Reading Comprehension—3 levels of Questioning:

Age of Discovery

Directions: Use the following reading to answer the questions. Write in complete sentences.

Cortés and the Aztecs

In 1619, HernánCortés was chosen by the governor of Cuba to lead an expeditionary force of 500 men to explore the mainland of the Americas. Upon arrival on the Mexican coast, many of Cortés' men feared what lay inland. In response, Cortés emptied his ships' supplies and burned his ships to the ground.

Cortés soon met native tribes who were enemies of the mighty Aztec Empire, a civilization ruled by the rich and powerful Montezuma. The tribes weren't too interested in converting to Christianitybut they sure were excited about fighting with the Spaniards against the Aztecs.

Cortés and his men made their way to the capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan, and met the ruler, Montezuma. Montezuma and the Aztecs believed Cortés and his men to be ancient gods returning to the Aztecs, so Montezuma welcomed Cortés and showered him with gifts. Over the next two years, Cortés thanked Montezuma by destroying the entire Aztec civilization, razing (destroying) many of their cities including their capital and stealing unimaginable wealth. Cortés managed such a feat with only about five hundred of his own men, less than two dozen horses, a few pieces of artillery, some native allies, and a secret biological weapon: smallpox. The immune systems of the natives of the New World had no defense againstthe diseases brought from Europe. Columbus and his expeditions took the disease to the Bahamas, too, but the destruction paled in comparison to that in Mexico.

Level I: Recall (1 point each)

  1. What was the name of the person that ruled the Aztec Empire?
  1. What was the name of the capital of the Aztecs?
  1. What was the name of the disease which wiped out many of the Natives of Mexico?

Level II: Analysis/Inference (2 points each)

  1. Why did Cortés burn his ships?
  1. Why would the native tribes of Mexico have been so eager to help the Spanish fight the Aztecs?

Level III: Synthesis/Philosophical (3 points)

  1. "It's okay to take advantage of people, as long as it benefits you". Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain. In your answer use at least one example (25+ words).