Earthquakes are actually more common than most people think. In fact, in some places around the world, like California, earthquakes can occur every day. Most of these earthquakes are not that strong. The location of an earthquake is a big factor in whether or not it will cause damage. When an earthquake occurs a long way from the earth’s surface, it doesn’t do any harm to people or buildings. However, when an earthquake occurs near or on the surface, there will be problems. An earthquake doesn’t have to be high on the Richter scale to cause damage; it just has to happen at the right place. The best thing you can do in an earthquake is stay calm and know how to protect yourself.  


Mark the sentences True or False.

1. Earthquakes don’t happen quite often.

2. Most of these earthquakes are not that strong.

3. The size of an earthquake is a big factor in whether or not it will cause damage.

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