Free Paired Passages PDF: Germs and Epidemics for Grades 4-6

Description

This free paired passages PDF gives students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade two informational texts on the same topic, so they compare details, connect information, and draw conclusions across both. One passage, “Are You Prepared?,” is about epidemics, and the other, “Germs,” explains what germs are and how to keep them from spreading, so the pair fits right in when you teach about germs or infectious diseases.

The set includes one pair (two passages), seven multiple-choice questions, and one constructed response question, all in a printable PDF. Prefer digital? Get the free Google Slides and Google Forms version.

The passages are a stretch for most 4th and 5th graders, so I recommend using them for close reading and annotating rather than as cold reads. Students reading on a 6th to 8th grade level can read them on their own.

How the germs and epidemics paired passages work:

• Read and annotate: Students read each passage closely and mark it up, so they understand both texts before they compare them.
• Answer the questions: The multiple-choice questions send students back into the texts, and the constructed response question asks them to pull the pair together. Students can use their annotated passages as they answer.

What’s included:

• One pair of passages: “Are You Prepared?” and “Germs”
• Seven multiple-choice questions, each on a different standard, and one constructed response question
• An answer key that lists the standard for each question
• Printable passages in two styles

Ways to use these paired passages:

• Model close reading with your whole class or a small group.
• Read and annotate the passages together, then give the questions as a comprehension check and let students use their marked-up passages.
• If your students are new to paired text questions, walk through the questions together the first time, before you ever take a grade.

More paired passages for grades 4-6:

See how I model purposeful annotating in my blog post, Stop Highlighting… Start Thinking!

For more sets for grades 4-6, take a look at my Yearlong Print and Digital Paired Text Bundle for Grades 4-6, which includes every set and any new sets I add in the future.

This purchase is for one teacher. Please don’t share the files with other teachers. Thank you!

Copyright © 2014-2020 Ideas By Jivey, LLC
All rights reserved by author, Jessica Ivey.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.