Reading Comprehension in Varied Subject Matter Book 2

Reading Comprehension Book 2 includes 31 selections in the following 7 subject areas. A sample passage title is given for each subject area:

Social Studies—A Wall of Names
Science—How to Make a Thermometer
Philosophy, Logic, and Language—Climatic Clues
Combined Subjects—How Weather Affects Travel
Math—Reading a Thermometer
Literature—Demeter and Persephone
The Arts—Daedalus: A Cunning Artist

In each lesson, the presentation of the passage consistently follows the same 7-step format:

• About the Passage—introduces the selection to the reader and activates prior knowledge
• Reason for Reading—explains the reading skill emphasized
• The Selection—thematically organized selections across subject matter.
• Thinking it Over—lists two to three broad questions to be answered in writing
• Studying the Passage—asks questions about the main idea, facts, and sequence, and asks students to draw conclusions, make assumptions, and interpret.
• Using the Words—encourages students to use new vocabulary words in a paragraph
• Writing about It—has students answer questions about the contents of the selection and offer their interpretation or opinion

Skills Addressed:

• Story recall
• Sequencing
• Identifying facts
• Drawing conclusions
• Vocabulary development
• Main idea
• Extending thoughts in writing
• Inference