Reading Based Bellringers/Morning Work: Middle & High School Students

Reading Based
Bellringers/Morning Work
For
Middle & High School Students

©2Cute Classrooms
The following are short high interest bell ringers
(reading comprehension activities). They can
used at the beginning of class, at the end of class,
or as exit slips.
These activities can help you teach your students

how to locate text features, text structures, main
ideas, and supporting details.
This set includes 24 bellringers, their answer key,

a text structure chart, and a text feature chart.
If you like this activity, be sure to check out some

more of my products.
Happy Teaching!!!
2Cute Classrooms
Text Structure What It Does
Chronological order From first, second, third, and last
Description These words that describe
Cause/Effect Reason something happens
Compare/Contrast Describe how something is alike or how

something is different
Text Feature What It Does
Bold print Shows important words in dark letters
Caption These words that tell about photos or other

pictures
Glossary (Dictionary) Gives the meaning of words in the text
Index Gives an alphabetized list of topics in the text

and the pages on which you can find the
information
Name_________________
I slumped down in the backseat of the car as far as I could. I didn’t want
anyone to see me in the car with my parents even though it was for a quick
trip to Jackson. When I was younger, I thought family trips were fun. In
fact, I loved them. However, at fifteen, I found them tedious and boring. I
was also mortified to think that someone might see me riding with my
parents.
1. What point-of-view is this story told from?
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What text feature is used in this paragraph?
A. Glossary
B. Bold print
C. Index
3. What text structure is used in the paragraph?
A. Compare and contrast
B. Cause and effect
C. Problem and solution
4. From the context clues used in the text, what can you infer is the
meaning of the word “tedious”?
A. Tiresome
B. Exciting
C. Thrilling
5. What is the main idea of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
I slumped down in the backseat of the car as far as I could. I didn’t want
anyone to see me in the car with my parents even though it was for a quick
trip to Jackson. When I was younger, I thought family trips were fun. In
fact, I loved them. However, at fifteen, I found them tedious and boring. I
was also mortified to think that someone might see me riding with my
parents.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Glossary
B. Bold print
C. Index
B. Cause and effect
4. From the context clues used in the text, what can you infer is the
meaning of the word “tedious”?
A. Tiresome
B. Exciting
C. Thrilling
5. What is the main idea of the text? (Answers can vary)
Teenagers think being seen with their parents is embarrassing.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Jackie walked in the gym and found a seat. The noise from the crowd grew
louder, and she turned around to see what was going on. The cheerleaders
were doing one of the school’s favorite cheers. Jackie found herself becoming
excited along with the crowd. She was elated to be apart of all of the
excitement. Jackie grabbed her pom poms and began to sing along with the
crowd.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Glossary
B. Index
C. Context clues
B. Description
4. From the way the word “elated” is used in the text, what can you
infer is the meaning of the word “elated”?
A. Bored
B. Thrilled
C. Annoyed
5. What can you infer is the setting of this story?
A. School basketball game
B. After school dance
C. A parade
Answer Key
Jackie walked in the gym and found a seat. The noise from the crowd grew
louder, and she turned around to see what was going on. The cheerleaders
were doing one of the school’s favorite cheers. Jackie found herself becoming
excited along with the crowd. She was elated to be apart of all of the
excitement. Jackie grabbed her pom poms and began to sing along with the
crowd.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Glossary
B. Index
C. Context clues
B. Description
4. From the way the word “elated” is used in the text, what can you
infer is the meaning of the word “elated”?
A. Bored
B. Thrilled
C. Annoyed
A. School basketball game
B. After school dance
C. A parade
Name_________________
The warrior raced onto the battlefield. Jason screamed his battle cry and
raised his sword. The Persian army was massive, and the Spartan warrior
knew he would probably not survive this encounter. So, Jason knew he had
to follow his commanders orders to explicitly or he and his comrades would
be killed. Jason also knew he would have to protect his chest area, so he
made sure he kept his shield in front of his body.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer is the location of this scene?
A. Civil war camp
B. A battlefield in Ancient Greece
C. A football game
4. What is the main idea of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. List 2 supporting details from the text.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
The warrior raced onto the battlefield. Jason screamed his battle cry and
raised his sword. The Persian army was massive, and the Spartan warrior
knew he would probably not survive this encounter. So, Jason knew he had
to follow his commanders orders to explicitly or he and his comrades would
be killed. Jason also knew he would have to protect his chest area, so he
made sure he kept his shield in front of his body.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer is the location of this scene?
A. Civil war camp
B. A battlefield in Ancient Greece
C. A football game
4. What is the main idea of the text? (Answers may vary)
A Spartan warrior must use military strategy in order to survive.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. List 2 supporting details from the text. (Answers will vary)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
The wind blew through the trees and shook the leaves free. They danced in
the breeze, and I rushed forward to capture some. I was only successful in
capturing a few. I giggle and jumped as I hugged the few I had to my chest. I
love fall!
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Glossary
B. Caption Running through the leaves
C. Bold print
B. Description
A. School
B. Yard
C. Garden
5. What was the author’s purpose for writing this text?
A. To persuade the reader to enjoy fall
B. To describe the author’s experience on one fall day
C. To explain why the author likes fall
Answer Key
The wind blew through the trees and shook the leaves free. They danced in
the breeze, and I rushed forward to capture some. I was only successful in
capturing a few. I giggle and jumped as I hugged the few I had to my chest. I
love fall!
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Glossary
B. Caption Running through the leaves
C. Bold print
B. Description
A. School
B. Yard
C. Garden
5. What was the author’s purpose for writing this text?
A. To persuade the reader to enjoy fall
B. To describe the narrator’s experience on one fall day
C. To explain why the narrator likes fall
Name_________________
Dexter sat crossed-legged in front of the television set. He giggled happily as
he watched his favorite cartoon. He pulled his blanket and pillow from on
top of his bed. He used the blanket to wrap himself up in. Dexter placed
the pillow behind his head and lay down on the floor. Now, he was as snug
as a bug wrapped in his blanket and wearing his favorite pajamas.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Description
3. What form of figurative language is used in this text?
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
A. A little boy’s bedroom
B. At a zoo
C. In a toy store
5. What is the little boy doing in the text?
A. Watching the news
B. Watching cartoons
C. Studying for a test
Answer Key
Dexter sat crossed-legged in front of the television set. He giggled happily as
he watched his favorite cartoon. He pulled his blanket and pillow from on
top of his bed. He used the blanket to wrap himself up in. Dexter placed
the pillow behind his head and lay down on the floor. Now, he was as snug
as a bug wrapped in his blanket and wearing his favorite pajamas.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Description
3. What form of figurative language is used in this text?
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
A. A little boy’s bedroom
B. At a zoo
C. In a toy store
5. What is the little boy doing in the text?
A. Watching the news
B. Watching cartoons
C. Studying for a test
Name_________________
Sarah could hear the sounds coming from behind the wooden door, and she
found herself becoming afraid. Although she had told herself she would be
strong, Sarah was forced to admit that she was scared. She and her friends
had been put on trial for witchcraft and found guilty. Tonight, they were
going to be sentenced, and Sarah was scared. Although she and all of her
friends were innocent, some of the girls had already been sentenced to
death.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Problem and solution
B. Compare and contrast
C. Description
3. What is the mood of this text?
A. Joyful
B. Somber
C. Ironic
4. What is the main idea of this text?
___________________________________________________________________________
5. List 2 supporting details.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Sarah could hear the sounds coming from behind the wooden door, and she
found herself becoming afraid. Although she had told herself she would be
strong, Sarah was forced to admit that she was scared. She and her friends
had been put on trial for witchcraft and found guilty. Tonight, they were
going to be sentenced, and Sarah was scared. Although she and all of her
friends were innocent, some of the girls had already been sentenced to
death.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
C. Description
A. Joyful
B. Somber
C. Ironic
4. What is the main idea of this text? (Answers may vary)
Sarah is frightened because she has been found guilty of witchcraft.
___________________________________________________________________________
5. List 2 supporting details. (Answers will vary)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
I looked out at the ominous black clouds, and my breath caught in my
throat. I was barely able to stand up as the wind roared. I looked at the
trees in my backyard. They were bowing down, and I didn’t have much time.
I needed to get to the storm shelter, but I had not finished packing my
supplies. I was undecided about what to do. I hesitated for only a moment
before I grabbed the few supplies I had and rushed to the storm shelter.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Procedural
3. Which of the following is about to happen?
A. A tornado is about to hit.
B. A thunderstorm has passed.
C. An earthquake is taking place.
4. What can you infer about the narrator? You may circle more than
one answer.
A. She is scared.
B. She wants to go home.
C. She is planning a trip to an animal shelter.
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
I looked out at the ominous black clouds, and my breath caught in my
throat. I was barely able to stand up as the wind roared. I looked at the
trees in my backyard. They were bowing down, and I didn’t have much time.
I needed to get to the storm shelter, but I had not finished packing my
supplies. I was undecided about what to do. I hesitated for only a moment
before I grabbed the few supplies I had and rushed to the storm shelter.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Procedural
3. Which of the following is about to happen?
A. A tornado is about to hit.
B. A thunderstorm has passed.
C. An earthquake is taking place.
one answer.
A. She is scared.
B. She wants to go home.
C. She is planning a trip to an animal shelter.
5. What is the main idea of this text?(Answers may vary)
The narrator must decide whether to try to pack more things or to head
immediately to shelter.
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Robert stared at the tiny insect in his hand. It crawled across his hand, and
Robert laughed. He grabbed a jar from the table and placed the little green
creature inside. It looked like a grasshopper, but Robert was not totally
sure. He would have to check his insect book when he got back to his room.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
C. Description
A. Bitter
B. Sad
C. Playful
4. What can you infer about the little boy? You may circle more than
one answer.
A. He likes insects.
B. He likes to be outside.
C. He collects insects.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Robert stared at the tiny insect in his hand. It crawled across his hand, and
Robert laughed. He grabbed a jar from the table and placed the little green
creature inside. It looked like a grasshopper, but Robert was not totally
sure. He would have to check his insect book when he got back to his room.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
C. Description
A. Bitter
B. Sad
C. Playful
4. What can you infer about the little boy? You may circle more than
one answer.
A. He likes insects.
B. He likes to be outside.
C. He collects insects.
Robert is doing research on insects.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
I sat in the hallway and tried not to tremble. I put my arms around my
sister and whispered comforting words. I did not want her to know how
frightened I was. The house shook with the force of the wind, and I prayed
that the walls would not cave in. Hurricane Katrina had hit New Orleans
hours ago, and the force of the storm could be felt even here in our little
small town of DeKalb, Mississippi.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What the author’s purpose for writing this story.
A. To share her experience during Hurricane Katrina.
B. To describe how Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans.
C. To explain what one should do during a hurricane.
A. Nonchalant
B. Cheerful
C. Solemn
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
I sat in the hallway and tried not to tremble. I put my arms around my
sister and whispered comforting words. I did not want her to know how
frightened I was. The house shook with the force of the wind, and I prayed
that the walls would not cave in. Hurricane Katrina had hit New Orleans
hours ago, and the force of the storm could be felt even here in our little
small town of DeKalb, Mississippi.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What the author’s purpose for writing this story.
A. To share her experience during Hurricane Katrina.
B. To describe how Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans.
C. To explain what one should do during a hurricane.
A. Nonchalant
B. Cheerful
C. Solemn
4. What is the main idea of this text? (Answers can vary)
Hurricane Katrina was a dangerous and scary storm.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Katlyn looked at the pile of papers on her desk and sighed. She had so
much homework that there was no way she was going to be able to finish it
and go to the ballet production. She has to make a choice. She could go to
the ballet or she could finish her homework. Katlyn need to finish her
homework, but she had waited all year to see the play. What was she going
to do?
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person Katlyn thinking
B. Problem and solution
C. Cause and effect
3. Which of the following text features is used in this text?
A. Bold print
B. Context clues
C. Caption
4. What can you infer about Katlyn? You may circle more than one
answer.
A. She is scared of what will happen if she does not finish her homework.
B. She will be very sad if she does not go to the ballet.
C. She will pass her next test.
__________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Katlyn looked at the pile of papers on her desk and sighed. She had so
much homework that there was no way she was going to be able to finish it
and go to the ballet production. She has to make a choice. She could go to
the ballet or she could finish her homework. Katlyn need to finish her
homework, but she had waited all year to see the play. What was she going
to do?
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person Katlyn thinking
C. Cause and effect
3. Which of the following text features is used in this text?
A. Bold print
B. Context clues
C. Caption
4. What can you infer about Katlyn? You may circle more than one
answer.
A. She is scared of what will happen if she does not finish her homework.
B. She will be very sad if she does not go to the ballet.
C. She will pass her next test.
5. What is the main idea of this text? (Answers will vary)
Katlyn must make a decision. She must decide whether to stay home and
study or go to the ballet.
__________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Celebrating the Fourth of July can be fun and exciting. Most people like to
celebrate with their friends and family. However, if you don’t want to get caught
up in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday, you can have a quiet Independence Day at
home. One of the ways to do that is by having a July 4 th Movie Fest. Collect all of your
favorite movies and gather around your entertainment source. Then, let movie mania begin.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What type of text structure was used in this text?
A. Procedural
B. Spatial
3. What is the tone of this text?
A. Suggestive
B. Bitter
C. Encouraging
___________________________________________________________________________
5. What is a theme of this text?

___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Celebrating the Fourth of July can be fun and exciting. Most people like to
celebrate with their friends and family. However, if you don’t want to get caught
up in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday, you can have a quiet Independence Day at
home. One of the ways to do that is by having a July 4 th Movie Fest. Collect all of your
favorite movies and gather around your entertainment source. Then, let movie mania begin.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What type of text structure was used in this text?
A. Procedural
B. Spatial
A. Suggestive
B. Bitter
C. Encouraging
You can celebrate the Fourth of July with a Movie Fest at home instead of
going out with friends.
___________________________________________________________________________

Celebrating the Fourth of July
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
She looked tired. Miss Lizzie knew something was bothering Kandance.
Kandance was one of Miss Lizzie’s favorite nurses, and something was
bothering her. This upset Miss Lizzie. Although Miss Lizzie barely knew
Kandance, she had grown attached to the young nurse because she was so
nice to her.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
C. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer will happen next?
A. Miss Lizzie will ask Kandance what is wrong.
B. Miss Lizzie will not say anything to Kandance.
C. Kandance will be mean to Miss Lizzie because she is having a bad day.
A. At a school
B. At a drug store
C. At an elderly care facility
5. What is one theme of this story?
__________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
She looked tired. Miss Lizzie knew something was bothering Kandance.
Kandance was one of Miss Lizzie’s favorite nurses, and something was
bothering her. This upset Miss Lizzie. Although Miss Lizzie barely knew
Kandance, she had grown attached to the young nurse because she was so
nice to her.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
C. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer will happen next?
A. Miss Lizzie will ask Kandance what is wrong.
B. Miss Lizzie will not say anything to Kandance.
C. Kandance will be mean to Miss Lizzie because she is having a bad day.
A. At a school
B. At a drug store
C. At an elderly care facility
5. What is one theme of this story? Friendship, Elderly,
__________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Cassidy always loved looking at the lights from the Christmas tree. They
were always so beautiful. The pretty red and green colors seemed like magic.
As she danced in front of the tree, she couldn’t help but think about Santa
and the wonderful gifts he was going to give her.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. At a party
B. On Christmas eve
C. On New Year’s Eve
__________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the main idea of this story?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Cassidy always loved looking at the lights from the Christmas tree. They
were always so beautiful. The pretty red and green colors seemed like magic.
As she danced in front of the tree, she couldn’t help but think about Santa
and the wonderful gifts he was going to give her.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. At a party
B. On Christmas eve
C. On New Year’s Eve
4. What is one theme of this story? (Christmas Eve, Childhood memories)
__________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the main idea of this story? (Answers may vary )Cassidy
waits excitedly for Santa Clause.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Today’s children don’t eat as healthy as children did years ago. One of the
reasons that children eat so much junk food is because they are bombarded
with commercial after commercial for unhealthy food. Another reason is
because many parents work long hours or have extremely busy schedules.
As a result, their families consume a large amount of fast food.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
__________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the main idea of this story?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Today’s children don’t eat as healthy as children did years ago. One of the
reasons that children eat so much junk food is because they are bombarded
with commercial after commercial for unhealthy food. Another reason is
because many parents work long hours or have extremely busy schedules.
As a result, their families consume a large amount of fast food.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What is one theme of this story? (Causes of childhood obesity)
__________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the main idea of this story? (Answers may vary) Today’s
children are coping with obesity.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Max read the article again. He was intrigued to learn that the alpine
salamander may have a gestation period, time in which a fetus develops, of
over 3 years. These little salamanders live on damp, cold mountaintops.
Max wrote the information down in his notebook.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What text feature is used in this text?
A. Bold print
B. Context clues
C. Caption
4. What can you infer that Max is studying?
A. Plant life
B. Sea creatures
C. Lizards and salamanders
__________________________________________________________________________
5. What can you infer that Max will do with the information he has
gained?
A. He will do a report.
B. He will not do anything with it.
C. He will discuss it with his friends.
Answer Key
Max read the article again. He was intrigued to learn that the alpine
salamander may have a gestation period, time in which a fetus develops, of
over 3 years. These little salamanders live on damp, cold mountaintops.
Max wrote the information down in his notebook.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What text feature is used in this text?
A. Bold print
B. Context clues
C. Caption
4. What can you infer that Max is studying?
A. Plant life
B. Sea creatures
C. Lizards and salamanders
5. What can you infer that Max will do with the information he has
gained?
A. He will do a report.
B. He will not do anything with it.
C. He will discuss it with his friends.
Name_________________
Redford walked slowly down the peaceful road. In front of him was nothing
but more road. Behind him lay the hustle bustle of the big city. As he
glanced to his side, there was nothing but more fall trees. Above him was a
brilliant blue sky. As Redford took a deep breath, he realized how fortunate
he was to be able to get away from the crowds of the big city.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Procedural
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What text feature is used in this text.
A. Index
B. Context clues A country road
C. Caption
A. Nonchalant
B. Serene
C. Hostile
5. What is the author’s purpose for writing this text?
A. To describe a walk Redford took down a fall road
B. To explain why Redford was walking down the fall road
C. To persuade the reader that Redford wanted to walk down a fall road
Answer Key
Redford walked slowly down the peaceful road. In front of him was nothing
but more road. Behind him lay the hustle bustle of the big city. As he
glanced to his side, there was nothing but more fall trees. Above him was a
brilliant blue sky. As Redford took a deep breath, he realized how fortunate
he was to be able to get away from the crowds of the big city.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Procedural
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What text feature is used in this text.
A. Index
B. Context clues A country road
C. Caption
A. Nonchalant
B. Serene
C. Hostile
A. To describe a walk Redford took down a fall road
B. To explain why Redford was walking down the fall road
C. To persuade the reader that Redford wanted to walk down a fall road
Name_________________
I pushed my head farther down into the top of my sweater. The cold of the
night seemed to invade my very being. I had dressed warmly, but the air was
so frigid that it was almost as if I were not wearing the thick coat, sweater,
and furry winter boots. This was one of the coldest winters on record, and I
could definitely feel it.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What is the author’s purpose?
A. To persuade the reader to study weather patterns
B. To encourage the reader to dress warmly
C. To describe a winter night
4. What can you infer about the narrator? You can circle more than one
answer.
A. He likes winter.
B. He does not like the cold.
C. He wishes it was spring.
5. What is a theme of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
I pushed my head farther down into the top of my sweater. The cold of the
night seemed to invade my very being. I had dressed warmly, but the air was
so frigid that it was almost as if I were not wearing the thick coat, sweater,
and furry winter boots. This was one of the coldest winters on record, and I
could definitely feel it.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. To persuade the reader to study weather patterns
B. To encourage the reader to dress warmly
C. To describe a winter night
answer.
A. He likes winter.
B. He does not like the cold.
C. He wishes it was spring.
5. What is a theme of the text? (Winter, Frigid weather)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Communicating with your parents isn’t always easy. So, what can you do to
bridge the gap? One thing you can do is to stay calm during the
conversation. If things don’t go the way you want, don’t over-react. Listen to
your parents’ reasons. Try to be understanding. Let them finish and don’t
interrupt. Your parents only want what is best for you. Besides, you can
always bring the issue up again at a later time.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. To persuade the reader to communicate with his or her parents
B. To explain ways to get along with your parents
C. To describe how teens feel
answer.
A. He does not have teenagers.
B. He does not like teenagers.
C. He has learned how to get along with his parents.
5. What is a theme of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Communicating with your parents isn’t always easy. So, what can you do to
bridge the gap? One thing you can do is to stay calm during the
conversation. If things don’t go the way you want, don’t over-react. Listen to
your parents’ reasons. Try to be understanding. Let them finish and don’t
interrupt. Your parents only want what is best for you. Besides, you can
always bring the issue up again at a later time.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect

A. To persuade the reader to communicate with his or her parents
B. To explain ways to get along with your parents
C. To describe how teens feel
answer.
A. He does not have teenagers.
B. He does not like teenagers.
C. He has learned how to get along with his parents.
5. What is a theme of the text? (Communicating with parents)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
I watched for the bus from the living room window. I was so nervous. This
was going to be my first ride on a school bus. For the past two years, I had
watched my brother get on the bus. Oh, how I longed to ride it with him.
Now, I will get the chance to sit beside my big brother.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. To inform the reader about riding a school bus
B. To describe the author’s excitement about riding a school bus for the
first time
C. To explain why the author did not ride the bus the year before
4. What is the main idea of this text.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6.What is a theme of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
I watched for the bus from the living room window. I was so nervous. This
was going to be my first ride on a school bus. For the past two years, I had
watched my brother get on the bus. Oh, how I longed to ride it with him.
Now, I will get the chance to sit beside my big brother.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
A. To inform the reader about riding a school bus
B. To describe the author’s excitement about riding a school bus for the
first time
C. To explain why the author did not ride the bus the year before
4. What is the main idea of this text. Riding a school bus for the first time
can be exciting
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6.What is a theme of the text? (school, school days, school buses)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
Have you ever had got a splinter in your finger, stepped on a nail, or had a needle prick? If
you have, then you have had a puncture wound. Puncture wounds are any wounds that result
from an object that pierces the skin and causes a hole. They can be small, or they can be
rather large. Although they don’t usually bleed a lot, they should not be ignored. With a
puncture wound, immediate first aid is very important.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What is the main idea of this text.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5.What is a theme of the text?
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Have you ever had got a splinter in your finger, stepped on a nail, or had a needle prick? If
you have, then you have had a puncture wound. Puncture wounds are any wounds that result
from an object that pierces the skin and causes a hole. They can be small, or they can be
rather large. Although they don’t usually bleed a lot, they should not be ignored. With a
puncture wound, immediate first aid is very important.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
B. Spatial
C. Cause and effect
3. What is the main idea of this text.(How to care for a splinter)
___________________________________________________________________________
4. List 2 supporting details. (Answers may vary)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5.What is a theme of the text? (wound care, wound infections)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
The road was hot and dusty as Sandra hugged her books close to her chest.
She was perspiring, but there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, she
would be sweaty by the time she reached the school, but so would the other
children who attended the shabby little church school. Sandra just prayed
that the no one would come along in one of those cars and dust her up.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
C. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer about Sandra? You may circle more than one
answer.
A. Her school does not have a school bus.
B. She lives in a rural area.
C. She likes walking to school.
A. Confused
B. Jubilant
C. Matter of fact
A. To tell the reader about schools in the 1930s
B. To describe one girl’s walk to school on in the 1930s
C. To explain why the girl is walking to school
Answer Key
The road was hot and dusty as Sandra hugged her books close to her chest.
She was perspiring, but there was nothing she could do about it. Yes, she
would be sweaty by the time she reached the school, but so would the other
children who attended the shabby little church school. Sandra just prayed
that the no one would come along in one of those cars and dust her up.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Description
C. Cause and effect
3. What can you infer about Sandra? You may circle more than one
answer.
A. Her school does not have a school bus.
B. She lives in a rural area.
C. She likes walking to school.
A. Confused
B. Jubilant
C. Matter of fact
A. To tell the reader about schools in the 1930s
B. To describe one girl’s walk to school on in the 1930s
C. To explain why the girl is walking to school
Name_________________
As I looked at the pictures my mother had of her old school, I realized that
things have certainly changed since she was in school. No longer did African
American children have to walk to school. Most children now ride a bus to
school. No longer do students have to carry tin piles that contain their
lunch. Schools offer lunches. Students are separated by grades. The one
room school house is no longer in existence.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Cause and effect
C. Spatial
3. What can you infer about the author’s mother? You may circle more
than one answer.
A. Her mother is an African American.
B. Her mother did get to ride a bus to school.
C. Her mother liked the one room school.
A. Nostalgic
B. Thrilling
C. Scornful
___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
As I looked at the pictures my mother had of her old school, I realized that
things have certainly changed since she was in school. No longer did African
American children have to walk to school. Most children now ride a bus to
school. No longer do students have to carry tin piles that contain their
lunch. Schools offer lunches. Students are separated by grades. The one
room school house is no longer in existence.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
B. Cause and effect
C. Spatial
3. What can you infer about the author’s mother? You may circle more
than one answer.
A. Her mother is an African American.
B. Her mother did get to ride a bus to school.
C. Her mother liked the one room school.
A. Nostalgic
B. Thrilling
C. Scornful
5. What is the main idea of this text? (Schools have changed over the
years.)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
The moon was full the night I drove to my parents’ home. I looked down the
road at the long stretch of highway, and I almost sighed. I wanted to get to
my parents’ home as quickly as possible. Thanksgiving has always been one
of my favorite holidays, and this Thanksgiving I was especially excited. This
would be my first Thanksgiving as an adult, and I couldn’t wait to join the
adults at the adult table.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
A. Scornful
one answer.
A. The family is having holiday dinner.
B. The narrator is excited to be considered an adult.
C. The narrator does not like holidays.
A. Bitter
B. Anxious
C. Scornful
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
The moon was full the night I drove to my parents’ home. I looked down the
road at the long stretch of highway, and I almost sighed. I wanted to get to
my parents’ home as quickly as possible. Thanksgiving has always been one
of my favorite holidays, and this Thanksgiving I was especially excited. This
would be my first Thanksgiving as an adult, and I couldn’t wait to join the
adults at the adult table.
A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
one answer.
A. The family is having holiday dinner.
B. The narrator is excited to be considered an adult.
C. The narrator does not like holidays.
A. Bitter
B. Anxious
C. Scornful
4. What is the main idea of this text? (Answers may vary) The narrator
is excited to be welcomed into the adult circle.
___________________________________________________________________________
5. What is a theme of this text? (Thanksgiving, family, rites of passage,

coming of age)
___________________________________________________________________________
Name_________________
When feelings of nervousness and anxiety threaten to overtake you, stop and refocus.
Identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Concentrate on the positive
aspects of the situation. Focus on your strengths. Trust in your ability to handle the situation.
Most of all, accept that there are just some things that you cannot control. Don’t waste time
and energy focusing on things that you are unable to change.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What can you infer about the speaker? You may circle more than
one answer.
A. The speaker has dealt with anxiety.
B. The speaker will write other articles on anxiety.
C. The speaker likes to write articles.
A. Lighthearted
B. Informative
C. Scornful
___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
When feelings of nervousness and anxiety threaten to overtake you, stop and refocus.
Identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Concentrate on the positive
aspects of the situation. Focus on your strengths. Trust in your ability to handle the situation.
Most of all, accept that there are just some things that you cannot control. Don’t waste time
and energy focusing on things that you are unable to change.

A. First person
B. Third person
C. Second person
2. What can you infer about the speaker? You may circle more than
one answer.
A. The speaker has dealt with anxiety.
B. The speaker will write other articles on anxiety.
C. The speaker likes to write articles.
A. Lighthearted
B. Informative
C. Scornful
4. What is the main idea of this text? (Answers may vary) One of the
ways to conquer anxiety is to focus on positive things.)
___________________________________________________________________________
5. What is a theme of this text? (Anxiety)

___________________________________________________________________________
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Reading Based Bellringers/Morning Work: Middle & High School Students

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Reading Based Bellringers/Morning Work: Middle & High School Students

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Reading Based

Middle & High School Students

These activities can help you teach your students

This set includes 24 bellringers, their answer key,

If you like this activity, be sure to check out some

Chronological order From first, second, third, and last

Description These words that describe

Cause/Effect Reason something happens

Compare/Contrast Describe how something is alike or how

Bold print Shows important words in dark letters

Caption These words that tell about photos or other

Glossary (Dictionary) Gives the meaning of words in the text

Index Gives an alphabetized list of topics in the text

5. What is a theme of this text?

5. What is a theme of this text?

with commercial after commercial for unhealthy food. Another reason is

As a result, their families consume a large amount of fast food.

1. What point-of-view is this story told from?

with commercial after commercial for unhealthy food. Another reason is

As a result, their families consume a large amount of fast food.

1. What point-of-view is this story told from?

always bring the issue up again at a later time.

always bring the issue up again at a later time.

3. What is the author’s purpose?

puncture wound, immediate first aid is very important.

puncture wound, immediate first aid is very important.

5. What is a theme of this text?

5. What is a theme of this text? (Thanksgiving, family, rites of passage,

and energy focusing on things that you are unable to change.

5. What is a theme of this text?

and energy focusing on things that you are unable to change.

5. What is a theme of this text? (Anxiety)

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