B1 Reading 2

Passage: The Great Journey of the Monarch Butterfly

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies embark on a remarkable journey across North America. These small, delicate creatures travel up to 3,000 miles to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico, where the climate is warmer. This migration, one of the longest of any insect, has fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The life cycle of a monarch butterfly begins when a female butterfly lays her eggs on a milkweed plant. After a few days, tiny caterpillars emerge, feeding on the plant. These caterpillars grow rapidly, shedding their skin multiple times before they transform into chrysalides. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis, turning into an adult butterfly within a few weeks.

Monarch butterflies face numerous challenges during their migration. They encounter extreme weather conditions, predators, and loss of habitat. One of the most significant threats is deforestation in their winter habitat in Mexico. The oyamel fir forests where they gather are being cut down, reducing the area where butterflies can safely overwinter.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique butterflies. Organizations are working to preserve and restore habitats, both in Mexico and in the northern regions where milkweed plants grow. Planting milkweed in gardens, parks, and along roadsides can help support the butterfly population by providing a source of food and a place for females to lay their eggs.

Despite these challenges, the monarch’s journey continues to inspire awe and admiration. People gather in Mexico each year to witness the breathtaking sight of millions of butterflies clustering on tree branches. Their orange and black wings create a stunning display, a testament to the resilience of nature.

 

Results

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#1. What is the main focus of the text?

The life cycle of all butterflies.

The movement of monarch butterflies to warmer places.

How butterflies avoid danger.

Plants that support butterflies.

#2. Where do monarch butterflies go for the winter?

They travel to different parts of Canada.

They stay in forests in Mexico.

They move to places near rivers.

They remain in cold areas.

#3. What is the starting point of the monarch butterfly’s life cycle?

The caterpillar stage.

Emerging from a chrysalis.

Starting as an egg.

Migration to Mexico.

#4. Why is milkweed important to monarchs?

It hides them from predators.

It helps them grow and lay eggs.

It helps them stay warm.

It protects them from the cold.

#5. After the caterpillar becomes a chrysalis

what happens?

It turns into a butterfly.

It becomes a larger caterpillar.

It lays eggs.

It begins to travel.

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#6. What is a big problem for monarchs in Mexico?

There is not enough food for them.

The weather gets too cold.

Trees are being cut down in their winter habitat.

They cannot find enough milkweed.

#7. Which of these can people do to help monarch butterflies?

Grow milkweed plants in their areas.

Create warmer forests.

Reduce butterfly populations.

Move the butterflies to Mexico.

#8. Which part of the monarch’s life cycle is not in the passage?

Becoming an adult butterfly.

Being a caterpillar.

Laying eggs.

Finding a mate.

#9. How does deforestation affect monarchs?

They have to migrate earlier.

They have less safe space to stay in winter.

It helps them grow faster.

It makes them avoid the forests.

#10. When do monarchs start their journey south?

At the beginning of spring.

When summer starts.

In autumn.

As winter begins.

#11. What do conservation efforts do to support monarchs?

Create food and egg-laying areas for them.

Build shelters for them to stay in.

Help them migrate south more quickly.

Take them away from their predators.

#12. Why do people visit Mexico to see monarchs?

To capture them for study.

To watch them fly across the mountains.

To see the butterflies gather together.

To learn about deforestation.

#13. What does the writer find impressive about the monarch migration?

The speed at which they travel.

The large numbers of butterflies that survive.

The mix of strength and beauty they show.

The unique colors of their wings.

#14. What would happen if there were no milkweed plants?

Monarchs would stop laying eggs.

Young monarchs would not survive.

Butterflies would migrate sooner.

Nothing significant would change.

#15. What aspect of the monarch journey is most remarkable in the text?

The butterflies’ strong ability to survive.

Their unique color patterns.

The cold temperatures they live in.

The growth from caterpillar to butterfly.

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