Question

Name:

READ THE PASSAGE Look for factual evidence that is given about the Sphinx.
WEEK 14
Evaluate Evidence DAY 3
Mystery of the Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt, is one of civilization's greatest mysteries. No one knows for sure
exactly when, why, or how it was built. It is an enormous sculpture, believed to be the biggest ever created.
It measures about 241 feet (73.5 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high. Due to its unknown origin, this
massive creation has baffled locals, tourists, historians, and archaeologists for centuries.
The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a man, which gives it the appearance of a mythical
creature. It remains mostly intact today, with the exception of its nose. Many legends revolve around the
missing nose, but a widely accepted explanation is that a former ruler had the nose carved off at some point
after its creation.
Most archaeologists believe that the Sphinx was built about 4,600 years ago by a pharaoh, or ruler,
named Khafre. His pyramid, the giant tomb that holds Khafre's body, is located directly behind the Sphinx.
Stone blocks cut out in order to carve the Sphinx were used to build the Khafre Valley Temple at about the
same time. Some historians also believe the Sphinx's face was modeled after the face of Khafre.
For most of its existence, the Sphinx was buried in sand. One story claims that around 1400 BC, the
pharaoh Thutmose IV dreamed that the Sphinx ordered him to clear away the sand in return for the crown of
Egypt. The sand soon buried the Sphinx again, however. In the 1850s, the sand was partially cleared, and
in the 1930s, the Sphinx was completely exposed. Now, however, wind, humidity, and smog are causing the
Sphinx to crumble. Archaeologists must act quickly to preserve this mysterious symbol of Egypt.
SKILL PRACTICE Read each question. Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.
1. Which evidence supports the idea that Khafre
built the Sphinx?
A Khafre saw the Sphinx in a dream.
® The Khafre Valley Temple was built with stone
from around the Sphinx.
Khafre's body is located inside the Sphinx.
D Documents from that time say Khafre built
the Sphinx.
2. Why is the Sphinx considered to be mysterious?
A It is the biggest sculpture ever made.
® Wind and smog are causing it to crumble.
No one knows why it was built.
It was buried in the sand for centuries.
© Evan-Moor Corp. EMC 3457 Daily Reading Comprehension
3. Which evidence supports the idea that the Sphinx
is an ancient creation?
A Khafre ruled roughly 4,600 years ago.
B Tourists still visit the Sphinx today.
Some of the sand around the Sphinx was
cleared in the 1850s.
The Sphinx is roughly 240 feet long.
4. Which evidence best supports the idea that the
Sphinx looks like a mythical creature?
A It does not have a nose.
B It lives under the sand in Egypt.
It appears to people in their dreams.
It has the body of a lion and the head of a man.
STRATEGY PRACTICE Which information from the passage would be most useful to someone concerned with
saving the Sphinx? Why?
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Answer 1

Sure, here are some factual evidence that is given about the Sphinx in the passage:

- The Sphinx is an enormous sculpture, believed to be the biggest ever created. It measures about 241 feet (73.5 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high.

- The Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a man, which gives it the appearance of a mythical creature.

- Most archaeologists believe that the Sphinx was built about 4,600 years ago by a pharaoh, or ruler, named Khafre.

- Stone blocks cut out in order to carve the Sphinx were used to build the Khafre Valley Temple at about the same time.

- Some historians also believe the Sphinx's face was modeled after the face of Khafre.

- For most of its existence, the Sphinx was buried in sand.

- The sand soon buried the Sphinx again, however.

- In the 1850s, the sand was partially cleared, and in the 1930s, the Sphinx was completely exposed.

- Now, however, wind, humidity, and smog are causing the Sphinx to crumble.

- Archaeologists must act quickly to preserve this mysterious symbol of Egypt.

The information that would be most useful to someone concerned with saving the Sphinx is the information about the current threats to the Sphinx, such as wind, humidity, and smog. This information would help them to develop strategies for protecting the Sphinx from these threats.

Here are some specific pieces of evidence that support this claim:

- "Wind, humidity, and smog are causing the Sphinx to crumble."

- "Archaeologists must act quickly to preserve this mysterious symbol of Egypt."

- "The sand soon buried the Sphinx again, however."

- "In the 1850s, the sand was partially cleared, and in the 1930s, the Sphinx was completely exposed."

- "Now, however, wind, humidity, and smog are causing the Sphinx to crumble."

This evidence shows that the Sphinx is currently facing a number of threats that are causing it to deteriorate. By understanding these threats, archaeologists and other concerned individuals can work to develop strategies for protecting the Sphinx and preserving it for future generations.