Instructional Text Cloze Exercise

Name: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________

Instructions: Read the procedural text below carefully. Fill in each blank with an appropriate word from the word bank. Some words may be used more than once.

Word Bank:

layer • materials • ensure • moisture • process • bin • regularly • temperature • approximately • decompose • allow • location • ventilation • turn • balance

How to Build and Maintain a Compost Bin

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Select a flat _______________ in your garden that receives partial sunlight. The area should have good drainage to _______________ excess water can escape. Make sure the _______________ is easily accessible so you can add materials and monitor the compost _______________.

Step 2: Construct the Bin

Build or purchase a compost _______________ that is _______________ one cubic metre in size. The structure should have adequate _______________ through gaps or holes in the sides. This airflow is essential for the composting _______________.

Step 3: Add Brown and Green Materials

Begin by adding a _______________ of brown materials such as dried leaves, cardboard, or newspaper. These provide carbon. Next, add a layer of green _______________ like vegetable scraps, grass clippings, or coffee grounds. Continue alternating layers to maintain a healthy _______________ between carbon and nitrogen.

Step 4: Maintain Moisture and Temperature

The compost should have the _______________ of a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it becomes too dry, or add brown materials if too wet. The internal _______________ should reach between 55-65°C for optimal decomposition.

Step 5: Turn the Compost

Using a garden fork, _______________ the compost every two to three weeks. This introduces oxygen and helps materials _______________ more efficiently. Turn more _______________ during warmer months to speed up the process.

Step 6: Harvest Your Compost

After approximately three to six months, the compost will be ready. It should be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. _______________ the finished compost to cure for another two weeks before using it in your garden.