Reading Worksheets | Eighth Grade Reading Worksheets - Free Printable

Grade 8 Reading Comprehension Worksheet – Helen Keller

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#### 1. What is the main idea of the passage?

Answer:
The main idea of the passage is that Helen Keller, despite being deaf and blind from a young age, overcame tremendous challenges through determination and the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan to become a successful writer, speaker, and advocate, proving that people with disabilities can achieve great things.

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#### 2. Underline five sentences in the passage that support the idea.

Here are five sentences from the passage that support the main idea (these should be underlined in the worksheet):

1. "She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree."
2. "While she was in college she wrote her book called 'The Story of My Life'."
3. "She also wrote a book about Anne Sullivan called 'Teacher'. She wrote twelve other books."
4. "She became famous and traveled around the world."
5. "Helen Keller was successful because of her determination."

> *(Note: In a real worksheet, these would be underlined by hand.)*

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#### 3. Write a short summary. Tell what is the most important.

Answer (Sample Summary):
Helen Keller was born in 1880 and lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old. With the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate using sign language and Braille. She went on to attend Radcliffe College and became the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Helen wrote several books, including *The Story of My Life*, and became a renowned speaker and author. She inspired millions by showing that people with disabilities can achieve great things.

Most Important Point:
The most important idea is that Helen Keller’s success was due to her determination and the support of Anne Sullivan, and her life teaches us that disabilities do not limit one's ability to make a difference in the world.

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✔ Explanation of the Solution:

- Question 1: The main idea must capture the central message of the entire passage — not just a detail. The passage emphasizes Helen’s achievements despite her disabilities, so the main idea centers on overcoming adversity through perseverance.

- Question 2: Supporting sentences should directly show Helen’s accomplishments or her journey. These include her education, writing, fame, and personal qualities like determination.

- Question 3: A good summary includes key facts (birth, disability, education, books, death) and ends with the broader significance. The "most important" part highlights the lesson Helen Keller represents: inspiration for people with disabilities.

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