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Non-Fiction Reading Skills

Step 2: Choose an Article

Each article is available at three reading levels:

  • Level 1: approximate Lexile measure 500-700; approximate reading level 3-4 grade
  • Level 2: approximate Lexile measure 700-900; approximate reading level 5-6 grade
  • Level 3: approximate Lexile measure over 900; approximate reading level 7-10 grade

Note: These articles are fiction, but they are written to be read and used as non-fiction. Many of the stories have their basis in a real event or situation, but the names, places and details have been changed. As much as possible, statistics in the articles are true so that classroom discussion isn't guided by false information.

For older and more advanced students, these articles can be great resources for a lesson on validity of a source. Ask students: How do you know if what is written here is true? Can you believe what you read?

--Articles:
 

Barefoot Running - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Cause/Effect

Informational article about the pros and cons of recreational running without shoes

 

Beat the Heat - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills:
Cause/Effect, Main Idea

Informational article about ways to stay healthy in the heat

 

Bell Ringers - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Cause/Effect

Informational article about the people ringing bells to raise money for charity

 

Buried Treasure - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story of a man who found a mysterious box buried on his farm

 

Dog Rescue - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story of a girl who helps local dog shelters match missing dogs with their owners

 

Driving with Pets - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about traveling safely with pets in a vehicle

 

Eat Your Greens - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about students making healthier food choices

 

Gum for Health - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about health benefits being added to new varieties of gum

 

Healthy Potatoes - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story about a man who ate nothing but potatoes for sixty days

 

House of Snakes - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story about a house infested with snakes

 

Is Summer Break Necessary? - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about the reasons for a summer vacation from school

 

Lost in the Woods - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story about a boy who got lost during a camping trip

 

Lottery Winners - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Sequencing

Story about a winning lottery ticket with three possible owners

 

Lunch Choices - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about efforts to make school lunches healthier

 

School Uniforms - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Sequencing

Story about a middle school that requires students to wear uniforms

 

Silent Football - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story about a deaf student who plays football

 

Sleepy Teens - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article about the need for sleep

 

Test Taking Strategies - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion

Informational article with suggestions for ways to prepare for a test

 

Tips for Parents - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea

Informational article with guidelines for parents of teenagers

 

Virtual School - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Fact/Opinion, Main Idea, Sequencing

Story about a student who attends school online

 

Whitewater Rock - Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
Related Skills: Cause/Effect, Fact/Opinion, Sequencing

Story about a dangerous section of a popular river for rafting

More articles coming throughout the year!

 

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