History · Grades 1–12

Timelines & evidence · Quick reference 2

Reference sheet for Grades 1 to 12: order years on a timeline, events and centuries and years between historical events. On a timeline, earlier years come first. The person with the smallest birth year was born first.

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Rule and key idea

Who was born first?

On a timeline, earlier years come first. The person with the smallest birth year was born first.

earlier year = born first

Ravi was born in 2012. Ethan was born in 2008. Who was born first? → Ethan

How many years apart?

Subtract the earlier year from the later year to find how many years are between two events.

later year − earlier year

Kai was born in 1968. Lucas was born in 1970. How many years apart were they born? → 2

Order years on a timeline

A timeline goes from the earliest date on the left to the latest date on the right.

left = earlier · right = later

On a timeline from left (earliest) to right (latest), which year goes farthest to the right: 1928, 2015, 1988? → 2015

Events and centuries

The years 1801 to 1900 make up the 19th century. Work out the year first, then convert it to a century.

century = ⌊(year − 1) ÷ 100⌋ + 1

In which century did this event take place? The Russian Revolution brought the Bolsheviks to power. → the 20th century

Years between historical events

Subtract the earlier year from the later one. Use the gap to judge whether one event could have influenced another.

years between = later year − earlier year

How many years passed between these events? → 81

Check yourself

Four practice questions on this topic. Try each one before you open the answer.

Today is Tuesday. What day was it 3 days ago?
- Saturday
- Wednesday
- Tuesday
Show the answer
Saturday Days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, then Monday again.
It is September. What month will it be in 3 months?
- April
- August
- December
Show the answer
December Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, then January again.
It is June. What month will it be in 5 months?
- October
- March
- November
Show the answer
November Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, then January again.
It is October. What month will it be in 3 months?
- December
- February
- January
Show the answer
January Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, then January again.