How Do Seeds Grow? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn how seeds grow into plants. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

A small seed can grow into a healthy plant when conditions are right.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

266 words

Reading Passage

A seed may look small and quiet, but it can grow into a plant. Inside a seed is a tiny young plant and stored food. When conditions are right, the seed begins to grow.

The first stage is called germination. A seed needs water, air, and the right temperature to germinate. Water softens the seed coat and wakes up the tiny plant inside.

Soon, a small root grows downward. The root helps the plant get water and minerals from the soil. It also helps hold the plant in place.

Next, a shoot grows upward toward the light. The shoot becomes a stem and leaves. Leaves are important because they make food for the plant. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in a process called photosynthesis.

As the plant grows, it may make flowers, fruit, or more seeds. These new seeds can fall to the ground or travel by wind, water, animals, or people. Then the life cycle can begin again.

Seeds are important because they help plants continue living from one generation to the next. A tiny seed can become grass, a flower, a vegetable plant, or even a tall tree.

Seeds grow through germination, roots, shoots, leaves, and new seeds.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
germination	the process when a seed begins to grow	Germination starts when the seed gets water.
root	the part of a plant that grows underground and takes in water	The root grows down into the soil.
shoot	the young stem that grows upward	A small shoot grows toward the light.
photosynthesis	the process plants use to make food from sunlight	Leaves use photosynthesis to make food.
life cycle	the stages a living thing goes through	A plant life cycle can begin with a seed.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is inside a seed?
2. What does a seed need to germinate?
3. What does the root do?
4. Why are leaves important?
5. How can new seeds travel?

Answers

1. A seed has a tiny young plant and stored food inside.
2. It needs water, air, and the right temperature.
3. The root takes in water and holds the plant in place.
4. Leaves make food for the plant.
5. Seeds can travel by wind, water, animals, or people.

Short Summary

Seeds grow into plants when they get the right conditions. Roots, shoots, leaves, and new seeds are all part of the plant life cycle.

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