History · Level 2 · 121 words
Building the Great Wall
Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.
The Great Wall of China is one of the largest structures ever built by people. It is not one smooth wall but many walls joined together over a very long time.
Long ago, rulers in China wanted to protect their lands from invaders who came from the north. They ordered workers to build walls of earth, stone, and brick along the borders. Over hundreds of years, different rulers added more sections.
The work was hard and slow. Many laborers carried heavy stones up steep hills by hand. Watchtowers were placed along the wall so guards could spot enemies and send warning signals. Today, people from all over the world visit the wall to see how much was built so long ago.
Comprehension questions
1. What is the passage mostly about?
- A A single short wall built in one year
- B A huge wall built over many years to protect China
- C A modern tourist hotel
- D A river in northern China
Show answer
B. A huge wall built over many years to protect China
The passage describes a large wall built over hundreds of years for protection.
2. Why were watchtowers placed along the wall?
- A To store food
- B So guards could spot enemies and send warnings
- C To grow crops
- D To hold meetings
Show answer
B. So guards could spot enemies and send warnings
The text says watchtowers let guards spot enemies and send warning signals.
3. Why did the wall end up made of many joined sections?
- A It was built by one ruler in a day
- B Different rulers added more parts over time
- C It kept falling and being rebuilt the same week
- D Workers refused to connect them
Show answer
B. Different rulers added more parts over time
The passage says different rulers added more sections over hundreds of years.
Source: Written for Hone Literacy. Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.