Summarizing Nonfiction Texts

Summarizing Nonfiction Texts

Read the following passage carefully. Then, answer the questions that follow by summarizing key information.

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Composed of over 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers, it is visible from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. This incredible ecosystem is home to a vast array of marine life, including 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, and over 30 species of marine mammals. Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef is currently facing significant threats, primarily from climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. 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. Pollution from land-based runoff also harms the reef. Conservation efforts are underway globally and locally to protect this natural wonder, but its future remains uncertain without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

1. What is the main idea of the passage about the Great Barrier Reef?

2. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of   and is composed of over   individual reefs.

3. Two primary threats to the Great Barrier Reef are   and  .

4. Which of the following is NOT a threat mentioned in the passage affecting the Great Barrier Reef?

5. The Great Barrier Reef is only visible from a close distance.

6. In 2-3 sentences, summarize the main challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef and what is being done to address them.