Daily Reading Practice

Day 9 of 10
Grade 3 ELA | Summarizing | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.3.2 - Summarize a text to enhance comprehension.
IXL Skills: Summarize a passage; Identify key details for a summary
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Directions: Read the informational passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Think about the most important ideas and details in the passage.
The Amazing Octopus

The octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. With eight long arms and a soft body, this animal has some truly amazing abilities.

One of the most remarkable things about an octopus is how it can change color. Its skin contains special cells that can become red, brown, white, or even blue in just seconds. The octopus uses this ability to hide from predators by blending in with rocks and coral. It can also change color to communicate with other octopuses.

The octopus is also incredibly smart. Scientists have watched octopuses solve puzzles and open jars to get food inside. They can even learn by watching other octopuses. Some researchers believe octopuses are among the smartest animals without backbones.

Another surprising fact is that an octopus has three hearts and blue blood. Two hearts pump blood to its gills, while the third heart pumps blood to the rest of its body. The blue color comes from a copper-based molecule that helps carry oxygen.

With its color-changing skin, problem-solving brain, and unusual body, the octopus is truly a wonder of the sea.

Questions 1-2: Summarizing
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which choice BEST summarizes this passage?
A
Octopuses live in the ocean and have blue blood because of copper.
B
Scientists study octopuses to learn about how animals solve puzzles.
C
Octopuses are amazing animals that can change color, solve problems, and have unusual bodies.
D
Octopuses are smarter than other animals that live in the sea.
Part B
Which detail is MOST important to include in a summary of this passage?
A
The octopus has a soft body.
B
The octopus can change colors to hide from predators.
C
The blue color in their blood comes from copper.
D
Scientists have watched octopuses open jars.
Practice this skill on IXL: Summarize a text
Questions 3-4: Key Details
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which detail should NOT be included in a summary of this passage?
A
Octopuses can change color.
B
Octopuses are very smart.
C
Octopuses have three hearts.
D
Two hearts pump blood to the gills.
Part B
Why is the detail in Part A too specific for a summary?
A
A summary should include main ideas, not small details about how things work.
B
A summary should only have one sentence.
C
A summary should not include facts about the body.
D
A summary should include every detail from the passage.
Practice this skill on IXL: Identify key details
FAST Success Kit | Grade 3 Daily Reading Practice | Day 9
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.3.R.3.2 | Lexile: 530L-650L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: C - Octopuses are amazing animals that can change color, solve problems, and have unusual bodies.
This option covers all three main abilities discussed in the passage.
Question 1 Part B: B - The octopus can change colors to hide from predators.
This is a main ability discussed in detail, more important than minor details.
Question 2 Part A: D - Two hearts pump blood to the gills.
This is a minor detail that explains how the hearts work, not a main idea.
Question 2 Part B: A - A summary should include main ideas, not small details about how things work.
Summaries focus on the most important information, not specific details.