Reading comprehension questions for any passage, with answers
Finding a passage is easy. Writing questions that check more than "find the word in line 3" takes time. Attach the text, or ask your todo.is agent to write one at the right reading level, and it builds a worksheet with literal, inference, vocabulary and author's-purpose questions, line references, model answers and marks.
The prompt
- Create reading comprehension questions for [PASSAGE] for [READER LEVEL]. If I haven't attached a passage, write an original [PASSAGE TYPE] of about [LENGTH] words at this level first. Write [NUMBER] questions in this mix: retrieval (find and copy), vocabulary in context, inference with evidence, sequencing or summary, and author's purpose or language choice. Number the lines of the passage and refer to them in questions. Include one longer question that asks the student to explain with evidence. Add a mark for each question and a model answer with what earns full marks. Also make an easier version for students who need support: [SUPPORT NEEDS]. Give me a printable PDF worksheet with the passage and questions, and a separate answer key.
What to change
- [PASSAGE]: Attach the text (PDF, Word, photo of a page) or paste it. Or write "no passage" and the agent writes one.
- [READER LEVEL]: E.g. "Grade 3", "Year 6 SATs practice", "ESL B1 adults".
- [PASSAGE TYPE]: E.g. "non-fiction article about honeybees", "short story", "persuasive letter", "poem".
- [LENGTH]: E.g. "300" for younger readers, "700" for older students.
- [NUMBER]: E.g. "10".
- [SUPPORT NEEDS]: E.g. "multiple choice options for questions 1–5, shorter passage". Or "none".
Example result
- The Secret Life of Honeybees: comprehension, Grade 4
- 350-word non-fiction passage (lines numbered) · 10 questions · 20 marks
- Questions
- • 1. Retrieval (1 mark): How many eggs can a queen bee lay in one day? (lines 4–6)
- • 2. Retrieval (1 mark): Name two jobs that worker bees do.
- • 3. Vocabulary (1 mark): In line 9, what does the word "colony" mean? Tick one: a type of flower · a group living together · a beehive door · a bee's wing
- • 4. Vocabulary (2 marks): Find and copy a word from lines 12–15 that shows the bees work very hard.
- • 5. Sequencing (2 marks): Number these stages of honey-making in order.
- • 6. Inference (2 marks): Why do you think the bees do a "waggle dance"? Use the text to explain.
- • 7. Inference (2 marks): How does the writer feel about honeybees? Give one piece of evidence.
- • 8. Author's purpose (2 marks): Why has the writer used subheadings?
- • 9. Summary (2 marks): Sum up the main idea of the last paragraph in one sentence.
- • 10. Explain (5 marks): "Honeybees are important to people." Do you agree? Use at least two pieces of evidence from the text.
- Answer key (sample)
- • 1. Up to about 2,000 eggs (as stated in the passage).
- • 3. A group living together.
- • 6. To show other bees where to find flowers. Full marks: idea plus a reference to the dance showing direction.
- • 10. Full marks: clear opinion, two pieces of evidence (pollinating crops, making honey), explained in the student's own words.
- Easier version
- • Shorter passage (220 words), questions 1–5 as multiple choice, sentence starters for question 10
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt, attach your passage or describe the one you want, and set the reading level.
- Paste it on the Today screen in todo.is or send it to your agent on Telegram or WhatsApp.
- Print the PDF worksheet and keep the answer key for marking.
- Ask for a weekly set: "every Sunday at 6 pm, send me a new Grade 4 passage and questions on a science topic".
Tips for a better result
- Mix question types: retrieval builds confidence, inference shows real understanding.
- Line numbers make questions easier to answer and to mark.
- Model answers with mark guidance help you, a teaching assistant or a parent mark consistently.
- For copyrighted books, use short extracts you are allowed to copy, or ask for an original passage.
reading comprehension questions: FAQ
- What are the main types of reading comprehension questions? Retrieval (finding facts), vocabulary in context, inference, sequencing and summary, and questions on the author's purpose and language choices.
- Can it make questions from a photo of a book page? Yes. Send a clear photo and the agent reads the text from the image, then writes the questions.
- Can parents use this for practice at home? Yes. Set your child's grade and interests, and ask for a short passage and questions each week with an answer key for you.
- Can it match a specific exam style? Yes. Name the test, for example a national reading test or an ESL exam, and the agent follows its usual question types. It is practice, not official material.
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