Summarising Paragraphs and Passages

Read each passage carefully, then write a brief summary in your own words. A good summary includes the main idea and most important details only.

Passage 1: The Kiwi

The kiwi is New Zealand's most iconic bird and holds a special place in our national identity. Unlike most birds, kiwis cannot fly. They have tiny wings hidden beneath their shaggy, hair-like feathers. Kiwis are nocturnal creatures, spending their days sleeping in burrows and emerging at night to hunt for food. Using their long beaks and excellent sense of smell, they probe the ground for worms, insects, and berries. Sadly, kiwi populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and introduced predators like stoats and cats.

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Passage 2: The Water Cycle

Water is constantly moving through Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans in a process called the water cycle. The sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing it to evaporate and rise into the air as water vapour. As the vapour rises and cools, it condenses into tiny droplets that form clouds. When these droplets combine and become heavy enough, they fall back to Earth as precipitation—rain, snow, or hail. This water flows into streams and rivers, eventually returning to the ocean, where the cycle begins again. The water cycle is essential for distributing fresh water across the planet and supporting all forms of life.

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Passage 3: The History of Chocolate

Chocolate has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years, though it looked quite different in the past. The ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations were among the first to cultivate cacao trees in Central America. They created a bitter drink from crushed cacao beans mixed with spices and water, which was consumed during religious ceremonies and by nobility. When Spanish explorers brought cacao to Europe in the 16th century, sugar was added to make it sweeter. By the 1800s, new technology allowed chocolate to be processed into the solid bars we recognise today. Now, chocolate is one of the world's most popular treats, enjoyed in countless forms from hot drinks to candy bars.

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