Activity sheet 1.

3 Be a reading detective

How volcanoes are formed

Volcanoes are formed where

there is a crack or opening in
the Earths crust. A tube-like
passage connects a chamber
of magna (molten rock) at the
centre of the Earth to the
Earths crust.
When pressure builds up in the What is it about?
chamber, the magma, gases
and ash are pushed through
the top of the tube on the
earths surface (called a vent).
 earths surface (called a vent).
The red hot magma that
escapes to flow over the
Earths surface is called lava,
which when cooled forms hard
rocks. The layers of ash and
rocks form the sloping sides
(the cone) of the volcano. What kind of
reading is this?
While some volcanoes remain
as cracks or holes in the Earths
surface, many others throw out
enough lava and ash over time
so that mountains are formed.
The volcano then erupts
through the crater (wide rimmed
opening) at the top.

Why am I reading this?

Teaching reading and viewing Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority

Comprehension strategies and activities for Years 19 September 2010
Page 13 of 69