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What Is a Temperate Climate? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned science reading passage introduces middle school students to temperate climates, which have moderate temperatures and four seasons. It explains the three main types of temperate climates—oceanic, Mediterranean, and continental—and how they support biodiversity, agriculture, and human life. With examples from cities around the world and clear explanations of seasonal changes, this passage builds understanding of Earth's climate systems. Designed for reading comprehension and science literacy, it supports Earth science standards and vocabulary development in grades 6–8.

CONTENT PREVIEW

A temperate climate is a type of climate that has mild to moderate temperatures with distinct seasons. It is not extremely hot or extremely cold, which is why many people around the world live in temperate zones. This climate is found between the tropical and polar regions of Earth.

In temperate climates, there are usually four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall), and winter. Summers can be warm or hot, while winters are cool or cold—but not as cold as polar regions. The amount of rainfall is moderate and spread out during the year, helping plants grow well in these areas.

There are three main types of temperate climates:

● Oceanic (marine): Found near the coast, this climate has cool summers and mild winters with plenty of rainfall. Examples include parts of western Europe and the Pacific Northwest in the U.S.
● Mediterranean: This climate has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is found in places like California, southern Europe, and parts of Australia.

● Continental: Found farther from oceans, this type has hotter summers and colder winters. It includes areas like central and eastern Europe, much of the U.S., and parts of Asia.

Temperate zones are great for farming because of the regular rainfall and mild temperatures. Crops like wheat, apples, and grapes grow well in these regions. Many forests, grasslands, and rivers are also found in temperate areas, making them rich in biodiversity.

Fun Fact: Most of the world’s major cities, like New York, Tokyo, Paris, and Beijing, are located in temperate climate zones!

What is a key feature of temperate climates?

Always hot and rainyAlways cold and snowyMild temperatures with four seasonsNo rainfall or seasons

How many seasons does a temperate climate usually have?

OneTwoFourSix

Which of the following is a type of temperate climate?

TundraOceanicTropical rainforestDesert

What is special about Mediterranean climates?

They have snow year-roundThey are hot and wet all yearThey have dry summers and wet wintersThey are always cold and dry

Where are continental climates usually found?

Near the oceanAt the North PoleIn deep forests onlyFar from oceans, with hotter summers and colder winters

Why are temperate zones good for farming?

They have no rainfallThey are close to volcanoesThey have mild weather and regular rainfallThey don’t have animals

What is the main idea of the passage?

Temperate climates are bad for livingTemperate climates are found only in AsiaTemperate climates have moderate temperatures and four seasonsTemperate climates are too rainy for plants

Which of these cities is in a temperate climate zone?

CairoTokyoNuukBangkok