Food Chains and Food Webs Reading Comprehension for KS3 Science

This 5-page printable PDF reading comprehension activity introduces the essential concepts of food chains and food webs, designed specifically for KS3 science students (Years 7–9). The resource includes an engaging informational text, 10 multiple-choice questions, and 5 essay-style questions with a quick-marking rubric, making it ideal for classroom lessons, homework tasks, or assessments.

The reading passage explains how energy moves through ecosystems, starting with producers and moving through herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. Students will learn the differences between simple food chains and complex food webs, the role of decomposers in nutrient recycling, and why biodiversity and ecosystem stability matter.

Classroom Implementation:
I use this resource in 45–60 minute KS3 science or ecology lessons. After introducing key terms like “producer,” “consumer,” and decomposer, students read the passage independently. The multiple-choice questions check foundational understanding, while the essay questions encourage students to think critically about ecosystem interdependence and human impacts. The included rubric supports clear and efficient grading.

Resource Features:

5-page printable PDF format

Designed for KS3 curriculum (Years 7–9)

Balanced assessment with multiple-choice and extended writing tasks

Answer key included for quick marking

Practical grading rubric for consistent evaluation

Aligns with UK National Curriculum standards for science and biology

This resource helps students build literacy skills while exploring core ecological concepts, enabling them to understand how energy flows through nature and why every organism plays a vital role in a healthy ecosystem.