Exploring Connections in Nonfiction Texts

Why is it important to connect ideas in informational texts?

• To focus on unimportant details

• To confuse the reader

• To make the text longer

• To make arguments stronger

What unique event happened to the Chicago River over a hundred years ago?

• It flowed in two directions at once

• It changed color naturally

• Its flow was reversed by people

• It dried up completely

What was one major cause of pollution in the Chicago River?

• Natural animal waste

• Space debris

• Factories and sewers dumping waste

• Rainwater

Why did Chicago leaders decide to reverse the flow of the Chicago River?

• To prevent flooding

• To generate electricity

• To send pollution away from drinking water

• To create a tourist attraction

How did pollution in the Chicago River affect people?

• It attracted more wildlife

• It had no effect

• It made the city more beautiful

• It made people sick

What did the growing population in Chicago contribute to?

• More recreational activities

• Decreased pollution

• Increased pollution in the river

• Improved water quality

What strategy is used first when connecting big ideas in a text?

• Drawing conclusions

• Reading the whole text

• Using background knowledge

• Focusing on key questions

What was the result of reversing the Chicago River's flow?

• The river became unusable

• Pollution was directed away from drinking water

• Decreased city population

• Increased pollution in the lake

What was a major threat to the people of Chicago mentioned in the text?

• Wildlife

• Pollution

• Tourism

• Construction

What did Chicago leaders do to address the pollution problem?

• They moved the city

• They cleaned the river manually

• They reversed the river's flow

• They banned factories