Cities of the Past: The Indus Valley Civilization – Reading Comprehension for Class 5 

This Grade 5 reading comprehension worksheet explores one of the world’s earliest urban societies — the Indus Valley Civilization. The passage introduces students to the ancient cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, highlighting their advanced planning, drainage systems, and craftsmanship. 

Through engaging factual and inferential questions, learners will understand how early Indians built an organized society with science, trade, and teamwork. The worksheet balances MCQs and short-answer questions, helping students practice both recall and reasoning skills. 

Why Indus Valley Civilization Matters in Grammar? 

Comprehension of historical texts builds vocabulary and critical thinking. For Grade 5 learners, this passage is important because: 
1. It enhances reading fluency using real-world historical context. 
2. It teaches descriptive and factual comprehension techniques. 
3. It develops curiosity about early human settlements and progress. 
4. It strengthens sentence understanding through cause-and-effect reading. 

What’s Inside This Worksheet? 

🧠 Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice Questions 
Students choose the correct options based on factual details like location, cities, and materials used. 

✏️ Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions 
Students answer questions about daily life, trade, and reasons for decline using clues from the passage. 

📖 Exercise 3 – Critical Thinking Questions 
Learners reflect on what the civilization teaches us about teamwork, intelligence, and early organization. 

✅ Answer Key (For Parents & Educators) 

Exercise 1 – Choose the Correct Option 
1. b) Along the Indus River 
2. b) Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro 
3. c) Baked bricks 

Exercise 2 – Short Answers 
1. They had covered drains that kept the cities clean. 
2. It declined possibly because of floods or changes in the river. 
3. They traded jewelry, pottery, and other goods. 

Exercise 3 – Extended Responses 
1. It shows they were advanced and skilled planners. 
2. Their planning shows organized and scientific thinking. 
3. We learn that teamwork and planning build strong communities. 
4. Synonym: “society” – The Indus Valley was an ancient society. 

Help your child uncover the wonders of ancient civilizations while building reading confidence. 
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