Science Reading Comprehension Passage and Questions: Eel Power
4 formats

This very engaging science reading passage is about electric eels and how their natural electrical pulses can make holiday lights flicker.
More specifically, it explains how electric eels use special cells called electrocytes to produce electricity for sensing, communication, hunting, and defense. It then describes how aquariums in Japan and Utah use safe equipment, such as aluminum panels and wires, to collect the eel’s brief pulses and make Christmas tree lights flicker. The passage also introduces the broader idea of bioelectricity, or electricity made by living things.

This passage is designed to bridge the gap between science and literacy through strengthening reading comprehension and sparking scientific curiosity in middle school students. The passage blends English Language Arts skills with accurate science content that supports NGSS classroom practice. Ideal for interdisciplinary learning in ELA and Science. Suitable for Grade 9 review, too!

Student Tasks for The Passage:
• 5 multiple-choice questions targeting main idea, key details, inference, vocabulary in context, and use of evidence
• 5 vocabulary matching items with clear, student-friendly definitions
• 5 text-based questions that require citing specific lines or facts
• 1 summary prompt that asks students to condense central ideas accurately
• Full answer key for every section

Available Formats for this Resource
• Fillable PDF
• Word Docs
• Google Docs
• PDF

Product Details
• Length: 5 pages total
• Grades: 6–8, also suitable for Grade 9 review
• Use cases: close reading, stations, homework, intervention, test prep, and sub plans
• Standards support: reinforces informational-text skills and supports NGSS-style sense making through observation, modeling, and clear use of claim, evidence, and reasoning

Why Teachers Choose This Set
• Authentic science content paired with rigorous literacy practice
• Consistent task structure across all passages for easier planning and smoother student routines
• Clear, age-appropriate writing that builds confidence without oversimplifying