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Following a Long Explanation is a free printable Grade 2 English worksheet on holding a multi-stage explanation together, aligned to Common Core standard RI.2.10. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask 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 24 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Following a Long Explanation

RI.2.10

NameDate

Read the text, then answer the questions.

1.Read the text, then answer the questions.

Earthquakes

The Earth's crust is not one piece. It is broken into huge slabs called plates, and the plates are always moving — about as fast as your fingernails grow. Where two plates meet, they can catch on each other. Pressure builds up for years while they are stuck. When they finally slip, all that stored energy is released at once. The ground shakes. That shaking is an earthquake. Most earthquakes are too small to feel. A few are strong enough to bring down buildings, which is why new buildings in some places are made to sway.

  1. 1. Put these in order: the ground shakes, the plates catch, pressure builds.
  2. 2. How is pressure connected to the shaking?
  3. 3. Summarise this text in one sentence.
2.Read the text, then answer the questions.

How Paper Is Recycled

Used paper does not become new paper by magic. It goes through five stages. First it is sorted. Card, newspaper and office paper are separated, because each makes a different grade of new paper. Second it is pulped. The paper is mixed with water and churned until the fibres come apart. Third it is cleaned. Staples, glue and ink are removed. Ink is lifted out with air bubbles. Fourth the pulp is pressed flat between rollers and dried. Fifth it is cut into sheets. Paper can be recycled about five to seven times before its fibres get too short to hold together.

  1. 1. What happens right after the paper is pulped?
  2. 2. How is sorting connected to the grade of new paper?
  3. 3. Summarise this text in one sentence.

LessonPrint · RI.2.10 · Set 24 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Following a Long Explanation

Set 24. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.1. The plates catch, pressure builds, the ground shakes. 2. Pressure builds while the plates are stuck, and it is released all at once when they slip. 3. Moving plates of the Earth's crust catch on each other, build pressure, and shake the ground when they slip.
  2. 2.1. It is cleaned — staples, glue and ink are removed. 2. Each kind of used paper makes a different grade, so they are separated first. 3. Used paper is sorted, pulped, cleaned, pressed and cut into new sheets, and can be recycled five to seven times.

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to RI.2.10 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.