Year 7 Reading Comprehension

Name:

Date:

🎯 WALT: We Are Learning To understand and analyse texts through comprehension and inference

📖 Reading Text: "The Kiwi Conservation Project"

For dyslexia-friendly reading: Use a ruler under each line, take breaks between paragraphs, or ask for audio support.

Last month, Sarah Chen joined a kiwi conservation project in Rotorua. As New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi faces serious threats from introduced predators like stoats and cats. The nocturnal birds, which cannot fly, are particularly vulnerable when nesting.

Sarah's team worked alongside Department of Conservation rangers to monitor kiwi populations using radio tracking devices. "It's incredible how these ancient birds have survived for millions of years, yet now need our help," Sarah explained. The project involved checking nesting sites, removing predator traps, and educating local communities about kiwi protection.

During her three-week placement, Sarah discovered that kiwi chicks have only a 5% survival rate in the wild, compared to 65% in predator-free environments. This stark difference highlights why conservation efforts are crucial. "Every kiwi saved makes a difference," she reflected. "We're not just protecting a bird – we're preserving a living piece of New Zealand's natural heritage."

📝 Part 1: Comprehension Questions

1. Where did Sarah's conservation project take place?

Auckland

Rotorua

Wellington

Christchurch

2. Which threats to kiwi are mentioned in the text? (Select all that apply)

Stoats

Cats

Dogs

Cars

3. What is the survival rate of kiwi chicks in the wild?

Answer: _________%

4. Why are kiwi particularly vulnerable to predators? Give two reasons from the text.

5. Inference: What can you infer about Sarah's feelings towards the conservation project? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

🧠 Part 2: Vocabulary & Critical Thinking

6. Vocabulary: What does "nocturnal" mean in the context of this passage?

7. Critical Thinking: The author uses the phrase "living piece of New Zealand's natural heritage." Explain what this metaphor means and why it's effective.

8. Extension Activity (Advanced Learners): Research and explain one additional conservation method not mentioned in the text that could help protect kiwi populations. Consider the challenges and benefits of your suggestion.

9. Personal Connection: If you could join a conservation project in New Zealand, which native species would you choose to help and why?