Reading Comps

The Day Aliens Attacked America

An exciting story about the day Americans mistook Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” broadcast for a real Martian attack. The article explores the science behind the search for extraterrestrial life, our fascination with aliens, and recent NASA discoveries. Skill focus: main idea and supporting details

Into the Death Zone

Narrative Non-Fiction: go on an icy adventure with 13-year-old Jordan Romero as he attempts to trek up the tallest—and most treacherous—mountain in the world: Mount Everest. Skill focus: text features

Would You Wrestle This Girl?

Read Scope's story about 14-year-old Cassy Herkelman, who made headlines when a boy refused to wrestle her just because she’s a girl. Then write an essay explaining what you would advise a female friend to do if she were considering joining a boys’ wrestling team. 4 paragraph minimum.

Should We Erase Our Bad Memories?

Read this article and then decide if you would support the use of memory erasing drugs.

Is Summer Vacation Bad for You?

American kids are falling behind students in other countries. Would you give up summer break to catch up?