Trail Blazers. Section C: Reading

Transcription

1 Trail Blazers Welcome to Algonquin Provincial Park. My name is Lien; I ll be your guide today. Tyler watched as Lien attached a compass to the outside of her backpack and then slung the bag over her shoulder. Hi, she said, turning her head toward Tyler. Have you ever been to Algonquin before? No, he responded. Don t worry, Lien assured him, I ll teach the entire group everything beginners need to know. Tyler turned to his dad, This might be OK after all. His dad chuckled, pausing as Lien began to address the group. In 1893 Algonquin Park was established as a wildlife sanctuary. In other words, Algonquin is here to protect wildlife and allow many varieties of species to live in their natural habitat. Tyler s dad put up his hand and Lien nodded her head in acknowledgement. What did the wildlife have to be protected against? he asked. The headwaters of the five major rivers in the park which are home to many of the animals here needed to be protected from agricultural development. No farming can be done in Algonquin, but the park has become a very important environmental research centre, she answered. Shall we venture out? Lien s question got the group of seven excited. They followed their guide. Today we will explore the Spruce Bog Trail. It is a one-and-a-half-kilometre trail and one of 14 shorter day trails we offer. As you become more experienced, you can try one of the backpacking or overnight trails or a trail especially for skiing, biking or dog sledding. Overnight? Tyler s curiosity had prompted him to ask. Lien smiled and said, The best times to observe wildlife are early in the morning and late in the evening. Backpacking trips allow you to experience both prime times. He looked at his watch. It flashed 3:47 p.m. on his wrist. He was disappointed. How will we get to see anything today? There is still activity during the day, Lien explained as she bent down and reached into her backpack. There are also some great tools we can use and specific places we can Student Booklet: Language 2 3

2 Grade 6, Spring 2012 look. She triumphantly pulled a pair of black binoculars out of her bag and held them over her head. Tyler elbowed his dad and whispered, Did we bring the pair we borrowed from Mr. Brown? Tyler s dad silently felt through their camping bag while Lien explained how important it was to respect the animals and plants in the park and use binoculars to keep a safe and respectful distance. He held the binoculars up and Tyler placed them to his eyes. He spotted something: a bird in a nearby tree. Lien! He was excited. He tried to keep his voice down so he would not scare the bird away. I think I found something. The other hikers looked into the trees where Tyler s binoculars were pointed. That s a Grey Jay you ve spotted, Lien told the group. Grey Jays are very social birds, often seen during the day. The Grey Jay is one of the few birds that stays in the park over the winter. Algonquin is home to 272 species of birds. Lien waited until everyone in the group had taken a turn looking at the bird through binoculars, and then she led them down the path to a bog. Bogs, or any wet swampy areas, are preferred homes to many species in Algonquin. She pointed to a fallen log on the side of the bog closest to the group. We re lucky enough to see turtles today, she said. What about snakes? Are there any poisonous ones? asked Tyler s dad. There are nine species of snakes, Lien replied. Don t worry, none are venomous. She sipped her water. Make sure you stay hydrated, she advised the group. Bogs are also home to creatures like salamanders, frogs and toads. She motioned with her hand for the group to continue down the path. Why is Algonquin important? Tyler asked as he caught up to Lien. Lien thought for a moment before she said: Algonquin isn t the same as a zoo. It s important to see nature and wildlife naturally. We can all learn from Algonquin; it s vital that we do and crucial that we protect nature and our wildlife to preserve the experience for future generations. Tyler smiled. I think I understand now Written for EQAO. Turtle photo courtesy of Record News EMC. 4 Student Booklet: Language 2

3 Why is farming not allowed in Algonquin Park? a The area has too many rivers. b The wildlife habitats may be altered. c The many birds would destroy the crops. d The different hiking trails would be blocked. The information in paragraph 10 shows that Lien a hikes the Spruce Bog trail daily. b enjoys the overnight backpacking. c is experienced at locating new trails in the park. d is familiar with what Algonquin Park has to offer. What does Lien suggest is the advantage of overnight backpacking trips in Algonquin Park? a People can be on their own in the forest. b All of the trails in the park are accessible. c There is an opportunity to sleep in the woods. d Animals can be seen when they are most active. In paragraph 6, what does the word address refer to? a the location of the park b Lien speaking to the group c the hikers asking questions d Lien gathering up the hikers In paragraph 12, what does the word prime mean? a late b c ideal d early Student Booklet: Language 2 5

4 Grade 6, Spring 2012 In paragraph 13, why is Tyler disappointed? a Time is running out and the tour is almost over. b There are too many animals for him to see in one day. c It is already afternoon and he may not see many animals. d Most of the trails are closed, so he cannot backpack overnight. What information does Lien give the group about snakes? a They will not be seen during the tour. b They will not pose a threat during the hike. c They are the most plentiful animals in the park. d They are the least important animals in the area. Why does Lien consider binoculars to be a great tool? a Dangerous areas are easier to spot. b Birds that are high in trees are more visible. c Different types of animals are easier to locate. d Animals can be observed without frightening them. According to the text, why is it important to care for Algonquin Park? a Birds will have a safe place for the winter. b Animals will not be removed and placed in a zoo. c Farmers will not be able to start farming the land in the park. d People will be able to appreciate animals in their natural habitat. Why does Lien pause for a moment before speaking in paragraph 25? a She is choosing her words carefully. b She is waiting for the hikers to arrive. c She does not want to frighten the animals. d She does not know the answer to the question. 6 Student Booklet: Language 2

5 examples from the text to support your answer. the text to support your answer. Student Booklet: Language 2 7