Latitude: A Key Factor Affecting Climate — Reading Comprehension
Rate this|
2
Present
Present in classroom. No work saved
Assign
Classroom with student accounts, Track progress
Quick Play
No student accounts, assign with a link
Grades
5
6
7
8
Standards
RI.5.3
PRINT+DIGITAL RESOURCE
This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksheet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
Latitude determines a region’s climate by affecting sunlight and temperature. Tropical regions near the equator are warm and humid, while polar regions are cold and icy. Temperate zones experience seasonal changes.
CONTENT PREVIEW
Expand content preview
Latitude is one of the most important factors affecting climate. It refers to the distance of a location from the equator, measured in degrees. The Earth is divided into three main latitude zones: the tropics (near the equator), the temperate zones (mid-latitudes), and the polar zones (near the poles).
Areas near the equator receive direct sunlight year-round, making them warm and humid. These regions experience tropical climates with consistent temperatures and heavy rainfall. In contrast, the polar regions receive indirect sunlight, resulting in cold temperatures and icy conditions.
The temperate zones, located between the tropics and polar regions, experience seasonal changes with distinct summers and winters. This is because the angle of sunlight varies throughout the year.
Latitude also affects the length of daylight hours. Near the poles, days can be extremely long in summer and extremely short in winter, while the equator has nearly equal day and night lengths year-round.
Fun fact: The equator receives about 2.5 times more sunlight than the poles, making it the warmest part of the Earth!
What is latitude?
The height of a location above sea levelThe distance from the equatorThe amount of rainfall in a regionThe type of vegetation in an area
Which latitude zone is near the equator?
Polar zonesTemperate zonesTropicsArctic zones
What type of climate do tropical regions have?
Cold and dryWarm and humidSeasonal with distinct summers and wintersIcy and windy
Why do polar regions have cold temperatures?
They receive direct sunlightThey receive indirect sunlightThey are near the equatorThey have heavy rainfall
What is one characteristic of temperate zones?
Consistent temperatures year-roundSeasonal changes with summers and wintersExtremely long days in winterHeavy rainfall throughout the year
How does latitude affect daylight hours?
Days are longer near the equatorDays are shorter near the poles in summerDays are nearly equal in length at the equatorDays are longer near the poles in winter
What is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The equator receives 2.5 times more sunlight than the polesPolar regions have the warmest climatesTemperate zones have no seasonal changesLatitude does not affect climate
What is one effect of direct sunlight near the equator?
Cold temperaturesWarm and humid climatesIcy conditionsShort daylight hours
Perfect For:
👩🏫 Teachers
• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development
👨👩👧👦 Parents
• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time
🏠 Homeschoolers
• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring
Reading Features:
📖
Reading Passage
Engaging fiction or nonfiction text
❓
Comprehension Quiz
Auto-graded questions
📊
Instant Feedback
Immediate results and scoring
📄
Printable Version
Download for offline reading
🔊
Read Aloud
Voice-over with word highlighting
Reviews & Ratings
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Related Content
The Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
RF.5.4.ARF.5.4.BW.5.2L.5.6
Mesopotamia—Informatonal Text
This informational text on Mesopotamia is a great way to practice reading comprehension. Students will read the text the...
RI.5.3RI.5.10
Pollination: A Crucial Ecosystem Service
Explore the vital role of pollination beyond plant reproduction, as it sustains ecosystems by ensuring food security, pr...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
The States of Matter: Solid
Discover the differences between solids, liquids and gases by exploring how their particles are arranged and move. This ...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
What is a Simple Machine
Discover the power of simple machines! This informational text explores how basic tools like levers, pulleys and incline...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
The Role of Pollinators in Nature
Learn about the fascinating world of pollinators and discover their crucial role in the reproductive process of flowerin...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Seed Dispersal: How Plants Travel
Plants may seem stationary, but their seeds have amazing ways to travel! Explore the fascinating world of seed dispersal...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Cyclones and Anticyclones: A Comparison
Cyclones are low-pressure systems that bring stormy weather, while anticyclones are high-pressure systems that bring cle...
7.RI.7.1RI.5.3RI.5.5RI.6.9
Cold Fronts and Warm Fronts: A Comparison
Cold fronts bring thunderstorms and cooler temperatures, while warm fronts bring light rain and warmer temperatures. Bot...
7.RI.7.3RI.5.3RI.5.5RI.6.9
Elevation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Elevation influences climate by causing temperatures to drop as altitude increases. High-elevation areas receive more so...
RI.5.3
Vegetation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Vegetation influences climate by cooling temperatures, increasing humidity, and supporting rainfall. Forests also preven...
RI.5.3
Topography of the Ocean Floor
This science passage with questions and answers on the ocean floor features diverse landscapes like continental shelves,...
RI.5.3
Composition of the Ocean
The ocean is made up of water, dissolved salts, gases, and organic matter. Its composition varies with depth and influen...
RI.5.3
Circulation in the Ocean
Ocean circulation involves the movement of seawater driven by wind, temperature, and salinity. It includes surface curre...
RI.5.3
Surface Ocean Currents
Surface ocean currents are driven by wind and influenced by Earth’s rotation. They transport warm and cold water, regula...
RI.5.3
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic waste in the North Pacific Ocean. It harms marine lif...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Surface Water Runoff
Surface water runoff replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens and ...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Freshwater and Its Sources
Freshwater is a limited resource, with most stored in glaciers and aquifers. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are key sour...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Runoff from Precipitation
Runoff from precipitation replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens...