Great Plague London Reading Activites

Discover the Devastating Impact of the Great Plague of 1665

Transport your students back in time to the harrowing year of 1665, when a deadly outbreak of plague ravaged the city of London. This engaging and meticulously researched resource brings to life the chilling account of the Great Plague, offering a rich tapestry of historical details, heart-wrenching tales, and enduring lessons.

As the plague spread through the overcrowded streets and alleyways, carried by flea-infested rats, Londoners found themselves in a desperate battle against the invisible yet lethal enemy. From the initial dismissal of the outbreak to the implementation of strict quarantine measures and the mass burial of victims in “plague pits,” your students will witness the unfolding horror and the resilience of a city pushed to the brink.

The aftermath of the Great Plague, though catastrophic, laid bare the harsh realities of poverty, lack of medical knowledge, and the vulnerability of densely populated urban centers. Students will explore the societal impacts, the ineffective remedies attempted, and the enduring legacy of this devastating event on public health and urban planning.

Through this captivating historical recounting, your students will not only gain a deep understanding of a pivotal moment in London’s history but also develop invaluable insights into themes of human resilience, the consequences of ignorance, and the transformative power of adversity.

Differentiated activities reinforce comprehension:

• 3 levels of SAT-style multiple-choice quizzes

• Lower level: 2 pages

• Middle level: 2 pages

• Higher level: 3 pages

• 2 levels of written response sheets with a variety of engaging question types

• 1 classic style 13 question double-sided written response (13 traditional paragraph answers)

• Event sequencing activity with true/false questions

• Cloze summary activity

• 2 levels of Great Plague of London crossword puzzles

• Lower level

• Higher level

• Answer keys provided for all activities

Perfect for grades 6-11 across ELA, social studies, and history classrooms.

Let your students catch the contagious plague of historical curiosity with this immersive look at the Great Plague that swept through London.