Mr.

Ahmed GHEDJATI
English 3 as LP + LE
First unit : Ancient civilizations

To comprehend any civilization, it is imperative to first delve into a myriad of fundamental concepts, such as
the following:

I. Different Civilizations:
- The Islamic
- The Incan
- The Roman
- The Ancient Greek
- The Mesopotamian
- The Indus Velley civilization
- The ancient Egyptian
- The Maya
- The Chinese

II. Stages of the civilization:

1) Started / appeared / rise / emerge / thrive / shine / bloom
2) Grow / prosper / develop / flourish
3) Downfall / collapse / damage / decline
4) End / vanish / disappear

Remark: what could be in the written expression about this part is that you get asked to write about the
different stages of a given civilization, talking specifically about all the stages never appeared in the BAC exam
before but it’s possible.

Usually they ask students to talk about the flourishment or the downfall of civilizations.

III. Achievements

And those are particularly during the flourishment of course.

Summary of the ancient civilizations achievements

Civilization When – where did it The main achievements

start
1- The Sumerian 3500 BC in a land know - Invented the first form of writing
civilization as Mesopotamia (Iraq) - Developed the first irrigation canals
(Mesopotamian) - Divided the week into 7 days
- Built great temples and palaces
- Developed the first wheel from wood →
Chariot
2- The ancient Egyptian Around 3000 BC at the - Developed the first form of writing made from
civilization banks of the Nile river pictures (hieroglyphics)
(Egypt) - Built the sophisticated pyramids
 - Solar calendar of 365 days a year
- Invented papers from papyrus
- Developed the first make up
- Were also famous in shipbuilding
3- The Greek 2600 BC southern - Developed the concept of philosophy
civilization eastern of Europe (Aristotle, Socrates, Plato)
- Developed the concept of the Olympic games
- Famous for making sculptures
- Inventions (watermill, alarm clock)
- The lighthouse
4- The Chinese 2060 BC China - They built the great wall of China
- Traded silk and spices
- Inventions (Gunpowder, compass, printing)
- The first paper
5- Phoenician 1550 BC Along the - Built sophisticated ships
civilization Mediterranean Sea - Were excellent traders (spice, fabric, glass,
jewelry)
- Invented the first alphabet
- Invented the keel
6- the Islamic 7th century AD started in - Built the house of wisdom (the first cultural
civilization Mecca and Medina and and scientific center at the time)
spread all over the world - The first observatory and astrolabe
- Translate Greeks and Romans books and
works
- The first detailed world map by El Idrisi
- Ibn Al Haithem led the foundation of camera
- Ibn SIna canon of medicine
- Great works in literature like one thousand
nights
- Introducing the banking system during the
Abbasi regime
- Built royal palaces and castles such as Castles
in Baghdad and Alhambra castle in Spain
- Developed the field of Algebra by Al
Khawarizmi

Example of starting a written expression:

- “Any civilization had many contributions to humanity …”

- "The contributions of every civilization to the betterment of humanity have been numerous and
profound..."
- "Throughout history, civilizations have made innumerable contributions that have enriched the
tapestry of human existence..."
- "The annals of civilization are replete with myriad achievements that have left an indelible mark on
humanity..."
 - "Across the annals of history, each civilization has left a lasting legacy of contributions to the progress
of humanity..."
- "The historical record is a testament to the manifold contributions made by civilizations to the
advancement of humanity..."
- "Civilizations from time immemorial have made diverse and lasting contributions that continue to
shape our world today..."
- "In tracing the footsteps of civilizations, one cannot help but marvel at the breadth and depth of their
contributions to humanity..."
- "From ancient epochs to the present day, civilizations have continuously bequeathed humanity with a
wealth of invaluable contributions..."
- "Exploring the annals of human civilization reveals a treasure trove of achievements that have forever
impacted the course of humanity..."
- "The enduring legacies of civilizations bear witness to their enduring contributions to the progression
of humanity..."

IV. Lifestyle

How to preserve traditions and cultural heritage

• Grammar
- Expressing time using before and after (past simple and past perfect).
- Was/ were able to, used to, had to
- Comparative and superlative
- Concession
- Final “ed”