Find your verb and state the tense

COMPREHENSION

Read the following passage carefully.

Earthquakes are one of the most powerful natural disasters on the earth. When large sections of underground rock break and move suddenly, the ground begins to rock and an earthquake is felt. Small earthquakes do not cause much damage, but large ones are disastrous. They have caused buildings and bridges to fall and rivers to change their paths. Earthquakes near mountains and cliffs can cause landslides that cover up the houses and roads below. If a large earthquake occurs under the ocean, it can cause giant waves called tsunamis which can destroy entire towns. When large earthquakes occur in a city, there is danger of fire caused by broken gas lines and electric lines. It becomes difficult to assist people in need of help or who are trapped because of damaged telephone lines and broken roadways. Broken telephone lines and damaged roads make it difficult for rescue workers to help people who are in need. Scientists are trying to find ways to predict when an earthquake will happen so that people can be warned ahead of time.

The following questions are based on the passage which you have just read. Write complete sentences in answer to the questions. Pay attention to your spelling and grammar.

1. What causes an earthquake?

______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Name four effects of earthquakes which are identified in the passage.

______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What difficulties do rescue workers face after an earthquake?

______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. According to the passage, how are scientists trying to help?