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What Are Mountains — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-ESS2-2
ESS2.B

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This 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to mountains as one of Earth's most dramatic landforms. Aligned to NGSS standard 4-ESS2-2 and the Disciplinary Core Idea ESS2.B, the passage explains that mountains are large landforms rising high above surrounding land. Students learn about the three main parts of mountains: peaks (tops), slopes (sides), and bases (bottoms). The passage describes different types of mountains, from tall rocky peaks with snow to rounded mountains covered with trees. It explains how mountains affect weather patterns, river formation, and human settlement. The passage includes Mount Everest as a real-world example of Earth's tallest mountain. Audio-integrated features support diverse learners. Activities include multiple-choice questions testing recall and comprehension, writing prompts requiring students to explain concepts and make connections, and graphic organizers for comparing mountain types and analyzing how mountains affect their surroundings. This foundational passage prepares students for hands-on investigations about landforms and Earth's surface processes.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Breathtaking view of the snow-covered peaks in the Swiss Alps under a clear blue sky." Image Credit Denis Linine / Pexels.

Mountains are large landforms that rise high above the surrounding land. A landform is a natural feature on Earth's surface. Mountains are important because they affect weather, create rivers, and influence where people can live and travel.

Every mountain has three main parts. The peak is the highest point at the top of the mountain. The slopes are the sides of the mountain that go up and down. The base is the bottom part where the mountain meets the flatter land around it. Think of a mountain like a triangle—the point at the top is the peak, the slanted sides are the slopes, and the flat bottom edge is the base.

Mountains come in different shapes and sizes. Some mountains are tall and rocky with snow on their peaks. These mountains often have steep slopes and sharp peaks. Other mountains are shorter and rounded with trees covering their slopes. The type of mountain depends on how it formed and how old it is.

Mountains affect the land around them in important ways. When warm, moist air hits a mountain, it rises and cools, causing rain or snow on one side. This is why one side of a mountain is often wetter than the other side. Mountains also create rivers because melting snow and rain flow down the slopes. The tallest mountain on Earth is Mount Everest, which stands 29,032 feet tall.

Interesting Fact: Mount Everest grows about 4 millimeters taller every year because the plates that form Earth's crust are still pushing together!

What is a landform?

A natural feature on Earth's surfaceA man-made building or structureA type of weather patternA kind of plant or tree

What are the three main mountain parts?

Top, middle, and bottom sectionsPeak, slopes, and baseSnow, rocks, and treesNorth, south, and east sides

How tall is Mount Everest?

15,000 feet tall20,500 feet tall29,032 feet tall35,000 feet tall

Why does one mountain side get wetter?

Trees hold more water thereWarm air rises, cools, and rainsRivers only flow on one sideSnow only falls on steep slopes

How do mountains create rivers?

Rivers flow up from underground springsRain and snow flow down slopesClouds drop water at the baseLakes overflow from the peak

What affects how a mountain looks?

The weather during each seasonHow many people climb it yearlyHow it formed and its ageThe animals living on its slopes