Comprehension and Critical Thinking

Year 5 English — Reading and Thinking Skills

Name:

Date:

📖 Read the Passage

Read the following passage carefully before answering the questions below.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in the world. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it stretches over 2,300 kilometres and is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and other marine life. It is so large that it can even be seen from space!

However, the reef is under threat. Rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change are leading to a process called coral bleaching, where coral loses its colour and may eventually die. Pollution and poor water quality are also damaging this precious ecosystem. Scientists and conservationists are working hard to find solutions, but they agree that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.

🌟 Success Criteria — I can:

✅ Find key information in a text ✅ Make inferences using evidence ✅ Share and justify my own opinion

🔵 Part 1: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

1. Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?

Off the coast of New South Wales

Off the coast of Queensland

Near Western Australia

In the Southern Ocean

2. What is coral bleaching?

When coral grows too quickly

When coral turns white and may die due to rising temperatures

When coral is painted white by scientists

When coral moves to a new location

3. Which TWO threats to the reef are mentioned in the passage? (Tick all that apply)

Rising ocean temperatures

Too many tourists swimming

Pollution and poor water quality

Overfishing by local communities

4. What is the author's main purpose in writing this passage?

To entertain readers with a funny story

To inform readers and encourage action to protect the reef

To argue that the reef is beyond saving

To describe a holiday experience

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer

Answer in full sentences where possible.

5. How long is the Great Barrier Reef? Find this fact in the passage.

6. The passage says "everyone has a role to play." What do you think you could do to help protect the reef? Give one example.

7. Using evidence from the text, explain why scientists are worried about the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

8. Do you think it is important to protect natural places like the Great Barrier Reef? Explain your thinking with at least two reasons.

🚀 Part 3: Extension Activity

⭐ Challenge yourself! Choose ONE activity below.

9. Write a Persuasive Paragraph: Imagine you are a marine scientist. Write a short paragraph (4–6 sentences) persuading the Australian government to take stronger action to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Use facts and emotional language to make your argument convincing.

10. Think Deeper: The passage says scientists are "working hard to find solutions." What kinds of solutions do you think they might be exploring? List two ideas and explain your thinking.

💡 Differentiation Support:

🟢 Supported learners: Re-read the passage and underline key words before answering. You may answer in dot points for questions 7 and 8.

🟡 On-track learners: Answer in full sentences and aim to use evidence from the text in your responses.

🔴 Advanced learners: Complete the extension activity and try to use persuasive language techniques such as rhetorical questions, repetition, or statistics.