Nonfiction Text Features Quiz

1. How does the circle graph help the reader understand the information in the first paragraph of "The Layers of Earth's Atmosphere?

• A. It shows that carbon dioxide, water vapor, and ozone make up less than 1% of Earth's atmosphere.
• B. It shows that more than 90% of Earth's atmosphere is made up of water vapor and oxygen.
• C. It shows that oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor make up just 90% of Earth's atmosphere.
• D. It shows that gases like carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen are only a tiny fraction of Earth's atmoshphere.

2. Which of the following details appears ONLY in the diagram on page 399 and not in the text of the passage?

• A. There are four layers of Earth's atmosphere.
• B. The ozone layer protects us from the Sun's dangerous rays.
• C. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere.
• D. The prefix strato- means "layer."

3. The word decreases uses the prefix de-, which means "down" or "away from." Using this information and context clues, choose the BEST definition of decrease as it is used in this sentence.

• A. to grow larger in size
• B. to get smaller in number
• C. to become warmer
• D. to change suddenly

4. The author of "The Layers of Earth's Atmosphere" concludes that we are "at the very bottom...of a vast ocean of gas." What reasons does the author give to support this conclusion? Include at least two supporting details from the passage in your answer. Write your answer on the lines provided.

5. Using context clues from the sentences, choose the BEST definition of necessary.

• A. helpful
• B. harmful
• C. needed
• D. wanted

Part A: What point does the author of "Air Works for Me" make about air?

• A. It can be used in magic tricks.
• B. It has both mass and weight.
• C. We need not pay attention to it.
• D. It is important to us in many ways.

Part B: Which THREE sentences from "Air Works for Me" BEST support your answer to Part A?

• A. Air is matter: it takes up space and it has mass.
• B. Because air has mass, Earth's gravity attracts it and gives it weight.
• C. And because it has weight, it presses on things- it exerts pressure.
• D. Think about it: you have mass-- your body is made up of millions of molecules.
• E. That means Earth's gravity gives you wright; because you have weight, you exert pressure.

7. Which detail from "Air Works for Me" can be found in the text but NOT in the diagram on page 403?

• A. You should use a cup half-full of water.
• B. The cup should balance on the center of your hand.
• C. Turn the cup upside down after placing the index card.
• D. Remove your hand from the index card after turning the cup upside down.

8. Write a paragraph that answers: What is the troposphere? What are two qualities of the troposphere that living things need to survive? Use details from BOTH passages to support your answer.

The Earth's atmosphere is an invisible ocean of air. But not all of the parts of this ocean are the same. How are the upper layers of the atmosphere different from the bottom layer? Use details from BOTH passages to support your answer.