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Anne Frank Secret Annex — Reading Comprehension

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This world history reading passage explores the daily life, challenges, and significance of Anne Frank and her companions during their time in hiding in the Secret Annex in Amsterdam from 1942 to 1944. Aligned to CA HSS and Common Core ELA standards, students will analyze primary sources such as Anne's diary, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and study the impact of Nazi occupation on Jewish families. The passage includes a glossary, timeline, differentiated and Spanish versions, reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen learning. Read aloud audio and Spanish translation make this resource accessible for all learners. Key academic vocabulary is woven throughout to build content knowledge and literacy skills.

CONTENT PREVIEW

New Amsterdam.
Source: Library of Congress - Rizzuto, Angelo, 1906-1967

During World War II, Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution in a hidden area called the Secret Annex in Amsterdam, Netherlands. From July 1942 to August 1944, eight people—including Anne, her sister Margot, her parents Otto and Edith, the van Pels family, and Fritz Pfeffer—lived together in cramped conditions, fearing discovery by the occupying German authorities. Their experience, recorded in Anne’s famous diary, offers a detailed look at life in hiding and the difficulties faced by Jews during the Holocaust.

Each day in the Secret Annex followed a strict routine. The residents had to stay quiet during working hours, as the building below was used by Otto Frank’s business, and any noise might reveal their presence. They covered the entrance with a movable bookcase, a clever concealment strategy. Food and supplies were brought by trusted helpers like Miep Gies and Victor Kugler, who risked their own lives. Space was limited, and privacy was scarce. Anne described sharing a room with Mr. Pfeffer and learning to cope with constant tension and fear. Despite these restrictions, Anne and the others tried to maintain daily life—reading, studying, and celebrating special occasions quietly.

Anne’s diary, a primary source that historians use today, gives vivid examples of their emotional struggles. For instance, on November 19, 1942, Anne wrote about her longing for sunlight and frustration with arguments among the group. She also described moments of hope, like listening to news about the Allies on a secret radio. The outside world, marked by Nazi occupation and anti-Jewish decrees, made leaving the Annex impossible. Anne noted the social hierarchy within the group, with adults making key decisions and children expected to obey.

Over time, the pressures of hiding affected everyone’s health and relationships. Food shortages became worse as the war continued. Trust among the group was tested by stress, but they also supported each other in times of danger, such as during air raids or when police searched nearby buildings. The Annex’s location in Amsterdam, a city with a large Jewish community before the war, highlights the widespread impact of Nazi policies. Anne’s story helps historians understand both the continuity of hope and the changes forced upon Jewish families during the Holocaust.

The arrest of the Annex residents in August 1944 ended their two years in hiding. Most, including Anne and her sister, died in concentration camps; only Otto Frank survived. The legacy of Anne’s diary has shaped how the world remembers the Holocaust and the courage required to survive such times. Her writing connects personal experience with larger themes of human rights, discrimination, and the importance of bearing witness.

Anne Frank’s life in the Secret Annex is a key example of ordinary people’s struggle for survival under extraordinary circumstances. Studying her diary links World War II history to broader themes of resistance, memory, and the consequences of intolerance.

Interesting Fact: The bookcase that hid the entrance to the Annex is still visible today in the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam.

Where was the Secret Annex located?

Amsterdam, NetherlandsBerlin, GermanyParis, FranceLondon, England

How many people hid in the Annex?

EightFiveTenThree

Who survived the Holocaust from the Annex group?

Otto FrankAnne FrankMargot FrankFritz Pfeffer

Why did residents stay quiet during the day?

To avoid being discoveredTo listen to musicFor religious reasonsBecause of illness

What effect did food shortages have?

Increased tension and health problemsMore celebrationsLess reading timeVisits from more helpers

How did Anne document life in hiding?