Why Do Spiders Make Webs? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why spiders make webs. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Spiders make webs from silk to catch food and sense movement.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

218 words

Reading Passage

Many spiders make webs. A web may look simple, but it is a useful tool. Spiders use webs in several important ways.

Spiders make webs from silk. The silk comes from the spider's body. It can be sticky, stretchy, or strong, depending on how the spider uses it.

One common reason spiders make webs is to catch food. Many spiders eat insects. When a fly or small insect touches a sticky web, it may get caught. Then the spider can move toward the insect and eat it.

Webs also help spiders feel movement. A spider can feel tiny shakes in the web. These shakes tell the spider that something has touched the web. In this way, the web works like a warning system.

Not all spider silk is used for catching food. Some spiders use silk to protect their eggs. A mother spider may wrap eggs in a soft silk case. This helps keep the eggs safe.

Some young spiders also use silk to travel short distances. A small spider can release a silk thread into the air. The wind may carry the spider to a new place.

Spiders do not make webs only for decoration. Webs help them catch food, sense the world, protect eggs, and sometimes move. Spider silk is one of nature's most useful materials.

Spider webs help with food, movement, eggs, and travel.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
webs	thin nets made from spider silk	The spider waited in its web.
silk	a strong, thin thread made by some insects and spiders	Spider silk can be very strong.
movement	a change in position or place	The spider felt movement in the web.
safe	not in danger	Silk helps keep the eggs safe.
decoration	something used only to make a place look nice	The web is not just decoration.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What are spider webs made from?
2. Why do many spiders use webs to catch food?
3. How can a web work like a warning system?
4. How can silk protect spider eggs?
5. How can young spiders use silk to travel?

Answers

1. Spider webs are made from spider silk.
2. Insects can get caught in sticky webs.
3. A spider can feel tiny shakes when something touches the web.
4. Eggs can be wrapped in a soft silk case.
5. Young spiders can release silk threads that may be carried by the wind.

Short Summary

Spiders make webs from silk. Webs help spiders catch food, feel movement, protect eggs, and sometimes travel short distances.

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