Daily Reading Comprehension Grade 7 Interactive Worksheet - Edform - Free Printable

Solution and Explanation

Let's analyze the passage and answer each question step by step.

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#### Passage Summary:
The passage describes a dramatic wildlife event recorded at Kruger National Park in South Africa. A herd of Cape buffaloes is attacked by lions, who capture a calf. A crocodile intervenes, grabbing the calf. The lions fight the crocodile, but then the rest of the buffalo herd charges, defending the calf. Despite being injured, the calf survives and returns to its mother. The author concludes that this video is powerful because it shows how hope can prevail even in hopeless situations.

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Skill Practice Answers with Explanations

#### 1. The author’s main purpose for the passage is to _________.
- A) describe Kruger National Park
- B) explain how videos become viral
- C) give information about Cape buffalo
- D) inspire readers with an exciting story

✔ Correct Answer: D) inspire readers with an exciting story

Explanation: While the passage mentions Kruger National Park, Cape buffaloes, and the virality of the video, the main purpose is revealed in the last sentence: *"The video... is a powerful example of why you should never give up hope..."* This shows the author wants to inspire readers with a hopeful, dramatic story — not just inform or explain.

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#### 2. Which word best describes the author’s attitude about the video of “The Battle at Kruger”?
- A) enthusiastic
- B) horrified
- C) curious
- D) amused

✔ Correct Answer: A) enthusiastic

Explanation: The author uses words like *“powerful example,”* *“viral,”* *“over 64 million hits,”* and emphasizes the emotional impact of the calf surviving. These show excitement and admiration, not horror, curiosity, or amusement. So, enthusiastic best captures the tone.

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#### 3. The author would probably agree that the video is popular because ________.
- A) the calf was saved
- B) there were lions involved
- C) the video is short
- D) there are many videos online

✔ Correct Answer: A) the calf was saved

Explanation: The passage says: *"It may sound like the poor calf was doomed, but what happens next is the reason this video went viral."* Then it describes how the calf survives. This directly links the survival of the calf to the video's popularity. The presence of lions (B) might be interesting, but the key point is the unexpected rescue and survival — the emotional climax.

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#### 4. Which word best describes the author’s intended message?
- A) fear
- B) hope
- C) defense
- D) caution

✔ Correct Answer: B) hope

Explanation: The final sentence states: *"a powerful example of why you should never give up hope, even in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation."* This clearly reveals the intended message: hope. The story illustrates resilience and a positive outcome despite danger.

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Strategy Practice: What information does the author give to show the supposed hopelessness of the situation?

✔ Answer:
The author describes the calf being trapped in the water, surrounded by lions, and then grabbed by a crocodile. This creates a sense of helplessness because the calf is attacked by two predators at once. The author writes, *"It may sound like the poor calf was doomed,"* which directly emphasizes how hopeless the situation seemed before the buffalo herd intervened.

This contrast between despair and eventual rescue reinforces the theme of hope.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. D – inspire readers with an exciting story
2. A – enthusiastic
3. A – the calf was saved
4. B – hope

Strategy Practice Answer:
The author shows the hopelessness by describing the calf being surrounded by lions and grabbed by a crocodile, making it seem like the calf had no chance of survival. This sets up the surprising turn when the buffalo herd rescues it, highlighting the power of hope.

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