Fifth Grade
Worksheets
A Vegetarian Diet?
Vegetarian Awareness Month
Reading Comprehension for October 5
The normal cacophony filled the school cafeteria as Janel and Zoe walked through the entrance.
"Where do you want to sit?" Zoe yelled to be heard above the harsh noise level.
Janel pointed to the left where an empty table sat near a window. "How about over there?"
Zoe nodded, and the girls headed over to the table. Zoe sat down, pulled a brown bag out of her backpack, and placed it on the table.
"Aren't you going to buy lunch today?" Janel asked.
"No, I'm going to be bringing mine from now on," said Zoe as she placed her backpack on the floor.
Janel raised one eyebrow. "Okay, I'll be right back." Zoe waved nonchalantly. Then she began to unpack her lunch.
A few minutes later, Janel came back with her lunch tray. On it were a steaming hamburger, a basket of French fries, a soft drink, and a big chocolate chip cookie.
Zoe grimaced as Janel sat down. "Are you really going to eat that?"
"Yeah, why? I thought you liked burgers," Janel answered in a surprised tone.
"Not anymore. I'm going vegetarian. See, I have a cheese sandwich with red peppers, avocados, and lettuce, and fruit salad with apples, carrots, walnuts, and a great dressing that my mom makes. Do you want to try a bite?" Zoe spooned up some of the fruit salad and handed it to Janel.
Janel scrunched up her nose and put her hand up. "I don't think so! Are you turning into some health nut or something?"
An expression of annoyance crossed Zoe's face. "I'm not a nut, but I do want to eat healthier. My mom read a magazine article about October being 'Vegetarian Awareness Month.' She's all worked up about cutting meat out of our diet. We've been eating differently, but I like everything she's made so far."
"So do you eat just vegetables?" asked Janel as she took a big bite of her juicy burger.
