Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

The Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.4.4

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This history reading passage explores the Underground Railroad and the brave actions of Harriet Tubman. Students will learn how Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and helped hundreds of others find freedom. The passage uses clear, simple language and includes bolded key vocabulary words, a timeline of events, and a glossary for student understanding. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a Spanish translation. The content is aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core ELA standards, supporting both historical and literacy development. Teachers and students can use this resource for classroom discussions, homework, or independent study. The passage features a read aloud audio, a relevant public domain image, and provides opportunities to connect past events to present-day lessons about bravery, freedom, and helping others.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Underground Railroad was a secret network in the United States before the Civil War. It helped enslaved people escape from the South to freedom in the North. The Underground Railroad was not a real railroad. It was a group of safe houses and brave people who wanted to help others.

People who escaped were called freedom seekers. They had to travel at night and keep quiet to stay safe. The journey was long and dangerous. There were many risks along the way. If they were caught, they could be sent back to slavery.

Helpers on the Underground Railroad were called conductors. They guided the freedom seekers from one safe place to another. Some conductors were free Black people, and some were white allies. They all worked together to help others find safety and freedom. Safe houses were called "stations," and the people who owned them were called "stationmasters."

One of the most famous conductors was Harriet Tubman. She was born into slavery in Maryland in 1822. In 1849, she escaped to freedom. But she did not stop there. Harriet Tubman returned to the South nineteen times. She helped over 300 people escape slavery. She never lost a single person on her journeys. She used secret signals, like lanterns and songs, to send messages. She planned every trip carefully and always traveled at night. She was called "Moses" because she led her people to freedom.

Harriet Tubman showed great bravery and determination. She risked her life each time she went back to help others. She believed everyone should be free. Tubman also helped the Union Army during the Civil War. She worked as a nurse, a spy, and a leader for other people who escaped slavery.

The Underground Railroad was important because it gave hope to many people. It showed that people can work together to fight for what is right. The bravery of Harriet Tubman and others changed the course of history and helped lead to freedom for all.

Interesting Fact: Harriet Tubman once said she could have freed even more people if they had known they were enslaved.

What was the Underground Railroad?

A secret escape networkA real railroad trainA type of shipA famous battle

Who was called a conductor?

A helper on the RailroadA train driverA soldierA teacher

Where did Harriet Tubman lead people?

To freedom in the NorthBack to the SouthTo CaliforniaTo Canada only

Why did freedom seekers travel at night?

To stay hiddenIt was coolerThey liked starsThe train ran then

What risk did freedom seekers face?

Being sent back to slaveryLosing moneyGetting lost in citiesBecoming soldiers

How did Tubman send secret messages?