Captain James Cook – KS3 Nonfiction Pack

Captain James Cook – Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Activities | Exploration & History | KS3
Teach the extraordinary life and voyages of Captain James Cook with this nonfiction reading comprehension resource featuring a high-interest informational text and engaging history worksheets for KS3. This no-prep pack pairs a carefully levelled nonfiction text with comprehension and assessment activities that build historical understanding, critical thinking, and close reading skills.
Students explore Cook’s rise from coal ship worker to the world’s greatest navigator, the scientific and geographic goals driving his three Pacific voyages, and the lasting consequences European exploration had for Indigenous peoples across the Pacific. The text balances compelling narrative with essential concepts — navigation, scientific enquiry, cause and effect, and the ethics of exploration. Ideal for world history, exploration and geography units, or nonfiction reading practice.
Reading Level
Written at approximately 1000–1080L, targeting KS3 (Years 8–9). Key vocabulary is scaffolded in context throughout.
What’s Included:

1. Informational nonfiction text on Captain James Cook
2. Double-sided map activity tracing all three Pacific voyages with geography comprehension questions
3. Written response comprehension questions
4. Cloze activity to build comprehension and recall\
5. 2 vocabulary crossword puzzles (with and without word bank)
6. Word search with key terms\
7. Multiple-choice quiz
8. True or False assessment
9. Mixed-format question sheet

✔ Full answer keys included ✔ No prep – print and teach ✔ Ideal for history, geography, and English reading units
Explore More: Nonfiction History & Exploration Reading Packs
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