Question

fire in a forest can do much harm. forest fires burn many trees. they burn animals homes. some even burn peoples houses.
fires can be terrible, but they do some good things, too. fires clear the forest floor. they get rid of old, dry branches. this helps keep more fires from starting.
fires make new holes in trees where birds can nest. they also make more room for new trees to grow.
some pine cones need fire. they do not let go of their seeds without it. in forest fires, the cones drop seeds that become new baby trees. this makes the forest new.
a forest fire can be both bad and good.
strategy practice complete the sentence.
when i read this passage, i pictured ______
skill practice read the question. fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.

1. what is the best title for the passage?

ⓐ \pine cones that need fire\
\fires that burn houses\
\good things about forest fires\
\firefighters work hard\

1. fires are bad when they ______.

ⓐ burn homes
clear the forest floor
make spots for nests
make room for trees

1. when the forest floor is clear, ______.

ⓐ seeds fall out of pine cones
new trees have room to grow
animals get rid of dry branches
birds build nests

1. fire helps some pine trees by ______

ⓐ getting rid of old branches
chasing away birds
burning their needles
spreading their seeds

Explanation:

Strategy Practice:

The passage describes both harmful and beneficial effects of forest fires, so a mental image would reflect this dual nature.

Skill Practice:

1. The passage covers both the harms and benefits of forest fires, so the best title must encompass both.
2. The passage explicitly states burning homes is a harm of fires; other options are benefits.
3. The text says clearing the forest floor creates space for new trees to grow.
4. The passage notes some pine cones release seeds only after fire, helping new trees grow.

Answer:

Strategy Practice:

When I read this passage, I pictured flames burning dry branches, then new saplings growing in the cleared forest, and birds nesting in tree hollows left by the fire.

Skill Practice:

1. (No option fully matches, but the intended correct choice that best fits is the one that covers both good and bad; if forced to select from the given, the closest is) C. "Good Things About Forest Fires"
2. A. burn homes
3. B. new trees have room to grow
4. D. spreading their seeds