Text and Graphic Features Comprehension
This worksheet helps sixth-grade students identify and understand various text and graphic features used in informational texts to improve reading comprehension.
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Text and Graphic Features Comprehension
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Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to how text and graphic features help you understand the information.
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 home to a quarter of all marine species, even though they cover less than one percent of the ocean floor. They are formed by tiny animals called polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to build hard, stony skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons accumulate to form the complex structures we know as coral reefs.
Types of Coral Reefs
There are three main types of coral reefs:
• Fringing Reefs: These reefs grow close to the coastline, often directly attached to the shore.
• Barrier Reefs: Separated from the mainland by a deep lagoon, barrier reefs are larger and older than fringing reefs. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the most famous example.
• Atolls: These are ring-shaped reefs that enclose a lagoon, typically formed when a volcanic island sinks below the surface, leaving the coral reef behind.
Why are Coral Reefs Important?
Coral reefs provide many benefits, both to marine life and to humans. They act as natural barriers, protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. They also provide essential habitats and food sources for countless fish and other marine creatures, supporting global fisheries. Furthermore, coral reefs are a significant source of compounds used in medicine and are popular tourist attractions, boosting local economies.
Threats to Coral Reefs
Unfortunately, coral reefs face numerous threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, a process where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, leading to their death. Ocean acidification, caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, makes it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Protecting these vital ecosystems requires global effort and local conservation strategies.
1. What is the purpose of the bolded headings in the passage?
To provide a summary of the entire passage.
To introduce new sections and topics.
To highlight important vocabulary words.
To indicate the author's opinion.
2. The bullet points under 'Types of Coral Reefs' are an example of what kind of text feature?
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3. Coral reefs are often called the ' of the sea' due to their high biodiversity.
4. are ring-shaped reefs that enclose a lagoon.
5. Coral reefs cover a large percentage of the ocean floor.
True
False
6. Coral bleaching is caused by decreasing ocean temperatures.
True
False
7. How do the text features in this passage (headings, bold text, bullet points) help you understand the information about coral reefs? Explain your answer.