**Cicero: Roman Orator, Philosopher, and Defender of the Republic - Reading Comprehension Worksheet with Primary Source
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Take your students back to Ancient Rome with this engaging reading comprehension worksheet focused on Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest orators and defenders of the Republic. This resource covers Cicero's rise to political prominence, his role in defending the Republic during the Catiline Conspiracy, and his philosophical contributions, particularly his views on justice, duty, and the ideal government. Students will also analyze Cicero's famous speeches and writings, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of Roman politics and philosophy.

This worksheet includes:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: An in-depth reading on Cicero’s life, political career, and philosophical influence.
• Primary Source: An excerpt from Cicero’s First Catilinarian Oration that will challenge students to analyze his rhetorical strategies and defense of the Republic.
• Multiple Question Types: Students will engage with multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions that promote a variety of learning styles.
• Answer Key: A full answer key for efficient grading.
• Flexible Use: Perfect for classroom discussions, homework, deeper learning, or sub plans.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will evaluate Cicero’s influence on Roman politics and his defense of republican ideals.
• Students will analyze primary source material to explore Cicero’s rhetorical strategies and concerns about Rome’s future.
• Students will understand the philosophical principles Cicero advocated and their impact on later Western political thought.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine central ideas or themes of a primary or secondary source and provide an accurate summary.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9: Integrate information from multiple sources to form a comprehensive understanding.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-12.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.

Ideal For:

• World History
• Ancient History
• Philosophy or Government classes for grades 9-12.

This worksheet will provide your students with a rich exploration of Cicero’s contributions to Roman society and beyond. It’s a great tool for encouraging critical thinking and discussion in the classroom.

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