This children’s article, The Dead Sea: where you can float like a boat, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and discover one of the most unusual seas in the world. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Where is the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is a very salty lake that lies between Jordan and Israel in the Middle East. It’s not actually a sea; it’s more like a lake, but because it is so big and so salty, people call it a sea.
It sits at the lowest point on Earth’s surface, more than 400 metres below sea level. That makes visiting the Dead Sea feel a little like standing at the bottom of the world!
Why is it so salty?
The Jordan River and other small streams bring water into the Dead Sea, but there is no river flowing out. Instead, the water evaporates in the hot desert sun.
When the water disappears, it leaves behind salts and minerals. Over thousands of years, these salts have built up, making the Dead Sea nearly ten times saltier than normal ocean water.
What makes it special?
People go here to float. Nowhere on earth can you lie back and float effortlessly on water. It’s because of all the salt, which allows you to float easily on the surface. Even if you cannot swim, you can feel safe floating along on the salty water. People often lie back in the water and read a book or a newspaper. It’s the only place where a human can float like a cork.
The mud and minerals are also thought to be good for the skin, so tourists often cover themselves in the thick, black mud before washing it off in the salty sea.
A ‘dead’ sea with life nearby
The Dead Sea is called “dead” because fish and plants cannot survive in its salty water. However, the land around it is full of life. Birds, animals, and people have lived in this region for thousands of years.
Sadly, the Dead Sea is shrinking as water from the Jordan River is used for farming and cities. Scientists and governments are working together to try to save this unique natural wonder for the future.
Article vocabulary list
- Evaporate – when water changes into vapour and disappears into the air
- Minerals – natural substances found in rocks or water
- Salty – something that has a high amount of salt in it
- Cork – a light material from a tree, often used in bottles, that floats easily
- Shrinking – getting smaller
- Unique – one of a kind, special
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where is the Dead Sea located?
a) Between Egypt and Saudi Arabia
b) Between Jordan and Israel
c) Between Greece and Turkey
Answer: b) Between Jordan and Israel
2. Why is the Dead Sea so salty?
a) Because salt is poured into it
b) Because rivers bring salt out of it
c) Because water evaporates and leaves salt behind
Answer: c) Because water evaporates and leaves salt behind
3. What is unusual about the Dead Sea?
a) You sink very quickly
b) You can float easily without effort
c) You cannot go in the water at all
Answer: b) You can float easily without effort
4. Why is it called the Dead Sea?
a) Because no people live nearby
b) Because fish and plants cannot live in it
c) Because the water has dried up completely
Answer: b) Because fish and plants cannot live in it
5. What problem is the Dead Sea facing today?
a) It is shrinking in size
b) It is too cold for tourists
c) It has too many fish
Answer: a) It is shrinking in size
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
