✅ Answer Key – Checkpoint Practice Stage 6 Primary – English Paper 1 (Non-Fiction)

Section A – Comprehension and Grammar Questions

1. Explain why monarch butterflies migrate to central Mexico each year. Support your
answer with a direct quote from the passage.

 To escape the cold and find warmer climates.

 To access more abundant food sources.

 To survive the winter by staying in warmer regions.

 To avoid food scarcity.

 Due to scarcity of food in late summer.

 Possible Quotes:

o "These delicate creatures travel from the northern regions of North America to
the warmer climates of central Mexico."

o "The migration begins in late summer, as temperatures drop and food sources
become scarce."

o "They embark on an incredible migration spanning thousands of kilometers."

[2 marks]

2. Find and list all the infinitive verbs used in the second paragraph of the passage.

 to finish

 (No other infinitive verb is present)

[2 marks]

3. Identify and explain the metaphor used in the third paragraph of the passage.

 Metaphor:

o "covering trees in a vibrant, fluttering blanket of orange and black."

 Possible Explanations:
 o The butterflies are compared to a blanket, showing how they densely cover the
trees.

o It creates a visual image of the colorful butterflies forming a thick layer.

o The metaphor highlights the flowing, moving, and fluttering nature of the
butterflies.
[2 marks]

4. Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the importance of milkweed plants
to the monarch butterfly's life cycle?

 Milkweed plants are essential for monarch caterpillars' survival.

 Monarchs depend on milkweed for reproduction.

 The plant is the sole food source for caterpillars.

 Without milkweed, monarch populations would decline.

 The monarch life cycle relies on milkweed for egg-laying and larval growth.
[2 marks]

5. What does the word "dormancy" mean in the context of the passage?

 A period of inactivity or rest.

 A phase where the butterflies conserve energy.

 Temporary hibernation-like state.

 Reduced metabolic activity.

 A time when butterflies remain still and inactive.

[2 marks]

6. Describe the role of multiple generations in the monarch's migration.

 No single butterfly completes the entire journey.

 Each generation continues the migration.

 Multiple generations reproduce and travel further.

 The journey involves several lifecycles.

 The final generation completes the return trip.

[2 marks]

7. Why do scientists find the monarch migration fascinating? Provide evidence from the
text.

 Because monarchs navigate using the sun's position and Earth’s magnetic field.

 The migration spans thousands of kilometers, which is astonishing for such delicate
creatures.

 Scientists are amazed by their ability to travel long distances without prior experience.

 The monarch migration demonstrates complex navigation abilities.

 Possible Quotes:

o "Monarchs instinctively head south, navigating using a combination of the sun's

position and Earth's magnetic field."

o "These delicate creatures travel from the northern regions of North America to
the warmer climates of central Mexico, a journey that has fascinated scientists
and nature enthusiasts alike."

o "Understanding the monarch's migration sheds light on the complexities of insect

navigation."
[2 marks]

8. What is the impact of habitat loss and pesticide use on monarch populations?

 Habitat loss reduces their breeding and resting areas.

 Pesticides poison the monarchs' food sources.

 Fewer milkweed plants lead to fewer caterpillars surviving.

 Habitat destruction reduces available resources for monarchs.

 The population declines due to fewer safe places to rest and feed.

 Pesticides disrupt the monarchs' life cycle.

[2 marks]
 9. How do monarchs navigate during migration?

 Using the sun's position.

 Using Earth's magnetic field.

 By instinctively heading south.

 By internal biological compass (magnetic receptors).

 They use environmental cues such as temperature changes.

[2 marks]

10. Discuss the significance of international cooperation in the conservation of monarch

butterflies.

 It ensures protection of their habitats across different countries.

 It promotes shared responsibility among nations.

 It fosters conservation efforts across borders.

 Countries collaborate to prevent habitat destruction.

 Monarchs cross international borders, making cooperation necessary.

 Protecting monarchs requires joint efforts from the US, Mexico, and Canada.
[2 marks]

Grammar and Language Questions

11. Rewrite the following sentence in passive voice:

 Active: Monarch butterflies lay eggs on milkweed plants.

 Possible Passive Forms:

o Eggs are laid on milkweed plants by monarch butterflies.

o Milkweed plants are used by monarch butterflies to lay eggs.

o The eggs are laid by monarch butterflies on milkweed plants.

[2 marks]
12. Identify the main clause and subordinate clause in this sentence:

 Sentence: "As temperatures rise, the monarchs become active again."

 Main clause:

o The monarchs become active again.

 Subordinate clause:

o As temperatures rise.

 Possible phrasing variations:

o The monarchs become active again = main clause.

o As temperatures rise = subordinate clause.

[2 marks]

13. Convert the following sentence into reported speech:

 Direct speech: "Scientists say, 'Monarchs travel thousands of kilometers during

migration.'"

 Possible Reported Speech Versions:

o Scientists say that monarchs travel thousands of kilometers during migration.

o Scientists claim that monarchs travel vast distances during migration.

o Scientists state that monarchs migrate over thousands of kilometers.

[2 marks]

14. Identify and correct the grammatical error in this sentence:

 Original: "The butterflies travels long distances to reach Mexico."

 Possible Corrections:

o The butterflies travel long distances to reach Mexico.

o Change "travels" to "travel" to match the plural subject.

[2 marks]
15. Write a complex sentence using the word "navigation."

 Although monarchs have small brains, their navigation skills are impressive.

 Monarchs rely on the sun’s position for navigation, even when clouds obscure the sky.

 While scientists study their navigation, they remain amazed by their accuracy.

 Navigation plays a key role in monarch migration, helping them travel long distances.

 The monarchs’ navigation relies on both instinct and environmental cues.

[2 marks]