Zebras reading comprehension:



Snapshot





Title: Why Zebras Have Stripes



Genre: Nonfiction



Subject: Life Science



Primary Topic: How zebra stripes help zebras survive



Estimated Guided Reading Level (A–Z): R

What This Teaches Best





Explains possible survival purposes for zebra stripes.



Teaches animal adaptation through predator confusion, fly avoidance, and cooling.



Uses cause and effect to connect stripes with survival advantages.



Introduces scientific investigation through research on striped coats and flies.



Shows that scientists may still study and test ideas about animal features.

Learning Goals





Students will identify reasons zebras may have stripes.



Students will explain how stripes can confuse predators.



Students will describe how stripes may help keep biting flies away.



Students will explain how stripes might help zebras stay cool.



Students will use text evidence to support an explanation about zebra survival.

Key Vocabulary From the Text

Predators — animals that hunt other animals.
Herd — group of animals living or moving together.
Optical illusion — something that tricks the eyes.
Repellent — something that keeps pests away.
Currents — moving streams of air or water.





Did you know there are thousands of Cored Education products included with a TeachSimple membership?

Click here for the free catalog.



This product includes:



Reading Passage

The text is a high-interest reading passage with set paragraphs, roughly three to four paragraphs long. It contains a variety of themes about the topic, anywhere from history to technology. The passage is between 250 and 350 words in length.





First, ask students to look at the headings and see what they’ll learn about today. What do they know about the topic/heading?



First read options:





Teacher read-aloud (best for support).



Partner reading (paragraph by paragraph).



While reading, students underline important details, and vocabulary words they think may come up in the questions section.



Mixed Questions

The first question page contains four multiple-choice questions, each with a choice of four answers, and three written response questions that require a sentence or two from the student.





Students complete the mcqs first independently, then review quickly as a class.



For the 3 written responses, try to get students giving the answer with some form of evidence:








If students get stuck, send them back to check the passage.



Creative Writing

In this question, the student will be required to write a five to eight sentence paragraph on a question related to the topic.





Before starting, ask students write down 3 key ideas they are going to include in their piece. Ask students for ideas to share around the class to help those struggling.



Pro writing expectations:





5–8 sentences



At least 2 facts or details from the passage



At least 2 vocabulary words from the previous page



Students read their paragraphs while classmates listen for facts and vocabulary words.



Answer Key

There are answers for the multiple-choice questions, written response questions have sample answers, vocabulary answers and if there is a summary question then a sample summary will be provided as well.







zebras-free-reading-comprehension-passage_168702.doc

Zebras Free Reading Comprehension Passage

zebras-free-reading-comprehension-passage

Let's do English ESL general reading comprehension. Zebras reading comprehension:



Snapshot





Title: Why Zebras Have Stripes



Genre: Nonfiction



Subjec…