Revision Task 3: Reading Comprehension

Revision Task 3: Reading Comprehension

Primary 6 English

​Instructions

​Read and understand the passage.

​Then, answer the questions about the text.

WHY FOOTBALL SHOULD BE ALLOWED DURING RECESS

Until two weeks ago, sixth graders could be found tossing footballs, running for touchdowns, and working through sports- related conflicts. Recess was a time to play, learn, and exercise. Then, football was banned for being “too dangerous.” Now you’ll find us lounging on the grass and wishing for something to fill our time with. What the adults at M.S. 293 need to understand is that football is not dangerous. In fact, it is great for kids. Football is a good source of exercise, is a game that everyone can participate in, and helps you learn important life lessons.

​...continued

The first reason football should not be banned from recess is because it is great exercise. The TIME for Kids article, “First Lady Fights Fat in Kids,” talks about the different ways that Mrs. Obama is fighting obesity in America. One of the reasons kids get obese is because they don’t get enough exercise. This shows how important sports like football are. Also, Sam Rapoport, a senior manager for USA Football says “Football is great exercise.” Teachers and kids could play together and everyone would be more active. We need football so we don’t grow up to be unhealthy and get diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

​...continued

Another reason we should be able to play football during recess is because everyone can play. You don’t need to spend money on fancy equipment or uniforms. Football will not cost the school any money. Football has big teams so it doesn’t leave anyone out like other games. Just picture it: Every child in sixth grade invited to play together! Whether you are a great player or a beginner, there is always a place for you on the team! Some people think football is only for boys, but that’s not true. Out of 25 kids, all 25 said they wanted football. Even my mom and sister love to play. This proves that football is a valuable part of recess and should not be banned.

​...continued

The final and most important reason why we should have football is because it will help us learn important things. For example, we can learn to solve problems. For instance, sometimes a play is made and both teams argue because they think they should get the point. This gives kids a chance to work out their problems on their own and make a solution. In “Flag Football: It’s the Girls’ Turn to Play,” Christine McAndrews, a parent, argues that football is good for kids. She says that “It’s great for their social skills and they resolve things on their own. It’s good for them.” As a parent, she should know. This proves that football can teach us a lot.

​...continued

Please allow football again at recess. We will be healthier, stronger kids if you do. We will get more exercise, we will build community, and we will learn important skills. These are lessons we need, and as long as we are careful, we can be safe. Please take the football ban away and let us play again.

Sources:

•  “First Lady Fights Fat in Kids.” TIME for Kids (2010)

•  “Flag Football: It’s the Girls’ Turn to Play.” Washington Post (2011)

Multiple Choice

What type of text is this passage?

• Informational

• Amusing or entertaining

• Argumentative

• Narrative

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of the text?

• Football is safe and great for kids, so it must be allowed during recess.

• Football has been banned among 6th graders because it's too dangerous.

• Football is a good source of exercise, is a game that everyone can participate in.

• Football helps you learn important life lessons.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is FALSE about the text?

• The author used connectives to show organisation of ideas.

• The background of the problem was presented before the main idea.

• It used quotation, statistics and "illustration" (anecdote).

• The counterargument presented both the opposing idea and the author's reply.

Multiple Choice

What is the text's reason number 2?

• Football is for everyone.

• Girls and boys are allowed to play football.

• Playing football allows teamwork.

• Football during recess makes students interact more.

Multiple Choice

What is the last reason for lifting the ban for football during recess?

• It causes arguments but helps solve problems.

• It helps build strong social skills.

• It teaches valuable life lessons.

• It is easy to learn and there's no need to set up a lot.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is FALSE about the concluding paragraph?

• It is ambiguous and it doesn't support the main idea.

• The ending adds to and strengthens the argument as a whole.

• It offers a lingering thought or a new insight for the reader.

• It restates the main points of the essay.

Open Ended

"Now you’ll find us lounging on the grass and wishing for something to fill our time with." What does this line mean?

Open Ended

"These are lessons we need, and as long as we are careful, we can be safe. Please take the football ban away and let us play again."

What does this imply or suggest about football as a physical activity?