Nonfiction Text Structure Task Cards

Scientists remind people repeatedly - DO NOT FEED BEARS. Why is this so important? Bears that are fed become comfortable being around humans. Consequently, they often end up damaging property or injuring humans. When bears become comfortable around people, they are often eventually destroyed becuase, as they search for food, they approach humans. Often, the frightened person kills the bear. Bears that feel comfortable near humans are also more likely to cause a vehicle accident, which can cause injury (or death) to the bear that the humans involved. Humans can help protect bears simply by remembering not to feed them.

Multiple Choice

1. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The sun bear is the smallest of all bears. It gets its name from the golden or white patch of fur on its chest that legend says represents the rising sun. Short, black fur covers the rest of its body. The sun bear grows four to five feet tall and weighs between 60 and 150 pounds. Because of its size and facial features, it has been nicknamed "the dog bear". It has also been nicknamed the "honey bear" because of its long tongue- perfect for extracting honey from beehives. The sun bear is nocturnal and extremely shy and reclusive.

Multiple Choice

2. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Two bears call the continental United States home- the black bear and the Grizzly bear. Both are omnivores that feed on plants and animals. Both species are solitary animals, living alone most of the time.
There are, however, many differences between the two species. The Grizzly bear is usually larger, growing to 8 feet and weighing 800 pounds. The black bear grows to 5-6 feet tall and weighs between 200 and 600 pounds. Grizzly bears are always brown, whereas black bears can be black, brown, and even (rarely) white. When winter arrives, Grizzlies hibernate, while black bears go into a dormant state.

Multiple Choice

3. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Hiking in the mountains can be a beautiful experience. Stunning waterfalls and hidden lakes can take your breath away. There are dangers, though, too. An encounter with a bear can be deadly. This possibility needs to stop you from hiking, however. There are several things you can do to protect yourself from a bear. Hike in groups and make noise occasionally. If you see a bear, do not run. Rather, walk calmly away from it. Serious hikers who intend to hike in isolated areas should carry bear spray. If a bear is charging, you should direct the spray in the bear's face. Being prepared is key if you are hiking in areas inhabited by bears.

Multiple Choice

4. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The Grand Canyon is a unique place on Earth, and humans have been drawn to it for a very long time. 12,000-year-old human artifacts have been discovered within the canyon, and Native Americans have lived there ever since. Americans began to explore the area in the 1850s. It was named a Forest Reserve in 1893. It became a National Monument in 1908. It was finally awarded National Park status in 1919, a full three years after the National Park Service was established. In 1919, 44,173 people visited the park. Today, close to 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon National Park each year.

Multiple Choice

5. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, very few people would argue that the Grand Canyon is a place of epic beauty. What happened to cause this beautiful, unique place to exist? There are two major causes of the Grand Canyon we see today. The first major cause is constant erosion by the Colorado River. The fast-moving river has continued to cut through layer upon layer of rock for millions of years. The second major cause is the uplift of the Colorado Plateau. The Plateau has pushed upward 5,000-10,000 feet while the Colorado River has carried away rock, resulting in the Grand Canyon.

Multiple Choice

6. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a U-shaped bridge that extends over the edge of the canyon and towers over the Colorado River 800 feet below. The skywalk is made of a very thick glass floor and sides, making it transparent. It was designed to withstand strong winds. It is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. It opened to visitors in 2007.

Multiple Choice

7. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are national parks located in the Southwestern United States known for their stunning beauty and their amazing geologic features. There are many hiking opportunities at both parks, including overnight hikes.
There are also several differences between the two parks, however. Bryce Canyon is located in Utah, while the Grand Canyon is in Arizona. The Grand Canyon was formed by river erosion, while Bryce Canyon was formed by frost and steam erosion. The Grand Canyon is deeper and hosts more visitors than Bryce Canyon.

Multiple Choice

8. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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French fries, potato chips, and fried chicken are not nutritious foods. In fact, people should limit the number of fried foods they eat. There are many health risks that can be linked eating foods fried in oil. One well-known side effect is obesity. People who eat fried foods often tend to be overweight. Eating fried foods also increases the chance of gas, heartburn, and bloating. Eating fried foods can result in higher levels of cholesterol, which can result in a heart attack. Clearly, there are many negative effects which can be associated with eating large amounts of fried foods.

Multiple Choice

9. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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When you open a supermarket freezer can immediately see how many French fry varieties are available to consumers. Homestyle fries usually have straight edges, while crinkle-cut fries have rippled edges. Waffle fries tend to be round with a criss-cross waffle-like pattern in the middle. Steak fries tend to be straight with a wider cut. Curly fries are spiral ringlets of potato. Regardless of their cut, French fries are close to the top of the list when it comes to favorite American foods.

Multiple Choice

10. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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In the 1990s, McDonalds and other fast-food restaurants started getting negative publicity for the amount of fat in their kids' meals. At that time, one hamburger Happy Meal contained about 70% of the recommended daily fat allowance for children. Greasy French fries account for most of the fat in the meal. A public outcry caused most fast-food restaurants to review their kids' meal offerings. McDonald's solved the problem by offering healthy apple slices in place of greasy fries. Now, a Happy Meal consisting of a hamburger, apples, and milk contain about 35% of a child's recommended daily fat allowance.

Multiple Choice

11. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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French fries were not invented in the United States, but Americans still adore them. The first documented use in the United States was when then-President Thomas Jefferson asked a French chef to make "potatoes served in the French manner". A recipe for "French Fried Potatoes" has been found in a cookbook from the 1850s. They were referred to as "French fied potatoes" until the 1930s, when Americans dropped the words "potatoes" and started referring to them as simply French fries. They gained in popularity with the growth of the fast-food chains that took America by storm in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, they are as popular as ever!

Multiple Choice

12. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Wildfires can cause the destruction of beautiful trees and forests. Nonetheless, there are several benefits to wildfires. Some trees can only reproduce after a fire. Certain pine tree cones are sealed with something called pitch. A pinecone's seeds can only be released after a fire has melted away the pitch. Aspen and birch tree seeds will also only sprout roots following a fire. Also, ash remaining after a fire adds nutrients to the soil. Deer and other animals feed on new grasses and shrubs that grow after forest fires. These are a few of the benefits of a wildfire.

Multiple Choice

13. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Most wildfires are caused by humans. People who live in or near the woods in fire-prone areas should follow certain guidelines to help prevent the spread of wildfires. First, homeowners should use nonflammable roof and deck materials on their homes. They should trim their trees regularly. There should be at least a five-foot opening between neighboring trees. Further, there should be no tree limbs within ten feet of the ground. This will reduce the chance that flames will travel to the top of the trees. Finally, homeowners should keep the lawn well-watered and cut short.

Multiple Choice

14. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Smokey Bear is a fictional character that has educated generations of Americans about how they can help prevent human-caused wildfires. He was created in 1944 and his original catch phrase was "Smokey says- Care will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires". In 1947, the phrase was shortened to "Only YOU can prevent Forest Fires". It was changed once again in 2001 to "Only You can Prevent Wildfires" becuase of the large number of wildfires in natural areas other than forests. Smokey Bear's message is still as important today as ever.

Multiple Choice

15. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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At first glance, wildfires and prescribed fires look the same. Both fires produce hot flames and smoke that can be seen for quite a distance. A closer look, however, reveals that these two types of fires are vastly different. While most wildfires are caused accidentally by humans, a prescribed fire is purposely started by humans only after careful planning. During a prescribed fire, weather conditions are closely monitored, and the fires is under control at all times. In contrast, wildfires are not under human control, and can spread rapidly, resulting in property destruction and death.

Multiple Choice

16. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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A tandem bicycle is a specially-designed bike for two riders. The front rider is known as the "captain". The captain has overall control of the bike. He or she steers the bike, shift gears, and stops when necessary. The rear rider is known as the "stoker". The stoker's main responsibility is to pedal the bicycle. Riding a tandem bicycle requires good balance by both riders. Also, cooperation between the captain and the stoker is essential for a smooth tandem bicycle ride.

Multiple Choice

17. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The common person might not know the difference between a road bike and a mountain bike. After all, they both have pedals, handlebars, frames, and two wheels.
However, to an experienced biker, a road bike and a mountain bike are very different. A road bike has a lighter frame and narrower tires. These features allow the bike to travel much faster across smooth roads. A mountain bike has a heavier frame and wider tires with noticeably thick tread. These features are key for bikers who plan to ride on off-road trails with rocky terrain.

Multiple Choice

18. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Our environment has weakened due to the invention of the automobile. Vehicles emit toxic gases into the air we breathe. One solution to this alarming problem is to ride a bike whenever possible. A four-mile bicycle trip will result in fifteen fewer pounds of pollutants in our air. Riding a bike also reduces water pollution since bikes don't use antifreeze, brake fluid, or transmission fluid. Riding a bike is an environmentally friendly thing to do!

Multiple Choice

19. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The first metal two-wheeled machine appeared in 1865. The pedal was attached directly to the wheel, and it was made of wood. The first metal bicycle dates back to 1870 and was also the first pedaled machine referred to as a bicycle. It had a high front wheel. The first bicycle to have a chain was invented in 1879. This chained bike returned to the original design of having two wheels of the same size.
A kid's bike was introduced after World War I, and it featured automobile elements. By the 1960s, bicycles were becoming lighter and simpler. The ten-speed bike was popular in the 1970s. Today, bikes of all shapes and sizes are ridden every day.

Multiple Choice

20. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Glaciers have drastic effects on land areas. As they slowly move over land, they gradually reshape the terrain below. Because the glacier is so heavy, the ice cuts away at the land surface, and then carries the broken rocks and soil to land far away from its original location. Glaciers can remove entire mountainsides, leaving valleys behind. They can also transport huge rocks to new locations. The rocks are called erratic boulders becuase they often seem out of place in their new surroundings. Glaciers affect the land in interesting ways.

Multiple Choice

21. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Glacier National Park is located on a large area of land that crosses the border between Montana and Canada. Sadly, many of the glaciers located in the park are rapidly disappearing. Scientists estimate that there were nearly 150 glaciers in the park in 1850. When the park was established in 1910, most of the glaciers were still present. However, just 100 years later, most of those glaciers had disappeared. In 2010, only 25 glaciers larger than 25 acres remain in Glacier National Park. Some computer models predict that the park's largest glaciers will no longer exist by the year 2030.

Multiple Choice

2Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Glaciers and avalanches are both made of frozen material. They can both occur in cold, mountainous areas.
There are some major differenes between glaciers and avalanches, however. Glaciers are large masses of ice and snow that move very slowly, while avalanches occur suddenly when a large mass of snow falls off a mountainside and tumbles to the ground. Glaciers can last for thousands of years, whereas avalanches occur and are over in a very short period of time.

Multiple Choice

23. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Glaciers are large, thick masses of snow and ice. Unlike a normal sheet of ice, however, glaciers are able to move. They move very slowly over time, flowing like a slow river. Glaciers are often considered remnants from the last Ice Age.
Glaciers can be found all over the world. They currently cover about 10% of the Earth's surface. They are mainly located in the polar areas of Antarctica and Greenland. Some glacial ice can be found in mountainous areas, as well.

Multiple Choice

24. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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A tsunami is a series of gigantic waves. The word "tsunami" is made up of two Japanese words: "tsu" (which means harbor) and "nami" (which means wave). When a tsunami forms far out at sea, it is often barely noticeable. When tsunami waves form near a shore, however, the results can be devastating for people and buildings near the shoreline.

Multiple Choice

25. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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There are four major events that can cause a tsunami. Most often, tsunamis are caused by earthquakes below or near the ocean. The most destructive tsunamis occur when there is a shallow focus earthquake where the ocean is less than 70 km deep. Other less-common events that can cause tsunamis include underwater landslides and violent volcanic eruptions. Tsunamis can also be caused by asteroids or meteors that crash into the ocean from outer space, but this is a rare occurrence.

Multiple Choice

26. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Tsunamis are particularly dangerous events becuase they cannot be predicted. A tsunami can reach land within minutes. Scientists are researching method that they hope will assist them in warning people in the path of a tsunami at a faster speed. One current solution that has been developed is the SMS Tsunami Warning System. This warning system sends a text alert directly to your cell phone if there has been an earthquake and it appears that a tsunami may be approaching your area. Scientists hope to develop even more reliable warning systems in the future.

Multiple Choice

27. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Both hurricanes and tsunamis are natural disasters that send large amounts of water crashing into the land of coastal areas. Both originate in the ocean and release large amounts of energy. Although they share common elements, they are very different things. A hurricane is a type of storm caused by weather, while a tsunami has nothing to do with weather, as it is usually triggered by an underwater earthquake. Also, hurricanes move somewhat slowly, and people are usually warned several days before it reaches land. In contrast, tsunamis are sudden and fast-moving, leaving little time to warn the people in its path.

Multiple Choice

28. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The earliest written records of Olympic Games date back to 776 B.C. The ancient Olympics were held in Greece every four years in honor of the Greek god, Zeus. After the Roman empire conquered Greece, the ancient Olympic Games were ended in A.D. 393.
1,500 years passed before another Olympic Games was held. In 1894, the first modern Olympics took place in Athens, Greece. The international event grew in popularity, and an Olympiad was planned for every four years, although none took place in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to World Wars. People worldwide look forward to the Olympic Games.

Multiple Choice

29. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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In the past, cities lined up to be named a host city for an Olympiad. In recent years, however, many have noticed the countless buildings and stadiums, that cost billions of dollars to build, stand empty once the Olympic Games are over.
Host cities are now looking for solutions to the issue of buildings that stand empty following the Olympics. One solution that has worked for several cities is to build Olympic villages, where the athletes are housed during the Games, near college campuses. Once the Olympics are over, these are converted into University housing options. This solution has worked well in the Olympic host cities of Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Calgary.

Multiple Choice

30. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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The Summer and Winter Olympics feature athletes from many countries competing in sporting events. You will find the Olympic flag, flame, and medals at both world events.
There are important difference between the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics, however. Obviously, they feature different sporting events. Also, the Summer Olympics is much bigger, with 205 countries taking part in 2016. In contrast, the Winter Olympics is smaller; only 88 countries participated in 2014. The Summer Olympics take place on leap years, while the Winter Olympics occur two years after a leap year.

Multiple Choice

31. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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Gymnastics is one of the most watched events of the Summer Olympics. The women's artistic competition includes four events: balance beam, floor exercise, uneven bars, and vault. Competitors can win medals in each individual event, and there are also medals given to the three individuals who schore the highest in all four events combined. A team competition also takes place during the Olypics. In the team final, three gymnasts from each participating team are selected to compete in the four events. The scores are totaled into a final team score, and the team with the highest number of points wins the gold medal.

Multiple Choice

32. Identify the text structure of this reading passage.

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