A Journey to Ancient Greece

A Journey to Ancient Greece consists of six Ancient Greece reading passages. Each passage includes 10 comprehension questions, and is differentiated at three Flesch-Kincaid text levels: Grade 3, Grade 5, and Grade 7. An answer key is included.

Passage 1: The Birthplace of Western Civilization

In this informational text, students are introduced to the beginnings of ancient Greek civilization. They will learn about:

• The geography of Greece

• The ancient Greek monarchies

• The significance of Greek civilization

Vocabulary: Peninsula • Century • Independent • Monarchy • Overpopulation

Passage 2: The First Democracy: A Debate

This passage is styled as a two-person debate. The two debaters are discussing whether or not ancient Athens should be considered a democracy. Students will learn:

• The definition of democracy

• How Athenian democracy functioned

• Who was and was not represented by Athenian government

Vocabulary: Democracy • Banish • Citizen • Immigrant • Minority

Passage 3: A Journey to Sparta

In this first-person historical fiction narrative, students read a letter from an Egyptian who has just visited Sparta. Students will learn:

• The key differences between Athens and Sparta

• The trade relationship between ancient Greece and ancient Egypt

• The difference between Spartan and Egyptian governments

Vocabulary: City-State • Custom • Council • Warlike • Ally

Passage 4: Greek Mythology

In this informational text, students are given an overview of ancient Greek religious beliefs. They will study:

• The purpose of mythology in Greek life

• The definition of polytheism

• The key Greek gods and goddesses

Vocabulary: Myth • Mythology • Polytheistic • Fortune • Offering

Passage 5: Asking the Right Questions

Written in the style of a newspaper article, “Asking the Right Questions” introduces students to Ms. Addo’s class. They are studying Greek philosophy as part of a World Philosophy Day celebration. Students will learn:

• What philosophy is

• Who Socrates was and why his questions got him into trouble with the people of Athens

• How to hold a philosophical debate

Vocabulary: Tunic • Philosophy • Dialogue • Corrupt • Debate

Passage 6: The Legacy of Ancient Greece

This informational passage concludes a study of ancient Greece by examining how civilizations end. Students will explore:

• The legacy of Greece in the form of architecture, science, medicine, and mathematics

• How and when Greek civilization fell

• The influence of Greece on modern life

Vocabulary: Legacy • Oath • Column • Theorem • Astronomer