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Termite City Builders

LLaura
Upper Elementary
Fiction
ENES
2 min read
Image for Termite City Builders

Termite City Builders

Deep beneath the forest floor, where sunlight never reaches, lived a colony of termites. These weren't just any termites; they were the Builders of Barkwood Forest. Their queen, Esmeralda, was wise and ambitious.

Esmeralda dreamed of a termite city grander than any other. "We shall build a tower that touches the sky!" she declared to her colony. The worker termites buzzed with excitement. Building was in their blood, but a tower this tall? It seemed impossible.

The Plan

The Builders began by reinforcing the foundation. They mixed saliva and soil, creating a strong, brick-like substance. They dug deep, creating a network of tunnels for ventilation and defense. Ferdinand, a particularly clever termite, designed a system of air vents. These vents would keep the city cool even on the hottest days.

Challenges

Building a city was not easy. Rainstorms threatened to flood their tunnels. Hungry anteaters tried to break through the walls. But the termites worked together, repairing damage and defending their home. They created special guard posts near the surface, where soldier termites stood watch, ready to fight off any invaders.

The Grand Tower

Slowly but surely, the tower began to rise. The termites built intricate chambers for the queen, nurseries for the young, and storage rooms for food. They decorated the walls with patterns made from different colored soils. The tower became a magnificent structure, a testament to the termites' hard work and ingenuity.

One day, the tower finally reached its peak. Esmeralda climbed to the top and gazed out at the forest. The termites had built a city that was not only tall but also beautiful and strong. The Builders of Barkwood Forest had achieved their dream.

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Glossary
Colony:
A group of animals or insects living together.
Ingenuity:
Being clever and inventive.
Vents:
Openings that allow air to pass through.
Foundation:
The base of a building that supports it.
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About this fiction passage for Upper Elementary

“Termite City Builders” is a fiction reading passage about Termites, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (282 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. You can read “Termite City Builders” online for free and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “Termite City Builders”?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a fiction text about Termites, about a 2-minute read (282 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. With a free account you can remix it to a different grade level or translate it to another language in one click.