Reading Worksheets | Eighth Grade Reading Worksheets - Free Printable

Grade 8 Reading Comprehension Worksheet: Vasco da Gama

---

#### 1. What is the main idea of the whole passage?

Answer:
The main idea of the passage is to describe the life and achievements of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who became famous for discovering a sea route from Europe to India, which significantly expanded Portugal’s influence in global trade and maritime exploration.

> ✔ Explanation: The passage outlines key events in da Gama's life—his birth, naval career, expeditions to India, political roles, and legacy. While it includes personal details, the central focus is on his historic voyages and their impact on world history.

---

#### 2. Underline the most important information in each paragraph.

Let’s go through each paragraph and identify the most important information (in bold below). Since you can't underline here, I’ll indicate the key points.

---

Paragraph 1:
> Explorer Vasco da Gama was born into a noble family around 1460 in Sines, Portugal. He was the third son of Estêvão da Gama, who was commander of the fortress in Sines in Portugal. Young Vasco da Gama joined the navy, where he was taught how to navigate. Known as a tough and fearless navigator, da Gama solidified his reputation as a reputable sailor when, in 1492, King John II of Portugal dispatched him to the south of Lisbon and then to the Algarve region of the country, to seize French ships as an act of vengeance against the French government.

🔹 Most important information:
Vasco da Gama was born into a noble family in Portugal, joined the navy, and gained a reputation as a skilled and fearless sailor by capturing French ships in 1492.

---

Paragraph 2:
> In 1495, King Manuel took the throne. By this time, Portugal had established itself as one of the most powerful maritime countries in Europe. da Gama was chosen to lead the expedition to India in 1497. On July 8 of that year, he captained a team of four vessels, including his flagship, the 200-ton St. Gabriel, to find a sailing route to India and the East. In early March of 1498, da Gama and his crew dropped their anchors in the port of Mozambique, Africa, a Muslim city-state. By early April, the fleet reached what is now Kenya, before setting sail on a 23-day run that would take them across the Indian Ocean. They reached Calicut, India, on May 20. The local Hindu ruler welcomed da Gama and his men. The crew ended up staying in Calicut for three months. In all, da Gama's first journey covered nearly 24,000 miles in close to two years. When da Gama returned to Lisbon, he was greeted as a hero.

🔹 Most important information:
In 1497–1498, Vasco da Gama led a historic voyage to India, successfully finding a sea route around Africa, reaching Calicut, and returning to Portugal as a national hero after traveling nearly 24,000 miles.

---

Paragraph 3:
> In 1502, Vasco da Gama helmed another journey to India. Ten of the ships were directly under his command. The crew moved to Calicut, where da Gama formed an alliance with the local ruler. Finally, they reached Portugal on October 11 of that year.

🔹 Most important information:
In 1502, da Gama led a second voyage to India, commanded ten ships, formed an alliance in Calicut, and returned to Portugal.

---

Paragraph 4:
> Married at this time, and the father of six sons, da Gama settled into retirement and family life. He maintained contact with King Manuel, advising him on Indian matters, and was named count of Vidigueira in 1519. In 1524, King John III named da Gama Portuguese viceroy in India. That same year, da Gama died in Cochin. His body was sailed back to Portugal, and buried there, in 1538.

🔹 Most important information:
After retiring, da Gama remained influential, was honored with titles, served as viceroy of India, and died in 1524; his body was returned to Portugal and buried in 1538.

---

#### 3. Write a summary. Tell what is the most important.

Summary:
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer born around 1460 into a noble family in Sines, Portugal. He joined the navy and became known as a brave and skilled sailor. In 1497, he led a historic expedition to find a sea route to India. After sailing around Africa, he reached Calicut, India, in 1498, becoming the first European to do so by sea. This journey opened a new trade route between Europe and Asia. He made a second voyage in 1502, strengthened alliances in India, and returned to Portugal. Later in life, he retired but remained involved in politics, was named Count of Vidigueira, and served as viceroy of India. He died in 1524 and was buried in Portugal in 1538.

What is the most important?
The most important part of the passage is da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India, because it changed global trade, established Portugal as a major maritime power, and paved the way for European exploration and colonization in Asia. Without this achievement, the course of world history would have been different.

---

✔ Final Note: This worksheet helps students understand historical figures, improve reading comprehension, and practice summarizing and identifying key ideas. The image includes a portrait of Vasco da Gama, reinforcing visual learning.