Reading Comprehension

Directions: Read the text and answer the questions.

Pluto

Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, is now recognized as a "dwarf planet."

It is too small to be considered a planet. Despite its small size, Pluto has some

fascinating features. Covered in icy mountains, Pluto's surface boasts a heart-

shaped region called "Tombaugh Regio," named after its discoverer, Clyde

Tombaugh. This tiny celestial body, smaller than Earth's moon, orbits the Sun in

an unusual pattern, taking about 248 Earth years for a complete revolution.

Situated in the outer reaches of our solar system, Pluto experiences bone-

chilling temperatures, dropping as low as -375 degrees Fahrenheit (-229

degrees Celsius). Its thin atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen, adding

to its icy allure.

1.Why is Pluto called a dwarf planet?

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2. What is the heart-shaped region on Pluto called?

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3. How long does it take Pluto to orbit the Sun?

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4. What is Pluto's atmosphere primarily made of?

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5. How cold can temperatures get on Pluto?

Suggested Answer

1.Why is Pluto called a dwarf planet?

Pluto is called a dwarf planet due to its small size and specific characteristics.

2.What is the heart-shaped region on Pluto called?

The heart-shaped area on Pluto is known as "Tombaugh Regio."

3.How long does it take Pluto to orbit the Sun?

Pluto takes about 248 Earth years to complete one full orbit around the Sun.

4.What is Pluto's atmosphere primarily made of?

Pluto's atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen.

5.How cold can temperatures get on Pluto?

Temperatures on Pluto can dropas low as -375 degrees Fahrenheit (-229 degrees
Celsius).

Read the following passage about planets and answer the questions that follow:

Planets are celestial bodies that orbit around stars. In our solar system, there are eight planets:
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets vary in size,
composition, and distance from the Sun.

The inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are rocky planets with solid surfaces. They
are also called terrestrial planets because they have similar characteristics to Earth. These planets
have relatively short orbital periods and are closer to the Sun compared to the outer planets.

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are gas giants. They are composed mostly of hydrogen and
helium and have thick atmospheres. These planets are much larger than the terrestrial planets and
have longer orbital periods. Jupiter and Saturn are known for their impressive ring systems,
while Uranus and Neptune have fainter ring systems.

Despite their differences, all planets in our solar system orbit around the Sun in elliptical paths.
They also rotate on their axes, although the rotation speeds and directions vary from planet to
planet.

Questions:

1. How many planets are there in our solar system?

2. Name two characteristics of terrestrial planets.
3. What are gas giants composed of?
4. Which two planets are known for their ring systems?
 5. What do all planets in our solar system have in common regarding their orbits?
6. Do all planets rotate on their axes? Explain.
7. Can you name the four inner planets?
8. What is the main difference between inner and outer planets?

Feel free to answer the questions based on the passage!