The English Content Team has released several new reading sets. A number of these sets contain two reading passages accompanied by a series of questions that challenge students’ critical thinking skills. The reading selections were created based on topics and themes suggested in the NYS EnageNY ELA Curriculum Modules.
These passages are housed at levels “J-L” in the Castle Learning Reading Set database, but could be appropriate for both high school and middle school classes. Many of the reading sets in this series are based on Scientific and Historic Information. This lends them to be great additions to many literary works, as well as excellent pieces to be explored in science and social studies classrooms. The reading sets contain extended response writing prompts, as well as several other question types that can assist students in the creation of their extended response answers.
New Reading Sets
American Accents – This passage is unique in that an audio recording is included. The passage discusses the many accents found throughout the United States. The audio version allows readers to “hear” the accents as the article is read.
From Sci-Fi to Sci-Fact – This passage discusses how science fiction has influenced actual scientific discoveries.
Lighthouse – A comparison set: a poem and nonfiction article.
Music Piracy – Article/Speech discusses music piracy and its impact on artists and consumers.
P.T. Barnum – Biography. Discusses P.T Barnum’s life and accomplishments.
President for a Month – Historical Information. Discusses the brief presidency of William Henry Harrison and the events that lead up to this time.
Ravi Shankar – Biography. Discusses the life and impact of Ravi Shankar.
The Magical Mechanical Dance Organ – Historical Information. Provides readers with the history of this unique instrument.
The Marshall Plan – Historical Information. Provides readers with details of the Marshall plan and its purpose.
The Origins of GPS – Scientific and Historic Information. Provides readers with the origins of GPS.
Thomas Jefferson – Scientist – Scientific and Historic Information. Article focuses on Jefferson’s scientific contributions, especially in the area of fossils.
Tom and the Artist – Realistic Fiction.