Maracaibo

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/maracaibo

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Maracaibo?The municipality of Maracaibo covers 1,792 square kilometers (692 square miles)
2. What language do people speak in Maracaibo?Spanish is the official language; 'Maracucho' dialect is distinctive
3. When was Maracaibo built?Officially founded on September 8, 1574
4. What is the capital city of?Maracaibo is the capital of the Zulia state
5. Why is Lake Maracaibo important for the city?The lake lets boats travel to the Caribbean Sea, so Maracaibo can trade and bring in oil. The lake also hides huge oil reserves that help the city grow.
6. How did Maracaibo become famous for oil?In the early 1900s, people found lots of oil under the lake, and many workers moved to the city. The oil companies built factories and refineries, turning Maracaibo into Venezuela’s main oil city.

Brackish Tidal Bay: A large body of water with a mix of fresh and saltwater, influenced by ocean tides, like Lake Maracaibo.
Petroleum Extraction: The process of removing crude oil from underground reservoirs, a primary economic activity in Maracaibo.
Gaitas Zulianas: A traditional musical genre from the Zulia region, characterized by festive rhythms and storytelling, especially popular during holidays.
Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA): The Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company, central to the nation's economy and Maracaibo's industry.