Every Child Should Learn to Swim — Reading Comprehension — Answers
Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 3 reading comprehension comprehension exercise.
Year 3 · English · Reading Comprehension
Every Child Should Learn to Swim — Reading Comprehension — Answers
Every Child Should Learn to Swim
Read the text carefully. Look for the writer's opinion and the reasons given to support it.
Australia is a country of beaches, rivers, creeks and backyard pools. Water is all around us, and that is why every child should learn to swim.
First, swimming keeps you safe. If you fall into deep water, knowing how to float and swim to the side could save your life. You cannot learn this in an emergency. You have to practise it before you need it.
Second, swimming is great exercise. It uses your arms, your legs and your lungs all at once. It is also kind to your body, because the water holds you up. Even children with sore knees or ankles can swim.
Third, swimming is fun! Think about the summer holidays. Would you rather sit on the sand and watch, or jump into the waves with your friends? Children who can swim can join in at pool parties, go to the beach and try sports like surfing and water polo.
Some people say swimming lessons cost too much or take up too much time. But many councils run low-cost lessons, and most schools have a swimming program. A few lessons now can give you a skill that lasts your whole life.
So, take the plunge. Ask an adult to sign you up for lessons. One day you will be glad you did.
Part A — Right there in the text
Find each answer in the text.
Answer: Every child should learn to swim.
- Aone
- Btwo
- Cthree
- Dfive
Answer: three
The reasons are introduced with 'First', 'Second' and 'Third'.
Answer: Your arms, your legs and your lungs.
Answer: Surfing and water polo.
- Alifeguards
- Bmany councils
- Cparents
- Dsports stars
Answer: many councils
The text says 'many councils run low-cost lessons'.
Part B — Reading between the lines
Use clues from the text to explain your answers.
Answer: In an emergency there is no time to learn. You would be in danger already, so you need to practise swimming before you ever need it.
Answer: To make the reader imagine missing out, so they will agree that swimming is more fun than watching.
Answer: To show they have thought about the other side of the argument, and then to answer it with low-cost council and school lessons.
Part C — Word meanings
- Ait is very hard work
- Bthe water holds you up so your joints are not hurt
- Cyou get wet
- Dyou can do it alone
Answer: the water holds you up so your joints are not hurt
The text explains it is kind to your body 'because the water holds you up'.
- Ago for a run
- Bwait and see
- Cbe brave and get started
- Ddive from a high board
Answer: be brave and get started
To take the plunge is to decide to do something after thinking about it. It also fits the topic of water!
Answer: A sudden, dangerous situation where you need help straight away.
Part D — Your turn
Model answer: You should learn to ride a bike. First, it is a fast way to get to school and the park without asking for a lift. Second, riding is great exercise for your legs and heart. Best of all, it is fun to go downhill with the wind in your face. So grab a helmet and give it a go!
Success criteria:
- States a clear opinion in the first sentence
- Gives at least two reasons
- Uses linking words such as first, second, also
- Ends with a sentence that tells the reader what to do
Marking tips
- Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
- For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
- Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.
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