Name: WEEK 6

Ask Questions DAY 4

READ THE PASSAGE   As you read, ask yourself questions to help you think about the similarities
and differences between rugby, football, and soccer.

The Rugged Sport of Rugby

My cousin Chris plays rugby. He says it’s similar to football and soccer, but some
things are different.
A rugby field is called a “pitch.” However, Chris’s rugby team plays on the soccer field
since it’s the same size as a pitch.
To score points, players kick, carry, or throw the ball down the pitch. A rugby “goal” is
like a football touchdown, and it is worth five points. A rugby “drop goal” is like a football
field goal. For both drop goals and field goals, you kick the ball between two posts to
score three points.
The pitch is crowded during a rugby game. That’s because each team has 15 players
on the field at once. That is more players than in football and soccer, both of which have
11 players.
The ball that players use in rugby is similar to a football. It is made from leather and
is shaped like an oval. But it doesn’t have laces, and the ends are less pointed than a
football’s ends.
Chris enjoys playing rugby and hopes to join a league soon. I might join, too.

STRATEGY PRACTICE   Do you think rugby is more like football or soccer? Why?

SKILL PRACTICE   Read each question. Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.

 1.  According to the passage, which sports    3.  What part of rugby is not like soccer?
are similar to rugby? A the size of the field
A football and basketball B the shape of the ball
B soccer and baseball C the ability to score points by kicking
C baseball and basketball the ball
D football and soccer D players running up and down the field

 2.  Why do you think the author wrote    4.  What is true about soccer and football but 

the passage? not true about rugby?
A to tell people about her cousin Chris A It is played on a field.
B to explain more about the sport of rugby B It is played with a ball.
C to persuade people to join rugby leagues C There are 11 players on a team.
D to entertain people with a story about one D You can kick the ball to score points.
of Chris’s rugby matches

44 Daily Reading Comprehension • EMC 3454 • © Evan-Moor Corp.

3454.indb 44 10/19/10 8:01 AM