Question

Which information does the author present FIRST in the passage?
A) information about how coral reefs are formed
B) the conditions that are dangerous to coral reefs
C) a list of the types of animals that live in a coral reef
D) an examination of the types of dangers threatening coral reefs

Answer 1

It all depends on the beginning

Answer 2

Caring for Coral Reefs
Zachary Felton

1Coral reefs are amazing underwater worlds. They cover about 186,000 square miles of ocean floor. They mostly exist in the warmest parts of the world. This is because coral reefs develop in shallow, warm water, usually near land and mostly in the tropics. Coral reefs prefer temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why they are found off the coasts of Africa, India, Australia, and Brazil. Coral reefs closest to us are found off the coast of Florida.

2Coral reefs are made up of groups of sea animals called coral polyps. These animals attach to each other and work together to keep the water safe for the plants and animals that live there. Their hard skeletons remain when they are no longer alive. The stony structures they form provide protection and shelter for many different kinds of plants and fish.

3Fish, clams, sponges, sharks, and sea turtles are only a few of the thousands of creatures that call coral reefs their home. Many of the plants and fish that live in coral reefs depend on one another to live and grow. People also depend on coral reefs. The reefs contain many plants and animals used in medicines, chemicals, or other products we need to lead healthy lives.

4Coral reefs grow best in clear, shallow water. Here, the reefs can still get light from the sun to help them grow. Coral reefs grow about half an inch a year. They can grow much larger under perfect conditions. The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the largest in the world. It is about 1,600 miles long and is made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs. It is so large that it can be seen from outer space. It is the world's biggest single structure made by living creatures.

5You might think coral reefs are very strong. They’re actually quite delicate. They can be harmed in many different ways. One way is when careless boaters drive in shallow waters. Many divers hurt reefs by touching them. Hotel building near the reefs is also very harmful. So is the waste that some people dump into the ocean.

6It’s very important for people to protect coral reefs. The reefs we have today started to grow thousands of years ago. It would take a long time for them to grow back if they were destroyed. Scientists who study the reefs try to learn more and more about how they work. The information they learn will help us keep the reefs safe for years to come.

Answer 3

What is the main idea of this passage?
A) that coral reef scientists desperately need more funding
B) that it is extremely important to protect and care for coral reefs
C) that corporations are slowly eroding coral reef protections with pollution
D) that coral reefs provide many benefits—including medicinal ones—to human beings
2)
Which sea creatures do not call a coral reef their home habitat?
A) clams
B) sharks
C) sponges
D) whales
3)
Which information does the author present FIRST in the passage?
A) information about how coral reefs are formed
B) the conditions that are dangerous to coral reefs
C) a list of the types of animals that live in a coral reef
D) an examination of the types of dangers threatening coral reefs
4)
How does the Great Barrier Reef compare to other coral reefs?
A) The Great Barrier Reef is larger than any other coral reef in the world.
B) The Great Barrier Reef has suffered much damage than any coral reef in the world.
C) The Great Barrier Reef has the most diverse wildlife of any coral reef in the world.
D) Other coral reefs do not have the great strength and protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
5)
What causes coral reefs to exist mostly in warm parts of the world?
A) Coral reefs develop and grow best in shallow, warm water.
B) The tidal currents of colder areas destroy reef habitats.
C) Polyps can only reproduce in warm water with lots of sunlight.
D) Coral reefs actually exist in every part of the ocean—not just warm areas.
6)
What does the word “polyps” mean in the second paragraph of this passage?
A) the type of plant that forms coral reefs
B) the most commonly seen sea-creature at coral reefs
C) the animal whose skeleton forms the base of coral reefs
D) a dangerous growth that can either be malignant or benign
7)
What can the reader conclude are the “perfect conditions” for growing a coral reef mentioned in paragraph 4?
A) shallow warm water and copious available sunlight
B) waters that are un-fished by commercial fishermen
C) the colder waters of the northern or southern oceans
D) government restrictions on motor-boating in certain areas
8)
From the author’s use of “us” in the first paragraph the reader can conclude that
A) the author lives in the United States.
B) the author is using a bandwagon propaganda technique.
C) the author is making an emotional appeal to the reader.
D) the author is an extremely friendly and personal writer.
9)
Which location would you NOT be able to find a coral reef?
A) off the coast of India
B) off the coast of Canada
C) off the coast of Africa
D) off the coast of Australia
10)
Which is NOT an example of something that causes harm to coral reefs?
A) divers touching coral reefs
B) careless boaters in shallow waters
C) the use of sonar by military submarines
D) building hotels near the location of coral reefs