Northern and Southern Hemispheres — Reading Comprehension

The Earth is divided into two halves called the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. These halves are separated by an imaginary line called the Equator. The Equator runs around the middle of the Earth, like a belt.

The Northern Hemisphere is the top half of the Earth, above the Equator. It includes most of the world’s land and people. Continents in the Northern Hemisphere include North America, Europe, most of Asia, and the top part of Africa. Countries like the United States, China, and Canada are in this hemisphere.

The Southern Hemisphere is the bottom half of the Earth, below the Equator. It includes South America, Australia, the bottom part of Africa, and Antarctica. Countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Australia are located here.

One cool thing about the hemispheres is that their seasons are opposite! When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. This happens because Earth is tilted on its axis.

Understanding the two hemispheres helps us learn about weather, time zones, and where countries are in the world.

Fun Fact: Water goes down the drain in different directions in each hemisphere because of Earth’s spin!

What imaginary line separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Which continent is in the Northern Hemisphere?

Which continent is in the Southern Hemisphere?

What happens to the seasons in different hemispheres?

Why are the seasons different in each hemisphere?

What is the main idea of this passage?