Assessment - Health News for Kids (Reading Comprehension)

How does the author support the idea that it is possible to avoid catching a cold?

• By explaining that most colds are caused by rhinovirus

• By listing steps that can be followed when someone has a cold

• By showing what parts of the body are most affected by a cold

• By telling what researchers have discovered about colds

The author created this Web page mainly to —

• compare how colds affect kids with how colds affect adults

• share simple ways people can improve their health

• explain how the cold virus spreads from person to person

• convince people to stay at home when they are sick

The author includes the details in paragraph 6 to explain that colds —

• may affect people for a week

• will sometimes cause ear infections

• keep children home from school

• do not last long for most people

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B. Part A Which statement best describes a message about catching a cold?

• Avoiding a cold is harder than it may seem.

• Most people get several colds each year.

• Children should stay home when they feel sick.

• Handwashing prevents colds.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B. Part B Which sentence from the text best supports the answer in Part A?

• Children get more colds than adults. (paragraph 2)

• A sore throat and a runny nose are often the first symptoms of a cold. (paragraph 2)

• The most common virus that causes cold symptoms is called rhinovirus. (paragraph 3)

• Another way that a virus can spread is through touch. (paragraph 5)

Which statement best describes the organizational pattern of the text?

• The author describes the problem of colds and offers ways to prevent them.

• The author explains the reasons colds are common.

• The author compares the actions of healthy and unhealthy people.

• The author describes the changes that illness causes in a person’s body.

In the bulleted sections of the text, the author uses boldface type to —

• highlight areas that require further research

• emphasize that colds make people feel terrible

• state the most useful actions for staying healthy

• repeat the important ideas already mentioned in the text

Complete the sentence by selecting the correct answer from the drop-down menu. In paragraph 3, the word helpful means

• useful.

• careful.

• harmful.

In paragraph 9, what does the word discomfort mean?

• One who is feeling well

• Feeling well again

• Feeling well enough

• Not feeling well

What is the central idea of the “What Is the Common Cold?” section of the text?

• The common cold is caused by a virus and has typical symptoms people may feel.

• The common cold happens most often in winter and keeps students home from school.

• The common cold can always be cured quickly with rest and medicine.

• The common cold affects only young children and rarely spreads to adults.