Learn about the history of basketball with this educational worksheet from Games4esl.

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🔍 Summary of the Passage:

This passage explains the origin and evolution of basketball:

1. Invention:
- Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor.
- He created it to keep students active during winter months.
- It combined elements of soccer and American football.

2. First Game:
- Played with a soccer ball and peach baskets as goals.
- Baskets were mounted on opposite walls of a gymnasium.
- The goal was to throw the ball into the opposing team’s basket.
- First intercollegiate game: 1895 between Hamline University and the University of Minnesota.

3. Development Over Time:
- First professional league: National Basketball League (1898).
- First intercollegiate tournament: National Invitation Tournament (1938).
- NBA formed in 1949, becoming the premier professional league globally.

4. Today:
- Played worldwide at all levels (youth to NBA).
- Global phenomenon with international leagues like the EuroLeague and Chinese Basketball Association.

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📝 Sample Questions & Answers (Likely on the Next Page)

Here are common comprehension questions that would follow this passage, along with detailed explanations for each answer.

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#### 1. Who invented basketball?
✔ Answer: Dr. James Naismith
🔹 Explanation: The passage clearly states: *"Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith..."*

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#### 2. Why did Dr. Naismith invent basketball?
✔ Answer: To keep his students active during the winter months.
🔹 Explanation: The passage says: *"Naismith was looking for a new game to keep his students active during the winter months..."*

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#### 3. What were the first basketball goals made of?
✔ Answer: Peach baskets
🔹 Explanation: The passage mentions: *"The first basketball game was played... with two peach baskets as goals."*

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#### 4. When was the first intercollegiate basketball game played?
✔ Answer: 1895
🔹 Explanation: The passage states: *"The first intercollegiate basketball game was played in 1895..."*

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#### 5. What year was the NBA formed?
✔ Answer: 1949
🔹 Explanation: The passage says: *"In 1949, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed..."*

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#### 6. Name two international basketball leagues mentioned in the passage.
✔ Answer: EuroLeague and Chinese Basketball Association
🔹 Explanation: The last paragraph lists these as examples of international leagues.

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#### 7. How has basketball changed since its invention?
✔ Answer: Basketball has evolved from a simple game using peach baskets and a soccer ball into a highly organized global sport with professional leagues, tournaments, and international participation.
🔹 Explanation: This is an inference question. The passage shows progression from informal games to structured leagues like the NBA and global competitions.

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#### 8. What was the original goal of the game?
✔ Answer: To throw the ball into the opposing team's basket.
🔹 Explanation: Directly stated: *"The goal was to throw the ball into the opposing team’s basket."*

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#### 9. What does "intercollegiate" mean?
✔ Answer: Between colleges or universities
🔹 Explanation: This is a vocabulary-in-context question. The term appears when discussing games between Hamline University and the University of Minnesota.

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#### 10. Why is basketball considered a global phenomenon today?
✔ Answer: Because it is played at all levels around the world, with players and fans from many countries, and there are major international leagues besides the NBA.
🔹 Explanation: Based on the final paragraph: *"The game has also become a global phenomenon, with players and fans from all over the world."*

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