First Thanksgiving Meal Reading Comprehension 4-6

By Sarah McGull
Last updated about 5 years ago
10 Questions
Note from the author:
An embeded ReadWorks reading comprehension activity about food at the first Thanksgiving meal as compared to now.
1.

What was the first Thanksgiving?

2.

The article provides information by using a list. What does it list?

3.

The food served at Thanksgiving has changed over time. What evidence from the article supports this statement?

4.

What are some foods that were probably served at the first Thanksgiving?

5.

What is the main idea of this article?

6.

Read this paragraph from the article.
“Whether mashed or roasted, white or sweet, potatoes had no place at the first Thanksgiving. After encountering it in its native South America, the Spanish began introducing the potato to Europeans around 1570. But by the time the Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower, the tuber had neither doubled back to North America nor become popular enough with the English to hitch a ride. New England’s native inhabitants are known to have eaten other plant roots such as Indian turnips and groundnuts, which they may or may not have brought to the party.”

What does the phrase "nor become popular enough with the English to hitch a ride" tell readers about the potato?

7.

Read this paragraph from the article.
“Wild—but not domestic—turkey was indeed plentiful in the region and a common food source for both English settlers and Native Americans. But it is just as likely that the fowling party returned with other birds we know the colonists regularly consumed, such as ducks, geese and swans.”

What word could replace "But" without changing the meaning of the sentence?

8.


Who joined English settlers to celebrate the first Thanksgiving?

9.


Name three dishes that the Thanksgiving meal includes for many Americans today.

10.


What is the biggest difference between the first Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving today? Support your answer with evidence from the article.