Practice using the 5 Ws and an H to understand reading passages and plan clear news writing.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences when asked. Use the 5 Ws and an H: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Identify who, what, when, where, why, and how in texts and news reports
Language Arts - Grade 4-5
- 1
Read the sentence: The fourth-grade garden club planted tomatoes behind the school on Friday afternoon to help provide fresh food for the cafeteria. Identify the who, what, when, where, and why.
- 2
Read the short news lead: On Tuesday morning, firefighter Maria Lopez rescued a kitten from a storm drain near Maple Park after neighbors heard it crying. What is the main action in this lead?
- 3
A reporter wrote: Students at Lincoln Elementary collected 520 cans of food during November for the local food pantry. Which detail answers the question how many?
- 4
Read the passage: The school orchestra performed in the gym on Thursday night. Families filled the bleachers to hear songs from movies and musicals. The concert raised money for new music stands. Write one question that asks why the concert was held.
- 5
Read the sentence: After a week of rain, the river rose over its banks and covered the bike path with muddy water. Which 5 Ws or H question is answered by the phrase after a week of rain?
- 6
Read the note for a news story: The library started a reading challenge. It began on January 8. It is for students in grades 3 through 5. Students earn a bookmark for every five books they read. Write a complete news lead that includes at least who, what, when, and how.
- 7
Read the sentence: Coach Kim canceled soccer practice at City Field because lightning was spotted nearby. What detail answers where?
- 8
Read the passage: A group of fifth graders built birdhouses during science class. They used scrap wood, nails, and paint. The birdhouses will be placed around the school courtyard next week to give birds safe nesting spots. Identify the how in this passage.
- 9
A news article headline says: Local Team Wins Championship in Final Seconds. Write two questions a reporter should answer in the article using the 5 Ws and an H.
- 10
Read the paragraph: At 7:30 a.m., volunteers opened the community center doors for the winter coat drive. By noon, more than 200 coats had been donated. The coats will be given to families who need warm clothing. What detail answers when?
- 11
Read the sentence: The mayor thanked the cleanup crew for removing trash from the beach so sea turtles would have a safer place to nest. Which detail answers why the crew removed trash?
- 12
Plan a short news report about a school science fair. Fill in all six key questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Use your own details.