Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Differentiated Study Guide Lit Set for Grades 3 to 5

PROBLEM: Many classic literature units fall apart in real elementary classrooms because the original text can be long and challenging, and students often read at different levels—so teachers end up reteaching constantly or simplifying until the story loses its power.

SOLUTION: This differentiated novel study for Around the World in 80 Days solves that problem by giving you both the complete original text and a condensed, five-part adapted version, so your class can move together while students read at the level that fits. The adaptation keeps the major plot events, character choices, and core themes so your discussions stay meaningful and text-based.

Dual-track assurance: Every discussion prompt, quiz item, and short-answer question is designed to be answerable from the adapted Part text while still mapping cleanly to the corresponding original chapter range for extension reading and evidence practice.

Perfect for: Grades 3–5 ELA whole-class units, read-aloud + partner reading, small-group instruction, intervention support, and low-prep comprehension checks.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

NOTE: All files are editable and include (PDF, DOCX, PPTX, Google Docs/Slides/Forms)

Full Original Text: 63,559 words | 9.3 Flesch-Kincaid GL

• Lexile Range (est.): 950L–1150L | CEFR (est.): B1–B2
• Best for advanced readers, read-aloud scaffolding, and extension evidence practice.

Adapted Version Text: 11,657 words | 3.2 Flesch-Kincaid GL

• Lexile Range (est.): 450L–650L | CEFR (est.): A2–B1
• Designed for Grades 3–5 pacing with simpler sentences while preserving plot and themes.
• *Both versions tell the same story, allowing students to participate in shared discussions even when reading different texts.

Student Final Worksheet/Quizzes (PPTX, Google Slides/Forms)

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short Answer Recall/Comprehension
• 5 Challenge Questions (synthesis, analysis, themes, real life connection)
• 5 Multiple Choice Quizzes (20 Questions) (1 per part)

Teacher’s Guide & Answer Key

• 5 Sets of Daily Discussion Questions (1 per part)
• 5 Sets of Self-Graded Exit Quizzes (1 per part, 20Qs each)
• Answer Keys for Vocab, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions
• Key Figures & Places reference sheets to help students track characters and settings

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Quick Guide for Teachers:

Adapted-Only Track (Fastest: 5-Day Model)

• Best for Grades 3–6 classes that need a manageable, one-week novel experience.
• Day 1–5: Students read one adapted part per day and use the matching Main Ideas & Themes Discussion Questions and self-grading multiple-choice quiz.
• End the week with the Final Worksheet (Vocabulary Words, Short Answer Questions, and Challenge Questions).
• This track keeps lessons tight, predictable, and complete in five days.

Original-Only Track (Longer: Multi-Day Per Section)

• Ideal for stronger readers or classes ready for original language and sentence structure.
• Students read the original chapters aligned to each adapted Part
• Use the same Discussion Questions, MC exit quizzes, and Final Worksheet; all items are text-accurate for both versions.
• Vocabulary Words (10) are usable for both tracks, because each word appears in both the adapted text and the corresponding original chapters.
• This track preserves the full descriptive style and classic voice while giving you ready-made, age-appropriate assessments.

Dual-Track Differentiation (Mixed Readers, Flexible Timelines)

• Lets your entire class study the same plot, scenes, and themes at the same time—even when some students need the adapted text and others handle the full novel.
• Assign adapted Part 1 to students who need a shorter, clearer text and original corresponding chapters to students reading the full text; repeat this pattern through Parts 2–5 (timing will depend on your classroom's reading level)
• Give original-text students multiple days per section while adapted-text students reread key scenes, complete vocabulary tasks, and tackle discussion questions in pairs or small groups.
• All assessments are usable for both tracks: Discussion Questions, MC Exit Quizzes for each Part, and the Final Worksheet (Vocabulary, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions).

What’s the Tradeoff of Using the Adapted Version?

Pros:

• Reduces the novel to a fraction of its original length, fitting neatly into a one-week unit.
• Well suited for shorter attention spans and developing readers
• Preserves core narrative elements, characters, and themes
• Far better than skipping the book entirely due to time limits or reading-level concerns.
• Works for whole-class read-alouds, small-group novel studies, independent reading, or focused close-reading lessons.

Cons:

Omits some original language, side scenes, and descriptive passages for brevity, so students do not see every nuance of the original author's style.

Leaves fewer opportunities for deep line-by-line stylistic analysis than a full-length, multi-week novel study.

Adapted Version Summary

Part 1 (Chapters 1–7)

Phileas Fogg makes a public wager to travel around the world in eighty days and leaves London immediately with Passepartout. Detective Fix suspects Fogg is a bank thief and begins following them.

Part 2 (Chapters 8–15)

India brings major obstacles—missing rail lines and danger—leading to Aouda’s rescue. Court trouble in Calcutta threatens the schedule, but Fogg stays calm and keeps moving.

Part 3 (Chapters 16–23)

Fix’s tricks and timing cause a separation in Hong Kong. Passepartout struggles alone until the group reunites in Yokohama, with the clock still tightening.

Part 4 (Chapters 24–31)

In America, nature and violence interrupt the route, and Passepartout is taken during an attack. Fogg chooses duty and rescue, then pushes forward with an improvised plan.

Part 5 (Chapters 32–37)

Missed connections force bold choices on the Atlantic, and Fix’s arrest nearly ruins everything. A final “extra day” discovery flips the outcome, and love becomes the true reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students answer the questions if they only read the adapted version?

Yes. All discussion prompts, short answers, challenge items, and quiz questions are written to be answerable from the adapted Parts.

How can I use the original text without losing pacing?

Use the Part-by-Part chapter map to assign optional extension reading (or excerpts) for evidence practice while the class stays aligned on the adapted Part.

What if my class has a wide range of readers?

Run the adapted text as the shared anchor, then let stronger readers pull details from the original for enrichment—without changing the core assessments or discussions.

Standards

Reading Literature: CCSS RL.3.1, CCSS RL.3.2, CCSS RL.3.3, CCSS RL.3.4, CCSS RL.3.5, CCSS RL.4.1, CCSS RL.4.2, CCSS RL.4.3, CCSS RL.4.4, CCSS RL.4.5, CCSS RL.5.1, CCSS RL.5.2, CCSS RL.5.3, CCSS RL.5.4, CCSS RL.5.5
Writing: CCSS W.3.1, CCSS W.3.2, CCSS W.4.1, CCSS W.4.2, CCSS W.4.9, CCSS W.5.1, CCSS W.5.2, CCSS W.5.9
Anchor Standards: CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.5, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.4