The Water Cycle — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word on the line.
1. The four main steps of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
The correct answer is 'collection'. The four main steps of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
2. Evaporation happens when the sun heats water.
The correct answer is 'sun'. Evaporation happens when the sun heats water.
3. Water vapor rises into the sky and cools to form clouds.
The correct answer is 'clouds'. Water vapor rises into the sky and cools to form clouds.
4. When clouds get heavy with water drops, precipitation falls.
The correct answer is 'precipitation'. When clouds get heavy with water drops, precipitation falls.
5. Water collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
The correct answer is 'oceans'. Water collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
6. The process of water vapor turning into liquid water in clouds is called condensation.
The correct answer is 'condensation'. The process of water vapor turning into liquid water in clouds is called condensation.
7. Groundwater that soaks into the earth is called runoff.
The correct answer is 'runoff'. Groundwater that soaks into the earth is called runoff.
8. The water cycle is also called the hydrological cycle.
The correct answer is 'hydrological'. The water cycle is also called the hydrological cycle.
9. Rain, snow, and hail are all types of precipitation.
The correct answer is 'precipitation'. Rain, snow, and hail are all types of precipitation.
Part B: Match the Steps
Draw a line from each water cycle step to its description.
1.
evaporation
→ liquid water turns to water vapor
water gathers in oceans and lakes
condensation
→ water vapor forms clouds
water falls as rain or snow
precipitation
→ water falls as rain or snow
water vapor forms clouds
collection
→ water gathers in oceans and lakes
liquid water turns to water vapor
Match each item with its correct partner. The correct matches are: evaporation → liquid water turns to water vapor; condensation → water vapor forms clouds; precipitation → water falls as rain or snow; collection → water gathers in oceans and lakes.