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Reading Passage

Natural Disaster: Droughts

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Grades 4–5ElaReadingScienceEnglish · SpanishInteractive · Printable
Aligned toRI.3.1RI.4.4RI.4.2RI.5.2MS-ESS3-7

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Natural Disaster: Droughts preview and details

About this printable Natural Disaster: Droughts science reading passage, NGSS-aligned (Grades 4-5)

Droughts are long periods with insufficient water, leading to crop failures and water shortages. Conserving water and planning ahead can help communities cope.
Written by Neha Goel TripathiPublished by Workybooks
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Sample passage and quiz from Natural Disaster: Droughts

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Natural Disaster: Droughts

droughts, water scarcity, climate cycle, water conservation, dry conditions

A drought is a long period of time when an area doesn't get enough water. This can happen when there's not enough rain or snow for months or even years. Droughts can affect small areas or entire regions, and they can have serious impacts on people, animals, and the environment.

 

During a drought, crops may not grow well, leading to food shortages. Rivers and lakes can dry up, making it hard for people and animals to find water. The dry conditions can also increase the risk of wildfires.

 

People can help conserve water during droughts by using less water at home, like taking shorter showers or not watering lawns. Farmers might plant crops that need less water or use more efficient watering systems.

 

While droughts can be challenging, they're a natural part of Earth's climate cycle. Scientists study weather patterns to predict droughts and help communities prepare for dry periods.

Comprehension quiz (6 questions)

1. What is a drought?

A period with too much rain
A long period without enough water
A type of storm
A season of the year

2. How can droughts affect crops?

They make crops grow faster
They may prevent crops from growing well
They change the color of crops
They make crops taste better

3. What can happen to rivers and lakes during a drought?

They can overflow
They can freeze
They can dry up
They can become saltier

4. How can people conserve water during a drought?

By taking longer showers
By watering their lawns more
By washing their car every day
By taking shorter showers and using less water outdoors

5. What might farmers do during a drought?

Plant more crops that need lots of water
Stop farming completely
Plant crops that need less water
Water their crops more often

6. Why do scientists study weather patterns related to droughts?

To make it rain more
To predict droughts and help communities prepare
To create more droughts
To change the weather
Curriculum

Common Core standards for Natural Disaster: Droughts

RI.3.1

Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

RI.4.2

Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.

RI.4.4

Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.

RI.5.2

Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.

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