Reading MS. Ngan

Nonfiction: Animals
Name Date
Warm-Up 1
June Bugs
Have you ever seen a metallic green bug buzzing around in the summertime? You were probably
looking at a June bug. June bugs get their name because they emerge as adults at the beginning of
summer. It takes a year for a June bug to complete its full life cycle.
A June bug is an insect with six legs and is usually about 15 to 22 cm long. It has a dull, metallic-green
body with wings. Its underside is light brown or black. The June bug is part of the beetle (coleopteran)
family. This beetle can be found all over the United States, but it is prominent in the northeastern
states. The beetle loves to feed on ripening fruit. They will gather in clusters and eat ripened apples,
peaches, pears, or any other fruit. When the beetle is still a grub, it will feed on decaying matter, grass,
and other plants. These grubs will also go underground to eat plants such as sweet potatoes and carrots.
In the past, a fun summer activity for many children was to catch June bugs. Children would tie a
string to one of the legs and then let the June bug fly around while holding the string. This provided
hours of entertainment for children. Some children still participate in this activity today.
Story Questions
1.According to this reading passage, why would someone want to catch a June bug?
a. They are trying to keep the June bug from eating their plants.
b. The June bug can bring good luck.
c. The June bug can provide entertainment.
d. The June bug likes to live in captivity.
2. This passage is mostly about . . .
a. protecting your lawn and fruit trees from June bugs.
b. good extermination practices.
c. the anatomy of a June bug.
d. general information about June bugs.
3. According to the passage, what do adult June bugs eat?
a. They eat seeds and seedlings.
b. They eat ripening fruit.
c. They feed on the grass.
d. They dig underground to eat sweet potatoes and carrots.
4. How did the June bug get its name?
a. It is named after the famous first lady June Cleveland.
b. It is a cousin to the ladybug.
c. It lays its eggs in June.
d. It is an adult beetle in the summer months.
©Teacher Created Resources, Inc. 9 #3491 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading

Nonfiction: Animals
Name Date
Warm-Up 2
The ArmaDillo
The armadillo is probably one of the most unusual-looking animals. It looks a lot like the dinosaurs
that used to walk the Earth. Armadillos can live in many places throughout the United States and other
parts of the world, but they are most prominent in the state of Texas.
The armadillo has a very tough shell with bands of very strong tissue. These bands are able to slide
over each other, which allows the armadillo to roll up like a ball. This is how the armadillo is able
to protect itself. It is like the armadillo is protected by a shield of armor. Most animals are unable to
break through this tough skin. An armadillo lives in a burrow that it digs itself. The armadillo has
to live in places where the dirt is easy to dig; otherwise, it cannot dig itself a home. They have very
strong claws that help them dig.
The armadillo’s main diet is insects. They eat ants, termites, beetles, grubs, worms, and other small
insects. These animals are also known for their strange behavior. If an armadillo is startled, it will
jump into the air. Sometimes it will even jump three feet high! It also makes a squealing sound.
Armadillos are interesting animals!
Story Questions
1.A good title for this reading passage would be . . .
a. “The Armadillo State.” c. “The Basics of the Armadillo.”
b. “Locating an Armadillo.” d. “The Squeal of an Armadillo.”
2. After reading the passage, what can you guess is one similarity between an armadillo and
an anteater?
a. They both live in Texas. c. They both squeal.
b. They both eat ants. d. They both jump in the air when startled.
3. The author wrote this passage to . . .
a. justify keeping armadillos in captivity.
b. inform the reader of how armadillos are mistreated.
c. share general information about armadillos.
d. raise awareness of the shrinking armadillo population.
4. If you wanted to find out more about armadillos, you could . . .
a. read a book about how armadillos dig their burrows.
b. watch a television program about insects.
c. meet somebody who lives in Texas.
d. watch a television program about the different types of armadillo.
#3491 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading 10 ©Teacher Created Resources, Inc.

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Nonfiction: Animals

©Teacher Created Resources, Inc. 9 #3491 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading

#3491 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading 10 ©Teacher Created Resources, Inc.

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