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NB Grade 6 English Reading study materials
NB Grade 6 English Reading study resources

NB Grade 6 English Reading practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NB Grade 6 English Reading understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage explains how honeybees find flowers. It states that bees see ultraviolet patterns on petals that humans cannot see. What is the main idea of this passage?

  1. Honeybees live in large colonies.
  2. Humans study insects with special cameras.
  3. Petals come in many bright colors.
  4. Bees use senses humans lack to locate flowers. Correct answer.

Explanation

A main idea sums up the whole point a passage makes, not one small detail. Here every detail supports the idea that bees detect flower signals beyond human senses. The other choices are either minor details or topics the passage does not develop.

Question 2Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'The desert tortoise stores water in its bladder and can survive a year without drinking.' Which detail best supports the idea that the tortoise is suited to dry places?

  1. It has a bladder.
  2. It is a kind of tortoise.
  3. It can survive a year without drinking. Correct answer.
  4. It lives in the desert.

Explanation

Supporting details must directly back up the stated idea. Surviving a full year without drinking shows a clear adaptation to dry conditions. The other options are neutral facts that do not by themselves explain survival in a dry habitat.

Question 3Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A text says: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.' What is the author's main purpose in including this fact?

  1. To show that recycling saves energy Correct answer.
  2. To explain how televisions work
  3. To describe how cans are made
  4. To argue that televisions use too much power

Explanation

Authors choose facts to serve a purpose, and this fact links recycling to saved energy. The television is only a comparison used to make the energy savings concrete. Nothing in the sentence explains television mechanics or can manufacturing.

Question 4Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

In an article, the word 'fragile' appears in this sentence: 'The coral reef is fragile, so even a small change in water temperature can harm it.' What does 'fragile' most likely mean?

  1. Easily damaged Correct answer.
  2. Very colorful
  3. Quickly growing
  4. Deep underwater

Explanation

Context clues show that a small change can harm the reef, which signals weakness or sensitivity. A word meaning easily damaged fits that clue exactly. The other choices describe appearance, location, or growth, none of which the sentence supports.

Question 5Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage lists these steps for cleaning a bird feeder: 1. Empty old seed. 2. Scrub with soapy water. 3. Rinse well. 4. Let it dry fully. Which step comes right after scrubbing with soapy water?

  1. Rinsing well Correct answer.
  2. Emptying old seed
  3. Filling with new seed
  4. Letting it dry fully

Explanation

Sequence questions require tracking the order given in the text. The list places rinsing immediately after scrubbing with soapy water. Emptying comes before scrubbing, and drying comes after rinsing.

Question 6Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A book about volcanoes has a chapter titled 'Ring of Fire.' Based on the title, what will this chapter most likely be about?

  1. Why forests burn in summer
  2. The history of firefighting
  3. A chain of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean Correct answer.
  4. How to build a campfire safely

Explanation

A chapter title in a volcano book should point to related content. The Ring of Fire is a well-known belt of volcanoes and earthquakes around the Pacific. The other choices involve fire in unrelated settings that do not fit the book's topic.

Question 7Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Which sentence from a report is a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Climbing Mount Everest is the best adventure anyone can have.
  2. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain above sea level. Correct answer.
  3. Mount Everest is the most beautiful mountain on Earth.
  4. Everyone should try to see Mount Everest at least once.

Explanation

A fact can be checked and proven true or false, while an opinion expresses a personal judgment. Height above sea level is measurable, so that statement is a fact. The other sentences use value words like beautiful, best, and should, which show personal views.

Question 8Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A paragraph begins: 'Unlike lions, which hunt in groups, tigers usually hunt alone.' What text structure does this sentence use?

  1. Compare and contrast Correct answer.
  2. Chronological order
  3. Cause and effect
  4. Problem and solution

Explanation

The signal word unlike sets up a difference between two animals, which is comparison and contrast. Cause and effect would need a reason and result, order would need time words, and problem and solution would need a difficulty and a fix.

Question 9Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage states: 'Because beavers build dams, wetlands form behind them. These wetlands provide homes for fish and birds.' What is the effect of beavers building dams?

  1. Beavers eat more fish.
  2. Birds build the dams instead.
  3. The river water becomes salty.
  4. Wetlands form and shelter wildlife. Correct answer.

Explanation

Cause and effect links an action to its result, often signaled by words like because. The passage says dams cause wetlands to form, and those wetlands shelter fish and birds. The other choices add information the text never states.

Question 10Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. They produce no pollution while running. However, making the panels creates some waste.' What does the word 'However' signal?

  1. A contrast with the previous point Correct answer.
  2. A cause of the previous point
  3. An example of the previous point
  4. A repetition of the previous point

Explanation

Transition words guide readers through relationships between ideas. However introduces information that balances or opposes what came before, here a drawback after benefits. It does not introduce an example, a cause, or a restatement.

Question 11Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about plastic waste says: 'Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean.' The author then urges readers to use reusable bags. What is the author's purpose?

  1. To persuade readers to reduce plastic use Correct answer.
  2. To describe the history of shopping bags
  3. To entertain readers with a funny story
  4. To teach readers how to fish

Explanation

When an author presents a problem and then calls for action, the purpose is usually persuasion. The fact about ocean plastic supports the request to use reusable bags. Entertainment, fishing instruction, and bag history are not supported by the content.

Question 12Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'Some bats eat insects, some eat fruit, and a few even drink nectar from flowers.' Which statement best summarizes this sentence?

  1. Bats never eat fruit.
  2. All bats eat insects.
  3. Bats only drink nectar.
  4. Bats eat a variety of foods. Correct answer.

Explanation

A summary captures the overall point without adding or dropping key information. The sentence lists several different bat diets, so variety is the accurate summary. The other choices either overgeneralize or contradict the listed foods.

Question 13Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

In a text, the word 'nocturnal' appears: 'Owls are nocturnal, hunting at night and sleeping during the day.' What does 'nocturnal' mean?

  1. Living in trees
  2. Able to fly
  3. Very large
  4. Active at night Correct answer.

Explanation

Definitions can often be found in the same sentence as the unknown word. The phrase hunting at night and sleeping during the day defines nocturnal directly. Tree living, flight, and size are not supported by the context clue.

Question 14Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A text says: 'The city planted 500 trees last spring. By summer, the temperature on those streets was three degrees cooler than on streets without trees.' What conclusion do these details support?

  1. Trees grow quickly in spring.
  2. Trees can lower street temperatures. Correct answer.
  3. Summer is cooler than spring.
  4. The city has too many trees.

Explanation

A valid conclusion follows logically from the stated details. Comparing cooler streets with trees to warmer streets without them points to trees as the cause of lower temperatures. The other choices go beyond what the data show.

Question 15Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage describes a school garden program. It includes the sentence: 'Students who gardened were more willing to try new vegetables in the cafeteria.' What kind of evidence is this?

  1. A rule for planting seeds
  2. A result of the program Correct answer.
  3. A description of the cafeteria menu
  4. A cost of building the garden

Explanation

Evidence in informational text often reports outcomes that show whether a program worked. Greater willingness to try vegetables is an outcome of gardening. Seed rules, menu details, and costs are different kinds of information not given here.

Question 16Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article states: 'Most scientists agree that the climate is warming.' Which word in the sentence shows the author is careful about the claim?

  1. climate
  2. Most Correct answer.
  3. agree
  4. warming

Explanation

Qualifying words show how strong or limited a claim is. Most signals that the statement is not absolute, leaving room for a few exceptions. The other words carry the topic and action but do not limit the claim.

Question 17Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'Unlike frogs, which lay eggs in water, some tropical frogs lay eggs on damp leaves.' Which statement is true according to the passage?

  1. Some tropical frogs do not lay eggs in water. Correct answer.
  2. Frogs never lay eggs in water.
  3. Tropical frogs do not lay eggs.
  4. All frogs lay eggs on leaves.

Explanation

Accurate reading of a comparison requires keeping track of which group does what. The passage says most frogs use water but some tropical frogs use damp leaves instead. The other choices wrongly extend or reverse the information.

Question 18Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A text includes a diagram showing the parts of a flower with labels for petal, stamen, and pistil. Why would an author include this diagram?

  1. To tell a story about a garden
  2. To help readers understand flower parts visually Correct answer.
  3. To persuade readers to grow flowers
  4. To list the prices of seeds

Explanation

Graphics in informational text usually clarify information that is hard to picture from words alone. A labeled diagram of flower parts helps readers see and understand the structure. Persuasion, storytelling, and pricing are not purposes of a labeled diagram.

Question 19Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Two articles discuss homework. Article A says homework improves study habits and cites a study of 200 students. Article B says homework causes stress and cites one parent's opinion. Which article gives stronger evidence?

  1. Article A, because it is shorter
  2. Article B, because it quotes a parent
  3. Article A, because it uses a larger study Correct answer.
  4. Article B, because it is about stress

Explanation

Strong evidence is based on data from many people rather than a single personal view. A study of 200 students is broader and more reliable than one parent's opinion. Length and topic do not determine the strength of evidence.

Question 20Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'The Amazon rain forest produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide. It is also home to millions of species.' Which idea do both sentences support?

  1. The rain forest has few animals.
  2. The rain forest is smaller than a desert.
  3. The rain forest is valuable to the planet. Correct answer.
  4. The rain forest is easy to protect.

Explanation

When several details point to the same larger idea, that idea is the main point. Producing oxygen and sheltering species both show why the rain forest matters. The other choices are not supported and sometimes contradict the text.

Question 21Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A writer says: 'Wind power is clean and cheap. Yet some people object to turbines because they can harm birds.' What does the writer's use of 'Yet' show?

  1. The writer is presenting a balanced view. Correct answer.
  2. The writer has no opinion on the topic.
  3. The writer thinks wind power is useless.
  4. The writer believes birds are unimportant.

Explanation

Acknowledging an opposing point after stating benefits signals balance. The writer gives both advantages and concerns rather than hiding one side. This does not mean the writer rejects wind power or dismisses the concern.

Question 22Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article claims: 'Because one student improved after using a new study app, all students should use it.' What is the weakness in this reasoning?

  1. It relies on a large scientific study.
  2. It draws a broad conclusion from a single case. Correct answer.
  3. It gives no opinion at all.
  4. It uses too many examples.

Explanation

Sound reasoning needs enough evidence to support the size of the claim. One student's success cannot support a recommendation for everyone. The other choices misdescribe the argument by claiming too many examples, a strong study, or no opinion.

Question 23Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The company says its new packaging is eco-friendly. However, it contains a thin layer of plastic that most recycling centers cannot process.' What does the second sentence do?

  1. It repeats the claim in different words.
  2. It gives an example supporting the claim.
  3. It challenges the claim made in the first sentence. Correct answer.
  4. It explains how recycling centers work.

Explanation

The second sentence provides a fact that conflicts with the eco-friendly label. The word however signals this challenge to the company's claim. It is not a repetition, a supporting example, or an explanation of recycling centers.

Question 24Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage about a new bike lane states: 'Traffic on the main road dropped by 12 percent after the lane opened.' A reader wonders whether the bike lane caused the drop. Which additional information would best help answer that question?

  1. How many people own bicycles
  2. How much the bike lane cost to build
  3. What color the bike lane was painted
  4. Whether traffic was already falling before the lane opened Correct answer.

Explanation

To judge cause and effect, readers need to rule out other explanations. Knowing whether traffic was already declining helps show whether the lane made the difference. Cost, color, and bike ownership do not explain the change in traffic.

Question 25Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage explains how honeybees find food. It says bees perform a 'waggle dance' that tells other bees the direction and distance of flowers. What is the main purpose of this passage?

  1. To persuade readers to keep bees in their gardens
  2. To describe how bees share information about food Correct answer.
  3. To compare honeybees with other insects
  4. To tell a story about a bee named Waggle

Explanation

The passage focuses on explaining a natural process: how bees communicate the location of food through the waggle dance. Informational text that explains how something works has the purpose of describing or informing.

Question 26Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this sentence: 'Many desert plants store water in thick stems, which lets them survive long dry spells.' What does the word 'survive' mean as used here?

  1. To hide safely
  2. To stay alive Correct answer.
  3. To travel quickly
  4. To grow taller

Explanation

In context, the sentence says stored water helps plants live through long dry periods. The meaning that fits is staying alive, since the water enables the plants to keep living.

Question 27Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage about recycling says: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.' Why does the author most likely include this detail?

  1. To warn readers that televisions use too much power
  2. To explain how televisions are built
  3. To describe the history of aluminum cans
  4. To show that recycling saves a surprising amount of energy Correct answer.

Explanation

The detail connects a small action, recycling a can, to a large result, hours of television power. Authors include such concrete examples to make the benefit of recycling clear and memorable.

Question 28Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A text begins: 'First, gather your materials. Next, cut the paper into strips. Then, weave the strips together. Finally, glue the ends down.' What kind of text structure is this?

  1. Problem and solution
  2. Cause and effect
  3. Sequence Correct answer.
  4. Compare and contrast

Explanation

The words 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally' signal steps in an order. Text organized by steps in time uses a sequence structure.

Question 29Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A paragraph states: 'Some birds, such as penguins, cannot fly. Instead, their strong wings work like flippers to help them swim.' What is the main idea of the paragraph?

  1. Some birds use their wings for swimming instead of flying Correct answer.
  2. All birds are excellent swimmers
  3. Penguins are the largest of all birds
  4. Most birds cannot fly at all

Explanation

The paragraph explains that penguins cannot fly but use their wings to swim. The main idea is that some birds use wings for swimming rather than flight.

Question 30Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A heading in an article reads: 'How to Save Water at Home.' Which sentence would most likely appear under this heading?

  1. Water covers about seventy percent of Earth's surface.
  2. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save many gallons. Correct answer.
  3. The water cycle includes evaporation and condensation.
  4. Rivers carry sediment downstream over many years.

Explanation

A heading about saving water at home predicts practical tips for using less water in daily life. The sentence about turning off the tap is a tip that fits that heading.

Question 31Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The museum's new exhibit opened on Saturday. More than 2,000 visitors came in the first day.' Which statement is a fact from these sentences?

  1. The exhibit is the best in the city
  2. The museum should stay open later
  3. Everyone loved the new exhibit
  4. The exhibit opened on Saturday Correct answer.

Explanation

A fact is a statement that can be checked and proven true or false. The opening day is a detail that can be verified, while the other statements are judgments or opinions.

Question 32Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'Unlike a bicycle, a car has an engine and uses fuel.' What does the word 'unlike' signal in this sentence?

  1. A step in a process
  2. A cause of an event
  3. A solution to a problem
  4. A difference between two things Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'unlike' introduces a contrast, pointing out how one thing differs from another. Here it highlights that a car has features a bicycle lacks.

Question 33Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article explains that some cities are adding 'green roofs,' which are gardens planted on top of buildings. The article says green roofs keep buildings cooler in summer. What is one benefit of green roofs described in the article?

  1. They make buildings taller
  2. They replace all windows
  3. They help keep buildings cooler Correct answer.
  4. They stop all rain from falling

Explanation

The article directly states that green roofs keep buildings cooler in summer. Identifying a stated benefit means locating the detail in the text that names an advantage.

Question 34Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The team practiced every day. As a result, they won the championship game.' What relationship does 'as a result' show between the two sentences?

  1. Sequence of steps
  2. Cause and effect Correct answer.
  3. Comparison
  4. Description of a place

Explanation

'As a result' links an action to its outcome, showing that daily practice led to winning. This is a cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 35Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A writer states: 'Our school should start later because studies show teens need more sleep.' Which sentence best supports this opinion?

  1. Many students play sports after school.
  2. The school day currently ends at three o'clock.
  3. Research found that teens who start school later get more rest. Correct answer.
  4. Our school has a large gym and a new library.

Explanation

A supporting sentence gives evidence that backs up the opinion. The research about later start times and more rest directly supports the claim about needing more sleep.

Question 36Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'The volcano had been quiet for a hundred years. Then, in one week, scientists recorded hundreds of small earthquakes beneath it.' What do the small earthquakes most likely suggest?

  1. The volcano may be waking up Correct answer.
  2. The volcano is completely safe
  3. The scientists made a mistake
  4. The volcano has stopped forever

Explanation

A reader can combine clues: a long-quiet volcano plus many small quakes suggests rising activity. Drawing a conclusion from combined details is a key informational reading skill.

Question 37Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The bridge was built in 1932. Engineers inspect it every two years to check for cracks and rust.' What is the main purpose of the inspections?

  1. To attract more drivers
  2. To make the bridge look newer
  3. To make sure the bridge stays safe Correct answer.
  4. To record the bridge's history

Explanation

Checking for cracks and rust is a way to find damage before it causes problems. The stated purpose of the inspections is to keep the bridge safe.

Question 38Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A text says: 'The rainforest is often called the lungs of the planet. Its trees release oxygen and soak up carbon dioxide.' Which phrase best explains why the rainforest is called the 'lungs of the planet'?

  1. It is located near a large hospital
  2. It helps clean and refresh the air Correct answer.
  3. It produces a loud breathing sound
  4. It is shaped like a pair of lungs

Explanation

The comparison to lungs connects to breathing and clean air. Since the text says trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, the nickname refers to helping clean the air.

Question 39Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article about homework says: 'Students who did 30 minutes of homework each night scored higher on a math test than students who did none.' What can a reader reasonably conclude?

  1. Homework always lowers test scores
  2. Math tests should be banned
  3. Students should never do homework
  4. Some homework may help math scores Correct answer.

Explanation

The data compares two groups and shows higher scores with some homework. A careful reader concludes that a modest amount of homework may help, without overstating the result.

Question 40Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The company says its bottles are made from plants. However, the bottles still take many years to break down in a landfill.' What does the word 'However' show about the second sentence?

  1. It gives an example of the first sentence
  2. It points out a limit of the first claim Correct answer.
  3. It proves the first sentence is false
  4. It repeats the first sentence

Explanation

'However' signals a contrast, so the second sentence introduces information that qualifies the first. It shows that being plant-based does not solve the breakdown problem.

Question 41Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage describes two kinds of bridges: beam bridges and suspension bridges. It explains how each is built and where each works best. How is this passage organized?

  1. Problem and solution
  2. Chronological order
  3. Compare and contrast Correct answer.
  4. Cause and effect

Explanation

The passage presents two types of bridges and explains their features and best uses. Discussing similarities and differences between two things is a compare-and-contrast structure.

Question 42Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A writer says: 'Our town should build more bike paths. In a survey, 78 percent of residents said they would bike more often if safe paths existed.' How does the writer support the opinion?

  1. By citing survey results Correct answer.
  2. By quoting a famous athlete
  3. By telling a personal story
  4. By describing the weather

Explanation

The writer uses a statistic from a survey to back the claim about bike paths. Numbers from a survey are a form of evidence that supports an opinion.

Question 43Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'The old library had dusty shelves and creaky floors. The new one has bright windows and quiet study rooms.' Which sentence best states the main idea?

  1. The floors in both libraries are noisy
  2. The new library has no books
  3. The old library was dangerous
  4. The library has changed for the better Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage contrasts an old, worn library with a newer, brighter one. The overall idea is that the library has improved.

Question 44Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article states: 'Scientists estimate there may be more than a million species in the ocean that no one has discovered yet.' Which word shows the author is not certain?

  1. estimate Correct answer.
  2. discovered
  3. ocean
  4. species

Explanation

The word 'estimate' signals a calculated guess rather than an exact fact. When authors use such words, they show that a figure is approximate or uncertain.

Question 45Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A passage says: 'The town planted trees along Main Street. Shoppers said the street felt cooler and more welcoming. Store owners reported more visitors.' What is the best summary of these sentences?

  1. Trees are difficult to plant in towns
  2. Shoppers dislike shopping on Main Street
  3. Store owners want to remove the trees
  4. Planting trees on Main Street had several positive effects Correct answer.

Explanation

A good summary states the main point in a few words. The sentences list positive results of planting trees, so the summary should capture that overall benefit.

Question 46Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Two texts discuss school uniforms. Text A says uniforms reduce distractions and cites a school survey. Text B says uniforms limit self-expression and cites student interviews. What is the main difference between the two texts?

  1. They both oppose school uniforms
  2. They reach different conclusions using different evidence Correct answer.
  3. They both ignore students' views
  4. They both use the same evidence

Explanation

Each text takes a different side and supports it with a different kind of evidence. Comparing how two texts argue shows how evidence and viewpoint shape conclusions.

Question 47Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

A report says: 'The new park reduced flooding because its soil soaked up rainwater that once ran into streets.' Which statement best explains the cause-and-effect relationship?

  1. The streets flooded because the park was built
  2. The park was built to make the streets busier
  3. Rainwater increased after the park opened
  4. Absorbent soil in the park led to less street flooding Correct answer.

Explanation

The report connects the park's soil absorbing rainwater to a drop in street flooding. Identifying the cause and the effect shows how the parts of the text relate.

Question 48Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

An article says: 'The company claims its new lightbulb lasts ten years. The company also sells the lightbulb.' Why might a reader question the claim?

  1. Ten years is longer than a year
  2. The company could profit from praising its own product Correct answer.
  3. The lightbulb is too cheap to work
  4. The company does not make lightbulbs

Explanation

When a source benefits from a claim, readers should consider whether that creates bias. Because the company profits from sales, its praise of the bulb may be less reliable.

Question 49Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read: 'Some people think spiders are insects. In fact, spiders have eight legs and two body parts, while insects have six legs and three body parts.' What is the author's main purpose in this passage?

  1. To explain where spiders live
  2. To correct a common misunderstanding about spiders Correct answer.
  3. To describe how spiders build webs
  4. To persuade readers to fear spiders

Explanation

The passage names a common belief and then gives facts that show why it is wrong. Correcting a misconception is its central purpose.

Question 50Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read this passage: 'Bees do more than make honey. As they move from flower to flower, they carry pollen. This pollen helps plants produce fruit and seeds. Without bees, many of the fruits and vegetables people eat would be much harder to grow.' What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Bees make honey that people collect and sell.
  2. Bees travel from one flower to another during the day.
  3. Bees are the only insects that carry pollen between plants.
  4. Bees help plants reproduce, which matters for the food people eat. Correct answer.

Explanation

The main idea is the big point the whole passage supports, not one small detail. Here every sentence builds toward the idea that bees carry pollen so plants can make fruit and seeds, and that this affects the food people eat. The honey sentence is only an opening detail, and the passage does not claim bees are the only pollen carriers.