Grade 3 History · History
Virginia SOL 3.8
Virginia SOL 3.8 is part of the History strand in Grade 3 History (History). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of the ancient empire of Mali. Below is what 3.8 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 3.8 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL 3.8 means
Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of the ancient empire of Mali.
Practice Grade 3 History SOL questions
Free Grade 3 History questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on 3.8 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Where was Timbuktu located?
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Answer: C — Mali
2. Because they lived on peninsulas and islands, many ancient Greeks became —
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Answer: A — fishermen
3. Which two areas were located along the Mediterranean Sea?
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Answer: C — Rome and Greece
4. During colonial times, the Powhatan lived mostly in what is now —
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Answer: D — Virginia
Skills you’ll practice for 3.8
- Locate the ancient empire of Mali on a map of the world.
- Connect the geography of the ancient empire of Mali and its economy.
- Identify and explain the government of the ancient empire of Mali.
- Describe the arts and innovations of the ancient empire of Mali.
- Identify and explain the architecture of the ancient empire of Mali and its influence in the world.
Key concepts covered by 3.8
- ancient Mali
- map location
- geographic location
- West Africa
- geography
- economy
- gold-salt trade
- trans-Saharan trade
- government
- Mansa Musa
- empire
- trade networks
- arts
- innovations
- Timbuktu
- Islamic scholarship
- architecture
- Great Mosque of Timbuktu
- influence
How to study and practice SOL 3.8
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 3.8 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Related Grade 3 History standards in History
- 3.4 — Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of ancient Egypt.
- 3.5 — Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of ancient China.
- 3.6 — Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of ancient Greece.
- 3.7 — Describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of ancient Rome.
- 3.9 — Explain the basic structure of the United States government.
Frequently asked questions about SOL 3.8
What is Virginia SOL 3.8?
SOL 3.8 is a Grade 3 History Standard of Learning in the History strand. It expects students to describe the geographic, political, economic, and social structures and innovations of the ancient empire of Mali.
What skills does SOL 3.8 cover?
SOL 3.8 is assessed on 5 skills: locate the ancient empire of Mali on a map of the world; connect the geography of the ancient empire of Mali and its economy; identify and explain the government of the ancient empire of Mali; describe the arts and innovations of the ancient empire of Mali; identify and explain the architecture of the ancient empire of Mali and its influence in the world.
What strand of Grade 3 History is SOL 3.8 in?
SOL 3.8 belongs to the History reporting strand of the Grade 3 History Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL 3.8?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether 3.8 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.