Paired Texts > The Inca: Engineering an Empire

by USHistory.org 2016

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

Egypt's Pyramids
Egypt's Pyramids
USHistory.org

In "Egypt's Pyramids," this informational text explores the motives behind the construction of the ancient Egyptian pyramids, both for religious reasons and for glorification of their pharaohs.

Pair “Egypt’s Pyramids” with “The Inca: Engineering an Empire” and ask students to compare the architectural accomplishments of these two civilizations. How did the impressive buildings produced by these civilizations contribute to their societies? Why and how were they constructed?

7th Grade Informational Text 980L
Egg
Egg
Linda Pastan

Linda Pastan's "Egg" requires students to examine how a simple egg can symbolize more complex ideas in our world.

Pair “Egg” with “The Inca: Engineering an Empire” as a case study and ask students to analyze the history of the Inca empire in the context of the themes of Pastan’s poem.

8th Grade Poem
Chief Powhatan's Address to Captain John Smith
Chief Powhatan's Address to Captain John Smith
Chief Powhatan

In the "Address to Captain John Smith," Chief Powhatan discusses the current violent relationship between English settlers and the Powhatan people.

Pair “Chief Powhatan’s Address to Captain John Smith” with “The Inca: Engineering an Empire” and ask students to discuss the ideas of conquest and colonization presented in both texts. How were these two civilizations invaded and conquered by others? How does Chief Powhatan’s plea compare to the events depicted in “The Inca: Engineering an Empire?”

8th Grade Speech 1080L