Mount Magazine: The Island in the Sky
Rising high above the surrounding valleys of Logan County, Arkansas, stands Mount Magazine. Reaching an elevation of 2,753 feet, it is the highest point in the entire state. Unlike many pointed mountain peaks, Mount Magazine is a flat-topped plateau bordered by steep, dramatic cliffs. This unique shape and impressive height make it a fascinating place of discovery for geologists, weather watchers, and nature lovers alike.
Because of its great height, Mount Magazine experiences a very different climate than the lowlands below. It is often much cooler and windier at the summit. In fact, the temperature at the top can be up to ten degrees cooler than in nearby towns. The mountain also traps moisture from the air, leading to frequent fog and higher rainfall. This creates a special environment called a microclimate. This cool, damp climate allows plants and animals to survive here that cannot live anywhere else in Arkansas.
- Plateau:
- A flat-topped area of land that is raised much higher than the surrounding land.
- Microclimate:
- A small local area where the climate differs from the climate of the surrounding area.
- Thermals:
- Rising currents of warm air.
- Summit:
- The highest point of a mountain or hill.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1In which Arkansas county is Mount Magazine located?
- 2What is the elevation of Mount Magazine?
Where this passage belongs
About this report passage for Upper Elementary
“Mount Magazine: The Island in the Sky” is a report reading passage about Geographical Features of Arkansas, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (367 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.