Contraction (grammar)
Some words can get very short. We take out some letters. This makes them quick to say. We use a tiny mark to show it. It helps us talk fast. Can you find one?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleLanguage & Culture articles — Page 18
Read about languages, traditions and the ways people communicate and share ideas. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
2,311 public articles · Page 18 of 49
Conversation
Talking is how we share. We talk with friends. We talk with family. It helps us make new friends. It is fun to talk together. Do you like to talk?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCookbook
A cookbook is a book of food. It tells you how to cook. You can find many recipes inside. Some books show you how to make treats. They help us make yummy meals. It is fun to cook! Do you like to eat?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCooked rice
People eat cooked rice every day. It can be white or brown. You can boil it in water. It can also be steamed. Many people love to eat it. It is a food for the whole world. Do you like rice?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCookie
A cookie is a sweet treat. They are baked in an oven. Some are soft and some are crunchy. They can have chocolate chips or nuts. They taste very good with milk. Do you like cookies?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCooking apple
Some apples are for cooking. They can be sour. You can bake them in an oven. You can make sweet sauce, too. They make yummy pies. Do you like warm apples?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCooking weights and measures
We use tools to cook food. We use spoons to measure salt. We use cups for flour. This helps us make good food. It makes cooking fun. Do you like to cook?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCook (profession)
A cook makes food for us. They work in big kitchens. They use heat to cook meals. This job takes a lot of skill. It helps people eat well. Do you like to cook?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCoppicing
People can cut a tree down low. New shoots grow from the stump. This helps the tree grow back. It gives us wood for many things. It helps many animals too. Do you like trees?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCoptic language
Coptic is a way of talking. It comes from Egypt. It uses letters like Greek ones. People use it in church. It is very old. Can you say hello in a new way?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCorn chowder
Corn chowder is a thick soup. It has sweet corn in it. Some people add milk or cream. It can have potatoes too. It is a warm meal. Do you like corn?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCornmeal
Cornmeal is made from dried corn. It is ground into a meal. People use it to make bread. It can also make a warm mush. It is a food many people love. Do you like corn bread?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCorn oil
This oil comes from corn. It is used for cooking food. It helps when you fry things. This oil does not cost much. It is a very helpful oil. Do you like to cook?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCornrows
Cornrows are a way to braid hair. They sit close to the head. They can make pretty shapes. This style comes from Africa. It is a way to show who you are. Do you like braids?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCorporate farming
Big companies can run farms. These farms are very large. They grow a lot of food. Some people like small family farms. Many farms are still run by families. Do you like to eat farm food?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCorset
A corset is a piece of clothing. It is worn under dresses. It helps a person stand up straight. It can also change how a body looks. People wore them for a long time. Do you like fancy clothes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCorsican language
People on an island speak a special way. It sounds like Italian. It is a very old way to talk. This helps people feel proud. It brings them together. Do you know many ways to talk?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCotton candy
Cotton candy is a sweet treat. It looks like soft cotton. It is made from melted sugar. It can be pink or blue. You can find it at fairs. It tastes very good! Do you like sweet treats?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCottonseed oil
This oil comes from seeds. The seeds are from a cotton plant. People use it to cook food. It helps make things taste good. It can be a light gold color. Do you like to cook?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCourse (food)
A course is a group of food. It comes at a meal. Some food comes all at once. Other food comes one by one. It makes eating fun. Do you like many dishes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCouscous
Couscous is a tasty food. It is made of tiny grains. You can eat it with meat. You can eat it with vegetables too. It is a special meal for many. Do you like to try new foods?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCover crop
Some plants grow to cover the soil. They do not grow for us to eat. They help the dirt stay in place. These plants also help stop weeds. They keep the ground healthy for next year. It is like a warm blanket for the…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCowboy
A cowboy helps take care of cows. They often ride on horses. This job is very hard work. They work on big ranches. It is a job with a long history. Do you like horses?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCowboy hat
A cowboy hat is a big hat. It has a tall top. It also has a wide brim. This brim gives you shade from the sun. People wear them to work on ranches. Do you like big hats?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrab meat
Crab meat is food from a crab. It comes from the legs and claws. It can taste very sweet. People use it in many meals. It is a yummy treat. Do you like to eat crab?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCraft
People use their hands to make things. They use tools to work with clay or wood. It takes a lot of skill to learn. This work can be a job. It is fun to make things. Do you like to make things too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCranberry juice
Cranberry juice is a bright red drink. It comes from a tart berry. It can taste very sour. Some juice has sweet fruit added. It is fun to sip! Do you like red juice?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCream cheese
Cream cheese is soft and white. It is made from milk. It tastes very mild. You can spread it on a bagel. It is fun to eat! Do you like cream cheese?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCream soda
Cream soda is a sweet drink. It can taste like vanilla. Some sodas are pink or brown. Some people add ice cream to it. It is a fun treat. Do you like sweet drinks?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCream soup
Cream soup is soft and smooth. It uses milk or cream. You can add corn or peas. Some soups have meat too. It is good to eat. Do you like soup?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCree language
Cree is a way to talk. Many people use it in Canada. It has many different sounds. It helps people share their stories. It is a very special way to speak. Do you know any other ways to talk?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrème fraîche
Crème fraîche is a thick cream. It tastes a little sour. People put it on fruit. You can add it to hot soup too. It is very smooth and rich. It makes food taste good! Do you like creamy food?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrêpe
A crêpe is a thin pancake. You cook it in a pan. It can be sweet or salty. You can add fruit or cheese. It is fun to eat! Do you like pancakes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrew cut
A crew cut is a short haircut. The hair on top stays short. It is easy to keep neat. It helps you stay cool in summer. Many people like this look. Do you like short hair?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrimson
Crimson is a deep red color. It looks like a dark rose. Some tiny bugs help make this color. It is the main color for the flag of Nepal. Do you like this bright red?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCristóbal Balenciaga
Cristóbal was a great maker of clothes. He lived in Spain and France. He made very special dresses. He was a master of his craft. People still love his art today. Do you like pretty clothes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCroatian language
Croatian is a way to talk. People use it in Croatia. It is also used in other places. This language helps people share ideas. It is very special to them. Do you want to learn it?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCroissant
A croissant is a yummy bread. It has a moon shape. It is very buttery and flaky. Many people eat it for breakfast. It tastes great with sweet things. Do you like flaky bread?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrop rotation
Farmers grow different plants in one spot. They do not grow the same thing every year. This keeps the dirt healthy. It also stops bad bugs. It helps plants grow big and strong. Can you name a plant?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCrop yield
Farmers grow lots of food. They use seeds to grow crops. Good tools help them grow more. This helps families have more to eat. It can also help them sell food. Can you help grow a garden?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCroquette
A croquette is a tasty snack. It is soft inside. It is crunchy on the outside. People fry them in oil. They can have meat or cheese inside. They are fun to eat! Do you like crunchy food?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCuban cuisine
Cuba has many tasty foods. Many people eat rice and black beans. They also eat yummy sandwiches. The food comes from many places. It uses fruit and fish too. It is fun to try! Do you like rice?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCufflink
Cufflinks are small pieces of jewelry. They hold shirt sleeves together. They can be made of metal or stone. Some look like bright silk knots. They help you look very nice. Do you like shiny things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCultural appropriation
People share many things. They share songs and clothes. Sometimes, people take things that are not theirs. This can hurt feelings. It can feel like a loss. We must be kind and respectful. Do you know how to be kind?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCultural diffusion
New ideas can travel far. They move from place to place. People share food and art. They also share ways to talk. This helps us learn from each other. It makes our world big and bright. Do you share things with friends?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCultural emphasis
People use many words for things. They use words for what matters. A cold place has many snow words. A hot place has many heat words. This helps us know our world. It is fun to learn. What words do you use?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCultural relativism
People live in many ways. Every group has its own rules. We should try to understand them. Do not judge others too fast. This helps us be kind. Can you learn about a new way to live?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleCultural studies
People study how we live. They look at how we act. They look at what we make. This helps us learn about life. It helps us see the world. Can you look closely too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article