Museum Visit
Reading · 45 minutes
Reading texts
The Tiny Fossil
Imogen expected the dinosaur skeleton to be her favourite exhibit, but a tiny fossil in a drawer changed her mind. It showed the print of a leaf smaller than her thumb. The guide explained that small clues can tell big stories about ancient places. Imogen sketched the fossil carefully in her notebook.
Museum Map Tips
A museum map can help visitors plan a route. Start by finding the entrance, toilets and information desk. Then look for numbered galleries. Some maps use colours for different topics, such as science, history or art. A legend explains the symbols used on the map.
Please Slow Down
Museums are better when visitors slow down. Rushing past glass cases means missing small details, labels and questions. Choose three exhibits and spend time with each one. You may notice a pattern, a material or a story you would otherwise miss.
Questions
Text: The Tiny Fossil
What did the tiny fossil show?
Answer and explanation
Answer: the print of a small leaf
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Small museum objects can reveal important information.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
In this text, what does 'exhibit' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: an object shown in a museum
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Imogen becomes interested in careful observation.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to entertain and inform
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: expectation, discovery and reflection
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: The Tiny Fossil
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 Tiny Fossil
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Small museum objects can reveal important information.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Museum Map Tips
What explains the symbols on a museum map?
Answer and explanation
Answer: a legend
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: Museum Map Tips
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Museum maps help visitors move around and understand spaces.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: Museum Map Tips
In this text, what does 'route' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: a path from one place to another
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: Museum Map Tips
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Planning can save visitors time.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: Museum Map Tips
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to give practical information
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: Museum Map Tips
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: steps and examples
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: Museum Map Tips
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: Museum Map Tips
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Museum maps help visitors move around and understand spaces.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Please Slow Down
How many exhibits does the writer suggest choosing?
Answer and explanation
Answer: three
This detail is stated directly in the text.
Text: Please Slow Down
Which sentence best states the main idea?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Visitors should slow down to notice more.
The main idea covers the whole text, not just one small detail.
Text: Please Slow Down
In this text, what does 'otherwise' mean?
Answer and explanation
Answer: if not
The surrounding words help show the meaning in context.
Text: Please Slow Down
Which inference is best supported by the text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: Looking carefully can improve learning.
This inference combines a text clue with sensible background knowledge.
Text: Please Slow Down
What is the main purpose of this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: to persuade
The language and structure show why the text was written.
Text: Please Slow Down
Which structure best describes this text?
Answer and explanation
Answer: opinion, reason and suggestion
The parts of the text are organised in this way.
Text: Please Slow Down
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: Please Slow Down
Write one sentence explaining what this text helps the reader understand.
Answer and explanation
Answer: Visitors should slow down to notice more.
A strong answer should include the overall idea of the text in the student's own words.
Text: Museum Visit
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: Museum Visit
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
Original Pi Leo Academy reading texts and questions. This is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACARA, NAPLAN or VCAA.