Each of these five passages covers a fascinating topic in history, from a brilliant invention that allowed Beethoven to hear his symphonies to a slave who successfully sued her slave owner. 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: Sojourner Truth
The story of Sojourner Truth is an inspiring example of what one determined person can accomplish in the face of adversity. Born a slave, Sojourner Truth was the first African American woman to ever win a court case against a white man. She went on to fight for the abolishment of slavery. View Resource…
Passage 2: America’s Polymath
Benjamin Franklin was more than a Founding Father. He was America’s greatest polymath: a scientist, writer, inventor, politician, and musician. Learn more about this incredible figure in America’s Polymath. View Resource…
Passage 3: Silent Music
Many people know that Ludwig von Beethoven lost his hearing. But few know about the brilliant, yet simple invention that helped him to “hear” his symphonies without the use of his ears. View Resource…
Passage 4: Kwame Nkrumah
If your curriculum’s civil rights unit only covers the United States, consider expanding your students’ horizons with the study of African civil rights leaders. One great starting point is the story of Ghanaian national hero Kwame Nkrumah. View Resource…
Passage 5: A Historical Myth
Did Christopher Columbus’ crew really fear that they might sail off the edge of the earth? Dispel some popular myths about history with this fun passage. View Resource…
Looking for more fun and fascinating reading passages to help your students build Common Core reading skills? Find five more history passages here, and even more below:
Do your students need a break after all that reading? Try out a learning game.