Ocean Secrets

This passage explains why the Arctic Ocean is the smallest and coldest ocean on Earth. It describes how animals such as polar bears, beluga whales, and plankton depend on sea ice to survive. The text also explains how rising temperatures cause sea ice to melt faster, affecting animals and ecosystems. Scientists study these changes to understand how warming Arctic waters impact the future of the region.

Passages like this strengthen students’ informational reading comprehension, especially when interpreting scientific details. Students practice identifying cause-and-effect relationships, such as warming temperatures leading to melting ice. The structured questions help learners summarize key ideas and support answers with evidence. Overall, it builds confidence in reading nonfiction texts about geography, climate, and ecosystems.