2nd Grade Reading Comprehension Passages

Reading Passages, Questions & Answers - Second Grade

Below you’ll find 2nd grade reading comprehension passages along with questions and answers and vocabulary activities. These printable, elementary school worksheet activities include short story excerpts,  passages from popular books as well as high-interest information topics.

The Mother and the Wolf

Early one morning a hungry Wolf was prowling around a cottage at the edge of a village, when he heard a child crying in the house. Then he heard the Mother’s voice say: “Hush, child, hush! Stop your crying, or I will give you to the Wolf!” Surprised but delighted…

Spenser’s First Web

Spenser was a small black spider. Like all of his brothers and sisters, he had eight legs to help him walk and run. He was now big enough to know how to move all his legs together and not trip over them. Spenser was getting bigger every day. Today Spenser…

The Moon

The moon has a face like the clock in the hall; She shines on thieves on the garden wall, On streets and fields and harbor quays, And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse, The howling dog by the door of the…

Queen Sandra

On Saturday morning, Sandra was eating cereal and watching cartoons on TV. This was her favorite way to relax after a long week of school.  The doorbell rang, but Sandra didn’t move. Her favorite show was on. Sandra’s mother opened the door and spoke to a man for a long…

Going to the Zoo

Today my class is going on a trip. Can you guess where? We are going to the zoo! Everyone is excited. There will be lots of wild animals at the zoo. My teacher Mrs. Green says it is time to go. The children get into the big, yellow school bus.…

Osceola and the Indian Removal Act

Osceola paced in front of his thatched-roof home. He was mumbling to himself when his friend Hachi began to pace with him. “You look troubled, Osceola,” said Hachi. “You have heard of the Indian Removal Act.” Osceola stopped pacing. “It is terrible. President Andrew Jackson proposes that we give up…

Bed in Summer

In winter I get up at night And dress by yellow candle-light. In summer, quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day. I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people’s feet Still going past…

Erika and the Necklace

Erika and her little sister sneaked into their mommy’s room. “I’m just going to try on some jewelry,” said Erika. She took a necklace and tried to put it on her neck. “Oh, no,’ said Beth. “Mommy doesn’t like us playing with her stuff.” “Okay, you be the lookout,” instructed…

The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Beginning

This passage is the beginning of the story “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” ——————— Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he…

Samantha and Tricky

There was a swooshing sound as a blinding light shot down from the sky. Samantha grabbed Tricky and dashed under the picnic table. “It’s okay,” said Samantha as she tightened her arms around her trembling cat. Samantha poked her head out. “It looks safe. Come on, Tricky. I don’t know…