Get the Message Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RI.4-5.2

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Having the ability to not only understand what we read but retain that information for a great deal of time is goal of all readers. It all begins with being able to extract meaning from what we read. While there is no sure-fire way to heighten our ability to do this quickly there are a number of simple strategies that we can all follow to help improve our ability to understand what we read. A good example of this is to improve our ability to understand the meaning of the words that we are reading by improving our use and recognition of vocabulary words. Another strategy is to read with the intention of writing a summary of what we are taking in. This series of worksheets will put you the basic scenario of being tasked with reading a passage and explaining it to another person.

Get the Message Worksheets To Print:

The Joke - Kevin loved to tell jokes, but he did not always choose the best time to do it. For example, one day during a science class, he thought of something funny.

Dogs as Pets - What is the main message of the paragraph?

A Grocery Store in Your Back Yard - What details does the author use to develop this message?

Kelly's First Job - What details support the main message?

Dogs, Fruits, and Jobs - Read each paragraph. Write the main message in the box.

Multiple Choice - Read each paragraph. Identify the main message.

Rocks - Rocks fall into one of two categories. Stratified rocks, also called layered rocks, are formed as new layers of sediment accumulate on top of existing layers of rocks.

Clouds and Weather - Clouds come in many different shapes and sizes, but there are four main types of clouds. Each type of cloud has a particular shape, and each one indicates a different kind of weather.

Main Thoughts - One weird thing about hedgehogs is that they are known for being able to eat things that would harm or kill other animals.

Backyard Playground - These passages look at things that take place in your backyard.

The Bridge - Jonah was afraid of bridges. Whenever he was in the car with his parents and they had to go over a bridge, he would close his eyes, and sing his favorite song in his head, until his mother or father would say, "Okay, Jonah. All done."

Double Paragraphs - These are a quick read. See if you can understand what is going on with it.

Safari - The word safari comes from a word in Swahili that means "journey."

Teacher's Choice - Read the assigned paragraph. Answer the questions.

Open Ended - An open ended toy is a toy that can be played with in many different kinds of ways.

Habits of High Level Comprehension Readers


Do you love reading? If so, you might know that reading is mostly about comprehension. Good readers don't just read passively; they try to connect with the author's words at a deeper level. They extract the meaning behind the text.


The ability to understand what you are reading comes from two key elements: vocabulary knowledge and text comprehension. Good readers develop habits around both of these elements to reach a high level of comprehension.


Do you want to know the habits that help readers reach a high level of comprehension? Continue reading till the end... and pay attention.


Starting with a Preview


When you know what you are going to read next, organizing your prior knowledge on that topic helps you understand the new information. Readers with high comprehension skills always start with a preview of the text to grasp new details quickly.


Focusing On the Main Idea


After reading something new, good readers take a while to summarize the text in their minds. This helps them uncover the main idea that the author is trying to convey. The most effective ways to find out the central theme are focusing on the first and last parts of the text and looking out for repetition of ideas.


Asking Questions


Some people shy away from asking questions when they don't understand something. This becomes the main reason for their lack of comprehension. Good readers always ask questions about the ideas they find difficult to grasp. This way, they see the text from different perspectives and explore new ideas about what they are reading.


Visualizing the Text


Visualization is a fun way to polish your comprehension skills. You just have to draw pictures in your mind while reading something. Building mental images associated with the text helps readers understand the ideas on a deeper level. It allows them to connect with the characters better and feel their emotions.


Enhancing Their Vocabulary


A strong vocabulary is the backbone of comprehension. Knowing the literal meanings of the words improves your fluency and helps you read between the lines. Good readers are always trying exciting methods to enhance their vocabulary, like taking online vocabulary quizzes, playing word games, or using flashcards.


Taking Breaks While Reading


Reading continuously can overwhelm you, making it difficult for you to comprehend the text. Make it a habit to take breaks in between. It's easier to understand one or two paragraphs at a time rather than focusing on a huge chunk of text at once.


Reduce Sources of Distraction


Proficient readers always read with total concentration. They know how important it is to eliminate all possible distractions and solely focus on the text for better understanding. They often set the place, create a reading routine, and put their phones on silent mode while reading.