Printable reading comprehension passage — download and print instantly
Grade 5 nonfiction reading passage about Author Purpose. Pirates theme. 6 comprehension questions covering main idea, inference, vocabulary, text evidence and more. Answer key included (CCSS.ELA.RI.5.8).
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Before reading, post three anchor chart labels on the board — Inform, Persuade, Entertain — and ask students to predict which purpose they think most pirate books have. After reading, have students revisit their prediction and use text evidence from the passage to explain whether they were right or wrong. This activates prior knowledge and builds the habit of returning to the text.
What is this passage mostly about?
What evidence from the passage shows that some authors wanted readers to learn true facts?
What does the word 'purpose' mean as it is used in this passage?
+ 4 more questions in the full worksheet
Leo discovered something surprising while studying pirate history at the harbor museum. Not every author who wrote about pirates had the same reason for writing. Some authors wrote to inform readers about real pirates. Leo found a thick book filled with maps and ship logs. The author wanted readers...
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This printable reading comprehension passage is designed for Grade 5 students. The Pirates theme makes reading engaging while students build essential comprehension skills. Six questions cover a range of reading strategies including main idea, text evidence, vocabulary in context, inference, cause and effect, and author's purpose (CCSS.ELA.RI.5.8).