The Significance and Factors of Oracle Bones in Shang Dynasty China
History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
This worksheet explores the importance of oracle bones in the Shang Dynasty, focusing on how different factors contributed to their significance.
Topics covered:
#History
#History
#Shang Dynasty China
#Standard
#Significance & Factors
#Oracle Bones
#Identify different factors that contributed to the use of oracle bones in the Shang Dynasty
#Compare the significance of political, social, economic, and religious factors
#Explain the reasons why oracle bones were important in Shang society
#Analyse the relative importance of different factors in shaping Shang beliefs and practices
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Full preview • 8 questions
The Significance and Factors of Oracle Bones in Shang Dynasty China
Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A
Understanding Oracle Bones in Shang Dynasty China
Source A: Excerpt from a Shang Dynasty historian 'Oracle bones were used by Shang rulers to communicate with ancestors and divine the future. These bones, usually of oxen or turtle shells, were inscribed with questions and then heated until they cracked. The patterns of cracks were interpreted as messages from the gods.' Provenance: Modern summary based on archaeological findings and historical texts.
1.
List the main purposes of oracle bones in Shang Dynasty China. (3 marks)
[3 marks]2.
Compare the religious and political significance of oracle bones in Shang society.
[4 marks]3.
Outline how economic factors might have influenced the use of oracle bones.
[3 marks]4.
Explain why religious beliefs were crucial in the development and use of oracle bones.
[6 marks]5.
Which factor—political, social, economic, or religious—was most significant in the development of oracle bones? Justify your answer with evidence.
[8 marks]6.
Compare the importance of oracle bones to other forms of record-keeping in ancient China.
[4 marks]7.
Analyse how the use of oracle bones reflects the Shang Dynasty’s worldview.
[8 marks]8.
Summarize the main reasons why oracle bones were significant in Shang China.
[3 marks]Quick Actions
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet
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