Reading Bank 11

Read this sentence from Passage 1. “Good soil contains a variety of nutrients, which plants take in through their roots.” (paragraph 1) What is the meaning of the word nutrients as it is used in this sentence?

• things that are familiar

• things that taste delicious

• things needed to stay healthy

• things grown in water, not soil

What information from Passage 1 is supported by both the words in the passage and the photograph?

• Plants grown in water get the sun they need.

• Plants grown in water do not need to be weeded.

• Plants grown in water are not destroyed by insects.

• Plants grown in water can be grown close together.

What are two effects of plants grown in water having small root systems?

• large crops

• need for more attention

• year-round growth

• fewer problems with insects

• more energy for growing leaves

What is the main idea of Passage 1?

• All living things need water and food.

• Plants can grow and produce without soil.

• Water contains nutrients that soil does not.

• Equipment for any type of farming is expensive.

Select one sentence that best explains why greenhouse workers are needed to grow plants in water.

• Greenhouses need special lighting.

• They also need a system to bring nutrients and water to plants.

• Building these systems can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• There are drawbacks to growing plants in water.

• Plants grown in water also require lots of attention.

In Passage 2, why is the order of Steps 2 and 3 important?

• The perlite should not touch the plants.

• The perlite needs to be mixed well into the soil.

• The perlite should be under the soil, not on top of it.

• The perlite should be added after the water, not before it.

Read these sentences from Passage 2. “Store-bought herbs are also expensive. They can be the most expensive items on your shopping list. Herbs from your own garden cost far less.” (paragraph 1) How do these sentences connect to each other?

• They compare two things.

• They show cause and effect.

• They describe events that happen in order.

• They give examples why things grown at home are healthful.

Read this sentence from Passage 2. “They are fresher and have not been sprayed with hazardous chemicals.” (paragraph 1) What is the most likely reason the author chose the phrase hazardous chemicals?

• It makes store-bought herbs seem tasty.

• It makes store-bought herbs seem scientific.

• It makes store-bought herbs seem expensive.

• It makes store-bought herbs seem unhealthy.

What is one point that both the author of Passage 1 and the author of Passage 2 make?

• People should grow their own fruits and vegetables.

• Plants have needs that must be met in order to grow.

• Plants can be grown by farmers or by people in their homes.

• For a plant, too much water is just as dangerous as too little water.

How is the author’s point of view in Passage 1 different from the author’s point of view in Passage 2?

• In Passage 1, the author wants to share an opinion. In Passage 2, the author wants to compare several things.

• In Passage 1, the author wants to compare several things. In Passage 2, the author wants to share an opinion.

• In Passage 1, the author wants to tell about a topic. In Passage 2, the author wants to explain how you can do something.

• In Passage 1, the author wants to explain how you can do something. In Passage 2, the author wants to tell about a topic.