Amelia Earhart: Flying into History
Lexile: 870 | Grade: 5
Passage
Amelia Earhart was born in 1897 in Kansas. As a child, she loved adventure and wasn’t afraid to take risks. She climbed trees, rode horses, and once built her own roller coaster in her backyard.
In her early 20s, Amelia took her first airplane ride—and from that moment, she was hooked. She knew she wanted to fly. At a time when very few women became pilots, Amelia worked hard to earn her pilot’s license.
In 1932, Amelia became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her flight was dangerous, with strong winds and freezing temperatures. But she landed safely in Ireland and became a hero around the world.
Amelia used her fame to speak out for women’s rights and encourage others to follow their dreams. She believed that women could do anything if they had the chance.
In 1937, Amelia set out to fly around the world—a daring trip no woman had ever completed. Sadly, during the journey, her plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Despite many searches, she was never found.
Even though her final flight ended in mystery, Amelia Earhart is remembered as a brave explorer and a symbol of courage. Her story still inspires people to reach for the sky.
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Questions
Q1: Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
- A. Amelia Earhart wanted to build roller coasters as a child.
- B. Amelia Earhart was a fearless pilot who made history and inspired others.
- C. Amelia disappeared while flying over Kansas as a teenager.
- D. Amelia flew in a hot air balloon to Ireland.
Q2: What happened right after Amelia took her first airplane ride?
- A. She moved to Ireland.
- B. She became afraid of flying.
- C. She decided to become a pilot.
- D. She stopped climbing trees.
Q3: What does the word 'solo' mean in the sentence 'Amelia became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean'?
- A. With a group of people
- B. Without a map or compass
- C. Without any other person
- D. Very slowly and carefully
Q4: Why did Amelia Earhart become a hero?
- A. She helped design new airplanes.
- B. She opened the first airport in Kansas.
- C. She flew across the ocean when few believed she could.
- D. She won an Olympic medal for flying.
Q5: What lesson can readers learn from Amelia’s story?
- A. You should always fly with a map.
- B. Only famous people get to fly planes.
- C. Taking risks and following your dreams can lead to big achievements.
- D. Airplanes are too dangerous to fly.
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Answers & Reasoning
Q1: Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage highlights Amelia’s brave flights and how she inspired others through her actions and beliefs.
Q2: What happened right after Amelia took her first airplane ride?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage says that after her first flight, Amelia knew she wanted to fly and later earned her license.
Q3: What does the word 'solo' mean in the sentence 'Amelia became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean'?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: In this context, 'solo' means she flew alone without any other passengers or crew.
Q4: Why did Amelia Earhart become a hero?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Her historic flight across the Atlantic and her bravery made her famous and respected.
Q5: What lesson can readers learn from Amelia’s story?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage shows that Amelia’s courage and determination led her to do amazing things and inspire others.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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