jobs? View Resource…
Looking for more fun and fascinating reading passages to help your students build Common Core reading skills? Find five more conversation-sparking passages here, and even more below:
Do your students need a break after all that reading? Try out a learning game.
