Tornadoes: Nature’s Twisters

Tornadoes are one of the most powerful storms on Earth. They are tall, spinning columns of air that reach from the sky to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy houses, flip cars, and even lift heavy objects into the air. They usually form during severe thunderstorms when warm, moist air meets cold, dry air. These storms can happen very quickly, sometimes giving only a few minutes for people to prepare.

The strongest tornadoes can have wind speeds over 300 miles per hour! Most tornadoes, however, are smaller and last only a few minutes. Tornadoes often appear as dark, funnel-shaped clouds. People sometimes see debris flying around or hear a loud roar like a freight train before a tornado touches the ground. It is important to take these signs seriously because tornadoes can move very fast and change direction quickly.

Tornadoes are common in certain areas, such as the central United States, which is called “Tornado Alley.” States like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas see dozens of tornadoes every year. Tornadoes can also occur in other countries, including Canada, Bangladesh, and Australia. Scientists called meteorologists study tornadoes to learn how to predict them. They use radar, weather balloons, and computer models to track storms and give early warnings. These warnings can save lives by telling people to take shelter before the tornado arrives.

During a tornado, it is important to go to a safe place. A basement or an interior room with no windows is the safest option. People are advised to cover their heads with blankets or pillows and stay low to the ground. Families are encouraged to have emergency kits ready with food, water, and flashlights. Schools and communities also practice tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of a real tornado.

Even though tornadoes can be dangerous, they are part of nature’s way of moving air and balancing temperatures. Tornadoes can bring rain that helps crops grow, and studying them helps scientists understand weather patterns better. Some tornadoes are very small and do little damage, while others are huge and cause destruction for miles. No matter their size, tornadoes remind people that nature is powerful and unpredictable.

Some famous tornadoes in history have caused major damage and changed the way people prepare for storms. Scientists continue to study tornadoes to better understand their patterns and improve early warning systems. Learning about tornadoes teaches people the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for nature. By paying attention to the weather and following safety instructions, people can stay safe during these powerful storms.

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Questions

Part A: Vocabulary

1. What does the word “funnel-shaped” most likely mean in the passage?
A. Shaped like a triangle
B. Shaped like a circle
C. Shaped like a cone that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom
D. Shaped like a square

2. Which paragraph best helps the reader understand the meaning of “funnel-shaped”?
A. Paragraph 1
B. Paragraph 2
C. Paragraph 3
D. Paragraph 4

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Part A: Main Idea

3. Which statement describes the main idea of the passage?
A. Tornadoes are rare and only happen in one place in the world.
B. Tornadoes are strong storms that can be dangerous, but people can stay safe if they are prepared.
C. Tornadoes are not dangerous at all.
D. Tornadoes only happen in the winter.

4. Which sentence best supports the answer in question 3?
A. “During a tornado, it is important to go to a safe place.”
B. “Tornadoes are common in certain areas, such as the central United States.”
C. “Even though tornadoes can be dangerous, they are part of nature’s way of moving air and balancing temperatures.”
D. “Tornadoes are one of the most powerful storms on Earth.”

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Part A: Inference

5. What can the reader infer about tornadoes from the passage?
A. Tornadoes happen without any warning.
B. Tornadoes can be studied and predicted to help people stay safe.
C. Tornadoes are helpful for moving furniture.
D. Tornadoes are always the same size and strength.

6. Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer in question 5?
A. “Scientists called meteorologists study tornadoes to learn how to predict them.”
B. “Most tornadoes, however, are smaller and last only a few minutes.”
C. “Tornadoes often appear as dark, funnel-shaped clouds.”
D. “Even though tornadoes can be dangerous, they are part of nature’s way of moving air and balancing temperatures.”

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Answer Key

1. C – Shaped like a cone that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom
2. B – Paragraph 2
3. B – Tornadoes are strong storms that can be dangerous, but people can stay safe if they are prepared
4. A – “During a tornado, it is important to go to a safe place.”
5. B – Tornadoes can be studied and predicted to help people stay safe
6. A – “Scientists called meteorologists study tornadoes to learn how to predict them.”