Socrates Speaks Today

In this rewriting activity, students modernize a passage from Plato’s Apology by translating Socrates’ formal, ancient language into modern conversational English. The task challenges learners to preserve the original meaning while adapting tone and vocabulary to reflect how Socrates might speak in a classroom or café today. This exercise strengthens comprehension by requiring close reading and paraphrasing of complex text. It also promotes understanding of philosophical ideas through relatable, contemporary expression. Students practice precision in meaning while developing fluency and voice in writing.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Paraphrasing and Rewriting for Meaning

English Language Arts – Understanding Tone and Style

Philosophy – Interpretation of Classical Texts

English Language Arts – Writing with Voice and Clarity

This worksheet is part of our Apology collection.