Atlantic Trade Paths

In this worksheet, students read two short informational texts describing early and modern Atlantic trade routes. The first passage explains how ships in the 1500s and 1600s transported goods such as sugar, tobacco, tools, gold, and spices between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The second passage focuses on modern Atlantic shipping, highlighting major cargo ports, technological advances, and global economic connections. After reading, students respond to seven open-ended comprehension questions that require them to compare historical and modern trade, identify key ideas, and interpret how technology and economics shape Atlantic transportation. The activity strengthens informational reading comprehension, historical reasoning, and the ability to write clear, complete responses using textual evidence.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Reading Informational Text: Key Ideas and Details

Social Studies – World Trade and Economic Systems

Social Studies – Historical Comparison and Change Over Time

English Language Arts – Written Responses Using Evidence

Geography – Human Movement and Global Connections

This worksheet is part of our Atlantic Ocean Worksheets collection.