Reading Comprehension
Name________________________________________________________________
Date______________________________________________
Vitamin D
Scientists have known for a long time that vitamin D is essential for humans. If children have a vitamin D or calcium deficiency, they can develop rickets, a softening of the bones. New studies are showing that people of all ages need vitamin D to help them fight off diseases by keeping their immune systems strong.
1. The main idea of this paragraph is that vitamin D _______.
a. is found in milk
b. has been studied by scientists
c. is no secret
d. is important for good health
2. If something is essential, it is _______.
a. harmful
b. expensive
c. dreadful
d. needed
3. When you have a deficiency of something, you _______.
a. have all you need
b. do not have enough
c. look like an onion
d. are rich
Our bodies can make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. However, it’s best to eat a diet that is rich in the vitamin.
4. The remainder of the above incomplete paragraph probably goes on to _______. (Remember that every paragraph should have a single main idea.)
a. say why vitamin C is also important
b. explain why you should brush your teeth after eating beetles
c. give some examples of foods that are rich in vitamin D
d. say which diseases might be prevented by vitamin D
5. Which statement is false?
a. Some foods contain vitamin D.
b. Our bodies can use sunlight to make vitamin D.
c. Some people don’t have to get vitamin D from food.
d. If you’re a child, you will definitely get rickets if you don’t play in the sun.
