Leveled Readings / Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
First Amendment, Bill of Rights (1791)
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
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
Adapted · about grade 4
Congress cannot make a law that sets up an official religion. It cannot stop people from practicing their religion.
Adapted · about grade 7
Congress may not pass a law that sets up an official religion or that stops people from freely practicing their faith.
Adapted · about grade 10
Congress shall pass no law establishing an official religion or forbidding people from freely exercising their religion.