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Na m e : ___ Date: _
Directions: Read the article. Then, examine each paragraph and fill in the outline below. Use
the back of this page as needed.Reading Comprehension • Saddleback Educational Publishing ©2002 3 Watson, Irvine, CA 92618•Phone (888)SDL-BACK•www.sdlback.com
South America
South America is the fourth largest of the seven continents. The land is made up of
mountains, plains, and tropical forest. Most of the population is concentrated in large
coastal cities.
The continent of South America is rich in natural resources. Its chief agricultural exports
are bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, and wool. Minerals such as gold, copper, and iron
ore are also exported.
One of South America’s outstanding natural features is the Amazon River basin. Covering
an area of more than two million square miles, it is the largest drainage basin in the
world. The river itself is nearly 4,000 miles long.
South America’s vast tropical forests provide a lush haven for a variety of wildlife. The
largest numbers and kinds of plant and animal life are found in and around the basin of
the Amazon River. Many people around the world are concerned that South America’s
forests are being sacrificed at an alarming rate for human exploits.Paragraph I (main idea) ________________________________________________________________
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