Leveled Readings / The Praise of Folly (1511)
The Praise of Folly (1511)
Erasmus, The Praise of Folly (1511)
These are adaptations, not the original. The original wording is always shown first. Each adapted version restates the same passage at about a grade 4, grade 7, or grade 10 reading level without adding or removing ideas. Quote the original in student writing.
Original wording
“Nor are princes by themselves in their manner of life, since popes, cardinals, and bishops have so diligently followed their steps that they’ve almost got the start of them.”
Adapted · about grade 4
Erasmus joked that princes are not the only ones who live this way. Popes, cardinals, and bishops copy them so well they are almost ahead.
Adapted · about grade 7
Princes are not alone in this way of life, Erasmus wrote, because popes, cardinals, and bishops have followed their example so closely that they have almost passed them.
Adapted · about grade 10
Princes are not alone in their manner of life, for popes, cardinals, and bishops have followed their steps so diligently that they have almost outrun them.
Used in: What was new about the Renaissance?