This engaging worksheet explores the argument that the growth of trade and commerce laid the foundation for the Renaissance. Through a 700-word informational article, students learn how economic expansion, merchant wealth, and cultural exchange sparked one of history’s most important intellectual and artistic movements. The worksheet includes rigorous multiple-choice questions (main idea, inference, vocabulary, author’s purpose, and more), as well as critical reasoning prompts that challenge students to connect evidence and ideas directly from the text.

Perfect for world history or humanities classrooms, this resource strengthens reading comprehension and historical analysis skills. It’s ideal for Socratic seminars, DBQ prep, or thematic units on the Renaissance, economic systems, or cultural diffusion. The text is rich with academic vocabulary and concrete historical detail, making it a valuable tool for differentiating instruction and fostering deeper thinking—all while saving teachers valuable prep time.

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