Lesson: Centuries in the Heart of Wisdom

Worksheet No. 6 Score:

Name: Date:
Subject: ELA Teacher: Ms. Carmen Estacio
A: Climb the Mountain (12 items x 0.5 point each) = 6 marks

A: Choose the vocabulary word that is synonym, or word with a similar meaning, for each word below.
Write the letter only on the space provided.
_____1. alchemy a. a written work that presents a subject in detail
_____2. dubious b. transforming common metals into gold
_____3. reputedly c. said to have happened but not yet proven
_____4. treatise d. of uncertain quality
_____5. allegedly e. the bending of light when it passes through water
_____6. refraction f. according to popular belie
B: Multiple Choice. Write the letter only on the space provided.
______7. Which detail from “Centuries in the House of Wisdom” suggests that the scholars of the “House of
Wisdom” respected the work of those that came before them?
a. The scholars studied accounting and astronomy.
b. The scholars collected and read texts from ancient Greece and India.
c. The scholars wrote about their travels to China and Europe.
d. The scholars encouraged the spread of literacy and learning.

______8. Which excerpt from the selection supports the claim that “Iraq was a key center of scientific
knowledge” beginning in the eighth century?
a. During the first century after the birth of Islam, Muslim armies defeated the Persians and moved
into Iraq.
b. Around 762, the Abbasid caliphs established their capital in the newly founded city of Baghdad . . .
c. . . . scholars of various religions from around the world flocked to the Bayt al-Hikma (House of
Wisdom) . . .
d. Shortly afterwards, a paper mill was established in Baghdad . . .

______9. The conditions under which the House of Wisdom flourished suggest that science advances when
scientists.
a. must deal with religious rivalries.
b. can gather to share ideas and collaborate.
c. can work as civil servants to improve cities.
d. must take time to translate ancient texts.

______10. Read the excerpt from the section about Al-Jahiz.

Altogether, he wrote about 200 books on a wide range of topics, including The Art of Keeping
One’s Mouth Shut and Against Civil Servants.
What can you infer from this information about Al-Jahiz as a scholar? Choose TWO options.
a. He was a curious man.
b. He preferred invention to research.
c. He was easily distracted.
d. He hoped to be helpful to readers
_______11. The author’s MOST LIKELY purpose for writing this selection is
a. to question historical claims about the House of Wisdom.
b. to tell entertaining stories about the distant past.
c. to persuade readers to study science and mathematics.
d. to inform readers about the achievements of the House of Wisdom.

______12. How does the author develop the central idea that the scientists of the House of Wisdom were
fascinated by a wide range of subjects?
a. He shows how ancient literature shaped their interests.
b. He lists and describes their various inventions and publications.
c. He discusses important mathematicians and describes their work.
d. He argues that their contributions to science should be widely appreciated.

L: Swim the Ocean 2 items x 1 point each = 2 marks

1. What was the author’s likely purpose for writing “Centuries in the House of wisdom. Support
your answer with textual evidence. Write in 2-3 sentences only.
Task: 0.5 _________ Grammar and Mechanics of Writing: 0.5 _______

2. Among all the scholars mentioned in the selection “Centuries in The House of Wisdom,” who
do you think had the greatest impact on human lives, and why? Cite evidence from the text to
explain how this scholar improved the world. Write in a paragraph with 2-3 sentences.
Task: 0.5 _________ Grammar and Mechanics of Writing: 0.5 _______
IA: Grab the Treasure 2 marks
Read the final paragraph of Centuries in the House of Wisdom. Complete the graphic organizer
below to infer what happened to many scholars in the middle of the 13th century.
“Iraqi science went into decline, partly because of natural disaster such as floods, but also for reasons
that are familiar today: religious rivalries and problems with internal security. In 1258 the Mongols
sacked Bagdad and, according to some accounts, the Tigris and Euphrates ran red with the blood of
scholars.”
Clues in the Text What I know My inference

Rubrics:
Task: 1 _________ Grammar: 0.5 _______ Mechanics of Writing: 0.5 _______