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"Benjamin Banneker" Worksheet

As you read "Benjamin Banneker," think about the different contributions that Benjamin Banneker made to early American society.

Remember that historic events described in a piece of writing took place in a particular order, or sequence. When reading, it is important to pay attention to the order in which the events occurred. To understand the sequence, readers should notice the tenses of the verbs used, as well as any dates and signal words such as first, next, or afterward. Now reread "Benjamin Banneker." Using the information in the article, number the sentences below from 1 to 6 to show the correct sequence of events.

____________________ Banneker wrote down the plans for the city of Washington, D.C., from memory.
____________________ Using his knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, Banneker predicted a solar eclipse.
____________________ Banneker first became interested in mathematics at school.
____________________ After examining a watch and reading a few books, Banneker constructed a clock that kept near-perfect time for decades.
____________________ The architect Pierre L'Enfant was fired and took the plans for the city of Washington, D.C., with him.
____________________ Joseph Levi gave Banneker a pocket watch.


© Scott Foresman