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Student Article

The Amazon Rainforest: Could It Become a Desert?

By: Amy Arthur
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Exploring the impact of fires and deforestation on the Amazon rainforest and its potential transformation.

The article "The Amazon rainforest: Could it become a desert?" from BBC Science Focus investigates the consequences of deforestation and fires in the Amazon. With increasing tree mortality rates, scientists warn that the rainforest could transition into a dry savannah if destruction continues.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Environmental Science
Keywords
Amazon rainforestdeforestationclimate changeenvironmental impactecosystemfiresdesert
A huge rainforest tree trunk that has fallen and caught on fire
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400- 600L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800-1000L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1200-1400L
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