Chapter 4 - Ancient Africa ELA Performance Task

Last updated about 1 month ago
7 questions
You've checked your knowledge.

It's time to demonstrate your reading and writing ability.

Can you take what you've learned about Egypt and the Nile River and write about it?
Source 1
Ancient Egyptian society lasted almost 3,000 years. It began with the unification of Egypt under the first pharaoh in 2920 BCE and ended with the Romans conquered the kingdom in 30 BCE. Of special interest to us in the mighty Nile, often called the longest river in the world, which flowed through this rich and vibrant civilization. The Nile River was very important to the ancient people of Egypt. It helped them grow food like wheat, barley, and vegetables. The river flooded every year, bringing water and rich soil that made the land good for farming. People lived near the river because the rest of the land was dry desert. They used the river for water, to grow crops, and to travel. The Nile was like a lifeline for the Egyptians, helping them build a great civilization that we still learn about today.
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1

According to Source 1, why was the Nile River important to the ancient Egyptians’ daily lives?

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1

What conclusion can you draw from the wall painting in Source 1 about life along the Nile?

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1

Look at the map in Source 2.
If you were to start at the First Cataract and sail down the Nile River to the sea, in what order would you visit the following towns?

Drag the following towns on the Nile River in order with 1. being closest to Nubia and 3. being closest to Lower Egypt.

  1. Memphis
  2. Aswan
  3. Thebes
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1

How do the map and description in Source 2 explain how Egyptians used the Nile for travel?

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1

Which statement best describes a common idea shared by all three sources?

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2

Compare Sources 1 and 3.
How does each source show the Nile’s importance?

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3

Your class just studied Ancient Egypt and now the teacher is assigning you to create an advertisement to hang outside the classroom.

Your task is to write an advertisement encouraging new settlers to move near the Nile River.
Use facts and details from the three sources to show why living by the Nile would be a good choice.

Directions for Writing

Write a few paragraphs to advertise life along the Nile River in ancient Egypt.
Begin with a clear introduction that attracts attention and explains your main idea.
Describe the Nile’s benefits for farming, trade, and daily life using information from the sources.
Include appealing but factual details that would persuade settlers to live by the river.
Connect your ideas with transitions so your writing flows smoothly.
Conclude with a statement that reinforces why the Nile is the best place to live.