Winter Holiday Math & Reading — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Snowflakes form when rain freezes in the clouds.
Corrected: Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes around tiny dust particles in the clouds.
The corrected sentence is: "Snowflakes form when water vapor freezes around tiny dust particles in the clouds.". The original sentence "Snowflakes form when rain freezes in the clouds." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
All snowflakes have five sides because of their crystal structure.
Corrected: All snowflakes have six sides because of their hexagonal crystal structure.
The corrected sentence is: "All snowflakes have six sides because of their hexagonal crystal structure.". The original sentence "All snowflakes have five sides because of their crystal structure." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
Days are shorter in winter because the Earth is farther from the Sun.
Corrected: Days are shorter in winter because the Earth is tilted away from the Sun.
The corrected sentence is: "Days are shorter in winter because the Earth is tilted away from the Sun.". The original sentence "Days are shorter in winter because the Earth is farther from the Sun." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Each snowflake has a hexagonal shape with six sides.
Water molecules bond in hexagonal patterns, giving snowflakes their characteristic six-sided structure.
2. Water changes from a gas to a solid through a process called deposition.
Deposition is when water vapor freezes directly into ice crystals (skipping the liquid stage).
3. The tilt of the Earth on its axis causes the seasons.
Earth's 23.5° axial tilt causes different hemispheres to receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
4. A scientist who studies weather is called a meteorologist.
Meteorologists study weather patterns, atmosphere, and climate to forecast weather.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why does the saying "no two snowflakes are alike" make sense scientifically?
Sample answer: Each snowflake follows a unique path through the atmosphere, encountering different temperatures and humidity levels that shape its crystal branches differently.
The path each snow crystal takes is unique, leading to unique branching patterns in each snowflake.
2. What is the main idea of a passage about how snowflakes form?
Sample answer: The main idea is that snowflakes form when water vapor freezes around dust particles in clouds, creating unique hexagonal ice crystals.
Main idea = the most important point the text is making about snowflake formation.