8 Free Reading Worksheets for 6th Grade Students

Enhance Your Reading Skills with These 8 Free Reading Worksheets for 6th Grade Students

As a 6th grade student, reading is an essential skill that can benefit you in various subjects, including English, history, science, and more. To help you improve your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking, we’ve compiled a list of 8 free reading worksheets that you can use to practice and reinforce your skills.

Why Reading Worksheets are Important

Reading worksheets are an excellent way to assess your understanding of a text, identify areas that need improvement, and develop strategies for better comprehension. By working on these worksheets, you’ll be able to:

• Improve your vocabulary and understanding of complex texts
• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret information
• Enhance your comprehension and retention of material
• Build confidence in your reading abilities

Worksheet 1: Literary Analysis

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

“The magi, as you know, were wise men—wonderfully wise men—who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days, let it be said that of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are the wisest. Everywhere they are the wisest. They are the Magi.”

Questions:

• What is the main theme of the passage?
• What gifts did the magi bring to the Babe in the manger?
• What is the author’s tone in the passage?

📝 Note: Answers can be found at the end of the article.

Worksheet 2: Comprehension Questions

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“The Discoveries of the Lewis and Clark Expedition” by Stephen E. Ambrose

“The Lewis and Clark expedition was a pivotal moment in American history. The expedition, which lasted from 1804 to 1806, was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two men were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the western territories of the United States. During their journey, they encountered numerous Native American tribes, mapped the territory, and collected scientific data. The expedition’s discoveries helped to open up the western territories to further exploration and settlement.”

Questions:

• Who led the Lewis and Clark expedition?
• What was the purpose of the expedition?
• What were some of the discoveries made during the expedition?

Worksheet 3: Vocabulary Building

Read the passage below and identify the vocabulary words in bold:

“The primordial forest was teeming with life. The trees were tall and ancient, their trunks twisted and gnarled with age. The forest floor was covered in a thick layer of underbrush, making it difficult to navigate. As we walked, the canopy above us filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the ground.”

Vocabulary Words:

• Primordial
• Ancient
• Underbrush
• Canopy

📚 Note: Define each vocabulary word in your own words.

Worksheet 4: Critical Thinking

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“The Benefits of Recycling” by the Environmental Protection Agency

“Recycling is an important practice that helps to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save energy. By recycling, we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, decrease the need for new raw materials, and promote sustainable development. In addition, recycling can help to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and protect public health.”

Questions:

• What are some of the benefits of recycling?
• How does recycling help to conserve natural resources?
• What is one way that recycling can promote sustainable development?

Worksheet 5: Cause and Effect

Read the passage below and identify the cause-and-effect relationships:

“The Effects of Climate Change” by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

“Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, leading to more frequent and severe coastal flooding. This, in turn, is causing erosion and damage to coastal ecosystems. Additionally, warmer temperatures are altering the distribution and behavior of marine species, leading to changes in the food chain and ecosystem disruption.”

Cause-and-Effect Relationships:

• Cause: Climate change
• Effect: Sea levels rising
• Cause: Warmer temperatures
• Effect: Changes in the food chain and ecosystem disruption

Worksheet 6: Making Inferences

Read the passage below and make inferences about the characters and events:

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

“The magi, as you know, were wise men—wonderfully wise men—who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house.”

Inferences:

• What can be inferred about the characters of the magi?
• What can be inferred about the relationship between the two foolish children?

💡 Note: Make inferences based on the text, but also consider the context and any background knowledge you may have.

Worksheet 7: Summarizing

Read the passage below and summarize the main points in 50-75 words:

“The History of the American West” by the Library of Congress

“The American West has a rich and diverse history, spanning thousands of years. From the earliest Native American inhabitants to the pioneer settlers, the West has been shaped by a complex interplay of cultures, technologies, and environmental factors. The discovery of gold, the construction of the transcontinental railroad, and the expansion of the cattle industry all played significant roles in shaping the region.”

Summary:

The American West has a complex and diverse history, spanning thousands of years. From Native American inhabitants to pioneer settlers, the region has been shaped by cultures, technologies, and environmental factors. Significant events, such as the discovery of gold and the construction of the transcontinental railroad, have all contributed to the region’s development.

Worksheet 8: Identifying Main Ideas

Read the passage below and identify the main ideas:

“The Importance of Reading” by the National Endowment for the Arts

“Reading is essential for a healthy and functioning society. It provides a window into the world, allowing us to understand different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Through reading, we can develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Moreover, reading can provide entertainment, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.”

Main Ideas:

• Reading is essential for a healthy and functioning society.
• Reading provides a window into the world, allowing us to understand different cultures and perspectives.
• Reading can develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Answers:

Worksheet 1:

• The main theme of the passage is the idea that true wisdom and generosity come from sacrifice and selflessness.
• The magi brought gifts to the Babe in the manger.
• The author’s tone is one of irony and satire.

Worksheet 2:

• Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the expedition.
• The purpose of the expedition was to explore the western territories of the United States.
• The expedition’s discoveries included the mapping of the territory, the collection of scientific data, and the encounter with numerous Native American tribes.

Related Terms:

• Reading comprehension grade 5
• Reading comprehension 6th grade worksheets