Passage Reading

Reading 5

Passage

Despite their similarities, the pyramids of Egypt and Mesoamerica

seem to be unrelated because of distinct differences in the time of

construction as well as their design and function. Historians have

discovered that the construction of the pyramids in Egypt and Mesoamerica are separated by over 2,000 years. The Egyptians used only cut stone quarried many miles away from the pyramid sites—a construction method that enabled them to construct sturdy buildings

that could withstand the test of time.

On the other hand, the pyramids of Mesoamerica were not built

to withstand the ravages of time. Rather, the step pyramids rose in

tiers, on the top of which a small temple was erected. Unlike the

Egyptians, they used irregular stones.

Also, they did not share the same basic design function. The

Egyptian pyramids were private tombs meant to separate the pharaoh’s remains from the mainstream of society and protect him for eternity, while the pyramids of Mesoamerica were primarily public

temples of ritual and celebration.

Multiple Choice

The main idea of this passage is best summed up in which statement?

• Pyramids in Egypt and Mesoamerica are similar.

• Egyptians assisted Mesoamerican pyramid builders

• Pyramids in Egypt and Mesoamerica have distinct differences.

• Scientists do not know who built the pyramids.

Multiple Choice

This passage best supports the statement that

• the Egyptians used stone quarried many miles away from the pyramid site

• the pyramids of Mesoamerica were built to last for eternity.

• the Egyptian pyramids were public tombs.

• the Egyptian and Mesoamerican pyramids were built during the

  same time period.

Multiple Choice

The passage best supports the statement that

• Egyptian and Mesoamerican pyramids shared the same design function

• both pyramids were used as temples of ritual and celebration

• Egyptian and Mesoamerican pyramids shared the same construction methods.

• Mesoamerican pyramids were used for ritual and celebration.

Multiple Choice

The underlined word eternity in the passage most nearly means

which of the following?

• for a short time

• temporary

• for all time

• never

Passage

Despite their similarities, the pyramids of Egypt and Mesoamerica

seem to be unrelated because of distinct differences in the time of

construction as well as their design and function. Historians have

discovered that the construction of the pyramids in Egypt and Mesoamerica are separated by over 2,000 years. The Egyptians used only cut stone quarried many miles away from the pyramid sites—a construction method that enabled them to construct sturdy buildings

that could withstand the test of time.