Section Sleuths

Subheading Question:

Subsection C Main Idea:

Comprehension Check: Uniform Options

4. Which statement BEST expresses the main idea of Subsection B ("Living Lanterns in the Murk")?

A) Hatchetfish have photophores on their bellies that produce chemical light.

B) Twilight zone animals use bioluminescence for camouflage, defense, and hunting in dim water.

C) Ninety percent of marine animals live in complete darkness below 1,000 feet.

D) Predators look up at the ocean surface to hunt for shadows.

5. Why did the author include subheadings in this article?

A) To make the font size appear larger and take up more space on the page.

B) To separate distinct adaptations and behaviors of twilight zone organisms.

C) To introduce vocabulary terms that have nothing to do with deep-sea biology.

D) To prove that deep sea fish are more dangerous than surface animals.

Section Sleuths • Student Practice Sheet Page 2 of 2

Instructional Sentence Stems

"Sentence X is just one proof point, but the overall message of the entire subsection is that..."

Sundews (Drosera) employ a sticky flypaper strategy to capture insects. The leaves are covered in hundreds of crimson stalks tipped with droplets of glistening mucilage that resemble sweet morning dew. Unsuspecting flies land to drink, only to be glued fast. As the insect struggles frantically, nearby tentacles bend inward over several hours, wrapping the victim in a web of acidic enzymes that dissolve the insect's tissues.

Subsection C Main Idea:

Two Supporting Details:

Detail Trap Evaluation

4. A student claims the main idea of Subsection B is: "A Venus flytrap snaps shut in one-tenth of a second." Why is this claim INCORRECT?

A) It is an incorrect scientific fact that the author never mentioned in the text.

B) It is a single supporting detail about speed, not the overall explanation of how the trap senses and captures prey.

C) It describes the pitcher plant rather than the Venus flytrap.

D) It gives the author's personal opinion instead of providing objective evidence.

5. What do the main ideas of Subsection A, B, and C all have in common?

A) Each subsection explains a different physical mechanism plants use to catch prey.

B) Each subsection argues that carnivorous plants should be kept as indoor houseplants.

C) Each subsection proves that bog plants absorb nitrogen through their underground roots.

D) Each subsection describes how insects protect themselves from dangerous leaves.

Section Sleuths • Student Practice Sheet Page 2 of 2

Students can clearly explain the structural hierarchy: Text Central Idea → Subsection Main Ideas → Supporting Facts and Details.

1. Which statement best synthesizes the central idea of the entire article?

A) Street trees provide shade that lowers summer pavement temperatures.

B) City trees solve severe urban environmental problems by cooling streets, absorbing stormwater, and purifying air.

C) Falling raindrops can cause city basements to flood during severe storms.

D) Vehicle exhausts release nitrogen dioxide and ozone into city air.

2. How do the three subsections work together to support the author's primary purpose?

A) Each subsection provides a distinct real-world benefit that proves trees engineer healthier cities.

B) Each subsection argues that modern asphalt and concrete buildings should be torn down.

C) Each subsection compares street trees to farm crops planted in rural areas.

D) Each subsection explains how city leaders decide which neighborhoods receive funding.

Section Sleuths • Student Practice Sheet Page 2 of 2