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


CHAPTER 1 - The World's Oldest Universities

Vocabulary Skill - Expressing Certainty

When you write, you can add adverbs to show how sure you are. You can use adverbs like definitely when you are absolutely sure of information, and use adverbs like unlikely when you are not at all sure.

Read the words in the box. Which ones do you use when you're sure(S), and which do you use when you're unsure(U)? Write S or U next to each word.

easily
probably
perhaps 		possibly
likely
for sure 		clearly

A. Read the following sentences. Then decide if the writer of the following statements is sure(S) or unsure(U) about the information.

S/U
Nalanda University is most likely the world's first university.
The University of AI-Karaouine in Fes, Morocco, was probably founded in 859.
The first university in Europe is definitely the University of Bologna, in Italy.

B. Now complete the sentences below using your own ideas.

  1. In 50 years, cars will most likely
    Answer

    In 50 years, cars will most likely be rare

  2. When I finish school today, I will definitely
    Answer

    When I finish school today, I will definitely go to the library.

  3. In 100 years, money will possibly
    Answer

    In 100 years, money will probably not exist anymore.

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: Vocabulary Comprehension - Words in Context Chapter - 2: Before You Read - Great Engineering

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