Evan-Moor Daily Reading Comprehension, Grade 7 - Homeschooling ... - Free Printable

Here is the solution to the worksheet, with explanations for each answer:

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1. Which evidence supports the idea that Khafre built the Sphinx?

✔ Correct Answer: B. The Khafre Valley Temple was built with stone from around the Sphinx.

Explanation:
The passage states: *“Stone blocks cut out in order to carve the Sphinx were used to build the Khafre Valley Temple at about the same time.”* This is factual, physical evidence linking the construction of the Sphinx to Khafre’s building projects — specifically, that the same materials were used for both. This strongly suggests they were built around the same time by the same ruler.

- A is a legend (dream), not factual evidence.
- C is false — the passage says Khafre’s pyramid (tomb) is *behind* the Sphinx, not inside it.
- D is not mentioned — no documents are cited in the passage as proof.

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2. Why is the Sphinx considered to be mysterious?

✔ Correct Answer: C. No one knows why it was built.

Explanation:
The very first sentence says: *“No one knows for sure exactly when, why, or how it was built.”* While other options may be true (it *is* big, it *was* buried, it *is* crumbling), the core reason it’s called “mysterious” is the lack of certainty about its purpose and origins. Option C directly addresses the mystery of its *purpose*, which is central to its enigmatic reputation.

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3. Which evidence supports the idea that the Sphinx is an ancient creation?

✔ Correct Answer: A. Khafre ruled roughly 4,600 years ago.

Explanation:
The passage says: *“Most archaeologists believe that the Sphinx was built about 4,600 years ago by a pharaoh... named Khafre.”* Since Khafre lived 4,600 years ago, and he is believed to have built it, this dates the Sphinx as ancient. The other options don’t prove antiquity:
- B: Tourists visiting today doesn’t say anything about age.
- C: Sand being cleared in the 1850s shows recent history, not ancient origin.
- D: Size alone doesn’t indicate age.

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4. Which evidence best supports the idea that the Sphinx looks like a mythical creature?

✔ Correct Answer: D. It has the body of a lion and the head of a man.

Explanation:
The passage explicitly says: *“The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a man, which gives it the appearance of a mythical creature.”* This is a direct quote and factual description supporting the idea. The other options describe damage (A), location (B), or folklore (C), but not its *appearance* as mythical.

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STRATEGY PRACTICE: Which information from the passage would be most useful to someone concerned with saving the Sphinx? Why?

✔ Answer:
The most useful information is: *“Now, however, wind, humidity, and smog are causing the Sphinx to crumble. Archaeologists must act quickly to preserve this mysterious symbol of Egypt.”*

Why?
This sentence identifies the *current threats* to the Sphinx (wind, humidity, smog) and emphasizes the *urgency* of preservation. Someone concerned with saving the Sphinx needs to know what is damaging it now so they can develop targeted conservation strategies — for example, reducing pollution, controlling moisture, or shielding it from wind erosion. Knowing the cause of deterioration is essential for effective action.

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✔ Final Answers:
1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D

Strategy Practice Answer:
*“Wind, humidity, and smog are causing the Sphinx to crumble.”* — because this identifies the current threats that need to be addressed to preserve it.

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