WATERMELONS
The watermelon is a kind of gourd. This means that it
is in the same family as cucumber, zucchini, and
squash. It is also related to other melons, such as
cantaloupe. Watermelons grow on vines.
Like most other gourds, the watermelon has a hard
outside, called a rind. The outer rind of the
watermelon is green and yellow. The inside of the
rind looks white. Unless it is cooked, rind is not
edible, or good to eat. The inside of the watermelon
is a juicy, crunchy, sweet fruit. It is usually red. There
are many small black seeds inside most
watermelons. It is possible to find seedless
watermelons, too. There are over a thousand
varieties, or different kinds of, watermelon.
Watermelons are probably indigenous to, or
originally from, Africa. Watermelon seeds were found
in one of the Egyptian pharaoh’s tombs, so
watermelons were already being enjoyed over three
thousand years ago! Watermelons were grown in
China a thousand years ago, and today China is the
world’s largest watermelon producer. Watermelons
grow almost all over the world now. In the United
States, most watermelons are grown in Arizona,
California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
Watermelons are eaten in different ways in different
parts of the world. In China, the rind of the
watermelon is fried in oil or stewed. In many parts of
the world, including China and Russia, the rind is
pickled. In Africa, the seeds are used to make oil. In
some parts of the world, watermelon seeds are a
typical snack (like sunflower seeds). In dry climates,
the watermelon, which is over 90% water, is a
source of water. All over the world, people like to
eat the juicy red fruit of the watermelon plain. It also
is a popular ingredient in jellies and in smoothies.
© 2007-2011 abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Food
Name _______________________ Date ______________________
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS ABOUT WATERMELON
1. A watermelon is a type of ___.
a. gourd
b. root vegetable
c. seedless fruit
d. indigenous South American fruit
2. Watermelons grow in Egypt and Arizona. What does this
tell you about watermelons?
a. They like to travel.
b. They grow best in hot places.
c. They only grow in places starting with vowels.
d. They don’t grow anywhere else.
3. What part of the watermelon can be good to eat?
a. the green and white part
b. the red part
c. the black part
d. all of the above
4. Which of the following does the article NOT mention as a
way to serve watermelon?
a. Watermelon seeds are eaten as a snack.
b. Watermelon rind is used to make pickles.
c. Watermelon flesh is grilled as “watermelon steak”.
d. Watermelon flesh can be eaten plain.
Do you like to eat watermelon? If so, how do you like to eat
it? If not, why don’t you like watermelon?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
© 2007-2011 abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Food
Name _______________________ Date ______________________
Write complete sentences to answer the questions below.
1. Imagine living in a climate so dry you have to depend on
watermelons as a source of water. Describe.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
2. Tell how the story of finding watermelon seeds in an Egyptian
tomb reminds you of an experience you have had.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
3. After reading the story what do you think is meant by rind?
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
4. What did you learn about watermelons that you did not know?
How will you use that new information?
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
© 2007-2011 abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Food
Name _______________________ Date ______________________
Answers to WATERMELONS
Multiple-choice
1. a
2. b
3. d
4. c
Short-answer
1. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
2. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
3. Rind = the tough outer covering, or peel, of some fruits
4. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
© 2007-2011 abcteach.com
