The Dust Bowl Destroys Farms — Reading Comprehension

In the 1930s, the United States faced a disaster called the Dust Bowl. The Dust Bowl happened in the Great Plains, where many people were farmers. These farmers grew wheat and raised animals on their land. At first, the soil was rich and good for crops.

After many years, people began to use new machines to plow the land. They pulled out the deep grass that had covered the ground for thousands of years. Without the grass, the soil was not held in place. Then, a terrible drought began. Rain stopped falling. The soil became dry and loose.

Strong winds swept across the Plains. The winds picked up the dry dirt and created huge dust storms. The sky turned dark. Dust got into houses, food, and even people's lungs. Some people called it a "black blizzard." One farmer said, "We could not see the sun for days."

Many families could not grow food or keep animals alive. Their crops died, and they lost money. Some decided to leave their homes and move west, hoping to find work. These families were often called migrants. They showed great bravery and worked together to survive this hard time.

The Dust Bowl changed how people farmed. Farmers learned to plant grass again and use better methods to protect the soil. The government helped by giving new seeds and teaching about conservation. Because of these changes, the land slowly became healthy again.

Interesting Fact: In one year, some dust storms carried more than 300 million tons of dirt across the country!

Where did the Dust Bowl occur?

What did farmers mainly grow?

What caused the soil to become loose?

Why did many families leave their homes?

How did the Dust Bowl change farming?

What did the government do to help?

The Dust Bowl happened in the 1930s. True or false?

What is a drought?