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
- 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.
- ventilation:
- The movement of fresh air through an enclosed space to keep it clean, cool, and comfortable.
- intricate:
- Having many complex and finely detailed parts arranged in a careful way.
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.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
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Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What was Queen Esmeralda's dream for the termite colony?
- 2What materials did the termites use to build their city?
Where this passage belongs
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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 (286 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.