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California Economic Growth — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
D2.ECO.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging reading passage introduces students to how California’s economy changed from farming to high technology. It explains the important role of immigration, diversity, and new inventions in shaping modern California. Students will learn about the Gold Rush, the growth of farming, and the rise of Silicon Valley. The passage uses simple language and clear examples to help students understand cause and effect, while building key vocabulary. Activities include a quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer to reinforce learning. The passage is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core State Standards (CCSS), making it perfect for history and literacy classrooms. With a Spanish translation and read aloud audio, this resource supports all learners and helps connect the past with the present.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An acrylic painting shows California's economic evolution from farming to technology and diversity. — Artistic Representation of California's economic journey: from agriculture and gold to innovation and diversity.

California is the largest state economy in the United States. If it were a country, California would have the fifth-largest economy in the world. Many different industries have helped California grow. These include technology, agriculture, entertainment, and international trade.

In the early 1900s, California was mostly known for its farms. The state’s long, sunny seasons and rich soil helped farmers grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These crops were sent all over the country and the world. Agriculture made California important to the nation’s food supply.

In the mid-1900s, California became famous for movies and television. Hollywood, a place in Los Angeles, grew into the center of the entertainment world. Movies and TV shows made in California were watched by people everywhere. This helped California earn money and become well-known around the globe.

After World War II, new industries came to California. People built airplanes, rockets, and computers. Silicon Valley, near San Francisco, became the heart of the technology industry. Many innovative companies, like Apple and Google, started there. These companies created jobs and brought people from around the world to work in California.

California’s ports are some of the busiest in the world. Ships from Asia and other places bring goods to California. These goods travel by truck and train to other parts of the United States. California also sends its own products, like computers and food, to other countries. This is called global trade.

All these industries help California’s economy grow. The value of everything made and sold in California is called its gross domestic product (GDP). California’s GDP is so large that, if it were a country, it would be richer than most nations.

Today, millions of people live and work in California. The state’s economy is diverse because it has many kinds of businesses. This diversity helps California stay strong, even when some industries face problems. People from all over the world come to California for jobs and a better life. California’s growth shows how working together in many fields can create success.

Interesting Fact: California’s economy is bigger than the entire economy of countries like the United Kingdom and India!

Which state has the largest economy?

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew York

What industry is Silicon Valley known for?

TechnologyFarmingMoviesShipping

Where is Hollywood located?

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramento

Why is California’s economy called diverse?

It has many industriesIt has only farmsIt is the smallestIt has no ports

How do California’s ports help the economy?

They bring and send goodsThey grow foodThey make moviesThey mine gold

Why did companies start in Silicon Valley?