Tonle Sap River - Free Reading Practice with keys

 

The Tonle Sap River in Cambodia

The Tonle Sap River is one of the most special rivers in Cambodia and it is also the largest river in South ease Asia. It is not very long, but it is very important for approximately 1.2 million Cambodian people who live along the river bank. The river connects Tonle Sap Lake to the Mekong River near Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.
What makes the Tonle Sap River very unique is that it can change its direction every six months. Most rivers always flow in one direction, but the Tonle Sap River flows in two directions at different times of the year. During the dry season, from November to May, the river flows from Tonle Sap Lake into the Mekong River. However, during the rainy season, from June to October, the water from the Mekong River becomes very strong and pushes water back into Tonle Sap Lake. This makes the river flow in the opposite direction.
Because of this change, Tonle Sap Lake becomes much bigger in the rainy season. The lake expands from an area of 2,700 in dry season to 16,000 sqkm in we season. This brings a lot of water, fish, and nutrients into the lake and nearby areas.
The Tonle Sap River and Lake are very important for Cambodian people. Many families live near the river and depend on it for their daily life. They use the water for cooking, washing, and farming. Farmers grow rice and vegetables using the water from the river.
Fishing is also a very important activity. The Tonle Sap area is one of the richest freshwater fishing areas in the world. Many people catch fish to eat and to sell at markets. Fish is a main part of Cambodian food, and people cook it in many ways such as making soup, frying, or grilling.
Many animals live in and around the Tonle Sap River. There are many kinds of fish, birds, and other animals. Some rare animals, like river dolphins, can also be found in the nearby Mekong River.
People who live near the Tonle Sap River have special ways of living. Some families live in floating houses that move with the water level. When the water rises, their houses float higher. When the water goes down, the houses move lower. This helps them live safely during both dry and rainy seasons.
The Tonle Sap River is not only important for people but also for nature. It helps plants grow and supports many living things. It is like the heart of Cambodia’s water system.
In conclusion, the Tonle Sap River is a very special and important river. Its changing direction, rich fishing, and support for people and animals make it a valuable part of Cambodia. Everyone should help protect this river so it can stay healthy for the future.

Vocabulary 

• Approximately (adv): about; not exact
• Important (adj): something that matters a lot
• Riverbank (n): the land beside a river
• Connect (v): to join or link things together
• Depend on (v): to need someone or something for help
• Freshwater (n): water that is not salty (like river or lake water)
• Rich (adj): having a lot of something (like fish or resources)
• Floating house (n): a house that stays on water
• Rise (v): to go up
• Float (v): to stay on top of water without sinking
• Expand (v): to become bigger
• Valuable (adj): very useful or important
• Protect (v): to keep something safe from harm

Gap-Filling Practice: Tonle Sap Vocabulary
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the box.
Word Bank:
approximately | important | riverbank | connect | depend on | freshwater | rich | floating house | rise | float | expand | valuable | protect

1. The Tonle Sap River is very __________ for Cambodian people.
2. Many families live near the __________ of the river.
3. The river helps __________ the lake and the Mekong River.
4. People __________ the river for food and water.
5. Fish live in __________, not in salty water.
6. The lake is very __________ in fish.
7. Some people live in a __________ on the water.
8. During the rainy season, the water level can __________.
9. Boats can __________ on the water easily.
10. The lake can __________ and become much bigger.
11. The Tonle Sap is __________ 120 kilometers long.
12. The river is very __________ to the country.
13. We should __________ the river and keep it clean.

True / False Practice

Write T if the statement is True and F if the statement is False. 
1. ______ The Tonle Sap River is very long but not important.
2. ______ About 1.2 million Cambodian people live near the river.

3. ______ The Tonle Sap River connects the lake to the Mekong River.

4. ______ The river always flows in one direction like other rivers.

5. ______ In the dry season, the river flows into the Mekong River.

6. ______ In the rainy season, water flows back into Tonle Sap Lake.

7. ______ The lake becomes smaller during the rainy season.

8.______​Many people use the river water for cooking, washing, and farming.

9.______ Fishing is not important for Cambodian people.

10.______​Some people live in floating houses on the river.

Tonle Sap River - Multiple Choice Quiz