READING COMPREHENSION FOR 11°

ACTIVITY
Read the texts and answer the questions about them.

Reading A

Scientists have known for a long time that vitamin D is essential for humans. If children have a vitamin D or calcium deficiency, they can develop rickets, a softening of the bones. New studies are showing that people of all ages need vitamin D to help them fight off diseases by keeping their immune systems strong.

1. The main idea of this paragraph is that vitamin D _______.

a. is found in milk
b. has been studied by scientists
c. is no secret
d. is important for good health

2. If something is essential, it is _______.

a. harmful
b. expensive
c. dreadful
d. needed

3. When you have a deficiency of something, you _______.

a. have all you need
b. do not have enough
c. look like an onion
d. are rich

Our bodies can make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. However, it’s best to eat a diet that is rich in the vitamin.

4. The remainder of the above incomplete paragraph probably goes on to _______. (Remember that every paragraph should have a single main idea.)

a. say why vitamin C is also important
b. explain why you should brush your teeth after eating beetles
c. give some examples of foods that are rich in vitamin D
d. say which diseases might be prevented by vitamin D

5. Which statement is false?

a. Some foods contain vitamin D.
b. Our bodies can use sunlight to make vitamin D.
c. Some people don’t have to get vitamin D from food.
d. If you’re a child, you will definitely get rickets if you don’t play in the sun.

6. Write the main idea about the paragraph

Reading B

Carson’s older sister, Madison, is a very good student. She isn’t satisfied to just get by in school. She’s involved in extra activities including band and the Good Citizens Club.

1. Which statement is not supported by the paragraph. (It may or may not be factual.)

a. Music is part of Madison’s school experience.
b. Madison is a straight A student.
c. Carson is younger than Madison.
d. Madison is a member of at least one club.

2. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?

a. Madison was born before Carson.
b. Madison likes music.
c. Madison is a very good student.
d. Madison is cruel and unusual.



Almost every day after school, Madison and Carson have fun at the local winter sports facility. Carson glides down the mountainside without ever losing his balance. Madison has a different style. She often soars into the air, lands in various twisted positions, and waits for her snowboard to join her on the ground.

3. From this paragraph, we can conclude that _______

a. Carson prefers skiing to snowboarding.
b. Madison and Carson do not live in Florida.
c. Madison is as graceful as a swan.
d. It never snows in Vermont.

4. The selection informs us that _______

a. Madison doesn’t like winter sports because she always falls.
b. Carson owns a plane.
c. Madison loves tennis.
d. Both Carson and Madison enjoy their time on the snowy slopes.