Daily Reading Practice

Day 6 of 10
Grade 6 ELA | Text Sections & Features | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.1 - Explain how individual text sections and text features convey meaning in texts.
IXL Skills: Compare and contrast in informational texts; Identify text structures
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Directions: Read the informational passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay attention to how the text is organized and how features like headings and sidebars help convey meaning.
The Plastic Problem: Ocean Pollution in the Modern Age

Introduction: A Growing Crisis

Every year, approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters Earth's oceans. To visualize this, imagine a garbage truck dumping its entire load into the ocean every single minute. This constant influx of plastic debris has created what scientists call "garbage patches," massive accumulations of waste floating in the world's major oceans.

By the Numbers:
- 8 million tons: Annual plastic entering oceans
- 5.25 trillion: Estimated plastic pieces in the ocean
- 700+: Marine species affected by plastic pollution

The Impact on Marine Life

Marine animals face multiple threats from plastic pollution. Sea turtles frequently mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey. Seabirds feed plastic fragments to their chicks, filling their stomachs with indigestible material. Even microscopic organisms at the base of the food chain are consuming microplastics, tiny particles that result from larger plastics breaking down over time.

Solutions in Progress

Researchers and activists worldwide are developing strategies to address ocean plastic. Some communities have banned single-use plastics entirely. Others have invested in ocean cleanup technologies, including floating barriers that collect debris without harming marine life. However, experts agree that prevention, rather than cleanup, remains the most effective approach to solving this environmental crisis.

What You Can Do: Reduce single-use plastics, participate in beach cleanups, and support legislation that addresses plastic pollution at its source.
Questions 1-2: Text Features Analysis
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What is the PRIMARY purpose of the "By the Numbers" sidebar in this passage?
A
To provide a summary of the entire article.
B
To explain how plastic pollution can be prevented.
C
To emphasize the scale of the plastic pollution problem with specific data.
D
To describe the different types of marine animals affected by plastic.
Part B
How does the "By the Numbers" sidebar work together with the Introduction section?
A
It contradicts the claims made in the Introduction by providing different statistics.
B
It reinforces the Introduction's description of the crisis with concrete statistical evidence.
C
It shifts focus from the problem to potential solutions.
D
It provides background information that the Introduction assumes readers already know.
Practice this skill on IXL: Compare information from two texts
Questions 3-4: Text Structure Analysis
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the organization of the passage's three main sections (Introduction, Impact, Solutions) help convey meaning?
A
It moves from establishing the problem, to showing its effects, to presenting ways to address it.
B
It compares plastic pollution in different oceans around the world.
C
It presents events in the order they happened historically.
D
It lists different types of plastic in order of how harmful they are.
Part B
Which statement BEST explains why the author placed the "What You Can Do" sidebar at the end of the passage?
A
It was an afterthought that didn't fit in the main text.
B
It needed to be separated because it contains different statistics.
C
It provides definitions of key terms from the passage.
D
It gives readers actionable steps after learning about the problem and solutions.
Practice this skill on IXL: Identify text structures
FAST Success Kit | Grade 6 Daily Reading Practice | Day 6
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.2.1 | Lexile: 990L-1030L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
Back to Daily Reading
← Previous: Day 5 - Figurative Language Next: Day 7 - Author's Purpose →

Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: C - To emphasize the scale of the plastic pollution problem with specific data.
The sidebar provides concrete numbers that help readers understand the magnitude of the problem.
Question 1 Part B: B - It reinforces the Introduction's description of the crisis with concrete statistical evidence.
The sidebar and introduction work together, with the sidebar providing data to support the introduction's claims.
Question 2 Part A: A - It moves from establishing the problem, to showing its effects, to presenting ways to address it.
This problem-effect-solution structure is a common and effective way to present informational content.
Question 2 Part B: D - It gives readers actionable steps after learning about the problem and solutions.
Placing the call to action at the end leverages reader engagement built throughout the passage.