What Is a Hemisphere? — Reading Comprehension

A hemisphere is one half of the Earth. The word comes from two parts: “hemi” means half, and “sphere” means a round shape like a ball. Earth is shaped like a sphere, so when we divide it in half, we get a hemisphere!

There are two main ways to divide the Earth into hemispheres. The first way is by the Equator, which splits the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The Northern Hemisphere has places like the United States, Europe, and most of Asia. The Southern Hemisphere includes countries like Australia, Brazil, and South Africa.

The second way is by the Prime Meridian, which divides the Earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. The Eastern Hemisphere has most of Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Western Hemisphere includes the Americas and part of western Africa and Europe.

Knowing about hemispheres helps geographers, scientists, and students describe where places are on the globe. It also helps us understand weather and seasons, since they are often different in each hemisphere.

Fun Fact: When it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere—because the Earth is tilted on its axis!

What does the word “hemisphere” mean?

What line divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

What line divides Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres?

Which hemisphere is Australia in?

Why is it winter in one hemisphere when it’s summer in the other?

What is the main idea of this passage?