Quill

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/quill

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the material composition?Moulted primary wing-feather of a large bird
2. What is the period of primary use?Circa 6th century CE to mid-19th century CE
3. What is a quill and how did people use it to write?A quill is a feather from a large bird that was cleaned, cut, and dipped in ink to write. It let people write stories and letters for many centuries.
4. Why were quills better than reed pens?Quills were stronger, more flexible, and had a finer point, which made writing smoother and more precise.

Calamus: The hollow, lower part of a bird's feather shaft, which can hold a small amount of ink.
Capillary Action: The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, or even in opposition to, external forces like gravity.
Calligraphy: The art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush.