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Pride and Prejudice: read and explore

A truth universally acknowledged, and the Bennet sisters.

About this reading

Author
Jane Austen
Form
novel
Catalog year
1813

Choose this reading by interest and comfort with the language. This catalog does not assign a school grade. Preview the text before reading with a child; classic works can contain unfamiliar language and historical attitudes.

Read Pride and Prejudice

Preview the language: Chapter 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. “My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him …

Choose a phrase from this opening. What does it suggest, and which words support your interpretation? Read on to test your first impression.

A reading activity for Pride and Prejudice

  1. Before opening the text, read the title and this catalog description: “A truth universally acknowledged, and the Bennet sisters.” Write one question you hope the reading will answer.
  2. Read a short passage. Choose one sentence that helps you understand what is happening and explain which words support your interpretation.
  3. Choose one unfamiliar word. Guess its meaning from the surrounding words, then check a dictionary or discuss it with a reading partner.
  4. Return to your original question. Explain what the passage answered and what you still need to read to find out.

These are suggested discussion tasks, not a scored assessment or a claim that finishing the text establishes mastery.

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Source edition: Project Gutenberg record for Pride and Prejudice. This link identifies the catalog source; it does not imply endorsement.

Use this activity with a learner

Educators and independent learners

Learning goal: Read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, then support an interpretation with words from the text.

Before you begin: Preview the language and historical context. Select a passage appropriate for your learners.

Check understanding: Ask for one observation, the evidence that supports it, and a question to investigate next.

Catalog inclusion does not assign a school grade. Preview historical language and themes before using a work with children.

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Pride and Prejudice — Read and Explore | Lesson Worlds