Question

directions

• read the questions below before you read the text
• highlight or underline vocabulary, main ideas and concepts as you read
• answer the questions based on the information found in the text and your own thinking

europeans had no knowledge of the people of the americas, half a world away, or the land where they lived. when europeans looked west, they saw only a vast ocean. europeans were far more interested in the lands that lay to the east. in the late 1200s, a young man named marco polo traveled through asia with his father, a merchant and trader from venice, italy. marco polo spent 17 years in china. when he returned to venice, people flocked to hear his stories of “the indies,” as india and east asia were then known. he was called “the man with a million stories.” eventually, a writer helped marco polo put his adventures into a book that described the wonders he had seen in china. it told of rich silks and rare spices, gold and jewels, and luxurious palaces. when marco polo’s book was published, very few people in europe could read. however, those who did read it were fascinated by its description of riches to the east. merchants and traders were eager to find the fastest way to get there. the land route polo had traveled was long and dangerous. his tales inspired explorers to find an alternative route by sea.

1. what were most europeans interested in exploring before 1763?

Explanation:

The text mentions that Europeans were interested in the lands to the east, especially after hearing Marco Polo's tales of riches in Asia. His stories of "the Indies" (India and East - Asia) with their silks, spices, gold, jewels, and palaces fascinated them and inspired exploration.

Answer:

Most Europeans were interested in the lands of "the Indies" (India and East Asia) and their riches such as silks, spices, gold, jewels, and luxurious palaces.