4th Grade Compare Two Texts worksheets

Compare Two Texts

Grade 4 Reading Worksheet

Read both texts. Circle which text gives each detail.

1. Read this first

   Roman Roads Then and Now

   Text 1: Roads of the Roman Empire

   The ancient Romans built one of the best road systems in the world. Their roads linked the city of Rome to towns across a huge empire. Soldiers used the roads to march quickly to places where they were needed. Messengers and traders used them as well. Many roads ran in nearly straight lines across hills and plains, because a straight road was the shortest way to travel.

   Roman builders began by digging a trench along the planned path. They filled it with layers: large stones at the bottom, then smaller stones and gravel, and finally flat paving stones on top. The middle of the road was a little higher than the edges. Rain ran off into ditches on both sides, so the road stayed dry and strong.

   Along the roads, stone markers called milestones told travelers how far they were from the next town. One of the most famous roads, the Appian Way, was begun in 312 BC. Some of its stones are still in place today.

   Text 2: Walking the Appian Way

   Visitors to Italy can still walk on the Appian Way. In ancient times it stretched from Rome to the port of Brindisi, on Italy's southeast coast. A section south of Rome has become a park, and on Sundays it is closed to cars. Walkers step on the same large stones that Roman soldiers once crossed.

   Look closely at the paving stones, and you will notice deep grooves. They were worn by thousands of cart wheels over many centuries. Along the sides of the road stand the ruins of tombs. The Romans did not bury people inside their cities, so many families built tombs next to the roads.

   Guide Marco Bellini tells visitors to wear sturdy shoes. "The stones are uneven," he says, "and they are very old." Many walkers bring water too, because the path is long.

2. 1.

   Which text gives this detail? Workers filled the trench with large stones, then smaller stones and gravel.

   • Text 1 only
   • Text 2 only
   • Both texts
   • Neither text
3. 2.

   Which text gives this detail? Some of the stones from Roman times are still in place today.

   • Text 1 only
   • Text 2 only
   • Both texts
   • Neither text
4. 3.

   Which text gives this detail? Messengers and traders used Roman roads.

   • Text 1 only
   • Text 2 only
   • Both texts
   • Neither text
5. 4.

   Which text gives this detail? Travelers paid a fee at toll gates along Roman roads.

   • Text 1 only
   • Text 2 only
   • Both texts
   • Neither text