the emperor’s silent army

The Emperor’s Silent Army

By Teacher Jasmine

Big Question

What can we learn about the past by examining its relics?

Main Idea and Details

The topic of a selection can usually be stated in a few words.

The main idea is the most important idea about the topic.

Supporting details tell more about the main idea. P.204-205 http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/

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Suffixes

-al “of” or “like -ful “full of” or “showing” -ly “in a way” or “of or from” P.206-207

Vocabulary

Approximately Divine Excavated Pottery Restore Superstitious Terra cotta Watchfully Mechanical

Approximately

More or less exact; about

Divine

Supremely great or holy, god-like

Excavated

Uncovered, unearthed, or dug out

Pottery

Pots, bowl, dishes or other objects made from clay and hardened by heat

Restore

To bring back to its original condition by rebuilding or fixing

Superstitious

Characterized by having unreasonable beliefs

Terra cotta

Hard, reddish-brown clayware or ceramic material used to make bricks, tiles, and other objects

Watchfully

Characterized by being observant; looking closely

Mechanical

Having to do with a machine or machinery.

Explore

What kind of treasure would an emperor leave in his tomb?

What does the amount of buried treasure say about its owner?

Why would an emperor want an army made from clay near his tomb?

Expository Text

Organized by topic and/or time and provides information about real people, objects, ideas, or events. Expository nonfiction text may include subheads, maps, diagrams, photos, and captions.

Guide Questions

Draw a picture of the main idea of the first two paragraphs.

What details do you learn about the clay figurines on P. 211?

How well do the photos of the soldiers on pages 210-211 help explain the text?

Think about other archeological finds you have read about. What kinds of information about the past do you think these discoveries provide?

Guide Questions

How many soldiers does the caption state are in this army?

What have excavators uncovered in addition to soldiers? Why do you think these were included in the buried army?

Why the author chose the title “Emperor’s Silent Army”?

The author states that this discovery is one of the true wonders of the ancient world. Do you agree with this statement? What details support your claim?

Guide Questions

What does the map on P.214 reveal about the Qin Empire?

What background knowledge about China helped you understand the text?

Why do you think the author included a description of what Qin did to extend his life?

On P. 215, the author states that news of Qin’s death when he was away from the capital might have caused a revolt. Why might this event have led to an uprising?

Under what conditions do similar situations occur today?

Guide Questions

Look at the diagram on P. 217. Why do you think Pit 4 was empty?

What do the protective terra cotta warriors reveal about the emperor?

Guide Questions

The topic about Pit 2. What does the author state about this topic?

The author states that the soldiers in Pit 3 were probably in army head quarters. How do the details support this claim?

Why does the author include a drawing with the photo on p. 219?

Why do you think the arrangement of soldiers in Pit 1 was considered an effective attack formation?

Guide Questions

The author states that each clay figurine is a “distinct work of art”. Do you agree?

What caused Qin to create this huge army?

Guide Questions

How do the supporting details help you visualize how much work went into hiding this silent army?

Today’s artisans cannot replicate these ancient terra cotta soldiers. What does that tell you about the ancient potters?

What effect do you think this discovery has had on modern society?