Medieval Life
In medieval society, which group generally had the greatest power: nobles, merchants, or serfs?
Nobles
What was the main job of a knight during the Middle Ages?
To fight and provide military protection.
What is commerce?
The buying and selling of goods
Read: 'Bees fly from flower to flower collecting nectar. They carry pollen between plants, helping new seeds grow.' What is the main topic of this passage?
Bees and how they help plants grow.
What was the name of the system in which people exchanged land, protection, loyalty, and service?
Fuedalism
Why did medieval rulers build castles with thick walls and towers?
To defend against attacks and protect people and territory.
Why did some people leave the countryside to live in medieval towns?
Growing trade and commerce created new opportunities in towns.
A nonfiction article has headings titled 'Building the Nest,' 'Finding Food,' and 'Caring for Chicks.' How do these headings help the reader?
They organize the article and help readers locate specific information.
Describe one major difference between the homes of a lord and a serf.
Lords often lived in large manor houses; serfs generally lived in small, simple homes.
Who became king of England after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066?
William the Conqueror (William I).
What new social group became more important as merchants and craftspeople grew in number?
The middle class.
Read: 'The playground was covered in puddles. Maya pulled on her rain boots before going outside.' What can you infer about the weather? Which detail supports your answer?
It had recently rained. Evidence: The playground had puddles and Maya wore rain boots.
Why did serfs have less freedom than lords?
Serfs worked land controlled by lords and had little power over decisions about their lives.
Why were many English nobles unhappy with King John?
They believed he abused his power and wanted limits on his authority.
Name two dangers caused by crowded conditions in medieval towns.
Fires and the spread of diseases, including the Black Death.
Read: 'The school garden is a favorite place for students. Children visit during recess, classes grow vegetables there, and students enjoy watching butterflies.' What is the main idea? Give two supporting details.
Read: 'The school garden is a favorite place for students. Children visit during recess, classes grow vegetables there, and students enjoy watching butterflies.' What is the main idea? Give two supporting details.
Put these historical periods in order from earliest to latest: Ancient Greece, Middle Ages, Ancient Egypt, and the present day.
Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Middle Ages, present day.
How did Magna Carta change the relationship between England's king and the nobles?
It required the king to follow laws and consult nobles, placing limits on royal power.
Give two examples of ways the Church influenced life in medieval Europe.
cathedrals, pilgrimages, illuminated manuscripts, and religious practices.
Read: 'The mountain road was covered with ice, so the school bus had to travel slowly.' What caused the bus to travel slowly? Explain how you know.
The icy road caused the bus to slow down. The word 'so' connects the cause (ice) with the effect (slower travel).