Returning the Artifacts

Close Read Passage, 602 words, Persuasive (fiction), Level Z2 (Grade 6), Lexile 860L

The Coelz and Laurentzian cultures are worlds apart, culturally as well as literally. For years, the Laurentzians have protected and displayed Coelzi artifacts, stunning works of art that also happen to be sarcophagi. Now the Coelzi want them back in order to complete ancestral funeral rites . . . which include burning the artifacts. An intergalactic council with representatives from planets near and far gather to hear both sides' arguments and decide what to do. How will they vote, and why?

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