3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Passages

Reading Passages, Questions & Answers - Third Grade

Below you’ll find 3rd grade reading comprehension passages along with questions and answers and vocabulary activities. These printable 3rd grade reading activities include short story excerpts,  passages from popular books as well as high-interest information topics.

A Telegram

Louisa May Alcott published Little Women in 1868-1869. It tells the story of the March family: Father, Marmee, and their four daughters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They live in Massachusetts during the Civil War. Father, a once wealthy man, has lost his fortune. His family tries to manage while…

Rachel Carson, Environmentalist

Rachel Carson ran home from school. “Mom! Mom!” Mom stood on the front porch. “What’s wrong, Rachel?” “They’re digging up the meadow. There are trucks and men all over.” Rachel paused to catch her breath. “Our beautiful meadow. It’s being destroyed.” Mom gave Rachel a hug. “Yes, honey. It’s called…

Amur Tigers: Big Cats in Crisis

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are interesting animals. They are the biggest cats in the world. A full-grown Amur tiger can weigh over 600 pounds. Unlike lions that live in groups, tigers are solitary animals, meaning they live alone. Tigers also have very good eyesight and hearing. Its…

Nathanael Greene, the Youngest Brigadier General in the Continental Army

Nathanael took a deep breath and limped out of the room. “They denied my election as an officer. I didn’t make it because of my stiff knee. The committee feels that an officer with a limp will appear weak to his men and to the enemy.” “Tough going, friend,” said…

A Merry Christmas

Little Women is about Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March. They are fours sisters growing up during the Civil War. Their father is a chaplain with the Union Army, and the family does not have much money. In this passage, Mrs. March has just returned home. The girls have been…

In the Attic

The book A Little Princess is the story of Sara, a seven-year-old English girl. The story starts when Sara, whose mother is dead, arrives at a boarding school with her wealthy father. She is a nice girl who has many beautiful clothes and toys. Her father goes to India. Four…

Burdens

Written right after the American Civil War, Little Women tells the story of the four March sisters. Margaret, know as Meg, is the oldest. Josephine, or Jo, is next, followed by the younger Beth and Amy. Once wealthy, the girls’ father lost his money. Aunt March is the girls’ great-aunt.…

Louisa May Alcott’s First Book

Louisa grabbed her hat and coat. “See you later. I’m late for work.” She dashed out the door and raced toward town. “Whew! I made it.” She smiled at Mr. Wilmington. “Good morning. I’ll take over now. Class open your readers to page ten.” Mr. Wilmington nodded and left the…

African American Inventors: George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver was born in Missouri between 1861 and 1864. He was born into slavery. It was not until the end of the Civil War in 1865 that George became free. As he grew up, George loved to learn and read. Black children were not allowed to go to…

The Lucky Lunch

Ellery was in the second grade at Jefferson School. She had a blue backpack and a purple lunchbox. The lunchbox was always filled with something tasty. Ellery’s dad was an excellent cook, and he made sure that Ellery had a healthy lunch to eat every day. One rainy day, Ellery…