The Golden Age
by James Baldwin from Old Greek Stories
Chapter 2 passage: The Titans ruled over a golden age of happiness, according to Greek mythology. This story from 1895 describes how this age ended. After reading the story, students will answer questions on the details, the plot, and the language.
Reading Comprehension Passage
The Golden Age
by James Baldwin from Old Greek Stories
Reading Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary List
Vocabulary List
Each of the vocabulary words below are used in the reading passage. As you read the passage, pay attention to context clues that suggest the word’s meaning.
- meadow
- wandering
- persuade
- burden
- misery
- reign
- precious
Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in boldface.
1) “The woods and meadows were always full of blossoms...”
a. forests b. grassy outdoor space c. desert-like outdoor space d. mountains
2) “Even to this day, they are wandering happily hither and thither about the earth...”
a. moving toward a specific destination b. moving quickly c. moving slowly d. moving without direction
3) “He persuaded his brothers, Neptune and Pluto, and his sisters, Juno, Ceres, and Vesta, to join him;”
a. asked b. encouraged c. forced d. captured
4) “They are wandering happily...easing the burdens of the toilworn and sick, and blessing mankind everywhere.”
a. pressures or hardships b. confusions or uncertainties c. happiness or joy d. love or affection
5) “Instead of peace, there was war; instead of plenty, there was starvation; instead of innocence, there was crime; and instead of happiness, there was
misery.”
a. shame b. sadness c. joy d. silence
6) “Men were never so happy as they were during Saturn's reign.”
a. rule b. orbit c. early years d. party
7) “Everybody had the same precious things -- the sunlight, the pure air, the wholesome water of the springs, the grass for a carpet, the blue sky for a roof,
the fruits and flowers of the woods and meadows.”
a. original or unique b. inexpensive or free c. colorful or decorative d. highly cherished or desired