Venezuelan Lightning Storms

"The lightning is also credited with ruining a surprise attack on the city of Maracaibo by the English sea captain Sir Francis Drake in 1595. The lightning flashes illuminated Drake’s ships, alerting the Spanish forces to their presence."

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

The map next to paragraph 2 helps the reader better understand the information in the selection because it —

• illustrates how wide Lake Maracaibo is

• provides the names of other countries in South America

• helps the reader understand the causes of the lightning in Venezuela

• shows the reader where the lightning occurs in Venezuela

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.5

CCSS.RI.2.5

CCSS.RI.K.5

By stating a main idea and supporting it with specific details in paragraphs 2 through 4, the author is able to —

• offer a vivid picture of what the Catatumbo Lightning looks like to observers

• give a thorough explanation of why the Catatumbo Lightning is unique

• add a sense of drama and suspense regarding the Catatumbo Lightning strikes

• provide scientific reasons for the colorful display during a Catatumbo Lightning storm

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RI.5.2

The main idea of paragraphs 8 and 9 is that —

• an increase in methane gas in the area may be responsible for the lightning

• there are some theories about what causes the lightning but no definite answer

• the lightning may be caused by warm air from a river and a lake meeting cool mountain air

• when lightning strikes stopped during a drought, scientists studied how weather affects the lightning

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of these facts from the selection supports the idea that the local people embrace the Catatumbo Lightning?

• This natural phenomenon is called the Relámpago del Catatumbo, or the Catatumbo Lightning.

• The color of the lightning changes depending on the presence of dust, water, and various gases in the air.

• The lightning is mentioned in poetry and songs; the state of Zulia even has a lightning bolt on its flag.

• The mystery of what causes the lightning deepened when, beginning in January 2010, the lightning did not appear for a period of several months.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

Based on the information throughout the selection, how do the native people of Zulia feel about the Catatumbo Lightning?

• They are indifferent to it.

• They fear it as a powerful force of nature.

• They believe it is problematic for their community.

• They appreciate it as a special feature of their area.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

The author’s main purpose for writing this selection is to —

• warn readers about the dangers of lightning

• discuss the mysterious lightning found in a region

• compare and contrast lightning storms around the world

• explain the weather conditions that cause lightning

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.6.6