The Author's Reasons is a free printable Grade 1 English worksheet on finding the reason an author gives for a point, aligned to Common Core standard RI.1.8. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions, 21 of them with different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 20 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. 21 of these 25 sets ask different questions — this skill does not have 25 questions to give. The rest reorder them, so no two pupils have the same paper in front of them.
The Author's Reasons
RI.1.8
NameDate
Read the text, then answer the questions.
1.Read the text, then answer the questions.
How a Bridge Stands Up
A bridge has to hold its own weight and the weight of everything crossing it.
The simplest bridge is a beam: a flat piece laid across a gap. A beam bridge cannot be very long, or it sags in the middle.
An arch bridge is curved. The curve pushes the weight out to the ends, where the ground is solid. That is why arch bridges can cross wider gaps.
1. Why does the author say arch bridges can cross wider gaps?
2.Read the text, then answer the questions.
Bats
Bats are the only mammals that can fly. Their wings are made of thin skin stretched between long finger bones.
Most bats come out at night. They find their way by making high squeaks. The squeaks bounce off things and come back. The bat listens to the echo and knows what is ahead.
Many bats eat insects. One small bat can eat a thousand insects in a night.
1. The author says bats are unusual mammals. What reason is given?
LessonPrint · RI.1.8 · Set 20 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — The Author's Reasons
Set 20. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. Because the curve sends the weight out to the ends where the ground is solid.
2.1. They are the only mammals that can fly.
More practice for RI.1.8
Find the reasons the writer gives for what they claim.
Teaching this next? Finding an Author's Reasons is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.