📰 Reading Informational Text: Inventing the Bicycle (Grade 4)

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Read the text. Answer using evidence from the text.

Inventing the Bicycle

The first bicycles had no pedals at all. In 1817, a German inventor named Karl Drais built a wooden "running machine" that riders pushed along with their feet.

Later inventors added pedals to the front wheel. To go faster, they made the front wheel enormous — some were taller than a person. These "high-wheelers" were fast but dangerous, because riders sat so high up.

In the 1880s, the "safety bicycle" appeared, with two wheels of the same size and a chain connecting the pedals to the back wheel. Its basic design is still used today.

1. How did riders move the first bicycle?

2. Why were high-wheelers dangerous?

3. What was new about the safety bicycle?

4. What is the structure of this text?

Central idea
Key detail 1
Key detail 2

Answer key: 1) by pushing with their feet · 2) riders sat very high up · 3) two same-size wheels and a chain to the back wheel · 4) chronological — how the bicycle changed over time · Central idea: The bicycle changed over time to become faster and safer.

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Worksheets › Grade 4 English › Reading Informational Text › Reading Informational Text

Grade 4 (ages 9–10)Reading comprehensionFree printable PDF

About this grade 4 worksheet

Free Grade 4 English worksheet (Common Core RI.4.1): read the informational text "Inventing the Bicycle", find the main idea and answer questions with evidence. Skill: Key ideas and details in informational text. Level: Grade 4 — also suits Year 5 (UK).

For teachers: skills & standards

CCSS RI.4.1: Refer to details and examples when explaining and drawing inferences
CCSS RI.4.2: Determine the main idea, explain how details support it and summarise
CCSS RI.4.3: Key ideas and details in informational text
Works as a morning-work page, a centre/station activity, homework or an early-finisher task.

Frequently asked questions

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What age is it for?

It is designed for Grade 4 (ages 9–10), but use it with any child who is ready.

What skills does it build?

Key ideas and details in informational text.

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More “Reading Informational Text” printables (ri.4.1–3: key ideas and details in informational text)

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All 5 reading informational text sheets → · Grade 4 English: all 10 skills → · All Common Core grades

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