“Ancient Civilizations: What’s the Big Idea?”
The Code of Hammurabi
Around 1750 BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon created one of the world’s earliest written law codes. The laws were carved into a tall stone monument so everyone could see them. The code listed rules about trade, property, family life, and punishment. Although some punishments were harsh, the code helped bring order to Babylon. It also showed that laws should be written and applied to all people, not just the powerful.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Hammurabi created laws mainly to increase his political power over Babylon.
B. The Code of Hammurabi was unique because it guaranteed equal rights for all citizens.
C. Babylon’s laws focused mostly on trade and property disputes rather than family matters.
D. The Code of Hammurabi established written rules that helped maintain order in Babylonian society.
D. The Code of Hammurabi established written rules that helped maintain order in Babylonian society.
The Silk Road
The Silk Road was not a single road but a network of trade routes connecting China to the Middle East and Europe. Traders carried silk, spices, and precious metals across deserts and mountains. More important than goods, however, were the ideas that traveled along the routes. Religions, inventions, and technologies spread between cultures. The Silk Road helped shape the ancient world by encouraging cultural exchange.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. The Silk Road was dangerous and rarely used.
B. The Silk Road connected different regions and allowed goods and ideas to spread.
C. Only wealthy traders were allowed to use the Silk Road.
D. The Silk Road was created to spread Chinese religion.
B. The Silk Road connected different regions and allowed goods and ideas to spread.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Which claim in the passage is supported by evidence?
A. Outdoor learning helps students focus better because a teacher noticed improved behavior.
B. Outdoor lessons improve science learning because many schools already use them.
C. Outdoor learning is proven to raise test scores in every subject.
D. Outdoor lessons are more effective than classroom lessons because they are more fun.
A. Outdoor learning helps students focus better because a teacher noticed improved behavior.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
How do the authors’ arguments differ in the type of evidence they use?
A. The ancient ruins passage uses a specific historical example, while the outdoor learning passage relies mostly on opinions and personal observations.
B. Both passages rely only on emotional language to persuade the reader.
C. The outdoor learning passage uses scientific studies, while the ancient ruins passage uses no evidence at all.
D. Both passages use detailed statistics to support their strongest claims.
A. The ancient ruins passage uses a specific historical example, while the outdoor learning passage relies mostly on opinions and personal observations.
The word autograph comes from the Greek combining forms auto- (self) and -graph (write). Based on this, what does autograph mean?
A. A written message for a group
B. A picture drawn by someone else
C. A person’s own written signature
D. A list of written instructions
C. A person’s own written signature
The Code of Hammurabi
Around 1750 BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon created one of the world’s earliest written law codes. The laws were carved into a tall stone monument so everyone could see them. The code listed rules about trade, property, family life, and punishment. Although some punishments were harsh, the code helped bring order to Babylon. It also showed that laws should be written and applied to all people, not just the powerful.
Why is the Code of Hammurabi historically significant?
A. It was the first legal system to eliminate harsh punishments.
B. It introduced the idea that laws should be written and accessible to the public.
C. It allowed only wealthy citizens to understand and follow the laws.
D. It replaced all earlier legal traditions in the ancient world.
B. It introduced the idea that laws should be written and accessible to the public.
The Silk Road
The Silk Road was not a single road but a network of trade routes connecting China to the Middle East and Europe. Traders carried silk, spices, and precious metals across deserts and mountains. More important than goods, however, were the ideas that traveled along the routes. Religions, inventions, and technologies spread between cultures. The Silk Road helped shape the ancient world by encouraging cultural exchange.
What is one reason the Silk Road remains important today?
A. It explains how ancient trade helped create connections between cultures that still influence the world.
B. It shows that ancient people preferred to travel alone.
C. It proves that only China traded with Europe.
D. It describes how modern highways were built.
A. It explains how ancient trade helped create connections between cultures that still influence the world.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Which claim is NOT supported by any evidence in the passage?
A. Outdoor learning helps students focus better.
B. Outdoor lessons improve science learning.
C. Students behave better after being outside.
D. Outdoor learning may have benefits.
B. Outdoor lessons improve science learning.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
Which statement best describes a similarity in the weaknesses of both arguments?
A. Both passages rely entirely on factual evidence without including any opinions.
B. Both passages include at least one claim that is not supported by strong evidence.
C. Both passages focus only on the negative effects of the issue they discuss.
D. Both passages use evidence that contradicts their main claims.
B. Both passages include at least one claim that is not supported by strong evidence.
The Latin prefix sub- means “under” or “below.” Which sentence uses a word with this meaning?
A. The submarine traveled deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
B. The substitute teacher led the class today.
C. The students submitted their homework online.
D. The subject of the story was a brave explorer.
A. The submarine traveled deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
The Printing Revolution
In the 1400s, Johannes Gutenberg improved the printing press by creating movable metal type. Before this invention, books had to be copied by hand, which took months. Gutenberg’s press allowed books to be produced quickly and cheaply. As a result, more people learned to read, and ideas spread faster than ever before. This invention helped spark major changes in Europe, including the Renaissance and the spread of scientific knowledge.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Gutenberg’s printing press made book production faster and cheaper, allowing ideas to spread widely.
B. Gutenberg invented printing because he wanted to compete with wealthy book‑copying guilds.
C. The printing press was mainly used to produce scientific texts during the Renaissance.
D. Before Gutenberg, people did not value books or written knowledge.
A. Gutenberg’s printing press made book production faster and cheaper, allowing ideas to spread widely.
The Legacy of Islamic Golden Age Scholars
Between the 8th and 14th centuries, scholars in the Islamic world made major advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine. Working in cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Córdoba, they translated ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic, preserving knowledge that might have otherwise been lost. Scholars like Al‑Khwarizmi developed algebra, while physicians such as Ibn Sina wrote medical encyclopedias used for centuries. These achievements did not remain within the region. As trade and travel connected cultures, European scholars gained access to these works, which helped spark new learning during the Renaissance. Today, many modern fields—including algebra, optics, and medical diagnostics—still rely on ideas first organized or expanded by these early scholars.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Islamic Golden Age scholars focused mainly on translating texts rather than creating new ideas.
B. European scholars taught Islamic scientists the ideas that led to the Renaissance.
C. Scholars in the Islamic world made important scientific and mathematical contributions that influenced later civilizations.
D. Most scientific discoveries during this period were limited to medicine.
C. Scholars in the Islamic world made important scientific and mathematical contributions that influenced later civilizations.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
4. Which statement from the passage is supported by clear evidence?
A. Tourists prefer ancient ruins over museums.
B. Protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists.
C. Ancient ruins are more important than modern buildings.
D. Ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations.
D. Ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
In what way is the argument in the ancient ruins passage stronger than the argument in the outdoor learning passage?
A. It uses multiple scientific studies to support every claim.
B. It provides more emotional appeals than the outdoor learning passage.
C. It avoids using any opinions or assumptions.
D. It includes a concrete example (Pompeii) that directly supports one of its claims.
D. It includes a concrete example (Pompeii) that directly supports one of its claims.
The Greek root photo- means “light.” Based on this, what is the best meaning of photosynthesis?
A. A study of how shadows are formed
B. A tool used to measure sunlight
C. A picture taken with a camera
D. A process that uses light to produce food
D. A process that uses light to produce food
The Printing Revolution
In the 1400s, Johannes Gutenberg improved the printing press by creating movable metal type. Before this invention, books had to be copied by hand, which took months. Gutenberg’s press allowed books to be produced quickly and cheaply. As a result, more people learned to read, and ideas spread faster than ever before. This invention helped spark major changes in Europe, including the Renaissance and the spread of scientific knowledge.
Why is Gutenberg’s invention still significant today?
A. It led to the development of modern digital communication tools.
B. It increased access to information, helping shape education, science, and culture for centuries.
C. It caused handwritten manuscripts to disappear completely from Europe.
D. It limited who could publish books by controlling printing technology.
B. It increased access to information, helping shape education, science, and culture for centuries.
The Legacy of Islamic Golden Age Scholars
Between the 8th and 14th centuries, scholars in the Islamic world made major advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine. Working in cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Córdoba, they translated ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic, preserving knowledge that might have otherwise been lost. Scholars like Al‑Khwarizmi developed algebra, while physicians such as Ibn Sina wrote medical encyclopedias used for centuries. These achievements did not remain within the region. As trade and travel connected cultures, European scholars gained access to these works, which helped spark new learning during the Renaissance. Today, many modern fields—including algebra, optics, and medical diagnostics—still rely on ideas first organized or expanded by these early scholars.
Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that the scholars’ influence spread beyond their own region?
A. They worked in cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Córdoba.
B. They translated ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts.
C. They studied mathematics, medicine, and astronomy.
D. Their writings helped inspire new learning in Europe during the Renaissance.
D. Their writings helped inspire new learning in Europe during the Renaissance.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
Why is the claim about tourism considered weak?
A. It is based on outdated information.
B. It is supported only by a single example.
C. It is not supported by any examples or data.
D. It contradicts the main idea of the passage.
C. It is not supported by any examples or data.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
Which statement best compares the overall strength of the two arguments?
A. The outdoor learning argument is stronger because it uses more factual evidence than the ancient ruins passage.
B. The ancient ruins argument is stronger because it includes at least one clear example, while the outdoor learning argument relies mostly on opinions.
C. Both arguments are equally strong because they provide multiple examples and data.
D. Both arguments are equally weak because neither includes any evidence.
B. The ancient ruins argument is stronger because it includes at least one clear example, while the outdoor learning argument relies mostly on opinions.
The Latin root port means “carry.” Which word contains this meaning?
A. Portable
B. Portion
C. Portrait
D. Portal
A. Portable
The Code of Hammurabi
Around 1750 BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon created one of the world’s earliest written law codes. The laws were carved into a tall stone monument so everyone could see them. The code listed rules about trade, property, family life, and punishment. Although some punishments were harsh, the code helped bring order to Babylon. It also showed that laws should be written and applied to all people, not just the powerful.
The Rise of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt developed along the Nile River, where yearly floods left behind rich soil. This allowed farmers to grow crops that supported a growing population. With stable food supplies, Egyptians built cities, created a writing system, and developed a strong government. Their achievements in architecture, mathematics, and medicine influenced later civilizations.
How do the central ideas of the two passages differ?
A. One passage explains how a legal system helped organize society, while the other explains how geography supported the growth of a civilization.
B. One passage describes how a civilization used trade to expand, while the other describes how inventions improved daily life.
C. One passage focuses on the rise of a powerful leader, while the other focuses on the fall of a civilization.
D. One passage explains how religion shaped government, while the other explains how government shaped religion.
A. One passage explains how a legal system helped organize society, while the other explains how geography supported the growth of a civilization.
The Silk Road
The Silk Road was not a single road but a network of trade routes connecting China to the Middle East and Europe. Traders carried silk, spices, and precious metals across deserts and mountains. More important than goods, however, were the ideas that traveled along the routes. Religions, inventions, and technologies spread between cultures. The Silk Road helped shape the ancient world by encouraging cultural exchange.
The Legacy of Islamic Golden Age Scholars
Between the 8th and 14th centuries, scholars in the Islamic world made major advancements in science, mathematics, and medicine. Working in cities such as Baghdad, Cairo, and Córdoba, they translated ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic, preserving knowledge that might have otherwise been lost. Scholars like Al‑Khwarizmi developed algebra, while physicians such as Ibn Sina wrote medical encyclopedias used for centuries. These achievements did not remain within the region. As trade and travel connected cultures, European scholars gained access to these works, which helped spark new learning during the Renaissance. Today, many modern fields—including algebra, optics, and medical diagnostics—still rely on ideas first organized or expanded by these early scholars.
Which statement best explains how The Silk Road and The Legacy of Islamic Golden Age Scholars both demonstrate the long‑term significance of cultural exchange, while also showing a key difference in how that exchange occurred?
A. Both passages show that ideas moved between civilizations and shaped later societies, but The Silk Road emphasizes the movement of goods and beliefs along trade routes, while the Islamic scholars’ passage emphasizes the creation and preservation of knowledge that later influenced Europe.
B. Both passages show that cultural exchange happened mainly through written laws, but The Silk Road spread these laws by trade while the Islamic scholars spread them through translation.
C. Both passages show that cultural exchange was limited to scientific discoveries, but The Silk Road focuses on how these discoveries were transported, while the Islamic scholars’ passage focuses on how they were invented.
D. Both passages show that cultural exchange only benefited the regions where it began, but The Silk Road did so through merchants and the Islamic scholars did so through libraries.
A. Both passages show that ideas moved between civilizations and shaped later societies, but The Silk Road emphasizes the movement of goods and beliefs along trade routes, while the Islamic scholars’ passage emphasizes the creation and preservation of knowledge that later influenced Europe.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
Why We Should Protect Ancient Ruins
Some historians argue that ancient ruins should be protected because they teach us about past civilizations. They point to discoveries made at sites like Pompeii, where buildings and objects reveal details about daily life. Others claim that protecting ruins helps local economies by attracting tourists, but they do not provide examples or data to support this idea. Without stronger evidence, this part of the argument remains weak.
Which claim from the two passages is supported by the strongest evidence?
A. “Outdoor learning helps students focus better,” supported by one teacher’s personal experience.
B. “Protecting ruins helps local economies,” supported by examples of increased tourism.
C. “Ancient ruins teach us about past civilizations,” supported by discoveries made at Pompeii.
D. “Students would be happier with longer lunch breaks,” supported by student opinions.
C. “Ancient ruins teach us about past civilizations,” supported by discoveries made at Pompeii.
Should Schools Add More Outdoor Learning?
Some educators argue that schools should include more outdoor learning time during the school day. They claim that being outside helps students focus better. One teacher states, “My students always behave better after we spend time outdoors.” Supporters also say that outdoor lessons improve science learning, but they provide no studies or data to show this. While outdoor learning may have benefits, the argument is not fully convincing without stronger evidence.
How do the authors differ in how they develop their claims?
A. The ancient ruins author develops claims with historical evidence, while the outdoor learning author develops claims with personal observations.
B. Both authors develop claims using only emotional language.
C. The outdoor learning author uses more factual examples than the ancient ruins author.
D. The ancient ruins author develops claims using student surveys, while the outdoor learning author uses archaeological findings.
A. The ancient ruins author develops claims with historical evidence, while the outdoor learning author develops claims with personal observations.
The word predict contains the Latin prefix pre- meaning “before” and the base dict meaning “say.” What does predict mean?
A. To say something again
B. To say something before it happens
C. To say something loudly
D. To say something incorrectly
B. To say something before it happens