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Margot Frank — Reading Comprehension

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This rigorous history reading passage explores the life of Margot Frank, Anne Frank’s older sister, and her experiences during World War II. The passage provides a detailed look at Margot's background, her family's life under Nazi occupation in Amsterdam, and the challenges faced by Jewish families during the Holocaust. Students will analyze primary sources, such as diary entries and letters, and understand the impact of historical events on daily life. The passage connects personal stories to broader historical themes, emphasizing cause-and-effect, continuity and change, and social hierarchies. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline, all aligned with the CA HSS Framework and ELA Common Core standards. Spanish translations and read aloud audio support inclusive learning. This resource is ideal for students, teachers, and anyone interested in world history and the Holocaust.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Margot Frank, 1942 (cropped) — "Margot Frank" by Photo Collection Anne Frank House / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Margot Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on February 16, 1926. As the older sister of Anne Frank, Margot's story is often overshadowed, yet she played a vital role in her family’s experiences during World War II. The Frank family, who were Jewish, faced increasing persecution after Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933. To escape discrimination and violence, they moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Margot quickly adjusted to life in Amsterdam, attending a lyceum (a type of secondary school) and excelling in her studies. She was known for her discipline, intelligence, and quiet nature. Letters from Margot to friends and family show her deep concern for her relatives left behind in Germany and her desire for a peaceful life. However, in May 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, and new restrictions were placed on Jewish people. They could not attend regular schools, visit parks, or ride bicycles. Margot and Anne both attended the Jewish Lyceum, a school created solely for Jewish students under Nazi rule.

On July 5, 1942, Margot received a call-up notice from the Nazi authorities, summoning her to report for a so-called “labor camp” in Germany. Fearing for their safety, the Frank family went into hiding the very next day in a secret annex behind Otto Frank’s business. The family spent more than two years in hiding with four others, relying on trusted friends for food and information. While Anne wrote her famous diary, Margot kept her own diary, although it was never found after the war. Historical evidence from Anne’s diary and survivor testimonies describes Margot as mature, helpful, and sensitive to the feelings of others. She took on responsibilities such as helping with chores and studying through correspondence courses to keep up her education.

Life in hiding was filled with tension and fear of discovery. Despite these hardships, Margot demonstrated resilience and a sense of duty to her family. In August 1944, the secret annex was betrayed, and the Franks were arrested by the Gestapo. Margot, Anne, and their mother were sent to Auschwitz and later to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. In early 1945, both sisters died of illness and exhaustion, just weeks before the camp was liberated.

Margot Frank’s story is significant because it highlights the experiences of ordinary young people during the Holocaust. Her life illustrates the impact of oppressive political systems on individual lives and the importance of family bonds in times of crisis. Margot’s dedication to her studies and her supportive role in the annex show the resilience of those who suffered under Nazi policies.

The story of Margot and her family connects to larger themes of persecution, survival, and the consequences of prejudice in world history.

Interesting Fact: Margot Frank was fluent in several languages, including German, Dutch, and French, and she dreamed of becoming a nurse in Palestine after the war.

Where was Margot Frank born?

Frankfurt, GermanyAmsterdam, NetherlandsBerlin, GermanyParis, France

What year did the Frank family flee Germany?

1942193919331940

Why did the Franks go into hiding?

Margot's call-up noticeAnne's diary was foundTo find better jobsThey wanted to move

What did Margot do while in hiding?

Wrote a diaryHelped with choresStudied by correspondenceAll of the above

How did Nazi restrictions affect Margot's life?

She could not go to parksShe attended a Jewish schoolShe lost freedomsAll of the above

Why is Margot's story significant?

It shows youth during HolocaustIt is about a famous diaryIt describes Dutch politicsIt explains World War I