Why Do Leaves Change Color? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn why leaves change color. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Leaves change color when trees make less chlorophyll in autumn.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

289 words

Reading Passage

In autumn, many trees change from green to yellow, orange, red, or brown. This beautiful change happens because leaves respond to light, temperature, and the season.

During spring and summer, leaves are usually green because they have chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps plants use sunlight to make food. This process gives trees the energy they need to grow.

When autumn comes, the days become shorter and the weather becomes cooler. Trees receive less sunlight. Because of this, they begin to make less chlorophyll. As the green color slowly disappears, other colors inside the leaves become easier to see.

Yellow and orange colors are already in many leaves, but chlorophyll hides them during summer. When the green color fades, these hidden colors appear. Red and purple colors can form when sugar stays inside the leaves. Cool nights and sunny days can make these red colors stronger.

Brown leaves are different. Brown often appears when a leaf is dying and drying out. The tree is getting ready for winter. It stops sending as much water and food to the leaves. Soon, the leaves fall to the ground.

Changing color helps trees save energy before winter. In cold months, there is less sunlight and water can be harder for trees to use. Dropping leaves helps many trees survive until spring.

Autumn leaves are not just pretty. They show how trees prepare for a new season.

Shorter days and cooler weather help autumn leaf colors appear.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
chlorophyll	a green substance in plants that helps them make food	Chlorophyll makes many leaves look green.
autumn	the season between summer and winter	Leaves often change color in autumn.
fade	to slowly lose color or brightness	The green color begins to fade.
survive	to continue living	Dropping leaves helps trees survive winter.
season	one part of the year, such as spring or winter	Trees change with each season.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Why are many leaves green in spring and summer?
2. What happens to chlorophyll in autumn?
3. Where do yellow and orange colors come from?
4. Why do some leaves become brown?
5. How does dropping leaves help many trees?

Answers

1. Many leaves are green because they have chlorophyll.
2. Trees make less chlorophyll in autumn.
3. Yellow and orange colors are already in many leaves, but chlorophyll hides them.
4. Leaves can become brown when they are dying and drying out.
5. Dropping leaves helps trees save energy and survive winter.

Short Summary

Leaves change color because trees make less chlorophyll in autumn. As the green color fades, yellow, orange, red, and brown colors become visible.

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