Reading
Throughout history, many leaders have inherited not only wealth but also the responsibility to guide their nations. One famous example is Alexander the Great, who inherited the throne of Macedonia from his father, King Philip II, at the age of 20. His father had laid a solid foundation, but it was Alexander who expanded the empire dramatically, conquering lands from Greece to India. The task he inherited was immense, but through strategic thinking and military brilliance, he fulfilled his duty.
In more recent history, we can look at Queen Elizabeth II, who inherited the British crown in 1952 after the sudden death of her father, King George VI. At just 25 years old, she had to step into the public eye during a time when the British Empire was transitioning into the modern Commonwealth. Despite the challenges, she handled her role with grace and a decent sense of duty, remaining a symbol of stability for over seven decades.
Another intriguing example is Emperor Akihito of Japan, who inherited the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1989. His reign marked a significant shift as he worked to modernize the image of the Japanese monarchy, engaging directly with citizens and promoting peace and reconciliation. Like other leaders, Akihito was drenched in the pressures of maintaining tradition while moving his nation forward. His story illustrates how inheritance often involves more than just holding power; it’s about navigating the fine line between tradition and change.
However, inheritance isn’t just about power or leadership. It often comes with significant challenges. For example, many royal heirs were drenched in stress and expectations, and not all of them were able to meet these demands. History shows that inheriting something—whether it be wealth, responsibility, or even a family business—can shape the future in unpredictable ways.
Comprehension Quiz
- What did Alexander the Great inherit from his father, King Philip II?
a) Wealth
b) An empire
c) The British crown
d) The Chrysanthemum Throne - Which of the following best describes Queen Elizabeth II’s inheritance of the crown?
a) She became queen as soon as her grandfather died.
b) She took the throne during a difficult transition period for the British Empire.
c) She inherited her role at the age of 30.
d) Her reign only lasted a few years. - What challenge did Emperor Akihito face when he inherited the throne of Japan?
a) Expanding the Japanese empire
b) Modernizing the monarchy and balancing tradition
c) Leading military campaigns
d) Becoming the youngest emperor in Japanese history
Vocabulary and Grammar Quiz
- Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: When King Philip II died, Alexander the Great ________ the throne.
a) inherits
b) inherited
c) inherit
d) inheriting - Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: Queen Elizabeth II handled her role with a ________ sense of duty.
a) drenched
b) decent
c) inherit
d) inherited - Correct the following sentence:
“The new king was drenching in responsibility after his father’s death.”- Change drenching to the correct form.
Discussion Question
Do you think inheriting responsibility, like power or wealth, makes a person’s life easier or more difficult? Why?