Discuss these questions with a partner or with your class. 1) What do you think was the most interesting thing about ancient China? 2) Do you think life was similar for people in your area 3,500 years ago? What do you think was the same and what do you think was different? 3) Do you think life was better then or is it better now for most people?

The most interesting thing about ancient China was its inventions, especially silk-making, bronze work, writing, and the construction of large cities and walls.

Life in my area 3,500 years ago was probably similar in some ways: people lived in communities, farmed, made tools, traded goods, and had leaders and religious beliefs. However, it was different because there were no modern machines, electricity, cars, or advanced medicine. Houses, clothes, transport, and communication were much simpler.

For most people, life is better now because people generally have better medicine, education, sanitation, transport, communication, and access to food. Life in ancient times may have been less stressful in some ways, but it was much more dangerous and difficult for most people.