What Is the Water Cycle? | Easy Science Reading

This short science reading passage is for English learners. Read the passage, learn key vocabulary, and answer the questions.

The water cycle moves water from Earth to the sky and back again.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

270 words

Reading Passage

Water is always moving around Earth. It moves from oceans, lakes, and rivers into the air, then back to the land again. This movement is called the water cycle.

The water cycle often begins with the sun. When sunlight warms water, some water changes into vapor. This process is called evaporation. Water vapor is a gas, so it rises into the air.

High in the sky, the air is cooler. Water vapor changes into tiny drops of water. These drops come together and form clouds. This process is called condensation.

When clouds become heavy, water falls back to Earth. It may fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is called precipitation. Precipitation fills rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some water also goes into the ground.

Water that moves over land is called runoff. It can flow into streams and rivers. Water in the ground can help plants grow. Later, some of this water returns to the air, and the cycle starts again.

The water cycle is important because all living things need water. Plants, animals, and people depend on it. Thanks to this cycle, Earth can use the same water again and again.

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff are parts of the water cycle.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
water cycle	the natural movement of water around Earth	The water cycle never really stops.
evaporation	when liquid water changes into water vapor	The sun causes evaporation.
condensation	when water vapor cools and becomes liquid water	Condensation helps form clouds.
precipitation	water that falls from clouds to Earth	Rain is a kind of precipitation.
runoff	water that moves over land	Runoff can flow into rivers.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is the water cycle?
2. What causes evaporation?
3. How do clouds form?
4. What are examples of precipitation?
5. Why is the water cycle important?

Answers

1. It is the natural movement of water around Earth.
2. Heat from the sun causes evaporation.
3. Clouds form when water vapor cools and becomes tiny drops of water.
4. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are examples.
5. It is important because living things need water.

Short Summary

The water cycle moves water through the air, land, rivers, lakes, and oceans. It helps Earth use water again and again.

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