Sutter’s Mill

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the historical event of the California Gold Rush, which occurred between 1848 and 1855. The passage outlines the discovery of gold by James Marshall at Sutter’s Mill and the subsequent rush of people-termed “forty-niners”-who flocked to California in hopes of finding their fortune. The narrative touches on the nuances of this period, including the initial efforts to keep the discovery a secret and the ultimate influx of prospectors. Following the informative text, there are three multiple-choice questions designed to test the reader’s comprehension of the material presented.

To effectively utilize this worksheet, students should begin by thoroughly reading the provided passage to gain a comprehensive understanding of the California Gold Rush. After absorbing the details and facts, they should proceed to the multiple-choice questions. Each question pertains directly to the information in the passage, so students might find it helpful to refer back to specific sections of the text to confirm their answers. Once all questions are answered, students can cross-check their responses with an answer key or discuss them in a group setting for clarity.

The core objective of this worksheet is to impart knowledge about the California Gold Rush while simultaneously honing students’ reading comprehension skills. By offering historical context coupled with direct questions, the worksheet promotes attentive reading and critical thinking. It encourages students to extract pertinent details from a given text and apply that knowledge in answering relevant questions. Furthermore, through this worksheet, students are introduced to an integral chapter in American history, fostering an appreciation for past events that have shaped the nation’s trajectory.