English

Stage 4

Paper 1 Non-fiction 2023

Cambridge Primary Progression Test
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Text A

The Ancient Greeks

The ancient Greeks lived around 3500 years ago and their legacy has shaped
the world we live in.

Part 1 5

In many ways, the daily life of the ancient Greeks was very similar to our life
today. The ancient Greeks enjoyed a wide range of cultural activities – they
listened to beautiful music, they read literature and they ate exotic foods, just like
us. Although the ancient Greeks did not have electricity, televisions, computers
or smartphones, they did live in highly organised societies. 10

The style of government in ancient Greece was similar to ours as well. Most
cities had their own government. The government buildings were in the centre of
the city. In the middle of these buildings was the acropolis – an area with a
temple and religious monuments, usually built on a hill.

Greek cities also had a central marketplace, called an agora, which was where 15
people could also go to shop, do business, or meet other people and socialise.
This was a lot like a modern-day shopping mall or outdoor market.

Part 2

One of the biggest cities in ancient Greece was Athens. At one time, around
200 000 people lived there. You can imagine how well-organised the city and 20
government had to be to manage a city of so many people every day.

Most of the people in ancient Greece had a job, much like people do today. Many
were farmers, who sold or traded their fruits and vegetables at market to get what
they needed for their families. Wealthy Greeks however, did not need to work,
and were able to send their children to school. Some schools were specialised, 25
like those teaching painting or sculpture, and they produced skilled craftsmen.
These artisans were the ones who created beautiful sculptures, decorated the
inside walls of houses with detailed paintings, and created mosaics with
thousands of small tiles. Other craftsmen made pottery, coins, jewellery, and
other items that were used daily in ancient Greece. 30

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Text B

Tuesday 12 August

This is the best holiday ever! Today me and Dad went to a really famous historic
site in Athens – The Acropolis. I’d read about it in my history class with Mrs G but
I thought it sounded boring. Seeing it for myself though was a real eye-opener! 5

It’s basically a complex of the ruins of several buildings from the time of the
ancient Greeks. It was scorching hot today so we had to make sure we drank
plenty of water when we were walking around. There were loads of people there,
all taking photos just like us.

Dad told me to try and imagine what life was like for the ancient Greeks and we 10
talked about the people who would have stood in those buildings. We thought
about what it must have been like to be responsible for looking after all the
people of Athens – it was a huge city, even back then. Dad said the ancient
Greeks wore something called chitons, which are basically like tunics with a belt
around them, and sandals. Greeks don’t wear chitons now though – pity because 15
I think they’d be just the thing for this weather! I never thought I’d say this but
after today I think I quite like history. Mrs G’ll be shocked!

Tomorrow we’re flying to an island called Santorini. Dad says there’s black sand
there. That sounds weird but I can’t wait to see it and do some water sports.
Dad’s been dragging me round historical sites for days so it’s time for a break. I 20
mean history’s great, but enough’s enough!

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