Words of the Tao

This matching worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 to strengthen comprehension of core philosophical ideas in C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man. Learners match ten essential terms-such as objective value, relativism, the Tao, and related concepts-to their correct definitions, building clarity around Lewis’s moral framework and sharpening abstract reasoning skills.

Learning Goals

• Identifying Key Ideas & Details (Grades 8-10)
  Students recognize and define central philosophical concepts in Lewis’s argument.
• Vocabulary Acquisition & Precision
  Learners develop accurate understanding of abstract terms essential to ethical discussion.
• Concept Classification & Analysis
  The matching format reinforces distinctions among related ideas (e.g., objective value vs. relativism).
• Philosophical Comprehension
  Students synthesize how these concepts interact within Lewis’s broader moral philosophy.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with secondary ELA, philosophy, and ethics standards.
• Clear, Efficient Matching Format
  Encourages careful reading and analysis without excessive writing load.
• Builds Foundation for Deeper Study
  Prepares students for essays, debates, and discussions on moral philosophy.
• Supports Abstract Reasoning
  Helps students confidently navigate complex, non-concrete ideas.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for warm-ups, review, formative assessment, or pre-reading support.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Words of the Tao worksheet helps students master the vocabulary that underpins The Abolition of Man. By pairing terms with precise definitions, learners strengthen comprehension, ethical literacy, and readiness to engage thoughtfully with Lewis’s philosophical arguments.

This worksheet is part of our Abolition of Man collection.