What Are Earthquakes — Reading Comprehension
Premium Resource
Grades
- 3
- 4
- 5
Standards
- NGSS 4-ESS3-2
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.
About This Reader
This engaging 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the concept of earthquakes as natural hazards. Aligned with NGSS standard 4-ESS3-2, the passage explains what earthquakes are, why they occur, and where they happen most frequently on Earth. Students learn that earthquakes are sudden shaking events that can range from barely noticeable tremors to powerful events that damage buildings and infrastructure. The passage uses age-appropriate language to describe earthquake zones, duration, and effects including ground cracks, collapsed bridges, and crumbling buildings. Audio-integrated features support diverse learners by providing read-aloud options. The educational material includes a simplified differentiated version for struggling readers, Spanish translations of both passages, a comprehensive glossary of key terms, an 8-question multiple-choice quiz testing recall and comprehension, writing activities requiring 2-4 sentence responses, and two graphic organizers in table format. The cause-and-effect and vocabulary graphic organizers help students organize their understanding of earthquake impacts and key terminology. This complete lesson package provides teachers with ready-to-use materials for introducing earth science concepts about natural hazards and their effects on human communities.
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
