Active Skills for Reading 1 (Unit 7: Great Structures)


CHAPTER 1 - The World's Oldest Universities

Reading Skill - Identifying Supporting Details

A paragraph is often organized around a main point, which is often stated in the first sentence, and the details that support this point follow in the paragraph. In this passage,_ details are given about three different universities.

A. How old are the following universities? Scan the passage and write the years in the table.

Name Year founded Location Detail
University of AI-Karaouine
Answer

oldest surviving university in the world, specialized in natural sciences, added foreign languages, math, physics, and chemistry in 1957

Nalanda University
Answer

may be the world’s oldest university, scholars came from other continents to learn about science, medicine, and Buddhism; is now in ruins

University of Bologna
Answer

not influenced by religion, professors weren’t allowed to teach outside the university, has never closed (not even in wartime)

B. Scan the passage again to find the location, and one extra detail, about each university. Complete the chart.

Set a standard of respect.

We all learn better when we are in a completely supportive learning environment. Students can build a supportive learning environment by showing respect for everyone in the class. As a class, talk about ways you can create supportive and respectful classroom.

The world's Oldest Universities

Many universities around the world are proud to have long histories and strong traditions. However, very few universities can claim to be among the oldest in the world.

Nalanda University, in Bihar, India, was established around 600 sc. It was most likely the world's first university. In the past, scholars1 came from Europe, China, and all over India to learn about science, medicine, the Buddhist religion, and other subjects. The university is in ruins now, but at one time it was an impressive school with temples, classrooms, libraries, and dormitories.2

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the University of AI-Karaouine in Fes, Morocco, is the oldest surviving university 1s in the world. It was probably founded in 859 and became a famous place to study natural sciences. In 1957, after more than 1,000 years as a university, AI-Karaouine added mathematics, physics, chemistry, and various foreign languages 20 to its traditional list of subjects for study.

The first university in Europe is definitely the University of Bologna, in Italy. It was one of the few universities in Europe that were not influenced by religion. Professors were forbidden from teaching outside the university, and so students came from all over Europe to study with its famous teachers. Since opening in 1088, the University of Bologna has never closed its doors, despite the many wars in Europe.

With the success of the University of Bologna, other universities opened across Europe. They were started by kings, religious groups, and former professors. Today there are so many universities that students don't need to go far to study. They are sure to find one close to home.

1 A scholar is a person who studies in school at a high level.
2 A dormitory is a place for students to live.

Chapter - 1: Before You Read - The World‘s Oldest Universities Chapter - 1: Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

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