In Your Own Backyard

At the beginning of the text, how does the author help the reader understand why some animals are close to extinction? 

• by presenting a solution to the loss of animals’ habitats
• by explaining major causes of harm to animals’ habitats
• by contrasting endangered animals and extinct animals

At the beginning of the text, how does the author help the reader understand why some animals are close to extinction? 

• by listing a sequence leading to animals being endangered
• by giving step-by-step instructions on how to rescue animals
•  by discussing the results of poor farming and ranching practices

Read the paragraph from the text.
Some people are now reconsidering what makes a perfect backyard. They are digging up their big lawns and replacing the grass with native trees and plants. They are also designing backyards as homes for animals. The right balance of plants can provide everything animals need—food, shelter, clean water, and a place to raise their young. For example, some people are putting in evergreen trees, which have leaves year-round, to provide homes for animals. Other beneficial plants include trees and shrubs that grow fruits and nuts, providing food. Flowering plants invite birds and insects. A balanced backyard will soon abound with numerous bees, beautiful butterflies, helpful insects, and small animals.
Which sentence best summarizes the main idea of this paragraph? 

• Planting trees saves wildlife
• Picking up trash helps protect wildlife.
• Backyards can be healthy habitats for wildlife.
• Objects can provide shelter for wildlife

Read the sentence from the text. 
"Some destructive practices have become so embedded in society that they are now part of our normal habits."
Which word is most similar in meaning to embedded as it is used in the sentence above? 

• established
• enjoyed
• overlooked
• embarrassed

Read the sentence from the text. Other beneficial plants include trees and shrubs that grow fruits and nuts, providing food.
Choose which word is NOT a synonym of Beneficial

• favorable 
• helpful
• good
• graceful

Read the sentence from the text. Other beneficial plants include trees and shrubs that grow fruits and nuts, providing food. 
Choose which word is NOT an Antonym of Beneficial

• harmful
• disagreeable
• unattractive
• worthless

What is the main idea of the text?

• Scientists and governments are working to protect endangered wildlife.
• A grassy lawn or backyard can be home to different kinds of wildlife.
• People’s daily habits are making it difficult for wildlife to survive.
• People can make changes that will protect wildlife

 Which sentence from the text best summarizes the main idea?

• “Animals live everywhere, not just in backyards.”
• “By analyzing and changing a few daily habits, we can make room in the world for more than just people.” 
•  “Both natural and human-made objects encourage animals to move into the backyard.”
• “Although people worry about chimpanzees, condors, and pandas, they may not give much thought to wildlife at home.”