Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Name:

Date:

📖 Reading Passage

The Amazing Journey of Humpback Whales

Every year, thousands of humpback whales embark on one of nature's most incredible journeys along New Zealand's coastline. These magnificent marine mammals travel over 5,000 kilometres from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the warm waters around Australia and the Pacific Islands to breed and give birth.

Humpback whales are truly giants of the ocean. An adult whale can grow up to 16 metres long and weigh as much as 40,000 kilograms – that's equivalent to about eight elephants! Despite their enormous size, these gentle creatures are known for their acrobatic displays. They can leap completely out of the water in a behaviour called breaching, creating spectacular splashes that can be heard from kilometres away.

What makes humpback whales particularly special is their complex songs. Male humpbacks sing elaborate melodies that can last up to 30 minutes and be heard underwater from distances of over 30 kilometres. Scientists believe these songs help whales communicate with each other and may play a role in attracting mates. Remarkably, whales in the same region sing similar songs, and these songs change gradually over time, almost like musical fashions.

The journey north is challenging for these ocean travellers. Mother whales with calves move slowly, as baby whales need to stay close to the surface to breathe and build up their strength. During their migration, humpback whales barely eat, surviving mainly on the thick layer of fat they built up during summer feeding in Antarctic waters.

Thanks to conservation efforts, humpback whale populations have recovered significantly since whaling was banned. Today, whale watching has become a popular activity around New Zealand, allowing people to observe these majestic creatures while contributing to local tourism and marine research. However, whales still face threats from ship strikes, fishing nets, and ocean pollution, making continued protection efforts essential for their survival.

🤔 Comprehension Questions

1. How far do humpback whales travel during their migration?

3,000 kilometres

Over 5,000 kilometres

16,000 kilometres

30,000 kilometres

2. What is 'breaching'?

3. Why do male humpback whales sing?

To find food

To communicate and attract mates

To scare away predators

To navigate in the ocean

4. According to the passage, what do humpback whales mainly survive on during their migration?

5. The author compares the weight of a humpback whale to ________ elephants.

6. Which of these threats to humpback whales are mentioned in the passage? (Tick all that apply)

Ship strikes

Fishing nets

Ocean pollution

Shark attacks

7. What evidence from the text shows that humpback whale songs are like "musical fashions"?

💭 Critical Thinking

8. Why do you think whale watching tourism helps with marine research? Explain your reasoning.

9. The passage states that mother whales with calves move slowly during migration. What does this suggest about whale family behaviour?

10. Based on what you've read, do you think humpback whales are intelligent animals? Give two pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer.