📖 Passage 1: The Monarch Butterfly

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies make an incredible journey. They travel up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the United States all the way to the forests of central Mexico. This migration happens every fall, as the butterflies search for warmer weather. Scientists are amazed that these tiny insects — which weigh less than half an ounce — can navigate such a long distance. Monarchs use the sun as a compass and can even sense the Earth's magnetic field to stay on course. When they arrive in Mexico, they cluster together in trees, covering entire branches with their bright orange and black wings. In the spring, they begin the return journey north. Sadly, monarch populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and climate change. People across the country are now planting milkweed — the monarch's favorite plant — to help bring their numbers back.

🔵 Part 1: Multiple Choice

Directions: Circle the best answer for each question.

✏️ Part 2: Short Answer

Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences using evidence from the passage.