Pre-reading questions:
- What subjects do you enjoy learning about the most?
- Do you think it’s important to continue learning throughout your life, even after you finish school? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/
- endure /en-DOOR/
- spread /spred/
- relevant /REL-uh-vuhnt/
- appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt /
[adjective] – A residential building is one in which people live
My aunt lives in a residential neighborhood where the houses are all very close together, and they all have small yards.
[verb] – to continue to exist for a long time
The Great Pyramids of Egypt have endured for over 4,500 years, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.
[noun] – the development or growth of something so that it covers a larger area or affects a larger number of people
The spread of the internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, changing the world in ways that would have been impossible just a few decades ago.
[adjective] – connected with what is happening or being discussed
Learning computer programming is increasingly relevant in today’s job market, as more and more industries are relying on technology to stay competitive.
[verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it
I really appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and I think it’s important to protect the environment so that future generations can continue to enjoy it.
Article reading:
Scholars from around the world came to study subjects ranging from mathematics and astronomy to philosophy and religion. The library housed millions of manuscripts, making it the largest in the ancient world. Sadly, Nalanda’s fate was sealed with its destruction by invading armies in the 12th century. However, its legacy endures, as seen in the spread of Buddhism and the transmission of knowledge to other parts of the world. Today, Nalanda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the power of education to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds. The lessons of Nalanda remain as relevant today as they were over a thousand years ago. As we face new challenges in our rapidly changing world, we must remember the value of education in bringing people together.
In conclusion, Nalanda’s rich history is a testament to its academic excellence and enduring legacy. The world’s first residential university serves as an inspiration to us all to continue to strive for excellence in education and to appreciate the power of knowledge to bring people together.
Comprehension questions
- Where is Nalanda located?
- What subjects did scholars study at Nalanda?
- What was the library at Nalanda like?
- What happened to Nalanda in the 12th century?
- Why is education important, according to the article?
Discussion questions
- Based on your experience, do you think that education has the power to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds? Please explain your answer.
- Based on what you learned in the article, what courses would you be interested in studying and why?
- Do you agree that Nalanda was an important center for learning and research during its time?
- If you had the opportunity to visit Nalanda today, what would you like to see and experience there?
- What do you think are the key lessons that we can learn from the history of Nalanda? Please elaborate on your answer.