Clearing Something Up is a free printable Grade 1 English worksheet on checking you have understood what a text told you, aligned to Common Core standard SL.1.3. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions, 24 of them with different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 16 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. 24 of these 25 sets ask different questions — this skill does not have 25 questions to give. The rest reorder them, so no two pupils have the same paper in front of them.
Clearing Something Up
SL.1.3
NameDate
Read the text, then answer the questions.
1.Read the text, then answer the questions.
How a Bridge Stands Up
A bridge has to hold its own weight and the weight of everything crossing it.
The simplest bridge is a beam: a flat piece laid across a gap. A beam bridge cannot be very long, or it sags in the middle.
An arch bridge is curved. The curve pushes the weight out to the ends, where the ground is solid. That is why arch bridges can cross wider gaps.
1. Why does the author say arch bridges can cross wider gaps?
2. Why did the author write this text?
3. Summarise this text in one sentence.
2.Read the text, then answer the questions.
Why Tall Buildings Do Not Fall Over
A tall building needs a wide, deep base. The base is called a foundation. It spreads the weight into the ground.
Wind pushes hard on a tall building. Inside, a strong core of concrete runs from the bottom to the top like a spine. The core stops the building bending too far.
The tallest buildings sway a little in strong wind. That is meant to happen. A building that could not bend at all would crack.
1. Why did the author write this text?
2. The author says swaying is meant to happen. What reason is given?
3. Summarise this text in one sentence.
LessonPrint · SL.1.3 · Set 16 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — Clearing Something Up
Set 16. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. Because the curve sends the weight out to the ends where the ground is solid. 2. To explain how bridges hold up weight. 3. Bridges must hold weight, and an arch does it over a wider gap than a flat beam can.
2.1. To explain why tall buildings do not fall over. 2. A building that could not bend at all would crack. 3. Tall buildings stand because a wide foundation spreads their weight and a concrete core lets them sway without cracking.
Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to SL.1.3 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.