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Generic Reading Comprehension - Non-fiction (with example text)

Last updated about 6 years ago
25 questions
Note from the author:
An example of how the Generic Reading Comprehension - Non-Fiction template can be used with a text!
Want to see a generic example of this formative without a text excerpt? Check out this link or use clone code: UXXJHB.
Excerpt from "We Shall Fight on the Beaches", by Winston Churchill
Great Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, delivered this speech to the House of Commons [U.K. equivalent of Congress] on June 4, 1940. At the time, the British effort in World War II was not going well, and the U.S. had not yet entered the war.

"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.

At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government - every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation.

The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
2

Put the points from the text into the correct sequence.

  1. Many countries have been defeated by the Nazis, but Britain will win nevertheless.
  2. Britain and its empire will fight in every place, by every method, until (if necessary) the US enters the war.
  3. Britain will win the war, even if it has to fight for years alone.
  4. The British nation want to win the war.
  5. Britain and France will work together to win the war.
1

How is the text organized?

3
4

Which text features does this text include? Select all that apply.

3

Pick one text feature, and explain: why did the author choose to use this text feature?

3

Pick one paragraph in the text, and write 1 sentence that summarizes the main idea of that paragraph. Think about:
  • What is the author saying about the topic in this paragraph?
  • What do the first and last sentences say?
  • What idea do the details in this paragraph support?

4

What is the main idea of the entire text? Summarize it in 1-2 sentences. Think about:
  • What message about the topic does the author want the reader to remember?
  • What idea do the details in this text support?

4

Give at least two pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer to the previous question.
Explain how each detail supports the main idea.

3

Which kinds of supporting details does the author use in this text? Select all that apply.

3

Write an objective summary of the text in a logical order (4 - 7 sentences). Use present tense.

1

What was the author's purpose when writing this text?

3
2

What is the author's point of view (opinion) about the topic? Summarize it in 1-2 sentences.

4

Give at least two pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer to the previous question.
Explain how each piece of evidence supports your answer. Think about:
  • The language used by the author (especially adjectives / adverbs)
  • The facts, details, and examples chosen by the author
  • The text structure chosen by the author

1

Which statement would the author most likely agree with?

1

Which statement would the author most likely disagree with?

4

Which rhetorical strategies and devices does the author use to advance their point of view (opinion) or purpose? Select all that apply.

3

Pick one rhetorical strategy / device from the previous question, and explain how it advances the author's point of view (opinion) or purpose.

2

What is the author's main argument (central claim)? Summarize it in 1-2 sentences.

4

Which features of effective arguments are present in this text? Select all that apply.

2
2
2

Does the text contain any of these logical fallacies? Select all that apply.

2

Pick one logical fallacy from the text and explain why it is a logical fallacy:

5

Pick one of these options and write an essay response:
  1. How do the ideas or claims in this text remind you of another text? (Which details are emphasized or absent in each text?)
  2. How do the ideas or claims in this text relate to your own life, ideas, and experiences? (Do you agree or disagree with the ideas or claims? Why?)
  3. How do the ideas or claims in this text relate to our world? (Does the text make you wonder about the past or future? Does the text remind you of a present situation in the world?)

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