Question

reading comprehension pretest
instructions: read the passage carefully, then answer the questions that follow
passage
every day, thousands of honeybees leave their hives in search of nectar and pollen. insects play a huge role in the environment, even though many people dont notice. when bees collect nectar, they also spread pollen from one flower to another. this process, called pollination, helps plants grow fruits and seeds. without bees, many of the foods we eat—like apples, almonds, and blueberries—would be harder to produce. in recent years, honeybee populations have been declining. scientists believe the causes include habitat loss and disease. protecting bees is not just about saving insects; its about protecting our food supply and keeping ecosystems balanced.
questions
part a - literal understanding

1. what two things do honeybees collect from flowers?
2. what is the process of spreading pollen from flower to flower called?
3. name two foods that depend on pollination by bees.

part b - vocabulary in context

1. what does the word declining most likely mean in the passage?

a) growing stronger
b) becoming fewer or weaker
c) staying the same
d) moving faster

Explanation:

1. The passage states that honey - bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers.
2. The text defines the process of spreading pollen from flower to flower as pollination.
3. The passage mentions apples, almonds, and blueberries as foods that depend on bee - pollination. Two can be chosen from these.
4. In the context of bee populations, "declining" means becoming fewer or weaker as the passage discusses factors causing a reduction in bee numbers.

Answer:

1. Nectar and pollen.
2. Pollination.
3. Apples, almonds (or any two from apples, almonds, blueberries).
4. b) Becoming fewer or weaker.