New York City Skyscrapers

PicoBuddyUpper ElementaryInformational3 min read433 words
Image for New York City Skyscrapers

New York City Skyscrapers: Reaching for the Sky

Have you ever looked up and been amazed by how tall some buildings are? In New York City, there are lots of these super tall buildings called skyscrapers. They are not just buildings; they are symbols of the city itself!

What is a Skyscraper?

A skyscraper is a very tall building. Usually, a building needs to be at least 40 stories high to be called a skyscraper. But in New York City, many are much taller! These buildings are made of steel and concrete, which makes them very strong.

Famous Skyscrapers

  • The Empire State Building: This is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. It was the tallest building for many years. People love to visit the top to see amazing views of the city.
  • One World Trade Center: This skyscraper is also very tall and important. It was built after the old World Trade Center buildings were destroyed. It stands for hope and rebuilding.
  • The Chrysler Building: You can easily spot this building because of its shiny, pointy top. It looks very fancy and special!

Why So Many Skyscrapers in New York City?

Glossary
Skyscraper:
A very tall building.
Foundation:
The base of a building that supports it.
Symbol:
Something that represents something else.
Concrete:
A strong material made of cement, sand, and water.

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.

  • Fact & Opinion

    Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.

  • 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.

Pico points towards the free sign-up options

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.

Sign up with emailLog in

Preview questions from this passageShow
  1. 1What is a skyscraper?
  2. 2Name three famous skyscrapers in New York City.

Where this passage belongs

About this informational passage for Upper Elementary

“New York City Skyscrapers” is a informational reading passage about Skyscrapers, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (433 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. With a free account, you can read “New York City Skyscrapers” online and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “New York City Skyscrapers”?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a informational text about Skyscrapers, about a 3-minute read (433 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. Remix is included with Pro and Max for adapting it to another grade level or language.