Read the text about James Cook and find out more about his role in the English history.
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James Cook was a British navigator and explorer who sailed and mapped much of the South Pacific.
He was born on October 27, 1728 in England. His father was a farmer, but as James grew older he was more and more attracted to the sea. Cook decided to join the Royal Navy and he became an expert in making maps.
Cook introduced some new rules on his ships in order to keep his crew healthy and safe. He required his men to shower every day and to keep the ship very clean. He also brought lots of fresh fruit to keep his men from getting illnesses. These rules and planning helped his men to stay healthy throughout the long journeys.
Cook set off for his first expedition on August 26, 1768 with the ship called Endeavour. His main goal was to study the planet Venus and to find the unknown southern continent. During this trip he visited New Zealand and he mapped much of its two main islands, but he also ended up fighting with the local Maori tribe. The Maori warriors in New Zealand wore tattoos on their faces. Some of Cook’s sailors got tattoos on their arms and started a tradition that continues today...
His next stop on the journey was the east coast of Australia. Here James and his crew found all sorts of interesting animals and plants including the kangaroo. Unfortunately, the ship was damaged and they had to stop for 2 weeks to repair it. Many of the crew members got sick and over 30 of them died. Finally, they returned home in July of 1771, nearly three years after their departure.
Cook's final expedition lasted from 1776 to 1779. The goal of this journey was to find a northwest route across North America to Asia. He found the Hawaiian Islands.
At first Captain Cook and his men got along well with the natives of the Hawaiian Islands. However, things went bad when the natives stole a sailboat. A fight broke out and Cook was killed by the natives on 14 February 1779.
Circle the right answer about James Cook..
1. Where and when was James Cook born?
a) In 1728, Australia b) In 1728, England
2. What changes did Cook make on his ships?
a) Daily showers and clean ship b) Limited fruit supplies
3. What did James Cook want to do on his first expedition?
a) Find a new route across North America b) Discover new lands
4. Why did Cook's ship had to stop in Australia?
a) To find new sorts of animals b) To fix the ship
Are the statements true (T) or false (F)?
a) James Cook's father was a sailor. T F
b) James Cook was interested in the sea. T F
c) The native Maori tribe didn’t welcome James Cook peacefully. T F
d) Cook's sailors started the tradition of wearing tattoos on their faces. T F
e) The ship's crew had health problems during the journey in Australia. T F
f) James Cook died in a fight with the native people of New Zealand. T F
Read the text again and write the right question to the answer.
a) _______________________________________________________________________
The Royal Navy.
b) _______________________________________________________________________
On August 26, 1768.
c) _______________________________________________________________________
In Australia.
d) _______________________________________________________________________
From 1776 to 1779.
Find in the text the words that mean the following:
a) a person who explores a new or unfamiliar area _________________________
b) an act of travelling from one place to another _________________________
c) to start somewhere _________________________
d) a journey for exploration and research _________________________
e) a local inhabitant. _________________________
Now play a Kahoot quiz to revise everything you've learned about Captain James Cook.
Click on the link on the right side.
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