PISA Reading Comprehension

Acid rain is a type of rain that contains harmful chemicals. It happens when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the air by factories, power plants, and cars. These gases mix with water in the atmosphere to form acids, which then fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog. Acid rain can harm plants, animals, and even buildings. It damages forests, pollutes lakes and rivers, and eats away at stone and metal structures. Reducing air pollution is an important step in preventing acid rain.

What causes acid rain?

• The release of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air

• The release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air

• The release of methane and water vapor into the air

• The release of ozone and carbon monoxide into the air

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Acid rain is a type of rain that contains harmful chemicals. It happens when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are released into the air by factories, power plants, and cars. These gases mix with water in the atmosphere to form acids, which then fall to the ground as rain, snow, or fog. Acid rain can harm plants, animals, and even buildings. It damages forests, pollutes lakes and rivers, and eats away at stone and metal structures. Reducing air pollution is an important step in preventing acid rain.

How does acid rain affect buildings?

• It makes buildings more resistant to weather changes.

• It causes buildings to crumble due to chemical reactions.

• It increases the structural strength of buildings.

• It adds a protective coating to building surfaces.

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Bird migration is the regular movement of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Many birds migrate to find food and safe places to raise their young. For example, birds in colder regions often fly to warmer places when the weather gets too cold. Birds use a variety of methods to navigate, such as following landmarks like rivers and mountains, sensing the Earth's magnetic field, and even using the position of the sun and stars. Migration helps birds survive by giving them access to better resources.

Why do many birds migrate?

• To explore new environments during their lifetime

• To find food and suitable breeding grounds

• To avoid cold weather in their home regions

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Bird migration is the regular movement of birds between their breeding and wintering grounds. Many birds migrate to find food and safe places to raise their young. For example, birds in colder regions often fly to warmer places when the weather gets too cold. Birds use a variety of methods to navigate, such as following landmarks like rivers and mountains, sensing the Earth's magnetic field, and even using the position of the sun and stars. Migration helps birds survive by giving them access to better resources.

How do birds navigate during migration?

• Using landmarks like mountains and rivers

• Following their sense of smell along migration routes

• Using road signs and human-made structures

• Following the wind patterns they feel

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The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder located in Arizona, USA. It is a giant canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon is known for its amazing layers of colorful rock, which tell the story of Earth’s geologic history. These layers contain fossils and minerals, giving scientists clues about the past. The Grand Canyon is also home to unique plants and animals, making it an important natural habitat. People visit from all over the world to hike, camp, and enjoy its beauty.

How was the Grand Canyon formed?

• By volcanic activity over thousands of years

• By glaciers carving through the area

• By the Colorado River eroding rock layers over millions of years

• By tectonic plates pushing upward to form cliffs

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The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder located in Arizona, USA. It is a giant canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. The canyon is known for its amazing layers of colorful rock, which tell the story of Earth’s geologic history. These layers contain fossils and minerals, giving scientists clues about the past. The Grand Canyon is also home to unique plants and animals, making it an important natural habitat. People visit from all over the world to hike, camp, and enjoy its beauty.

Why is the Grand Canyon considered a geologic wonder?

• Its rock layers show different colors and patterns

• It is the largest canyon in the world by depth

• Its formation was due to a meteorite impact

• It has constant changes in its width and shape

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Sunscreen is a lotion that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays before they can harm your skin. It is important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is an important part of staying safe in the sun.

What does sunscreen protect your skin from?

• Harmful infrared rays from the sun

• Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun

• Harmful visible light from the sun

• Harmful heat energy from the sun

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Sunscreen is a lotion that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays before they can harm your skin. It is important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is an important part of staying safe in the sun.

How should sunscreen be applied for effectiveness?

• Apply once in the morning for full-day protection

• Reapply every two hours or after swimming

• Only use sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days

• Use sunscreen with SPF below 15 for best results

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Sunscreen is a lotion that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays before they can harm your skin. It is important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is an important part of staying safe in the sun.

What does SPF measure in sunscreen?

• The amount of heat it blocks from the sun

• The length of time it protects against UV rays

• The thickness of the layer it forms on your skin

• The percentage of sunlight it reflects from the skin

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

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Sunscreen is a lotion that helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays before they can harm your skin. It is important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and to reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is an important part of staying safe in the sun.

Why is sunscreen important?

• It protects skin from dryness and flaking.

• It prevents skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

• It eliminates the need for wearing hats and sunglasses.

• It keeps skin hydrated during hot weather.

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