Final answer:
The best opening statement for a fourth-grade class about Pompeii is "Many thousands of years ago, a volcano exploded and froze a city in time," as it's engaging and introduces the concept of Pompeii's significance as a historical snapshot of Roman life preserved by volcanic ash. Thus (option A) is right answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best opening statement to present a paper on Pompeii to a class of fourth-grade students, considering their age and reading material about the city of Pompeii, would likely be option A: "Many thousands of years ago, a volcano exploded and froze a city in time." This statement is engaging, age-appropriate, and sets the stage for discussing the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE which is central to the historical significance of Pompeii. It not only captures the students' imagination but also precisely introduces them to the concept that Pompeii provides a snapshot of Roman life, frozen by the volcanic ash.
Pompeii's preservation offers an unparalleled view of the daily life of a Roman city during the Pax Romana. Artifacts and structures have been maintained in remarkable detail due to the lack of air and moisture. Additionally, the use of plaster to fill the voids where human bodies once were gives us insight into the final moments of the inhabitants. The history surrounding Pompeii, including its development as a resort for elite Romans and the broader context of life and society during the Roman Empire, can be elaborated on following the strong opening statement. Thus (option A) is right answer.