7th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step through each question based on the passage provided.

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Question 1: What is larger, an atom or an element? Explain.

From the passage:
> “Everything around you is made of matter. Matter is made of at least one element. An element is made of atoms that are all the same type.”

So — an element is made up of many atoms (all of the same kind). That means an element is a collection or group of atoms. Therefore, an element is larger than a single atom because it contains many atoms.

Example: Oxygen is an element. One oxygen *atom* is tiny. But when we talk about the element oxygen, we mean lots of oxygen atoms together — like in the air we breathe.

✔ So, an element is larger than an atom.

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Question 2: What is the purpose of the periodic table?

From the passage:
> “The list of elements is arranged on a scientific chart. The chart is called the periodic table.”

Also:
> “Each element has its own box on the chart. The box shows the element’s name, symbol and atomic number... Properties show how an element looks and acts in different situations.”

So the periodic table organizes all known elements in a way that shows their properties, symbols, names, and atomic numbers — making it easier to study and compare them.

✔ Purpose: To organize all known elements so scientists can easily see their properties, symbols, and how they relate to each other.

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Question 3: How many different elements do we know about?

From the passage:
> “You may have heard about common elements that you might hear about every day... You may have seen a lamp or fan over all the atoms that make up that lamp if they were the same. We know there are more than 100 different elements.”

It says clearly: “We know there are more than 100 different elements.”

As of 2026, scientists have discovered or created 118 confirmed elements, with the last few being synthetic (made in labs).

But since the passage says “more than 100,” and doesn’t give an exact number, we should stick close to what’s written — unless we’re allowed to use updated knowledge.

Since your knowledge cutoff is 2026, and as of 2026, the official count is 118 elements (up to Oganesson, element 118), we can say:

✔ We know about 118 different elements.

*(Note: If the teacher expects only what’s in the text, “more than 100” is acceptable. But since this is 2026 and we know the exact number, 118 is correct.)*

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Question 4: What is included in the box for each element?

From the passage:
> “Each element has its own box on the chart. The box shows the element’s name, symbol and atomic number.”

Also mentions:
> “Properties show how an element looks and acts...”

But specifically for the box: name, symbol, atomic number.

Sometimes periodic tables also include atomic mass, but the passage only lists those three.

✔ Included in each box: name, symbol, and atomic number.

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Question 5: What is a semimetal?

From the passage:
> “Some elements are metals, nonmetals, or semimetals. Semimetals have some of the characteristics of metals AND nonmetals.”

So a semimetal is an element that has some properties of metals and some of nonmetals.

Examples (not in passage, but helpful): Silicon and Germanium — they conduct electricity better than nonmetals but not as well as metals.

✔ A semimetal is an element that has some traits of both metals and nonmetals.

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Now, let’s write the final answers clearly.

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Final Answer:

1) An element is larger than an atom because an element is made up of many atoms of the same type.
2) The purpose of the periodic table is to organize all known elements so we can easily see their names, symbols, atomic numbers, and properties.
3) We know about 118 different elements.
4) Each box on the periodic table includes the element’s name, symbol, and atomic number.
5) A semimetal is an element that has some characteristics of metals and some characteristics of nonmetals.