Short reading passages with multiple choice questions pdf

Fiction Stories

When Adam wakes up in the middle of the night to scary sounds coming from his closet, he'll need help to find out just what kind of creature is trapped inside.

3rd Grade

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When Rosie visits the beach with her father, she can't see the nighttime stars she loves.  But when she looks down in the sand, she discovers a new kind of star.

3rd Grade

Ben's sister Kate is trying to help him remove his wiggly tooth, but nothing is working.  This is a high-interest fiction piece that will require your students to read carefully for details.

3rd Grade

Mark and Will hear strange noises coming from a scary-looking tree near their bus stop.  When Mark works up the courage to peek inside a hallowed part of the tree, he is surprised by what he finds.

3rd Grade

Jared has a busy weekend of finishing his science fair project, but when his friends ask him to help with other things, he doesn't want to disappoint them. Will helping his friends mean he won't finish his project on time?

3rd Grade

All Adrianna really wanted for Christmas was a new sled, but now that she has one it won't snow. Will the snow come before winter break is over or will Adrianna's favorite gift sit unused?

3rd Grade

Michael needs to make some extra money to buy a new video game, and with his older brother's help, he'll make enough in no time. But will Michael get his new game or find a way to repay his brother?

3rd Grade

Rachel doesn't want her friends to know she has glasses, but when she can't see the board in math class, her teacher gives her the choice of wearing her glasses or moving her seat away from her friends.

3rd Grade

Anna buries a time capsule in her garden with her favorite book, her yo-yo, and other treasured items.  After a short while, she realizes that all of her favorite things are gone and she wants them back.

3rd Grade

This passage is about a boy writing a story for his homework and how the trouble he has doing so inspires a new story.

3rd Grade

Randy can't wait to see what Mrs. Anderson is baking for a special birthday treat. But when he discovers what the treat is, he's more than a little disappointed. Can his grumbling stomach change his mind and maybe even his taste buds?

3rd Grade

Trina is determined to find a shark tooth before she leaves Myrtle Beach. She finds something that could be a tooth, but she's not positive. Will the mystery item be enough to satisfy her search?

3rd Grade

Jezzabelle is pretty sure her new school will be as bad as her old school. What she learns, though, is that she has the power to change her attitude and make things better. Reading comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary words are included.

3rd Grade

Nobody in class remembered to wish Emma a happy birthday.  They're all too busy planning a surprise party for the school custodian.

3rd Grade

Jordan and his sister Dani have never touched a dolphin before! Join them on an outing to the aquarium to learn "how to pet a dolphin".

3rd Grade

Emma and Alex go on an adventurous walk to see what kinds of rainforest animals they can find. They meet their friends along the way and learn a thing or two about using their imagination. Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.

3rd Grade

Bella and Mia are excited about camping out in the back yard. But when things don't turn out how they planned, will their camping adventure be ruined? Includes reading comprehension questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.

3rd Grade

Kendall is raking leaves in her yard and she can't imagine anything more boring. Eli, her next-door neighbor, shows her just how much fun raking leaves can be if you make a game of it.

3rd Grade

Alex is sure he's going to be in big trouble when he has to bring his math quiz home to be signed. But his failing grade may help him find an answer to his math problems.

3rd Grade

Reagan is tired of keeping all Jennifer's secrets, especially when it hurts her best friend Lena.

3rd Grade

When a baby deer shows up in the backyard, Sarah wants to treat it like a pet, but when her mom tells her the dangers of interacting with wild animals, Sarah will have to find another way to remember her backyard visitor.

3rd Grade

When Sophie comes down with a fever on the day of her best friend's birthday party, she couldn't be more disappointed. The party has a carnival theme with all Sophie's favorite games, and now she's stuck home in bed. She dreams of the fun she's missing at the party, until her family comes up with the perfect solution for her carnival fever.

3rd Grade

Maxine is worried about her math test, and when her best friend, Adam, tells her it's Friday the 13th, Max finds herself worrying even more. Will stepping on cracks and walking under a ladder be enough bad luck to make Max fail her test?

3rd Grade

Emmitt is having a great time at the baseball game, except he really wants to catch a foul ball. But when he gets the chance, the decision he makes will surprise more than just him.

3rd Grade

Mom told Emma to expect a special surprise at lunch.  What could the surprise be?  Emma and Emma's friend Alice work to find out.

3rd Grade

Jose dreams of being a superhero.  When Sarah's cat gets stuck in a tree, he may finally have his chance.

3rd Grade

Tamara is excited to spend the weekend with her grandmother, but her best friend Darla doesn't want to hear about it. When Tamara finds out what's really bothering Darla, she just might have a way to cheer up her friend.

3rd Grade

When Sara's birthday party is canceled due to a hurricane, she can't think about anything else. But when her mother shows her how others are affected by the storm, Sara has a change of heart.

3rd Grade

Brooke's mom is taking her someplace special, but Brooke can't figure out where that could be. And the answer isn't anything she would've guessed.

3rd Grade

It's Maddie's first day in a new school, and at recess she can't wait to try out the giant play set. But according to the rules of the playground set by the fourth graders, Maddie's not allowed on it. Now she'll have to decide what's more important, playing by the rules or making new friends.

3rd Grade

All Toby wants for his birthday is a new Super Robotoman action figure, and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when he finally rips into his birthday gifts, he'll get big surprise.

3rd Grade

Princess Liz and Princess Beth fear that a dragon is coming down the hall.

3rd Grade

Rebecca loves helping her grandmother in her vegetable garden and dreams of having one of her own, but her yard isn't big enough. Can her grandmother help her figure out how to have a garden without a proper yard?

3rd Grade

Jayden doesn't know how his teacher expects him to find every color of the rainbow on their autumn nature hike. There's nothing blue or purple in the woods!

3rd Grade

Lauren is dying to go on a real vacation like her neighbors, the Sandersons. But her parents can't afford to take the time off work. Can she and her dad find a solution that works for everyone?

3rd Grade

When Trevor's dad has to work late and can't take Trevor to Game World, he thinks his night will be boring. But his older brother shows him that sometimes you have to make your own fun.

3rd Grade

Liam used to like going to school... but the the new school year means a new teacher, and Liam's been assigned to Mrs. Chompsky, the strictest teacher in the building.

3rd Grade

Damon loves his dog, Prince, but when a new puppy shows up next door, Prince is pushed aside. Can Damon learn that while puppies are cute, a grown dog can offer friendship?

3rd Grade

Ava doesn't want to disappoint her best friend Melanie by missing her pool party, but Ava doesn't want everyone to find out she can't swim either.

3rd Grade

Bobby doesn't like having to give up his Friday nights to watch his brother Nick play football, but when he finds out he's Nick's good luck charm, he just might change his mind.

3rd Grade

Olivia needs a great idea for her school's pumpkin decorating contest. Will a mysterious owl in her yard be the good luck she needs for her project?

3rd Grade

Someone keeps pulling Anna's diary out from under the bed - even when she puts her kitty in charge of guarding it.  Help her solve the mystery to reveal the culprit.

3rd Grade

Paige wants to go outside and play basketball, but her brother Alec is determined to get to the next level on his video game. Paige decides to join Alec and play the game, but what happens when she causes him to lose the game?

3rd Grade

Anthony's mom was born in Canada.  When he studies Canada in school, he excitedly races home to tell her all of the interesting facts about Canada he learned.

3rd Grade

When Patrick interviews his grandmother for a school project, he discovers that she walked to school as a child, her family didn't have a television set, and couldn't play video games. He wonders why grandma refers to her childhood as "the good old days."

3rd Grade

Alex's imagination has transformed his swing set into a time machine. But when his neighbor Becca comes to visit, Alex isn't sure if he should share his secret with her.

3rd Grade

Kayla is worried about her first sleepover. She isn't a night person and is afraid her friends will make fun of her if she falls asleep first.

3rd Grade

Ben is excited to go to his uncle's farm to pick pumpkins and apples, but when Uncle Darrell can't keep the crows away from his crops, Ben will have to figure out how to make the scariest scarecrow to fix the problem.

3rd Grade

Mindy has been practicing for soccer sign-ups, but when all her friends decide to join cheerleading, Mindy will have to decide if being with them is more important than playing soccer.

3rd Grade

Jimmy is excited to go outside and play on his swing set, but his plans have to change when he discovers that it's raining outside.

3rd Grade

Liam's been working hard getting ready to try out for the position of first baseman, but when his best friend Eric goes out for the same position, the question becomes 'Who's on First?'

3rd Grade

When Lena's two best friends plan a bowling trip without her, Lena is determined to find out why she's left feeling like the spare. But when she shows up at the bowling alley, she'll find out things aren't always what they seem.

3rd Grade

When Ripley is caught spying on his friend Laney, she gets annoyed and yells "Girls rule! Boys drool!" The magic that happens next teaches Laney an unexpected lesson in manners.

3rd Grade

Spencer wants to spend his weekend riding bikes with his best friend, Elton, but the rain ruins his plans. Or does it? With a little creative thinking, Spencer and Elton may be able to ride after all.

3rd Grade

Simone is happy for her best friend Sheri when she gets the lead in the school play, but Simone is tired of always coming in second place. Will she ever be the best at anything?

3rd Grade

Maura is anxious to meet her new neighbors. She hopes a girl her age will move in so she'll have someone to hang out with over summer break. But when the moving truck arrives, Maura finds out that she'll get even more than she wished for.
(Approx. grade levels 2-4)

2nd through 4th Grades

Erin found a four-leaf clover in her grandparents' backyard, but how will she prove it's lucky?

3rd Grade

Dana doesn't know what to do now that her best friend Elianna moved across the country. Will the two be able to remain best friends with so many miles between them?

3rd Grade

Pam and Myles are crushed when their favorite TV show is canceled, especially since it reminded them so much of their cat. But their older brother has an idea to make the "Adventures of Crazy Cat" continue.

3rd Grade

Xander is attending the school fair, but he feels unlucky and believes he doesn't have a chance of winning any of the games.

3rd Grade

Jared can't wait to get out of the summer sun and into the cool ocean water, but between the traffic and beach crowd it seems like it's taking forever to finally swim. But he'll learn a lesson in patience that will work in his favor.

3rd Grade

When a leak in the water pipes means digging up Colin's old sandbox, he starts to get nostalgic for the days when he used to dig in the sand hoping to find dinosaur bones. But when the backhoe reveals a fossil hidden in the dirt, Colin's dreams of discovery may come true after all.

3rd Grade

Readers' Theater

When Robin, Sam, and Chris want a bear for a pet, they are surprised to find out that their parents think it's a wonderful idea.

3rd Grade

Princess Mimi's precious dog, Bibi, has been captured by a fierce dragon! Will Princess Mimi ever get her best friend back safely?

3rd Grade

It's a cosmic catastrophe! Aliens from Planet Zabooboo have invaded Woodland Elementary School! Can Fatima and Caleb come up with a plan that will save their school - and Earth - from an alien invasion? Find out in this entertaining readers' theater script.

3rd Grade

A fun Readers' Theater story about a hungry kickball team whose wish for popcorn is magically granted.

2nd through 4th Grades

Caleb has set out to solve the mystery of his missing socks. Will he be able to discover what keeps making his socks disappear?

3rd Grade

Poems

This poem tells about the seasons. It's laid out to visually represent the cycle that moves from one season to the next. After reading the poem, students answer questions, and complete a vocabulary activity and a writing prompt relating to what they've reead.

3rd Grade

This relatable poem focuses on all of the things a modern day cell phone can do. A phone is no longer just a means of communication, it can do so much more!

This poem describes the many things a toad can do with a toadstool.

3rd Grade

Meet a sneaky, undercover thief who steals sandwiches and hot dog buns from campers during the night.

3rd Grade

When a child gets a pet dragon, she has difficulty finding out what it likes to eat.

3rd Grade

In this fun poem, a young girl gets creative when cooking in the kitchen. Her recipes are very similar to Andrew's recipe in the book, Freckle Juice.

3rd Grade

A child borrows his mothers camera and takes hundreds of pictures of animals, family, and friends.

3rd Grade

A kid balls up his dirty socks, which frustrates his mother but leads to creative fun.

3rd Grade

Jake the dog walks down the street with his owner, meeting friendly neighbors along the way.

3rd Grade

A boy loses a running race against his shadow.  Read the poem and answer the questions.

3rd Grade

A child tries to catch an earthworm, but what he catches isn't exactly what he expects.

3rd Grade

A cute poem about an absent-minded tree house carpenter.

3rd Grade

Grandma is able to grow her own spaghetti sauce in her garden.

3rd Grade

This poem is written from a soccer ball's point-of-view as it is kicked around a field during a game.

2nd through 4th Grades

A cheerful poem about the fun things you can do with autumn leaves.

2nd through 4th Grades

In this cute poem, kids will discover that a furry canine can be the best friend of all!

3rd Grade

A snowman, hot cocoa, and a little wintry magic make this seasonal poem really fun to read! This poem activity includes comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and vocabulary words.

3rd Grade

Your kids will enjoy this pretty nature poem about woodland creatures that live in the sky, on land, and in the water.

3rd Grade

While trying to sleep in Grandma's attic bedroom, the main character of this poem is haunted by giant, moving shadows.

3rd Grade

A teacher scolds a student for flying in school, but then she has a change of heart.  Students love this silly poem.

3rd Grade

What do you hope to see happen in the world you live in? This poem will get you thinking how you can "help the world."

3rd Grade

Non-Fiction Articles

Readers of this passage will learn the differences between two animals that look very similar--snakes and glass lizards. Then they'll answer comprehension questions, complete a crossword, and follow a writing prompt.

3rd Grade

The history of piggy banks and how today's popular design was actually a mistake.

3rd Grade

Want to learn all about coral reefs? This article describes the ocean's most unique living community. Home to thousands of species of fish and other sea animals, coral reefs play an important role in the well-being of the Earth. This reading comprehension article includes short answer, multiple choice, and vocabulary questions.

3rd Grade

Learn about the shy and squishy squid! Did you know that a giant squid can grow up to the size of a school bus?! Discover other interesting facts in this printable animal article. Vocabulary words, comprehension questions, and a writing prompt are included in this reading comprehension packet.

3rd Grade

Did you know an octopus can vanish in a cloud of smoke, just like a magician?  It's just one of many ways octopuses defend themselves.

3rd Grade

Have you ever heard of the pink fairy armadillo? Learn all about this miniature armadillo! This article includes short answer and multiple choice questions, vocabulary words, and a writing prompt.

3rd Grade

The bold colors of a Monarch butterfly serve as a warning symbol to predators.  Learn about this fascinating insect and its life cycle.

3rd Grade

Professor Al Ligator teaches kids about the five groups of vertebrates. Kids will learn all about mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish.

3rd Grade

Learn about two different types of germs: bacteria and viruses. Find out how to prevent germs from making you sick. Discover a special type of bacteria that is actually important to your health.

3rd Grade

There are lots of fun facts about Polar Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Giant Pandas in this article.

3rd Grade

Learn dozens of fascinating facts about giraffes, then answer the comprehension questions.

3rd Grade

Why does a camel have humps?  It's not to store water, but rather to store fat.  Separate camel facts from fiction with this article.

3rd Grade

Learn all about service dogs and how they help people in this fascinating article! Reading comprehension questions, vocabulary, and a writing prompt are included.

3rd Grade

Learn how we're able to extract electrical energy from the sun.

3rd Grade

Discover the reasons animals migrate and read about the places they travel.

3rd Grade

Discover how Lego blocks got their name in this fun story.

3rd Grade

Learn about hibernating animals, why they hibernate, and what happens to their bodies during the winter months.

3rd Grade

Find out how pattern camouflage, color camouflage, and mimicry can benefit predators and prey.

3rd Grade

Three fun and easy soap bubble experiments kids can try.

3rd Grade

Did you know groundhogs can climb trees?  They're great swimmers too!  They can also whistle and bark.  Learn many more fascinating facts about groundhogs in this article.

3rd Grade

Learn dozens of fascinating facts about stinky, smelly skunks.

3rd Grade

Read about the many different habitats found within a mountain ecosystem.

3rd Grade

Find out the science behind roller coasters and how they operate. Learn about potential energy, kinetic energy, and momentum.

3rd Grade

The Navajo Native American people helped the American war effort in World War II in an incredible way! Their language served as a code used by the military to communicate important information that the enemy couldn't figure out. Learn all about the "Navajo Code Talkers" in this social studies text.

3rd and 4th Grades

Biography

A short article about Martin Luther King, followed by a set of reading comprehension questions.

3rd Grade

Short Passages

Discover what's unusual about a chipmunk's cheeks, along with other interesting chipmunk facts.

3rd Grade

Brief, non-fiction passage explaining how pencil graphite was discovered, and what the numbers on pencils mean.

3rd Grade

Quick-read paragraph with factual information about the White House.

2nd through 4th Grades

What is unique about the trees in this strange place?  Students learn the secrets of the painted desert.

2nd through 4th Grades

A short passage that teaches students about Mount Rushmore.

2nd through 4th Grades

Students can discover Egypt's Great Pyramid and the Sphinx in this quick reading comprehension worksheet.

2nd through 4th Grades

Read Aloud Practice

Practice reading prose aloud. Students focus on reading with speed, accuracy, and expression.

3rd Grade

Learn to read poetry aloud. Pupils will focus on reading with expression, speed, and accuracy.

3rd Grade

Reading ComprehensionFiles by Grade:

1st Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Reading comprehension passages specially written for students at a 1st grade level.

2nd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Reading comprehension stories, poems, and articles written at a 2nd grade reading level.

4th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Reading comprehension passages written at a 4th grade reading level.

5th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets

More advanced stories, poems, and articles written at a 5th grade reading level.

Literature Circle and Book Club Worksheets

Literature circle role sheets, book bingo printables, book report forms, and other reading worksheets.

Animal Articles

These non-fiction reading comprehension articles feature all types of animal species.  Read level: 3rd through 5th.

Comprehension Worksheet Images