Women's Day Reading Comprehension | Grade 5 Printable

This Grade 5 reading comprehension worksheet helps students practice extracting explicit information from an informational text while learning about International Women's Day. By reading a short passage and answering targeted questions, learners build essential literacy skills and gain historical context about this important global celebration.

At a Glance

• Grade: 5 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1 — Quote accurately from a text to explain it
• Skill Focus: Reading Comprehension
• Format: 2 pages · 4 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice or sub plans
• Time: 15–20 minutes

This two-page resource features an accessible informational passage detailing the history and goals of International Women's Day. The second page includes discussion topics, a quick fact box, and a four-question reading comprehension section requiring students to retrieve specific details. A complete answer key is provided.

This worksheet is designed for immediate classroom implementation with minimal teacher setup.

• Print (1 minute): The two-page PDF is formatted for standard letter paper and prints clearly in black and white.
• Distribute (1 minute): Hand out the passage and question sheet to students for immediate engagement.
• Review (3 minutes): Use the included answer key to quickly check student responses or guide a whole-class review.

With under two minutes of total prep time, this activity is an excellent addition to emergency sub plans or a quick morning work routine.

This activity is aligned to primary standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1, requiring students to quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. It also supports general informational text comprehension by asking students to locate specific dates, organizations, and thematic topics within the passage. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this resource during a reading block or as a thematic social studies activity. It works perfectly as an independent assignment after introducing Women's History Month, or as a small-group guided reading text. As a formative assessment tip, observe whether students look back at the text to find answers; encourage them to underline evidence in the passage. Expect completion within 15 to 20 minutes.

This worksheet is primarily designed for fifth-grade students, though it is highly adaptable for sixth and seventh graders needing foundational reading practice. For students requiring accommodations, teachers can read the passage aloud or allow them to answer the four questions orally. It pairs naturally with broader units on civil rights, historical milestones, or a direct instruction lesson on finding the main idea and supporting details in nonfiction texts.

Developing strong informational reading skills is a critical component of upper elementary education. According to a recent EdReports 2024 analysis, students who regularly engage with short, focused nonfiction texts demonstrate higher proficiency in cross-curricular literacy tasks. This worksheet directly supports that goal by targeting CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1, helping students quote accurately from a text to explain it. By requiring learners to locate specific facts—such as the year International Women's Day was adopted or the organization responsible—the activity reinforces the habit of returning to the source material for evidence. This practice not only builds reading comprehension but also fosters critical thinking and historical awareness. Integrating thematic texts like this into regular instruction ensures students are building essential academic skills while expanding their understanding of global events and social progress.