Making Connections in Nonfiction
A Grade 6 ELA worksheet focusing on making text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections within nonfiction texts.
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Making Connections in Nonfiction
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Read the following nonfiction passage carefully. Then, answer the questions by making text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections.
The Amazing World of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea because of their incredible biodiversity. These underwater ecosystems are built by tiny animals called polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form hard, stony structures. Over thousands of years, these structures grow into the magnificent reefs we see today. Reefs provide shelter and food for an estimated 25% of all marine species, including fish, crabs, sea turtles, and sharks. They also protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage. However, coral reefs worldwide are facing severe threats from climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and overfishing. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, turning white and often dying. Protecting these vital ecosystems is crucial for the health of our oceans and the planet.
1. Text-to-Self: Have you ever seen a coral reef, either in person, in a documentary, or in a book? What did you observe or learn about it that connects to the passage?
2. Text-to-Text: Can you think of another book, article, or video you've encountered that also discussed the importance of marine ecosystems or the threats they face? How does the information in this passage relate to what you learned in that other source?
3. Text-to-World: The passage mentions that coral reefs protect coastlines. Can you think of any real-world examples of how environmental changes or natural disasters have impacted coastal communities, and how healthy reefs might have made a difference?
Use the word bank to complete the sentences below, demonstrating your understanding of the passage.
4. Coral reefs are known for their incredible , supporting a vast array of marine life.
5. Tiny animals called are responsible for building the hard structures of coral reefs.
6. Rising ocean temperatures can cause coral , which harms the reefs.
7. Healthy coral reefs help protect coastlines from and storm damage.
8. Which of the following is the BEST example of a text-to-world connection you could make with the passage?
Remembering a time you saw a fish.
Reading another article about ocean pollution.
Learning about a recent news report on rising sea levels and coastal flooding.
Thinking about your favorite marine animal.
9. Why is it important for readers to make connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world) when reading nonfiction texts? How do these connections help you understand the material better?