Silent Sentinels: The Discovery and History of the Terracotta Army
In March 1974, a group of local farmers digging a water well near the city of Xi'an, China, made one of the most monumental archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. Expecting to find water, their shovels instead struck fragments of baked clay and bronze arrowheads. This accidental discovery led to the unearthing of the Terracotta Army, a vast, subterranean collection of life-sized clay sculptures buried more than two thousand years ago. The site, which lies near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has since captivated the world, offering an unprecedented window into ancient Chinese history, military organization, and artistic mastery.
- Mausoleum:
- A large, stately tomb or a building housing several tombs.
- Vanguard:
- The foremost part of an advancing army or military force.
- Subterranean:
- Existing, occurring, or done under the earth's surface.
- Chromium oxide:
- A chemical compound used as a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion on metal.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What were the local farmers doing when they accidentally discovered the Terracotta Army in March 1974?
- 2Who was the first emperor of China, and what was the main purpose of building the Terracotta Army?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this report passage for Middle School
“Silent Sentinels: The Discovery and History of the Terracotta Army” is a report reading passage about The Terracotta Army of Xi'an, written for Middle School. It takes about 4 minutes to read (596 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.