Class 6 Reading Comprehension Practice Worksheets

Reading Passage: The Secret Life of Coral Reefs

“Often called the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. These underwater structures are built by tiny animals called coral polyps. A single polyp is no bigger than a grain of rice, but they live in vast colonies, building upon the calcium carbonate skeletons of their ancestors over thousands of years. The vibrant colours of a coral reef do not come from the polyps themselves, but from microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. This is a symbiotic relationship; the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and compounds they need for photosynthesis, and in return, the algae produce oxygen and help the coral to remove wastes. Most importantly, they supply the coral with the glucose, glycerol, and amino acids, which are the products of photosynthesis.”

“Coral reefs are teeming with life. They support about 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and sea turtles, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. They provide shelter, spawning grounds, and protection from predators for countless organisms. Beyond their biological importance, reefs also have immense value to humans. They protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities through tourism and fishing, and are a source of new medicines. The intricate structures of reefs are a natural barrier that dissipates the force of waves hitting the coast.”

“Unfortunately, these magnificent ecosystems are under threat. Climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise, leading to a phenomenon called coral bleaching. When the water gets too warm, corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. While corals can survive a bleaching event, they are under more stress and are subject to mortality if conditions do not improve. Pollution from land, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices also damage these fragile habitats. Protecting coral reefs is a critical task that requires global cooperation to ensure they survive for future generations to marvel at.”    

Questions

1. Multiple Choice: What is the main idea of the first paragraph?

a) Coral polyps are very small animals.

b) Coral reefs get their colours from a symbiotic relationship with algae.

c) Photosynthesis is important for all marine life.

d) Calcium carbonate is the main building block of the ocean.

2. True or False: 

Coral reefs cover more than 10% of the ocean floor.

True / False

3. Fill in the Blanks: 

The tiny animals that build coral reefs are called ______________.

____________________

4. Short Answer: 

Explain in your own words what a "symbiotic relationship" is, based on the passage.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

5. Rearrange the Sequence of Events for Coral Bleaching:

(Number the following from 1 to 4 to show the correct order)

___ The coral turns completely white.

___ The ocean temperature rises due to climate change.

___ The coral expels the algae from its tissues.

___ The coral is under more stress and may die.

6. Multiple Choice: 

According to the passage, how do coral reefs protect coastlines?

a) By attracting tourists who watch over the coast.

b) By serving as a food source for large fish.

c) By acting as a natural barrier that reduces the force of waves.

d) By filtering pollution from the water.

7. Underline the Correct Word: When a coral expels its algae, the phenomenon is known as coral (whitening / bleaching).

8. Match the Columns: 

Match the term with its correct description.

9. Short Answer: 

Name two threats to coral reefs mentioned in the passage, besides climate change.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

10. Complete the Sentence: 

Coral reefs are often called the "____________________" because they are incredibly diverse ecosystems.

____________________

Answer Key

1. b) Coral reefs get their colours from a symbiotic relationship with algae.

2. False

3. coral polyps

4. A symbiotic relationship is a close interaction between two different species where both benefit. The coral gives the algae a safe place to live, and the algae provides the coral with food/energy.

5. 2, 1, 3, 4 (The correct order is: The ocean temperature rises -> The coral expels the algae -> The coral turns white -> The coral is under more stress.)

6. c) By acting as a natural barrier that reduces the force of waves.

7. When a coral expels its algae, the phenomenon is known as coral (whitening / bleaching).

8.

1 - D

2 - A

3 - B

4 - C

9. Any two of the following: Pollution from land, overfishing, destructive fishing practices.

10. rainforests of the sea

Class 6 Reading Comprehension Practice – Fun Passages and Questions

Class 6 Reading Comprehension Worksheets in English help students explore new worlds through interesting stories and passages. As you read, you learn how to find the main idea and answer important questions. 

This topic builds strong thinking habits for the English subject, turning every student into a better reader. Parents love these worksheets for building vocabulary and confidence in reading.

Improve Accuracy in Answering Questions

Practicing with Class 6 Reading Comprehension Worksheets gives students the chance to answer comprehension passages carefully. In this English subject topic, you practice reading fast and choosing the best answers from the text. 

These printable worksheets help you prepare for exams while making reading fun and less stressful for both students and parents.