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📰 Reading Informational Text: The Science of Habits (Grade 9)

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Read the text. Answer using evidence from the text.

The Science of Habits

Researchers estimate that a large share of our daily actions are habits — behaviors repeated so often that we perform them with little conscious thought.

Many psychologists describe a habit as a loop with three parts: a cue that triggers the behavior, the routine itself and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Over time, the brain links the cue directly to the reward, and the routine becomes automatic.

This explains why habits are hard to break: the cue still fires even when we’ve decided to change. Experts recommend keeping the same cue and reward but substituting a new routine — for example, taking a short walk instead of snacking when stressed.

Research also suggests that forming a new habit takes longer than the popular "21 days." One well-known study found it took participants an average of about 66 days, with wide variation.

1. What are the three parts of the habit loop?
2. Why are habits hard to break?
3. What strategy do experts recommend?
4. How does the author challenge a popular belief?
Central idea
Key detail 1
Key detail 2
Answer key: 1) cue, routine, reward · 2) the cue still triggers the behavior automatically · 3) keep the cue and reward but substitute a new routine · 4) cites research showing habits took about 66 days on average, not 21 · Central idea: Habits follow a cue–routine–reward loop, and changing them takes time and smart substitution.
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Worksheets › Grade 9 English › Reading Informational Text › Reading Informational Text

Grade 9 (ages 14–15)Reading comprehensionFree printable PDF

About this grade 9 worksheet

Free Grade 9 English worksheet (Common Core RI.9-10.1): read the informational text "The Science of Habits", find the main idea and answer questions with evidence. Skill: Key ideas and details in informational text. Level: Grade 9 — also suits Year 10 (UK).

For teachers: skills & standards

Frequently asked questions

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What age is it for?

It is designed for Grade 9 (ages 14–15), but use it with any child who is ready.

What skills does it build?

Key ideas and details in informational text.

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More “Reading Informational Text” printables (ri.9-10.1–3: key ideas and details in informational text)

Reading Informational Text: The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (Grade 9) · Reading Informational Text: Should Students Be Required to Learn a Second Language? (Grade 9) · Reading Informational Text: Antibiotic Resistance (Grade 9) · Reading Informational Text: The Silk Road (Grade 9)

All 5 reading informational text sheets → · Grade 9 English: all 10 skills → · All Common Core grades

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