Weather Watch
Reading · 45 minutes
Reading texts
The Sudden Change
The oval was bright when the relay began, but a cool wind crossed the grass before the final lap. Ella saw the flags snap towards the gym. 'Pack the score sheets,' she called. Moments later, rain rattled across the roof. Her team squeezed under the verandah, laughing at their lucky escape.
Reading a Weather Chart
Weather charts use symbols to show conditions quickly. A cloud with drops means rain, while a number beside a degree symbol shows temperature. Wind arrows show the direction the wind is moving. Always check the chart key, because symbols can change between websites.
Rain Song
Rain taps tin,
slides down glass,
threads silver lines
through playground grass.
Shoes squeak home,
skies turn bright,
puddles hold
the afternoon light.
Questions
Text: The Sudden Change
What warned Ella that the weather was changing?
Answer and explanation
Answer: the flags snapped towards the gym
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: The Sudden Change
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Ella notices weather signs and acts quickly.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: The Sudden Change
In this text, what does 'rattled' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: made quick sharp sounds
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: The Sudden Change
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Ella is alert and responsible.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: The Sudden Change
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to entertain
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: The Sudden Change
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: setting, warning, action and result
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: The Sudden Change
Which kind of meaning is needed to answer the detail question?
Answer and explanation
Answer: literal meaning
The answer is directly stated in the text.
Text: The Sudden Change
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Ella notices weather signs and acts quickly.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Why should readers check the chart key?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Symbols can change between websites.
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Weather chart symbols help readers understand conditions.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
In this text, what does 'symbol' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: a sign or picture that represents something
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: The same picture may not mean the same thing everywhere.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to explain visual information
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: examples and advice
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Which kind of meaning is needed to answer the detail question?
Answer and explanation
Answer: literal meaning
The answer is directly stated in the text.
Text: Reading a Weather Chart
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Weather chart symbols help readers understand conditions.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Rain Song
Where does the rain slide?
Answer and explanation
Answer: down glass
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: Rain Song
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: The poem creates images of rain around school.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: Rain Song
In this text, what does 'threads' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: moves in thin lines
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: Rain Song
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: The speaker notices small visual details.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: Rain Song
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to create a mood and image
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: Rain Song
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: short lines with sound and imagery
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: Rain Song
Which kind of meaning is needed to answer the detail question?
Answer and explanation
Answer: literal meaning
The answer is directly stated in the text.
Text: Rain Song
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: The poem creates images of rain around school.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Weather Watch
Which feature helps show that the texts have different purposes?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Their text types and structures are different.
Different text types use different features to suit their purpose and audience.
Text: Weather Watch
Name one idea that connects at least two texts in this paper.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Answers will vary but should name a shared idea from the texts.
A suitable answer links two texts using a shared topic, idea, setting or purpose.
Curriculum links
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