Fifth Grade Reading Comprehension worksheets - Free Printable

Passage Summary:

The passage discusses the importance of trees and the reasons why they are cut down. It highlights a specific example of a tall pine tree in Keroli Tappar, Uttarkashi, which was once the tallest pine tree in Asia. The tree attracted tourists who carved their names into its trunk, leading to its infection and eventual decline. Despite efforts to save it, a storm broke the tree, and its wood was used for various purposes. The passage emphasizes the need to conserve our environment and use natural resources responsibly.

Questions and Answers:

#### 1. Why are trees cut down?
- Answer: Trees are cut down for several reasons:
- Wood: Used in building furniture, burning fires, and for medicinal purposes.
- Paper production: Trees are used to make paper.
- Construction: Trees are cleared to make space for buildings, malls, schools, or agricultural land.

#### 2. Why did the tourists visit this tree and what did they do?
- Answer: Tourists visited the tree because it was the tallest pine tree in Asia, standing at 63.14 meters. They were fascinated by its height and beauty. While visiting, they carved their names on the tree's trunk using nails and knives.

#### 3. What happened to the tree? Why did the tourists stop visiting it?
- Answer:
- What happened to the tree? Over time, the tree became infected with bacteria due to the carvings on its trunk. This led to the trunk becoming hollow, making the tree weak. Eventually, a storm broke the tree into two pieces. Afterward, its wood was cut into logs and used for various purposes.
- Why did the tourists stop visiting it? The tourists stopped visiting because the tree became sick and no longer had its former grandeur. Its trunk became hollow, and it lost its appeal as a tourist attraction.

#### 4. Have you learnt from this passage?
- Answer: From this passage, I have learned the following:
- Importance of Trees: Trees are vital for various purposes, including providing wood, paper, and maintaining ecological balance.
- Impact of Human Actions: Human activities, such as carving on trees and deforestation, can harm nature and lead to the destruction of valuable resources.
- Responsibility to Conserve: It is our duty as citizens to conserve the environment and use natural resources responsibly to ensure a sustainable future for upcoming generations.
- Consequences of Neglect: Neglecting and misusing natural resources can lead to irreversible damage, as seen with the fate of the tallest pine tree in Asia.

Final Answer:

1. Trees are cut down for wood, paper production, and construction.
2. Tourists visited the tree because it was the tallest pine tree in Asia; they carved their names on its trunk.
3. The tree became infected and hollow due to carvings, eventually breaking in a storm; tourists stopped visiting because it lost its appeal.
4. I learned about the importance of trees, the impact of human actions, the responsibility to conserve nature, and the consequences of neglecting natural resources.

Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{l}
1. \text{Trees are cut down for wood, paper production, and construction.} \\
2. \text{Tourists visited the tree because it was the tallest pine tree in Asia; they carved their names on its trunk.} \\
3. \text{The tree became infected and hollow due to carvings, eventually breaking in a storm; tourists stopped visiting because it lost its appeal.} \\
4. \text{I learned about the importance of trees, the impact of human actions, the responsibility to conserve nature, and the consequences of neglecting natural resources.}
\end{array}
}
\]