Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.

Teacher Guide

This is a 12-minute reading activity. Check student progress by reviewing the feedback provided for each question.

Student Steps

First, read the passage and vocabulary list. Next, complete the exercises to test your understanding.

Magazine Article

Exploring the Great Wall of China

⏱ 12-minute read

A scenic view of the Great Wall of China winding over green mountains under a clear sky

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous sights on Earth. However, it is not just one long wall. Long ago, different rulers built many walls across the north to protect their country from attacks. More than 2,000 years ago, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, joined these early walls together.

Much later, during the Ming dynasty in the 1300s to 1600s, workers made strong stone walls. These are the famous parts people visit today. In 2012, a big government survey measured all the walls and found they stretch for more than 21,000 kilometres. In 1987, UNESCO named the Great Wall a World Heritage site. Some people say astronauts can see it from the Moon, but NASA says this is just a myth.

Word Bank (Useful A2 Vocabulary)

emperor (noun)

The ruler or king of an empire.

dynasty (noun)

A family of kings or rulers who lead a country for many years.

protect (verb)

To keep someone or something safe from danger or attack.

survey (noun)

A careful study, check, or measurement of an area.

myth (noun)

An idea or story that many people believe, but is not true.

heritage (noun)

Important places or traditions from history that are protected.

A student looking at a map of China with a pencil in hand, thinking about the Great Wall

Practice Exercises

Answer the 8 questions below based on the article.

1 True or False

The Great Wall is just one single wall across China.

____ True ____ False

2 True or False

Astronauts can easily see the Great Wall from the Moon.

____ True ____ False

3 Multiple Choice

Why did rulers in the past build walls in the north?

____ a. To welcome tourists from other countries ____ b. To protect their country from attacks ____ c. To connect cities together for trade ____ d. To celebrate the new year

4 Multiple Choice

Who was Qin Shi Huang?

____ a. The first emperor of China ____ b. An astronaut who travelled to the Moon ____ c. A leader from the Ming dynasty ____ d. A researcher who did the 2012 survey

5 Multiple Choice

Which dynasty built the famous stone walls that people visit today?

____ a. The Qin dynasty ____ b. The Tang dynasty ____ c. The Ming dynasty ____ d. The Han dynasty

6 Matching

Match each time period with the correct historical event:

Time Period

World Heritage site

21000 km Survey

Ming Dynasty

1987

____ World Heritage site ____ 21000 km Survey ____ Ming Dynasty

2012

____ World Heritage site ____ 21000 km Survey ____ Ming Dynasty

1300s to 1600s

____ World Heritage site ____ 21000 km Survey ____ Ming Dynasty

7 Short Answer

How long are all the walls together according to the 2012 survey?

Tip: Write the number and the unit.

____ (Your answer here...)

8 Short Answer

What international organization made the Great Wall a World Heritage site in 1987?

Tip: Write the name of the organization in capital letters.

____ (Your answer here...)

Reading: The Great Wall of China

Exploring the Great Wall of China

Word Bank (Useful A2 Vocabulary)

Practice Exercises

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