Evaluate Reasons and Evidence

Grade 5 Reading Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the answer.

1. Read this first

   A Refill Station in Every Hallway

   Our school has six water fountains, but only one of them can fill a water bottle. At lunch, a long line forms in front of it. I believe our school should add a bottle refill station to every hallway.

   My first reason is that refill stations would help students drink more water. Last month, our student council counted the line at lunchtime. On most days, more than twenty students waited. Many gave up and went back to class thirsty. Doctors say that children who drink enough water can focus better in class.

   My second reason is that refill stations would cut down on plastic waste. Right now, many students buy bottled water from the cafeteria. The cafeteria sells about 150 plastic bottles each week. If students could refill their own bottles easily, fewer plastic bottles would end up in the trash.

   My third reason is that refill stations are not hard to install. A refill station fits onto an old fountain, so the school would not need new pipes. The middle school in our town added four of them last summer. The work took only two days.

   Some people might say the stations cost too much. Each one costs about $900. However, the parent group raised more than $4,000 at the spring fair. That money could pay for four stations right away. The student council has offered to raise the rest with a car wash.

   Water is something every student needs every day. A refill station in each hallway would make it easier to get. Please support this plan at the next school board meeting.

2. 1.

   What is the author's main claim?

   • Students should bring water from home each day.
   • The cafeteria should stop selling bottled water.
   • The school should add a refill station to every hallway.
3. 2.

   Which evidence supports the reason that refill stations would help students drink more water?

   • The middle school's work took only two days.
   • More than twenty students waited in line on most days.
   • The cafeteria sells about 150 bottles each week.
4. 3.

   The cafeteria sells about 150 plastic bottles each week. Which reason does this evidence support?

   • Refill stations would help students focus.
   • Refill stations are not hard to install.
   • Refill stations would cut down on plastic waste.
5. 4.

   How does the author show that refill stations are not hard to install?

   • by describing the long line at lunch
   • by giving the price of each station
   • by telling how the middle school added four in two days
6. 5.

   What worry does the author answer in the fifth paragraph?

   • that the stations cost too much
   • that students do not like water
   • that the old fountains are broken
7. 6.

   Which evidence does the author use to answer that worry?

   • Doctors say water helps children focus.
   • The parent group raised more than $4,000.
   • A station fits onto an old fountain.