* Learning Goal
Use the text to answer each question. One or two answers may require evidence from more than one sentence. This is practice set 7 of 10.
1 Nonfiction Passage
Read the article and notice the main idea of each paragraph.
The Job of Earthworms
Earthworms are small animals that live in the soil. As they move, they loosen the dirt around plant roots. This helps air and water reach plants more easily.
Earthworms also break down dead leaves and other natural material. That process adds nutrients back into the soil. Rich soil helps gardens and farms grow healthy plants.
Because earthworms help soil stay healthy, many gardeners are glad to find them. People can protect earthworms by avoiding harmful chemicals and keeping soil moist.
2 Text Evidence Questions
Answer with a short response and support it with a detail from the article.
1. What is the main idea of paragraph 1?
2. What detail from paragraph 2 adds to the main idea?
3. What challenge or concern appears in the article?
4. Which detail best supports the article's main point?
5. What action could a person take after reading this article?
3 Think Like a Reader
Use what you read to draw a conclusion.
Conclusion Prompt: Based on "The Job of Earthworms," what might happen if people ignore this topic for a long time?
✦ SBA-Style Reflection
Answer using evidence from your work above. On the state test (Smarter Balanced), you will need to explain your thinking clearly.
Constructed Response: Look at your answers above. Choose one and explain how you decided on your answer. Use at least one detail or example.