Benjamin Franklin: Printer, Inventor, and Leader — Reading Comprehension

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. He grew up in a big family with seventeen brothers and sisters. As a young boy, Franklin loved to read and learn new things. He started working in his brother’s printing shop. There, he learned how to make newspapers and books.

Franklin moved to Philadelphia when he was seventeen. He started his own printing business. He worked hard and became very successful. Franklin published a newspaper called the Pennsylvania Gazette. He also wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack, which was full of wise sayings and jokes. One of his famous sayings was, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

Franklin was a great inventor. He invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from lightning. He also created bifocals to help people see better. Franklin did not keep his inventions secret. He wanted to help everyone, so he shared his ideas with others.

Franklin was also a strong leader. He helped start the first public library and fire department in America. When the colonies wanted freedom from Great Britain, Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence. He traveled to France to ask for help during the American Revolution. People listened to Franklin because he was wise and fair.

Franklin’s hard work and ideas helped shape the United States. He believed in working together and always trying to learn more.

Interesting Fact: Benjamin Franklin loved to experiment and once flew a kite in a thunderstorm to learn about electricity!

Where was Benjamin Franklin born?

What did Franklin invent?

Which newspaper did Franklin publish?

Why did Franklin go to France?

How did Franklin help others with his inventions?

What is the main idea of the passage?

Benjamin Franklin wrote the Declaration of Independence. True or false?

What does 'bifocals' mean?