Marine Animals

Marine animals live in the sea. Many animals call the sea home. Some spend all of their time in water while others also live on land.

Dolphins

Dolphins are mammals. They spend all of their time in water. Dolphins are fast swimmers. They have sleek bodies and a strong tail, called a fluke, to help them move quickly through the water.

Dolphins are social animals. They live in groups called pods. Dolphins are very smart. They talk to each other by making whistling and clicking sounds. Dolphin sounds can be heard from very far away.

Dolphins cannot breathe underwater. They must come to the surface to breathe. Dolphins love to jump and play. They like to play with seaweed and ride waves.

Whales

The largest living animal on Earth is the Blue Whale. All whales are mammals. They spend all of their time in the water. Whales have long, round bodies with flippers and a tail. A whale's tail has 2 fins called flukes. It uses its strong tail to help it swim.

Whales can stay underwater for a long time, but they must come to the surface to breathe. Whales have a blowhole on top of their head that they use to breathe air.

Whales are mostly solitary animals and prefer to live alone. Whales communicate through low, deep noises that can be heard from miles away.

Sharks

Sharks are fish. Sharks spend all of their life underwater. Like fish, sharks have gills on the sides of their heads that help them breathe underwater. Sharks have fins and a strong tail to help them steer and swim through the water. Many sharks also have a fin on top of them.

Sharks have very strong senses. Sharks have good eyesight to help them see underwater. They also have an excellent sense of smell. A shark can smell a drop of blood in the ocean from 5 miles away.

Walruses

Walruses live on ice and in cold water. They have a thick layer of fat, called blubber, to help them stay warm.

Walruses have 2 long tusks, or teeth. They use their tusks to help them dig for food, protect themselves from predators and move around. Walruses have flippers to help them swim in the water and walk on ice. They bark and make loud snorting noises to communicate with other walruses.

Sea Lions

Sea lions got their name from the roaring sound they make. Sea lions also make honking and barking noises. Sea lions like to live in large groups. They are very playful and clever. Sea lions can be trained to do tricks and are often seen in shows at zoos and at the circus.

Sea lions spend their time on land and in water. They have flippers that help them swim in water. When on land they use their flippers to help them walk. Sea lions also have short fur and blubber to help them stay warm in the cool water.

Sea Otters

Sea otters are marine mammals. They use their feet and tails to swim, but spend most of their time floating on their backs on the water. Sea otters even sleep and eat while floating on their backs.

Sea otters do not have blubber. They have thick fur to keep them warm in cold water.

Sea Turtles

The leatherback turtle is the largest turtle in the world. Sea turtles have two sets of flippers that they use to help them swim in the water. Their large, front flippers are very strong and help them move through the water. Their back flippers help them steer. Sea turtles can stay underwater for over an hour before they need to breathe air.

Sea turtles live almost all of their lives in water, however, female sea turtles travel to land to lay eggs. Female sea turtles dig holes in the sand with their flippers to make a nest for their eggs. After it lays eggs, sea turtles return to the sea, leaving their eggs buried on the beach. When baby sea turtles hatch, they crawl towards the water and begin life in the sea.

How are sea otters and sea lions different?

Seed to Plant

A plant starts as a small seed. Different seeds become different plants. It is a long journey from a seed to a plant.

First a seed must travel and find its spot in the dirt. Seeds must travel before they find the spot they will call home. Some seeds travel very far before they finally land. Wind can spread seeds long distances. Other seeds are carried and dropped by animals such as squirrels or birds. Animals can carry seeds many miles before dropping them in the dirt.

Next seeds need water. Soon the seed breaks open and roots begin to grow down into the ground. The roots grow and grow. Roots soak up water and nutrients from the soil. The roots will also hold the plant in place. Roots have many important jobs. After the roots carry water and nutrients back to the seed, a small stem forms and appears out of the ground.

The small stem continues to grow. The stem grows up towards the sun, where the plant will get its food. Now leaves begin to form on the stem. The leaves soak up more water and sunlight to help the plant grow. Plants create their own food using the energy they get from the sun.

Seeds and plants depend on sunlight and water to grow. Water and sunlight are food for plants. Some plants have very large leaves, while others have smaller leaves or even no leaves at all. The size of the leaves depends on how much water and sunlight the plant has. A plant in a shady area or a place with little sun has larger leaves than a plant in an area with lots of sunlight and water.

Many adult plants grow flowers and or fruit. Flowers and fruit make more seeds. These seeds will drop and spread and soon start their journey to becoming new plants.

What is the meaning of the word depend in the sentence “Seeds and plants depend on sunlight and water to grow.”?

Dog or Wolf?

Wolves and dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf. Over time, dogs evolved and changed while wolves stayed the same.

Dogs and wolves are very different species now, however, they still share many similarities.

Brains

Wolves and dogs are both very smart. You can teach a dog how to do many tricks and dogs quickly learn their names. Some dogs are even trained to do important jobs. Many dogs help police solve crimes and search for missing people. Dogs even help people who are deaf or blind. Wolves are also smart – they have strong senses that they use to survive in the wild, however, wolves are not easily trained the way dogs are.

Nose

Dogs and wolves have a great sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than a human’s. Many dogs use their sense of smell to help with important jobs. Dogs work for police to detect illegal drugs and find criminals who are hiding. They also use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost or missing. When there is an accident, such as a building collapse, or a natural disaster, dogs use their strong sense of smell to find people who are trapped. Wolves use their strong sense of smell to help them find prey. They can also smell and sense dangers around them.

Ears

Dogs and wolves also have a strong sense of hearing – much better than people. Dogs and wolves use their ears for more than just hearing though. Their ears also can show how a dog or wolf is feeling. Perky ears show that they are paying attention to something, flat ears, usually pointed backwards, means they are feeling angry or threatened and can warn others to stay away. Soft flat or flapping ears show a dog or wolf is happy, friendly or comfortable.

Eyes

Dogs and wolves don’t see in color like people do. Many colors, such as red, orange and yellow, can all look alike to a dog or wolf. Even though they may not see colors well, dogs and wolves do have excellent eyesight. Having good eyesight is especially important for wolves in the wild who need to be able to see prey and predators.

Communication

Dogs and wolves make many different types of sounds to communicate.

Wolves are known for their howl. Some dogs howl, but not all. Dogs are known for barking. Dogs bark for many reasons. They may bark as a warning to stay away or to let their owners know they sense danger. Dogs bark when they play, when they want attention and even when they are bored. Wolves will sometimes bark as a warning of danger.

Dogs and wolves both growl and snarl to warn predators, animals or people to scare them and as a warning to stay away. They growl when they feel threatened and are trying to protect themselves, their family and their home.

Digging

Dogs and wolves both dig. Wolves dig holes to hide food and bones to save for later. Some wolves dig to find food such as mice. Wolves also dig holes in the summer to find somewhere cool to lie or in the winter to stay warm and escape the cold. Wolves also dig underground dens as shelter for their pups. Dogs dig mostly for fun or when they smell something interesting. Dogs love to dig holes to hide their toys and bones – and dig them up again later.

Which section of the text would you use to answer the question “Which sense is better in dogs than humans?”

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick, and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

Which would support the opinion of the author of “Dogs are the Best Pet”?

Passage 1

Adapted from Little Cinderella (1858)

It happened that the king's son sent invitations to a ball, which was to last two nights, and to which all the great people of the land were invited, the two sisters among the rest. This delighted them extremely, and their thoughts were entirely occupied in selecting their most becoming dresses for the important occasion. Poor Cinderella had now more work to do than ever, as it was her business to iron their linen, and starch their ruffles. The sisters talked of nothing but preparations for the ball. The eldest said, “I shall wear my crimson-velvet dress, and point-lace,” and the younger, “I shall put on my usual dress-petticoat, a mantle embroidered with gold flowers, and a tiara of diamonds.“

They sent to engage the services of the most fashionable hairdresser. They also called Cinderella to their aid; for she had very good taste, and she offered, in the most amiable manner, to arrange their heads herself; of which offer they were only too happy to avail themselves. Whilst so occupied, the eldest said, “Cinderella, should you like to go to the ball?”

“Alas!” said she, “you are ridiculing me. I am not likely to go to the ball.”

“You are right,” replied the sister. “People would be amused to see a Cinderella there.”

Passage 2

Adapted from Cinderella by Henry W. Hewet (1855)

It happened that the king's son gave a ball, to which he invited all the nobility; and, as our two young ladies made a great figure in the world, they were included in the list of invitations. So they began to be very busy choosing what head-dress and which gown would be the most becoming. Here was fresh work for poor Cinderella: for it was she, forsooth, who was to starch and get up their ruffles, and iron all their fine linen; and nothing but dress was talked about for days together. "I," said the eldest, "shall put on my red velvet dress, with my point-lace trimmings." "And I," said the younger sister, "shall wear my usual petticoat, but shall set it off with my gold brocaded train and my circlet of diamonds."

They sent for a clever tire-woman to prepare the double rows of quilling for their caps, and they purchased a quantity of fashionably cut patches. They called in Cinderella to take her advice, as she had such good taste, and Cinderella not only advised them well, but offered to dress their hair, which they were pleased to accept. While she was thus busied, the sisters said to her: "And pray, Cinderella, would you like to go to the ball?"

"Nay, you are mocking me," replied the poor girl; "it is not for such as I to go to balls."

"True enough," rejoined they. "Folks would laugh to see a Cinderella at a court ball."

What was the main topic of both passages?

Marine Animals

Marine animals live in the sea. Many animals call the sea home. Some spend all of their time in water while others also live on land.

Dolphins

Dolphins are mammals. They spend all of their time in water. Dolphins are fast swimmers. They have sleek bodies and a strong tail, called a fluke, to help them move quickly through the water.

Dolphins are social animals. They live in groups called pods. Dolphins are very smart. They talk to each other by making whistling and clicking sounds. Dolphin sounds can be heard from very far away.

Dolphins cannot breathe underwater. They must come to the surface to breathe. Dolphins love to jump and play. They like to play with seaweed and ride waves.

Whales

The largest living animal on Earth is the Blue Whale. All whales are mammals. They spend all of their time in the water. Whales have long, round bodies with flippers and a tail. A whale's tail has 2 fins called flukes. It uses its strong tail to help it swim.

Whales can stay underwater for a long time, but they must come to the surface to breathe. Whales have a blowhole on top of their head that they use to breathe air.

Whales are mostly solitary animals and prefer to live alone. Whales communicate through low, deep noises that can be heard from miles away.

Sharks

Sharks are fish. Sharks spend all of their life underwater. Like fish, sharks have gills on the sides of their heads that help them breathe underwater. Sharks have fins and a strong tail to help them steer and swim through the water. Many sharks also have a fin on top of them.

Sharks have very strong senses. Sharks have good eyesight to help them see underwater. They also have an excellent sense of smell. A shark can smell a drop of blood in the ocean from 5 miles away.

Walruses

Walruses live on ice and in cold water. They have a thick layer of fat, called blubber, to help them stay warm.

Walruses have 2 long tusks, or teeth. They use their tusks to help them dig for food, protect themselves from predators and move around. Walruses have flippers to help them swim in the water and walk on ice. They bark and make loud snorting noises to communicate with other walruses.

Sea Lions

Sea lions got their name from the roaring sound they make. Sea lions also make honking and barking noises. Sea lions like to live in large groups. They are very playful and clever. Sea lions can be trained to do tricks and are often seen in shows at zoos and at the circus.

Sea lions spend their time on land and in water. They have flippers that help them swim in water. When on land they use their flippers to help them walk. Sea lions also have short fur and blubber to help them stay warm in the cool water.

Sea Otters

Sea otters are marine mammals. They use their feet and tails to swim, but spend most of their time floating on their backs on the water. Sea otters even sleep and eat while floating on their backs.

Sea otters do not have blubber. They have thick fur to keep them warm in cold water.

Sea Turtles

The leatherback turtle is the largest turtle in the world. Sea turtles have two sets of flippers that they use to help them swim in the water. Their large, front flippers are very strong and help them move through the water. Their back flippers help them steer. Sea turtles can stay underwater for over an hour before they need to breathe air.

Sea turtles live almost all of their lives in water, however, female sea turtles travel to land to lay eggs. Female sea turtles dig holes in the sand with their flippers to make a nest for their eggs. After it lays eggs, sea turtles return to the sea, leaving their eggs buried on the beach. When baby sea turtles hatch, they crawl towards the water and begin life in the sea.

How are sea otters and sea lions different?

African Elephants

Elephants are the biggest animals living on land. An adult male elephant can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds and be more than 13 feet tall. The biggest elephants live in Africa.

Trunk

Elephants have a long trunk. An elephant uses its trunk in many ways.

An elephant’s trunk is its nose. It uses its trunk to smell and breathe. Elephants also use their trunks like a hand. An elephant can pick up grass and branches with its trunk. It uses its trunk to reach high up and grab food from trees. Elephants are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Elephants eat fruit, leaves, and grass. Adult elephants eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

Elephants suck up water in their trunks and spray it onto themselves to stay clean. They also use their trunks as snorkels to help them breathe when they are swimming or in deep water.

Elephants use their trunks to make sounds. Elephants roar, rumble, and growl. When there is danger, elephants use their trunks to make a loud horn noise to warn others and scare away predators.

Tusks

African elephants have 2 tusks on either side of their trunk. Elephants use their tusks to dig holes and find food and water. They also use their tusks to carry things and even rest their trunks on their tusks. An elephant’s tusks also help it stay safe. Elephants can use their tusks to battle and protect themselves from enemies.

Ears

Elephants have the largest ears of any animal. Elephants use their ears to hear, stay cool, and show feelings. Elephants flap their ears to cool off and keep insects away.

Wrinkled Skin

Elephants have wrinkled skin. Their skin looks rough and tough but it is very sensitive. Elephants cover their skin in mud and dirt to protect themselves from getting a sunburn and bug bites.

Feet

Every part of an elephant is big, so of course an elephant also has very large feet. Elephants have pads on the bottom of their feet to protect them and help them walk quietly.

What has a long trunk, two big tusks, big ears and wrinkled skin? It’s an African elephant!

What is the text mostly about?

Text 1:

During the year, the weather has four seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Each season can bring very different weather. When the weather changes, people have to make some changes too.

In the summer, the weather is normally very warm. There are green leaves on the trees and bright colored flowers blooming in gardens. To stay cool, people normally wear lightweight clothes in the summer.

The fall brings a change in the leaves and temperature. Tree leaves begin to turn from green to bright orange, yellow, and red. The temperature will begin to get cooler during the fall. People often put away their summer shorts and start wearing jeans in the fall.

Winter is a time for snow! The very cold temperatures of winter bring the snowflakes. The cold temperature also means that many plants won’t grow and trees are left with no leaves, just bare branches. In the winter many people wear thick winter coats, hats, and gloves to try to keep themselves warm.

In the spring the weather is still warm, but most places get a lot of rain in the spring. All of the rain helps the flowers start to grow. Because of the rain, it’s always smart to have a rain jacket and an umbrella in the spring.

Text 2:

As you are growing up, the four seasons can create a timeline for the year. As a new season starts, there is a new time in the year to look forward to.

Fall means the start of school and school sports! The temperatures start to get cool in the fall, but that’s perfect weather for school events like football and soccer games.

Though winter can bring very cold temperatures, it can also bring snow days! Some places can get a lot of snow, which sometimes means they have to miss some days of school in the winter. This means that instead of going to school, kids get to make snowmen and play outside.

When spring comes along the temperatures get warmer and melt the winter’s snow, but spring also means that school is coming to an end for the year. Teachers are busy trying to plan end of the year activities, and students can’t wait for summer break to begin!

When summer finally arrives, the temperatures are very warm and many kids spend afternoons playing at the pool. Long summer nights are spent catching fire flies in the backyard, or playing flashlight tag.

As the summer comes to end, back to school shopping begins. School supplies are picked out, and kids look forward to starting a new school year.

Text 2 says that which two sports are played in the fall?

Adapted from "The Pig Brother" by Laura E. Richards (1908)

There was once a child who was untidy. He left his books on the floor, and his muddy shoes on the table; he put his fingers in the jam-pots, and spilled ink on his best pinafore; there was really no end to his untidiness.

One day the Tidy Angel came into his nursery.

“This will never do!” said the Angel. “This is really shocking. You must go out and stay with your brother while I set things to rights here.”

“I have no brother!” said the child.

“Yes, you have!” said the Angel. “You may not know him, but he will know you. Go out in the garden and watch for him, and he will soon come.”

“I don’t know what you mean!” said the child; but he went out into the garden and waited.

Presently a squirrel came along, whisking his tail.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

The squirrel looked him over carefully.

“Well, I should hope not!” he said. “My fur is neat and smooth, my nest is handsomely made, and in perfect order, and my young ones are properly brought up. Why do you insult me by asking such a question?”

He whisked off, and the child waited.

Presently a wren came hopping by.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“No indeed!” said the wren. “What impertinence! You will find no tidier person than I in the whole garden. Not a feather is out of place, and my eggs are the wonder of all for smoothness and beauty. Brother, indeed!” He hopped off, ruffling his feathers, and the child waited.

By and by a large Tommy Cat came along.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“Go and look at yourself in the glass,” said the Tommy Cat haughtily, “and you will have your answer. I have been washing myself in the sun all the morning, while it is clear that no water has come near you for a long time. There are no such creatures as you in my family, I am humbly thankful to say.”

He walked on, waving his tail, and the child waited.

Presently a pig came trotting along.

The child did not wish to ask the pig if he were his brother, but the pig did not wait to be asked.

“Hallo, brother!” he grunted.

“I am not your brother!” said the child.

“Oh, yes, you are!” said the pig. “I confess I am not proud of you, but there is no mistaking the members of our family. Come along, and have a good roll in the barnyard! There is some lovely black mud there.”

“I don’t like to roll in mud!” said the child.

“Tell that to the hens!” said the pig brother. “Look at your hands, and your shoes, and your pinafore! Come along, I say! You may have some of the pig-wash for supper, if there is more than I want.”

“I don’t want pig-wash!” said the child; and he began to cry.

Just then the Tidy Angel came out.

“I have set everything to rights,” she said, “and so it must stay. Now, will you go with the Pig Brother, or will you come back with me, and be a tidy child?”

“With you, with you!” cried the child; and he clung to the Angel’s dress.

The Pig Brother grunted.

“Small loss!” he said. “There will be all the more wash for me!” and he trotted on.

Based on the dialog, which animal wanted to be brothers with the boy?

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick, and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

Which would support the opinion of the author of “Dogs are the Best Pet”?