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Diary of Anne Frank — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive reading passage explores the historical context and impact of The Diary of Anne Frank, focusing on its publication and significance in world history. Students will learn about Anne Frank’s life in hiding during the Holocaust, the role of her diary as a primary source, and how her father, Otto Frank, helped bring her story to the public after World War II. The passage aligns with CA HSS 7.8 and CCSS RI.6-8.1 standards, providing a rigorous and engaging text suitable for classroom use. Activities include a glossary of academic vocabulary, a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline. The package also features read aloud audio and Spanish translation, supporting diverse learners. This resource is ideal for educators seeking to foster historical thinking, evidence analysis, and empathy in the study of 20th-century history.

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The diary of Anne Frank is one of the most famous personal accounts from World War II. Anne Frank was a Jewish teenager who lived in Amsterdam, Netherlands, during the Nazi occupation. In July 1942, Anne and her family went into hiding to escape persecution by the Nazis, who targeted Jews and other groups during the Holocaust. For over two years, Anne recorded her daily life, hopes, and fears in a red-and-white checkered diary, creating a powerful testimony of her experiences.

The Franks hid in a secret annex above Otto Frank’s former business. They were joined by another family, the Van Pels, and later by Fritz Pfeffer. Despite cramped conditions, constant fear of discovery, and shortage of food, Anne wrote about her thoughts and observations. She described the social hierarchy among those in hiding and the challenges of sharing a small space. Anne’s diary gives historians a detailed look at the daily life of Jews in hiding, which is rare due to the dangerous conditions and lack of surviving documents from the time. Her writings include references to radio broadcasts and events, such as the Allied landing in Normandy in June 1944, showing how outside news affected those in hiding.

On August 4, 1944, the secret annex was discovered by the Gestapo, the Nazi secret police. Anne and the others were arrested and eventually sent to concentration camps. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen camp in early 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated. Her father, Otto Frank, was the only member of the family to survive the war. After returning to Amsterdam, Otto found Anne’s diary, which had been saved by Miep Gies, one of the helpers who had supported the families in hiding.

Otto Frank decided to fulfill Anne’s wish of becoming a writer by having her diary published. The first edition, titled (“THet Achterhuishe Secret Annex”), appeared in Dutch in 1947. The diary was later translated into more than 70 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It serves as both a primary source for understanding the Holocaust and a universal symbol of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. The publication of Anne Frank’s diary has influenced how people around the world learn about the Holocaust and the dangers of intolerance.

The Diary of Anne Frank reminds readers of the personal impact of historical events. By sharing her story, Anne Frank gave a voice to millions who suffered in silence during the Holocaust. Her diary continues to inspire new generations to stand up for human rights and remember the consequences of prejudice and hatred.

Interesting Fact: Anne Frank’s original diary, along with her later notebooks, is preserved in the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam, which thousands of people visit every year to learn more about her life and legacy.

This story connects to broader themes of World History by showing how personal narratives help us understand major events such as World War II and the Holocaust.

Where did Anne Frank live?

AmsterdamBerlinParisLondon

Who published Anne's diary?

Otto FrankMargot FrankMiep GiesFritz Pfeffer

What year was the secret annex discovered?

1944194219451947

Why did Anne's family hide?

To escape persecutionTo find treasureTo visit friendsTo write a book

How did Anne's diary become famous?

Otto published itMargot published itAnne published itA teacher published it

What effect did outside news have?

Gave hopeMade them hungryHelped them escapeCaused arguments