A Meeting of Minds: The Story of the First Continental Congress — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.4.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This history reading passage explores the story of the First Continental Congress, a key event leading up to the American Revolution. Students will learn about the reasons the colonies united, the important people who attended the Congress, and the outcomes of their first meeting in Philadelphia. The passage highlights themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving as delegates from different colonies came together to stand up for their rights. With a clear sequence of events and grade-appropriate vocabulary, the passage builds foundational literacy skills and historical understanding. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer. The passage is available with read aloud audio and a Spanish translation. This resource aligns with D2.His.4.3-5, D2.His.14.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2, and supports both social studies and ELA standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Washington promotion by Continental Congress" by Unknown artist, painting printed by Currier & Ives, 1876, part of the Library of Congress collection /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The First Continental Congress met in September 1774. It was a time of worry for the thirteen American colonies. The British government had passed new laws called the Intolerable Acts. These laws made life harder for the colonists. Many people felt the laws were unfair. The colonies decided they needed to work together to solve their problems.

Leaders from twelve colonies traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These leaders were called delegates. Each colony chose people to speak and make decisions. Some famous delegates were George Washington, John Adams, and Patrick Henry. They met at Carpenters' Hall. The meeting was called the First Continental Congress.

The delegates talked about their troubles. They shared ideas and listened to each other. Patrick Henry spoke with strong words. He said, "The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American."

After much discussion, the delegates wrote a letter to King George III of Britain. They asked him to end the unfair laws. They also agreed to stop buying British goods. This was called a boycott. The boycott was a peaceful way to show they were serious.

The First Continental Congress ended in October 1774. The delegates promised to meet again if things did not get better. Their meeting was a big step toward working together. It showed that the colonies could unite to solve problems.

These early actions helped start the path to the American Revolution. The Congress did not want war, but they wanted their rights. Their bravery and unity inspired others. The work of the First Continental Congress was an important cause that led to big changes later.

Interesting Fact: The delegates agreed to meet again in May 1775. This second meeting became the Second Continental Congress, where the colonies took even bigger steps toward independence.

Where did the First Continental Congress meet?

PhiladelphiaBostonNew YorkLondon

In what year did the meeting happen?

1774178717651800

Who was a famous delegate?

George WashingtonAbraham LincolnThomas EdisonBenjamin Franklin

Why did the colonies meet together?

To solve problemsTo declare warTo build a cityTo find gold

What was the boycott?

Stop buying British goodsWrite new lawsStart a warBuild ships

What did Patrick Henry mean by 'I am not a Virginian, but an American'?

Colonies should work togetherHe moved to AmericaHe was the only delegateHe did not like Virginia