The Great White Shark

Read the following factual text about the Great White Shark.
Then answer the following questions below.

Title: The Great White Shark – Master of the Ocean

Species:
Carcharodon carcharias
Size:
3-6 metres
Food:
Almost any large fish or mammal

Misunderstood
One of the oldest living species on the planet, the Great White Shark is
also one of the most incredible. Sadly, this magnificent creature has a
reputation as a man-killer and bloodthirsty monster, but this could not be
further from the truth. The number of shark attacks when compared with
deaths through bee stings is significantly less.

Diet:
As a carnivore, it is no surprise that the Great White enjoys a meaty
diet. Typically, this is made up from tuna, marlin and broadbill fish; but
the shark will also consume larger mammals if the opportunity presents
itself. With several quick flicks of their muscular tail, Great Whites can
reach speeds of up to 25kmph from beneath the surface and hit prey
unexpectedly from below. This shocking strategy leaves the victim with
little chance of survival. Brutal it might seem, but this is an incredibly
effective way to hunt.

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 The Great White Shark
Location:
It is unlikely that Great White Sharks will be found around typical
European holiday destinations. This species prefers something known as
highly productive temperate coastal waters, which are only located in
several places around the world. These waters contain lots of food. Places
such as North America, Chile, Japan, southern Australia and New Zealand
all offer this magnificent creature ample eating grounds.

Conservation:
Sadly, humans’ misunderstanding of how the shark lives and hunts has
led to a dramatic downfall in numbers. Although it is very challenging to
estimate populations accurately, the species appears to be in decline. It is
hoped that greater understanding and better education for children will
help to ensure the survival of the Great White Shark for generations
to come.

Questions:

1. How big are Great White Sharks?

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2. What do the sharks mainly like to eat?

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3. How fast can Great White Sharks swim?

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 The Great White Shark

4. How does a shark manage to swim so quickly?

.......................................................................................................................................
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5. Is a creature safe when floating at sea if they can’t see the fin of the
Great White Shark above the surface?
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6. In which of these countries could you encounter a Great White Shark in

the Ocean? Circle all the correct answers.
a. North America b. Japan c. Chile d. Russia

7. According to the text, where would you probably not find a Great White
Shark?
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8. Why are so many sharks captured and killed every year?

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9. Find a word in the text which is a synonym for ‘lots of’.

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 The Great White Shark
Answers
Location:
It is unlikely that Great White Sharks will be found around typical
European holiday destinations. This species prefers something known as
highly productive temperate coastal waters, which are only located in
several places around the world. These waters contain lots of food. Places
such as North America, Chile, Japan, southern Australia and New Zealand
all offer this magnificent creature ample eating grounds.

Conservation:
Sadly, humans’ misunderstanding of how the shark lives and hunts has
led to a dramatic downfall in numbers. Although it is very challenging to
estimate populations accurately, the species appears to be in decline. It is
hoped that greater understanding and better education for children will
help to ensure the survival of the Great White Shark for generations
to come.

Questions:

1. How big are Great White Sharks?

Between 3 – 6 metres
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................

2. What do the sharks mainly like to eat?

The sharks like to eat tuna, marlin and broadbill fish; but
.......................................................................................................................................
will also eat larger mammals.
.......................................................................................................................................

3. How fast can Great White Sharks swim?

They can swim up to 25kmph.
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................

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 The Great White Shark
Answers

4. How does a shark manage to swim so quickly?

They flick their muscular tails quickly.
.......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................

5. Is a creature safe when floating at sea if they can’t see the fin of the
Great White Shark above the surface?
The creature is not safe because sharks will attack
.......................................................................................................................................
from below the water where they can’t be seen.
.......................................................................................................................................

6. In which of these countries could you encounter a Great White Shark in

the Ocean? Circle all the correct answers.
a. North America b. Japan c. Chile d. Russia

7. According to the text, where would you probably not find a Great White
Shark?
The sharks are unlikely to be found around typical
.......................................................................................................................................
European holiday destinations.
.......................................................................................................................................

8. Why are so many sharks captured and killed every year?

So many are sharks captured and killed every year
.......................................................................................................................................
because they are misunderstood.
.......................................................................................................................................

9. Find a word in the text which is a synonym for ‘lots of’.

Abundance
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