Making Connections in Nonfiction

Making Connections in Nonfiction

Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. This worksheet will help you practice making connections while reading nonfiction texts.

The Importance of Sleep for Teenagers

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and change, both physically and mentally. During this crucial time, sleep plays a vital role in a teenager's development and overall well-being. Experts recommend that teenagers aged 13-18 get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. However, many teenagers fall short of this recommendation, often due to academic pressures, extracurricular activities, social media, and part-time jobs.

Lack of adequate sleep can have serious consequences. Studies show that sleep-deprived teenagers are more likely to experience mood swings, difficulty concentrating in school, and impaired athletic performance. Furthermore, chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making teens more susceptible to illness, and increase the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can also impact decision-making skills, potentially leading to risky behaviors.

To promote better sleep habits, teenagers can establish a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks before bed, and limiting screen time an hour before sleep can also make a significant difference. Parents and schools also have a role to play in supporting healthy sleep patterns, such as advocating for later school start times and educating teens about the importance of sleep.

1. What is the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers aged 13-18?

2. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of sleep deprivation in teenagers?

3. After reading the passage, describe a personal experience where you felt the effects of either getting enough sleep or not getting enough sleep. How did it impact your day or your performance?

4. Have you ever read another article, book, or seen a documentary that discussed the importance of sleep or the challenges teenagers face with sleep? If so, what similarities or differences did you notice between that text and the passage above?

5. How does the information in the passage connect to broader issues or trends in the world around you? Think about school policies, public health campaigns, or societal expectations for teenagers.

Read each statement below and identify if it is a Text-to-Self, Text-to-Text, or Text-to-World connection.

6. This article reminds me of a news report I saw last week about how early school start times affect students' grades.  

7. I remember feeling really tired during a big test because I stayed up late studying, just like the passage describes how lack of sleep impacts concentration.  

8. The problem of teenage sleep deprivation is a global issue, with many countries debating policies like later school start times to address it.  

9. Making connections while reading nonfiction only involves comparing the text to other books you've read.