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 HANK AARON Reading Comprehension
 

Hank Aaron was born February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama. He was the third of eight children. When his father took him to hear a
speech given by Jackie Robinson, Hank committed himself to playing baseball. Aaron showed an early propensity for sports and
played both baseball and football at Central High School in Mobile and Josephine Allen Institute, a private school. Aaron started
played semi-pro baseball at age 15 and earned $10 per day playing for the Mobile Black Bears, an all-black baseball team. In 1951,
Aaron was signed by the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Baseball League. In 1952, he helped his team to the Negro League World
Series.

Aaron became the last Negro League player to make the jump to the Major Leagues when he was signed by the Boston Braves in
1952. By the time that Aaron reached the Majors, the Boston Braves had become the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron played brilliantly in
the minor leagues and even became MVP of the South-Atlantic League despite being the constant target of prejudice. In 1954, the
Boston Braves called him up to the Major Leagues when left-fielder Bobby Thompson broke his ankle.

Despite going 0–5 in his major league debut (no hits in five at-bats), Aaron was in the Majors to stay. During his first year, he batted
.280 (this means he would average 28 hits per 100 at-bats) with 13 home runs. These totals were among the lowest of his amazing
career. In 1955, Aaron made his first of 24 All-Star games and batted .314 with 27 home runs. Hank would hit 20 or more home runs
for 20 consecutive years. The next year, in Aaron's third year in the Majors, he won the batting title with a .328 average. He was also
named the Sporting News National League Player of the Year. 1957 would become one of the best years of his career. After being
switched to cleanup (fourth in the batting order), Aaron responded with 44 home runs and 132 RBI's (runs batted in—this means that
as a result of something he did with the bat, like get a hit, sacrifice fly, ground out, or walk, a player(s) on his team scored). That year,
he led the Milwaukee Braves to their only World Series title. In the years following the World Series, the Milwaukee Braves never
again reached the playoffs. Nevertheless, Aaron continued to establish himself as one of the game's great hitters and began amassing
impressive batting statistics. In 1962, the Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta and became the Atlanta Braves.

Despite the move to Atlanta, the Braves never made another World Series during Aaron's career. Many fans in Atlanta, however, were
satisfied by watching Hank's on-field heroics. In 1970, Hank became the first player in history to get 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in
a career. By the end of 1973, he had accumulated 713 home runs. He was only two away from eclipsing the most hallowed record in
American sports—Babe Ruth's career home run record. On April 4, 1974, at the age of 40, Aaron hit a pitch from Los Angeles Dodger
pitcher Al Downing over the left field fence in Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium. He had broken Babe Ruth's record. To this day, one
of the most memorable highlights in sports history is the image of Aaron's rounding second base with two fans running after him
trying to congratulate him. After the 1974 season, Hank played two more years with the Milwaukee Brewers. He ended his career with
755 home runs (the record still stands but is in jeopardy of being broken by Barry Bonds). He remains the all-time leader in RBIs with
2,297. On August 1, 1982, Hank Aaron was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Both the Braves and Brewers
retired (which means no one can wear it again) his uniform number "44." Today, Turner Field (Atlanta's new stadium) is located at
755 Hank Aaron Drive SE.
1.) How many younger brothers and sisters did Hank Aaron have?
a.)   3
b.)   4
c.)   5
d.)   6

2.) Which of the following baseball teams did Hank Aaron not play for?
a.)   Indianapolis Clowns
b.)   Boston Brewers
c.)   Atlanta Braves
d.)   Milwaukee Brewers

3.) When Hank Aaron made the major leagues, the Boston Braves had become the…
a.)   Boston Brewers
b.)   Milwaukee Brewers
c.)   Indianapolis Clowns
d.)   Milwaukee Braves

4.) What does "debut" mean?

a.)   His last appearance
b.)   His first appearance
c.)   A bad appearance
d.)   A good appearance

5.) How many home runs did Hank Aaron hit his first year?
a.)   27
b.)   44
c.)   32
d.)   13

6.) Which of the following must be true?

a.)   Hank hit at least 20 home runs in 1977.
b.)   Hank hit at least 20 home runs in 1952.
c.)   Hank hit at least 20 home runs in 1960.
d.)   All of the answers are correct.

7.) What phrase would describe Hank Aaron's batting statistics during his first year in the major
leagues?
a.)   Uncharacteristically low
b.)   Uncharacteristically high
c.)   About average
d.)   Very high
8.) In 1955, Aaron…
a.)   made his first All-Star Game.
b.)   batted .314.
c.)   hit 27 home runs.
d.)   All of the answers are correct.

9.) How many times was Hank Aaron on a team that won the World Series?
a.)   0
b.)   1
c.)   2
d.)   3

10.) What happened last?

a.)   Hank Aaron hit his 755th home run.
b.)   Hank Aaron was elected into the Hall of Fame.
c.)   April 4, 1974
d.)   Hank joined the Milwaukee Brewers.
  
 
Archimedes  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Archimedes  was  a  Greek  mathematician  and  inventor  who  was  born  in  287  BC  in  
Syracuse,  a  Greek  city-­state  in  Italy.    He  spent  most  of  his  life  in  Syracuse  and  
collaborated  with  multiple  fellow  mathematicians,  including  Conon  of  Samos  and  
Eratosthenes  of  Cyrene,  to  make  new  discoveries.      
 
Archimedes  made  several  renowned  contributions  to  science  and  math.    He  created  
two  spheres—one  was  a  star  globe,  and  the  other  was  a  mechanical  representation  of  
the  movements  of  the  sun,  moon,  and  planets.    His  Archimedes  screw  pump,  a  device  
used  to  raise  water  for  irrigation  pumps  using  a  rotating  helix  screw,  is  still  used  in  
developing  countries  today.      
 
Two  of  Archimedes’  acclaimed  mathematical  accomplishments  include  the  discoveries  
of  formulas  for  calculating  the  surface  area  and  volume  of  a  sphere.    Archimedes  
determined  that  the  surface  area  of  a  sphere  with  radius  r  can  be  calculated  as  four  
times  the  area  of  its  biggest  circle,  also  known  as  SA  =  4𝜋r2.    He  also  deduced  that  the  
volume  of  any  sphere  is  2/3  that  of  a  cylinder  in  which  it  is  inscribed,  resulting  in  the  
"
formula  for  volume  of  a  sphere:  V  =   𝜋r3.    This  discovery  was  important  enough  to  
#
Archimedes  that  he  left  instructions  for  his  tomb  to  show  a  drawing  of  a  sphere  
inscribed  inside  a  cylinder  upon  his  death.  
 
One  famous  story  about  Archimedes  involves  his  quest  to  calculate  the  proportion  of  
gold  and  silver  contained  in  an  ornate  wreath  as  per  the  orders  of  King  Hieron  II.    
According  to  legend,  Archimedes  discovered  suddenly  that  he  could  observe  the  
relative  densities  of  gold  and  silver  by  weighing  the  wreath  in  water;;  as  he  was  in  his  
bathtub  when  he  came  upon  this  realization,  he  supposedly  ran  through  Syracuse  
naked  shouting  “Eureka!”    This  tale  is  likely  untrue,  but  it  is  an  amusing  way  of  
remembering  another  of  Archimedes’  accomplishments.      
 
Archimedes  died  in  either  212  or  211  BC  in  Syracuse,  but  his  inventions  and  equations  
remain  full  of  life—as  does  the  striking  image  of  him  sprinting  through  Syracuse,  
bursting  with  excitement  about  his  latest  discovery.  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 1.   Which  of  the  following  might  be  used  in  African  farmland  today?    
A.  Star  Globe  
B.  Mathematical  representation  of  the  sun,  moon,  and  planets  
C.  The  gold  and  silver  wreath  
D.  The  Archimedes  screw  pump  
 
2.   According  to  Archimedes…                    
A.  The  volume  of  any  cylinder  is  2/3  the  size  of  its  biggest  circle      
B.  The  surface  area  of  a  cylinder  is  four  times  the  size  of  the  sphere  it  is  
inscribed  in        
C.  The  volume  of  any  sphere  is  2/3  that  of  the  cylinder  in  which  it  is  inscribed  
D.  The  surface  area  of  a  sphere  with  radius  r  is  twice  the  area  of  its  largest  circle      
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  DID  NOT  happen  in  Syracuse?                  
A.  The  birth  of  Archimedes    
B.  The  death  of  Archimedes    
C.  The  “Eureka!  Run”  through  the  streets  
D.  All  of  the  above  happened  in  Syracuse      
 
4.   What  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  passage?  
A.  Where  did  Archimedes  spend  most  of  his  life?      
B.  What  other  mathematicians  did  Archimedes  work  with?      
C.  What  places  other  than  Syracuse  did  Archimedes  live  in?        
D.  What  equation  did  Archimedes  use  to  calculate  the  volume  of  a  sphere?      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5.   Which  of  the  following  would  represent  the  tombstone  of  Archimedes?            
 
A.  `   B.          
 
 

C.       D.    

 
 
 
 
6.   An  epiphany  is  defined  as  a  moment  in  which  something  suddenly  
becomes  clear.  According  to  the  passage,  which  of  the  following  serves  as  
the  best  example  of  an  epiphany  in  the  life  of  Archimedes?  
A.  When  he  decided  what  would  appear  on  his  tombstone  
B.  When  he  invented  the  Archimedes  screw  pump  
C.  When  he  discovered  he  could  find  the  relative  densities  of  gold  and  silver  
while  submerged  in  water  
D.  When  he  collaborated  with  other  great  mathematicians  such  as  Eratosthenes  
 
7.   What  word  could  replace  “acclaimed”  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
Two  of  Archimedes’  acclaimed  mathematical  accomplishments  involve  the  
surface  area  and  volume  of  a  sphere.  
 
A.  praised    
B.  forgotten  
C.  intelligent    
D.  confusing    
 AURORAS Reading Comprehension

Auroras, often called Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), are spectacular

light displays most commonly viewed in the polar regions. Auroras occur because of interactions between

Earth’s magnetic field and solar winds. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles emitted from the sun’s

corona that travels far into space at speeds of up to 400 miles per second. Charged particles within the solar

winds collide with atmospheric atoms and molecules when they reach Earth’s magnetic field. The collisions

cause quantum leaps, which means the kinetic energy within the electrons of the particles are converted to light.

The collisions of different particles result in different-colored lights. Atomic oxygen produces red and green

lights; nitrogen produces pink, blue, or violet light; helium produces purple lights; and neon produces rippled

orange light. Auroras come in a vast array of shapes and forms such as arcs, swirls, “curtains,” and glowing

shapes. They often appear to be moving.

Auroras often occur as a result of a geomagnetic storm. A geomagnetic storm is the temporary disturbance of

the Earth’s magnetic field as a result of an event in space such as a solar flare or coronal mass ejection (the

ejection of charged particles from the sun’s corona). In noteworthy geomagnetic storms, auroras can be seen

well south (or north) of where they usually occur. The famous Great Geomagnetic Storms of 1859 produced

what witnesses called the most spectacular auroras ever seen. Such auroras were seen throughout the United

States, Japan, and Australia. The event lasted for almost a week.
1.)   Quantum leaps are caused by…
a.)   the collision of solar winds with atoms and particles within Earth's magnetic fields.
b.)   the collision of solar winds with the sun's corona.
c.)   the collision of solar winds with Earth's winds.
d.)   the collapse of Earth's magnetic field.

2.)   If the answer to a question is "the Geomagnetic Storms of 1859," what could be the question?
a.)   What was an example of a noteworthy geomagnetic storm?
b.)   Can auroras be seen away from the North or South Poles?
c.)   When do charged particles collide?
d.)   What is one way an aurora can form?

3.)   Which of the following questions about auroras is NOT answered in the passage?
a.)   How many auroras normally occur in a year?
b.)   How fast does solar wind travel?
c.)   What are some reasons auroras occur?
d.)   Have auroras ever been seen in Australia?

4.)   If you were to make a "recipe" for an aurora, which of the following "ingredients" would be
unnecessary?
a.)   the conversion of kinetic energy to light
b.)   particle collisions
c.)   solar wind
d.)   people

5.)   The collision of neon particles produces ________ light.

a.)   orange
b.)   red
c.)   purple
d.)   blue

6.)   Where would I MOST likely view the Aurora Borealis?

a.)   equator
b.)   the sun
c.)   South Pole
d.)   North Pole

7.)   Which is NOT true about auroras?

a.)   They often appear to be in motion.
b.)   They are most often viewed in the polar regions.
c.)   They can appear as curtains, shapes, or swirls.
d.)   A geomagnetic storm is a permanent disturbance in Earth's magnetic field.
8.)   What could be an antonym of the word "commonly" in the sentence below:

Auroras, often called Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), are
spectacular light displays most commonly viewed in the polar regions.

a.)   rarely
b.)   never
c.)   often
d.)   lately

9.)   Which of the following could be an EFFECT of a geomagnetic storm?

a.)   Earth's magnetic field

b.)   an aurora
c.)   the sun
d.)   a mass coronal ejection

10.) What is the best definition of the word "emitted" as used in the sentence below:

The solar wind is a stream of charged particles emitted from the sun’s corona that travels far into space at
speeds of up to 400 miles per second.

a.)   grew
b.)   taken from
c.)   released
d.)   spun
 
 BABE RUTH Reading Comprehension
George Herman, "Babe Ruth", was born February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents owned a saloon near the
current site of Camden Yards in Baltimore. They were of German descent and taught him to speak German fluently.
George was actually somewhat of a petty criminal as a young boy. By age seven he was already involved in drinking
alcohol and chewing tobacco. Because he was too difficult for his parents to control, George was sent away to a Catholic
school. It was here where Brother Matthias taught him baseball.

As a teenager, George became the team's catcher and then pitcher. At the age of 19, Jack Dunn, a scout for the Orioles,
discovered George's baseball talents and promptly signed him to a contract. After performing well as a pitcher and a batter
for the Orioles during spring training, George made the team. Because he was such a young talent, he earned the
nickname "Babe."

On April 22, 1914, Babe pitched a shutout against the Buffalo Bisons in his Major League debut. Because the Orioles
were in poor financial shape, Jack Dunn was forced to sell off his best players. Babe was sold to the Boston Red Sox in
1914 for an amount between $20,000 and $35,000.

After pitching for the Red Sox minor league club in Providence, Rhode Island, Babe was called up to the Majors
permanently toward the end of the 1914 baseball season. After the season, he married Helen Woodford. In 1915, Babe
secured a spot in the Red Sox starting pitching rotation. That year, the Red Sox won the World Series. Babe pitched to a
record of 18 wins and 8 losses. He also batted .315 and hit four home runs. He pitched even better in 1916, going 23–12
with nine shutouts. The Red Sox again won the World Series and Babe pitched a shutout in Game Two. In 1917, Babe
went 24–13, though the Red Sox failed in their bid to win a third consecutive World Series.

In 1917, because of his success at the plate, Babe began playing the outfield more and pitching less. In 1918, he led the
Major Leagues with 11 home runs. Once again, Babe led the Red Sox to the World Series title, even though the season
was shortened by World War I. In 1919, Ruth set the Major League record by hitting 29 home runs in a season. He had
become the best player in baseball. Babe became an attraction wherever he went, and large crowds gathered to watch him
play. Many believe he was the driving force behind the increased popularity of baseball. Despite his on-the-field success,
Ruth began to wear out his welcome with the Red Sox. He frequently argued with management and had a reputation for
partying late in the night and consuming large amounts of alcohol. His marriage to Helen Woodward also deteriorated.
Because he was the biggest star in baseball, he demanded higher salaries from management even though the team was in a
terrible financial position. On January 3, 1919, the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The sale
would become one of the most infamous transactions in sports history and became forever known as "The Curse of the
Bambino." After selling Babe Ruth, the Red Sox would endure 15 consecutive losing seasons and would not win another
World Series until 2004.

Babe Ruth would become the biggest star in sports history as a New York Yankee. In 1920, he had the best season in
baseball history. He hit (a then unheard of) 54 home runs and batted .376! Amazingly, only one TEAM hit more home
runs than Babe Ruth in 1920. Ruth immediately became a national icon and the pride of New York City. He was not only
the most popular athlete in the United States, but the most popular person! In 1921, Babe enjoyed the greatest statistical
season in baseball history—still no one has matched it. He hit 59 home runs and batted .378. He also knocked in 177 runs
and amassed 857 total bases. His 857 total bases in a season remains a record today. Although he led the Yankees to the
World Series, he injured his arm in Game Five, and the Yankees were defeated in seven games. Ruth had a subpar year
(for him) in 1922, and again, the Yankees were defeated in the World Series.

1923 was the inaugural season for the new Yankee Stadium, which would later be nicknamed "The House that Ruth
Built." Babe batted .393 and hit 41 home runs. In 1923, the Yankees won the World Series, and Babe Ruth hit three home
runs. Ruth would go on to lead the Yankees to World Series titles in 1927, 1928, and 1932. The 1927 Yankees, with Babe
Ruth and Lou Gehrig, went 110–44. Many historians say it was the greatest team in baseball history. That year, Ruth hit a
record 60 home runs (it was broken by Roger Maris in 1961). In the 1928 World Series, Ruth batted .625 and hit three
home runs! In 1932, the Yankees beat the Chicago Cubs four games to none. The 1932 series, however, will forever be
remembered for one of the most legendary events in sports history. In Game Three of the series at Chicago's Wrigley
Field, Babe Ruth allegedly pointed to the center field bleachers as a declaration of where he would hit the next pitch.
Amidst the screaming fans and taunting gestures of the Cubs players, Ruth deposited the pitch in the center field bleachers
some 440 feet away. The home run, perhaps the most celebrated in baseball history, became known as Babe Ruth's Called
Shot. Today, experts are in disagreement as to whether Ruth actually called his home run or was simply pointing at the
pitcher. Several grainy videos and pictures exist but still don't show conclusively what Ruth was pointing to. After this
home run, the Curtiss Candy Company posted a huge billboard overlooking Wrigley Field advertising their Baby Ruth
candy bars. Three years before, in 1929, Babe Ruth married Claire Merritt. He would remain with Merritt, who is credited
with helping Babe clean up his personal life, bad habits, and diet, until his death.

After the 1932 series, however, Ruth's career began coming to end. The 1934 season was his last as a Yankee. He signed
with the Boston Braves in 1935 and played less than half the season. He hit his last home run at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh
on May 25, 1935. It was his 714th home run. Today, Babe Ruth is third on baseball's all-time home run list. Ruth's career
was perhaps the greatest in baseball history. In 1936, he was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of
Fame. In June of 1948, the Yankees retired his number "3." Unfortunately, his reckless lifestyle caught up with him
quickly after this retirement. On August 16, 1948, Babe Ruth died of throat cancer. He was only 53. Nearly 10,000 people
attended his funeral, and tens of thousands more lined up along the streets of New York to pay their respects. Babe Ruth
remains an icon today and one of the most recognizable sports personalities in history. His birthplace in Baltimore has
been converted into the Babe Ruth Museum.
1.) Where was Babe Ruth born?
a.)   Baltimore
b.)   Boston
c.)   New York
d.)   Pittsburgh

2.) Which of the following is NOT true about Babe's childhood?

a.)   Babe drank alcohol.
b.)   Babe was difficult to control.
c.)   He could speak German.
d.)   He was homeschooled.

3.) What was Babe's record as a pitcher in 1916?

a.)   18 wins, 8 losses
b.)   23 wins, 8 losses
c.)   23 wins, 12 losses
d.)   12 wins, 8 losses

4.) What happened second?

a.)   Babe pitched a shutout against the Buffalo Bisons.
b.)   Babe was sold to the Boston Red Sox.
c.)   Babe was sold to the New York Yankees.
d.)   Babe pitched a shutout in Game 2 of the 1916 World Series.

5.) Which of the following describes "The Curse of the Bambino"?

a.)   The Curse of the Bambino refers to the Orioles after they sold Babe Ruth to the Red Sox.
b.)   The Curse of the Bambino refers to the Yankees after they bought him from the Red Sox.
c.)   The Curse of the Bambino refers to his reckless behavior, which included drinking alcohol and chewing
tobacco.
d.)   The Curse of the Bambino refers to the Red Sox after they sold him to the Yankees.

6.) Which of the following is a record (stated in the passage) that still stands today?
a.)   Babe Ruth's 714 home runs
b.)   Babe Ruth's 60 home runs in a season
c.)   Babe Ruth's three World Series championships with the New York Yankees
d.)   Babe Ruth's 857 total bases in one season

7.) What was "The House that Ruth Built"?

a.)   Fenway Park
b.)   Yankee Stadium
c.)   Forbes Field
d.)   New York City
8.) Which of the following occurred last in Babe Ruth's baseball career?
a.)   The 1928 World Series Championship with the Yankees
b.)   60 home runs in a season
c.)   The 1927 season in which the Yankees went 110–44
d.)   Babe's "Called Shot"

9.) Which of the following happened before 1930?

a.)   Babe Ruth hit his last home run at Forbes Field.
b.)   Babe Ruth turned 53.
c.)   His last season with the New York Yankees
d.)   His marriage to Claire Merritt

10.) What is an "icon" as used in this passage?

a.)   A symbol on a computer
b.)   A person who is very famous and recognizable
c.)   A person who doesn't want attention
d.)   A person who has a troubled life
  
 
Ludwig  Van  Beethoven  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Ludwig  Van  Beethoven  is  widely  considered  the  most  influential  composer  in  history.    Born  in  
1770,  during  the  height  of  Mozart  and  Haydn’s  popularity,  Beethoven’s  music  is  what  we  now  
think  of  as  the  bridge  between  the  Classical  period  (ca.  1750-­1800)  and  the  Romantic  period  
(ca.  1800-­1900).    The  impact  he  had  on  the  composers  that  came  after  him  is  immeasurable.    
 
As   a   young   adult,   Beethoven   moved   to   Vienna,   Austria,   with   the   hopes   of   being   Mozart’s  
composition  student.    Unfortunately,  he  was  too  late,  so  he  studied  with  Franz  Joseph  Haydn  
instead.    During  this  time,  Beethoven’s  music  was  very  reflective  of  Haydn  and  Mozart’s  work,  
while  still  maintaining  originality.  
 
Then,  in  1802,  Beethoven  came  upon  an  earth-­shattering  realization  –  the  deafness  he  was  
experiencing,   and   hoped   was   temporary,   was   permanent.     As   a   musician,   one’s   hearing   is  
arguably  the  most  important  thing  to  have.    Imagine  composing  something  and  not  being  able  
to  hear  it!    Beethoven  retreated  to  the  countryside  in  Austria,  to  a  place  called  Heiligenstadt,  
where  he  wrote  the  now  famous  Heiligenstadt  Testament.    This  was  a  letter  to  his  brother  in  
which  he  described  his  crossroads:  he  could  give  up,  or  he  could  overcome.  In  addition  to  his  
loss  of  hearing,  Beethoven  suffered  from  incapacitating  abdominal  pain.  His  devoted  group  of  
friends  often  competed  with  each  other  to  take  care  of  him  as  his  suffering  intensified.    
 
The  premiere  of  his  third  Symphony  in  1803  revealed  which  option  he  chose.    The  response  
was  gigantic  –  the  Western  world  was  stunned  and  excited  by  such  a  new  sound.    The  opening  
features  the  melody  in  the  cellos  rather  than  the  usual  violins.    Furthermore,  the  duration  of  the  
piece  was  more  than  double  a  typical  Haydn  symphony  –  almost  one  hour!    This  expansive  
form  allowed  for  unexpected,  dramatic  harmonies  to  unfold,  telling  a  story  of  a  hero’s  struggle  
and  triumph.    
 
Nicknamed  the  Eroica,  Beethoven  originally  dedicated  this  symphony  to  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  
who  he  saw  as  a  hero  of  his  time.    Like  the  founding  fathers  of  the  United  States,  Beethoven  
supported  the  ideals  of  the  Enlightenment,  such  as  individualism  and  personal  freedom.  Once  
Napoleon   declared   himself   Emperor,   Beethoven   famously   scratched   out   Napoleon’s  
dedication.    Beethoven  arguably  proved  himself  to  be  the  true  hero  of  the  story.    Not  only  did  
he  hold  fast  to  his  progressive  beliefs,  but  he  also  exhibited  personal  struggle  and  triumph  in  
his  monumental  accomplishment  through  his  growing  deafness.  Breaking  norms  was  natural  
for  Beethoven.  Throughout  his  life,  he  expressed  disdain  for  authority  and  was  said  to  cut  piano  
performances   short   if   members   of   the   audience   were   chattering   or   failed   to   give   their   full  
attention.  
 
After   the   Eroica,   and   eventually   the   Ninth   symphony,   containing   the   famous   “Ode   to   Joy”  
chorus,  most  composers  tried  to  model  their  music  after  Beethoven’s.  His  individualism  sparked  
a  revolution  in  classical  music;;  history  would  never  be  the  same!  
 
  
   
1.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  Beethoven’s  early  work?  
A.  Totally  original  and  revolutionary  for  its  time  
B.  Unoriginal;;  but  similar  to  the  styles  of  popular  composers  of  the  time  
C.  Original  and  different  from  the  styles  of  popular  composers  of  the  time  
D.  Original;;  but  similar  in  style  to  Mozart  and  Haydn  
 
2.   How  did  Beethoven  “come  to  terms”  with  his  deafness?                    
A.  He  expressed  disdain  for  authority      
B.  He  made  the  decision  to  overcome  his  disability        
C.  He  moved  to  the  Austrian  countryside  and  hoped  his  deafness  was  temporary  
D.  He  wrote  a  famous  letter  to  his  brother      
 
3.   Based  on  how  it  is  used  in  the  passage,  which  of  the  following  is  the  best  
description  of  the  meaning  of  the  word  “crossroads?”                
A.  Crossroads  is  the  term  used  to  describe  when  a  person  is  facing  a  difficult  
choice  that  may  determine  something  very  important      
B.  Crossroads  is  the  term  used  to  describe  when  two  situations  occur  
simultaneously  and  one  or  both  are  positive      
C.  Crossroads  is  the  term  used  to  describe  when  the  paths  of  two  people  cross  in  
an  unexpected  way  
D.  Crossroads  is  the  term  used  to  describe  when  a  person  does  something  that  
has  never  been  done  before,  or,  something  that  changes  history        
 
4.   How  was  Beethoven’s  third  Symphony  different  from  musical  works  typical  
of  the  era?    Select  all  that  apply.  
A.  The  opening  featured  cellos  instead  of  violins    
B.  It  was  much  longer    
C.  It  told  a  story  of  a  hero’s  struggle      
D.  The  style  was  more  indicative  of  past  musical  works    
 
5.   Why  did  Beethoven  dedicate  the  Eroica  to  Napoleon  Bonaparte?              
A.  Because  ultimately,  Beethoven  was  the  hero  of  the  time  
B.  He  believed  that  Napoleon  was  suppressing  individualism  and  personal  
freedom  
C.  He  saw  him  as  a  hero  who  shared  his  values  
D.  At  first  he  saw  him  as  a  hero,  but  then,  Napoleon  declared  himself  Emperor  
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  would  be  an  example  of  “disdain  for  authority?”      
A.  Forgetting  to  complete  a  homework  assignment  for  your  science  class  
B.  Refusing  to  complete  a  homework  assignment  because  you  didn’t  like  the  
teacher  
C.  Packing  a  lunch  for  school  instead  of  buying  from  the  cafeteria  
D.  Getting  into  an  argument  with  a  friend  because  you  disagreed  about  
something  
 
7.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  story?    
A.  How  many  total  symphonies  did  Beethoven  produce?    
B.  Which  of  Beethoven’s  symphonies  contained  “Ode  to  Joy?”  
C.  How  was  Beethoven’s  third  Symphony  different  from  typical  music  of  the  
time?    
D.  Why  did  Beethoven  “undedicate”  the  Eroica  to  Napoleon?    
 TIM BERNERS-LEE Reading Comprehension
Tim Berners-Lee was born in London on June 8, 1955. His parents were mathematicians who worked on the
Mark I computer. They encouraged Tim's interest in math and electronics. He majored in physics at Queen's
College, Oxford. While he was there, he built his own computer out of spare parts. He was also caught hacking
and banned from using the university's computer.

In 1980, he went to Geneva, Switzerland, to work as a software engineer for CERN (Conseil Européen pour la
Recherche Nucléaire). In English, this is the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Scientists at CERN
use the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)—the world's largest particle accelerator—to study atoms and other areas
of particle physics. He developed Enquire, the first model of the World Wide Web, to keep track of all the
scientists and projects connected with CERN. Enquire was the first program to use "hypertext" to link
documents.

In 1969, the Pentagon Arpanet Project began to develop a way to share information between computers. In
1975, the idea was first tested. At this time, it was only used by colleges and the military. The word “internet” is
short for internetworking. It was first used in writing in 1974.

In 1984, Berners-Lee was inspired to combine his hypertext idea with the sharing idea developed by Arpanet.
His vision was a worldwide information space where computers would be linked together so researchers could
instantly share information. Berners-Lee developed other important ideas for the internet. Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) is the language that computers use to communicate on the internet. Uniform Resource
Locators (URLs) are the addresses people use to find information. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is a
language used to design web pages. By 1990, Berners-Lee created the first browser so users could find and read
documents. He called his browser the WorldWideWeb.

Because Berners-Lee wanted the web to be universally accessible and free, he set up the World Wide Web
Consortium in 1994. The Consortium sets standards so web designers can build pages that work for all users, on
all operating systems and browsers.

Today Berners-Lee is a senior research scientist at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Time
magazine calls him one of the 100 greatest minds of this century. In 1999 he wrote his memoir, Weaving The
Web.
1.)   Which happened first?
a.)   Tim Berners-Lee founded the World Wide Web Consortium.
b.)   He wrote his memoir.
c.)   Tim Berners-Lee created the first internet browser.
d.)   The word "internet" came into being.

2.)   What does the word "accessible" mean in the following sentence:
Because Berners-Lee wanted the web to be universally accessible and free, he set up the World Wide
Web Consortium in 1994.
a.)   inexpensive
b.)   something people can easily use
c.)   interesting
d.)   unique

3.)   Which question is answered in the third paragraph?

a.)   Who used the first working idea of the internet in 1975?
b.)   What universities used the first idea of the internet?
c.)   When did the internet become available to the public?
d.)   What was the first website?

4.)   Which of the following might be an example of a hyperlink?

a.)  

b.)  

c.)  

d.)  

5.)   Which of the following is NOT true about Tim Berners-Lee?

a.)   His vision for the internet was one in which businesses could sell their products on people's
computers.
b.)   He has been in Time magazine.
c.)   He developed many important concepts for the internet.
d.)   He is a professor at MIT.

6.)   Why did Tim Berners-Lee get in trouble in college?

a.)   He failed physics.
b.)   He was not allowed to build his own computer.
c.)   He hacked into the university's computer.
d.)   He stole parts to build a computer.
7.)   Why did Tim Berners-Lee develop Enquire?
a.)   To communicate with people all over the world
b.)   To study atoms
c.)   To keep track of projects happening at CERN
d.)   To build websites

8.)   Why did Tim Berners-Lee found the World Wide Web Consortium?
a.)   So people could always use the internet for free
b.)   To develop new technologies
c.)   So only certain universities and military units could use the internet
d.)   To prevent criminals from using the Internet

9.)   In 1975…
a.)   the beginning of what would become the Internet was used by colleges and the military.
b.)   the world's first particle accelerator was assembled.
c.)   Tim Berners-Lee was hired as a software engineer in Switzerland.
d.)   the Pentagon Arpanet Project began to develop a way to share information between computers.

10.) Which of the following is a language used to create web pages?

a.)   HTTP
b.)   HTML
c.)   MIT
d.)   URLs
Elizabeth  Blackwell  Printable  Reading  Comprehension   Name___________________

Introduction  
Elizabeth  Blackwell  was  born  February  3,  1821,  in  Bristol,  England.  She  had  four  brothers  
and  four  sisters.  Mr.  Blackwell  believed  that  each  child  should  have  a  chance  to  develop  his  
or  her  talents  and  had  the  children  educated  by  private  tutors.  

Early  Life  
In  1832,  her  father  moved  the  family  to  the  United  States,  where  he  set  up  a  sugar  refinery  in  
New  York  City.  Mr.  Blackwell  took  Elizabeth  to  abolitionist  (anti-­slave)  meetings  in  the  1830s.  
The  family  hid  an  escaped  slave  who  was  on  his  way  to  Canada  in  their  home  for  several  
weeks.  In  1838,  the  family  moved  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Mr.  Blackwell  wanted  to  raise  sugar  
beets  as  a  better  source  of  sugar  because  he  was  opposed  to  the  strenuous  slave  labor  
needed  to  grow  and  process  sugar  cane.  Unfortunately,  just  three  weeks  after  the  move,  
Elizabeth’s  father  died.  Elizabeth  and  her  sisters  became  teachers  to  help  support  their  
family.  

Elizabeth  Decides  to  Become  a  Doctor  

Elizabeth  was  inspired  to  become  a  doctor  after  one  of  her  friends,  who  was  dying  of  a  painful  
disease,  admitted  her  condition  would  be  easier  for  her  handle  if  she  had  a  female  doctor.  
Elizabeth  promptly  took  a  job  teaching  music  to  raise  money  to  pay  for  medical  school.  She  
studied  a  friend’s  medical  books  and  studied  anatomy  with  a  doctor,  but  was  continually  
denied  entrance  to  medical  school.  Some  doctors  recommended  that  she  either  go  to  Paris  or  
disguise  herself  as  a  man  in  order  to  study  medicine.  Others  discouraged  her  because  they  
thought  women  were  intellectually  inferior.  Finally,  in  1847,  she  was  accepted  into  the  Geneva  
Medical  College  in  upstate  New  York.  In  1849,  Blackwell  graduated  first  in  her  class  and  
became  the  first  woman  to  earn  a  medical  degree  in  the  United  States.  

During  the  Civil  War  

In  1853,  Elizabeth  and  Marie  Zakrzewska,  a  German  doctor,  founded  the  New  York  Infirmary  
for  Indigent  Women  and  Children.  During  the  Civil  War,  Elizabeth  supported  the  North  
because  of  her  abolitionist  roots.  She  and  her  sister  Emily,  who  had  also  become  a  doctor,  
worked  as  nurses  during  the  war.  The  New  York  Infirmary  worked  with  Dorothea  Dix  to  train  
nurses  for  the  Union.  In  1874,  Elizabeth  helped  start  the  London  School  of  Medicine  for  
Women.  

Elizabeth  Blackwell  was  a  pioneer  for  the  medical  education  of  women  and  made  it  possible  
for  others  to  follow  in  her  footsteps.  She  died  May  31,  1910,  in  Hastings,  England.  
1.   Why  did  Blackwell’s  father  want  to  raise  sugar  beets?    
A.   They  were  healthier  than  sugar  cane
B.   They  were  easier  to  grow  than  sugar  cane
C.   Growing  sugar  cane  required  slave  labor  
D.   Because  he  owned  a  sugar  refinery

2.   What  was  the  effect  of  Mr.  Blackwell’s  death  as  described  in  the  passage?  
A.  His  daughters  became  teachers  to  support  their  family
B.  The  family  took  in  a  runaway  slave  
C.  The  family  sold  the  sugar  refinery  
D.  Elizabeth  Blackwell  was  inspired  to  become  a  doctor.

 
3.   Which  of  the  following  WAS  NOT  an  obstacle  to  Elizabeth  becoming  a  
doctor?    
A.  Her  gender
B.  Money
C.  Attitudes  about  women
D.  The  difficult  nature  of  medical  school

4.   What  does  the  story  suggest  about  Paris?  

A.  It  was  similar  to  New  York  

B.  Its  medical  schools  in  the  city  might  accept  women  
C.  Its  medical  schools  would  not  accept  women  
D.  She  could  become  its  first  woman  to  become  a  doctor  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  WAS  NOT  true  about  Elizabeth  Blackwell?  
A.  She  had  a  sister  named  Emily  
B.  She  worked  as  a  nurse  during  the  Civil  War  
C.  She  supported  the  South  during  the  Civil  War  
D.  She  went  to  Geneva  Medical  College  
 
6.   What  does  “inferior”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
Some  rejected  her  because  they  thought  women  were  intellectually  inferior.  
 
A.  Less  smart  
B.  More  rejected  
C.  Better  
D.  Harmful  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  Elizabeth  Blackwell?  
A.  An  abolitionist  who  eventually  became  a  nurse  during  the  Civil  War  
B.  A  hard  worker  who  went  to  Paris  to  chase  her  dream  of  becoming  a  doctor  
C.  A  person  who  overcame  great  obstacles  to  become  America’s  first  female  
doctor  
D.  A  doctor  who,  along  with  her  sister,  became  an  important  nurse  in  the  Civil  
War  
 BOSTON MASSACRE Reading Comprehension
The situation in Boston grew more intense by the day. Local skirmishes between townspeople and British soldiers (redcoats)
increased in frequency as did belligerence toward British soldiers. Rumors abounded throughout the city about possible attacks
by soldiers or by the Sons of Liberty.

On Monday night, March 5, 1770, an American (patriot) began harassing a redcoat named John Goldfinch standing guard.
Another redcoat nearby, named Hugh White, joined Goldfinch to defend him. White became agitated with the harassment and
struck the patriot in the face with his musket. As the patriot cried out in pain, a mob of fifty or so Bostonians gathered.
Goldfinch retreated to the nearby Custom House and pointed his musket toward the angry crowd.

The mob began throwing chunks of ice at White and shouted, "Kill him!" Meanwhile, other mobs were forming on Boston's
streets. Those mobs began pelting other redcoats with chunks of ice. British officers on the scene ordered soldiers back to their
barracks, and several had to be subdued by officers to prevent them from firing into the angry crowd. The mob surrounding
Hugh White, however, grew until he was surrounded by over 400 angry Bostonians. White's shouts for reinforcements were
answered by British Captain Thomas Preston and several other soldiers who entered the emotional mob.

Preston tried to march the British soldiers from the Custom House back to the main guard, but his path was blocked by the mob
of patriots. Despite his demands for the dispersal of the crowd, the mob responded with more insults and ice chunks. When the
British justice of the peace tried to read the Riot Act, which would subject all members of the mob to prosecution once it was
read, the mob forced him to retreat by throwing snowballs and ice chunks at him.

The mob continued to provoke the soldiers and challenged them to fire. Members of the mob grew more and more violent and
began striking the muskets and bayonets of the redcoats with clubs. Despite his attempts to prevent bloodshed, Captain Preston
was losing control of his soldiers who were growing increasingly threatened by the angry mob. Suddenly, someone in the crowd
hurled a club, which hit British soldier Hugh Montgomery and knocked him to the ground. Montgomery rose and fired into the
crowd. Hearing the shot, the mob lunged at Preston and his men, wielding their clubs at them. For the next few minutes, the
scene became a chaotic battle in which Preston's men fired into the crowd to avoid being beaten. The soldiers were able to fend
off the mob which soon dispersed. When it did disperse, the bodies of several patriots lay dead or wounded on the ground.
Preston and his soldiers formed a defensive line with guns drawn to protect themselves from another assault.

Later that evening, Preston and his soldiers were arrested and accused of murder. In the ensuing trial, almost all were acquitted
(judged not guilty), as the deaths had occurred in self-defense. Additionally, Parliament repealed the Townshend Act and
removed all taxes except for the tax on tea. Despite the anger in Boston over the massacre, American merchants began
importing British goods again and the push for independence seemed to fizzle.
1.) Who was the redcoat captain?
a.)   Hugh White
b.)   John Goldfinch
c.)   Hugh Montgomery
d.)   Thomas Preston

2.) What word probably DOES NOT describe the Boston Massacre?
a.)   tense
b.)   scary
c.)   violent
d.)   jubilant

3.) Which of the following was not USED in the Boston Massacre?
a.)   chunks of ice
b.)   bows and arrows
c.)   muskets
d.)   bayonets

4.) Which of the following BEST describes why the Boston Massacre occurred in the first place?
a.)   John Goldfinch began harassing a redcoat.
b.)   Almost all redcoats involved were acquitted (judged to be not guilty) of crimes.
c.)   An isolated skirmish between a patriot and a couple of redcoats.
d.)   The redcoats began pelting the approaching mob with ice chunks.

5.) Which of the following best describes the meaning of "reinforcements" in the following sentence?

White's shouts for reinforcements were answered by British Captain Thomas Preston and several other soldiers
who entered the emotional mob.

a.)   Additional help

b.)   Additional uniforms
c.)   More ice chunks
d.)   An escape route
6.) Which of the following best describes the cause and effect of the Boston Massacre?
a.)   Cause - An isolated skirmish between a patriot and a couple of redcoats.
Effect - The Boston Massacre

b.)   Cause - The justice of the peace reading the Riot Act.
Effect - The mob of people becomes more violent

c.)   Cause - An isolated skirmish between a patriot and a couple of redcoats.

Effect - Parliament repeals many of the hated taxes, and the push for independence in Boston slows
down.

d.)   Cause - Several patriots are killed in the mob.

Effect - Parliament repeals many of the hated taxes, and the push for independence in Boston slows
down.

7.) Why were the British officials acquitted (judged to be not guilty) after the Boston Massacre?
a.)   There was not enough evidence.
b.)   They were defending themselves.
c.)   The British agreed to repeal many of the hated taxes.
d.)   The British hated the patriots.

8.) What happened first?

a.)   The justice of the peace attempted to read the Riot Act.
b.)   Hugh Montgomery fired into the crowd.
c.)   Someone hurled a club at Hugh Montgomery.
d.)   Several members of the mob were found dead.

9.) What happened second?

a.)   The justice of the peace attempted to read the Riot Act.
b.)   Hugh Montgomery fired into the crowd.
c.)   Someone hurled a club at Hugh Montgomery.
d.)   Several members of the mob were found dead.

10.) What word would best describe the feelings of Thomas Preston as the situation escalated?
a.)   worried
b.)   desperate
c.)   unhappy
d.)   sad
  

 
 
Behind  the  Scenes:  Boston  Tea  Party                                                        Name  _____________________________  
 
In  what  came  be  to  known  as  the  Boston  Tea  Party,  members  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  
dressed  as  Indians,  boarded  three  British  tea  ships,  confiscated  342  chests  of  tea,  and  
proceeded  to  unceremoniously  dump  them  into  Boston  Harbor.  The  Sons  of  Liberty  
were  protesting  the  virtual  monopoly  granted  by  Parliament  (British  Government)  to  the  
East  India  Company  (a  British  company)  over  the  American  tea  trade.  The  event  
described  above  is  familiar  to  most  Americans,  but  the  details  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
are  likely  unfamiliar.      

The  “Destruction  of  the  Tea,”  as  it  was  called  until  the  1830s,  was  one  of  the  most  
carefully  planned  acts  of  rebellion  in  American  history.  While  it’s  true  that  the  Sons  of  
Liberty  dropped  over  92,000  pounds  of  tea  worth  nearly  two  million  dollars  in  today’s  
money  into  Boston  Harbor,  they  were  very  careful  not  to  damage  the  ships  or  private  
property.  According  to  the  reports  of  the  time,  there  was  no  visible  damage  to  the  three  
ships  other  than  a  single  broken  padlock.  The  padlock,  in  fact,  was  replaced  by  the  
Sons  of  Liberty  the  following  day.  Furthermore,  there  was  no  reports  of  anything  stolen  
or  looted  from  the  ships  other  than  the  tea.  Several  opportunistic  Boston  citizens  were  
reprimanded  or  taken  into  custody  by  the  leaders  of  the  raid  for  trying  to  fill  their  
pockets  with  the  discarded  tea  for  their  own  purposes.  Interestingly,  the  participants  in  
the  Boston  Tea  Party  followed  the  “tea  party”  by  cleaning  the  decks  of  the  ships  and  
putting  back  in  place  anything  that  was  moved  during  the  raid!    That  said,  the  vast  
quantities  of  tea  dumped  into  the  harbor  fouled  the  water  and  floated  in  great  mats  for  
days  to  come.  To  prevent  looters  from  trying  to  salvage  the  tea  from  the  water,  
members  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  would  sail  out  into  the  harbor  and  attempt  to  sink  the  
tea  with  clubs  and  oars.  Despite  their  reputation  as  bloodthirsty  vigilantes  who  reveled  
in  tarring  and  feathering  hapless  tax  collectors  or  loyalists,  not  one  person  was  killed  or  
injured  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party.      

Following  the  raid,  participants  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party  knew  they  could  be  severely  
punished  if  their  identities  were  discovered.  Although  there  are  116  people  
documented  to  have  participated  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party,  many  more  remained  
anonymous  for  fear  of  punishment.    Following  the  “party”  many  participants  fled  Boston  
immediately.  Only  one  man,  named  Francis  Akeley,  was  caught  and  imprisoned  by  the  
British.  
1.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  why  the  Sons  of  Liberty  staged  the  
Boston  Tea  Party?          
A.   They  didn’t  want  the  British  tea  ships  in  Boston  Harbor
B.   They  wanted  to  use  the  tea  for  their  own  purposes  
C.   They  were  angry  at  the  British
D.   They  were  protesting  an  act  by  Parliament  that  affected  the  American  tea  
trade

2.   Which  of  the  following  assertions  does  the  author  make?      
A.  Most  people  know  nothing  about  the  Boston  Tea  Party
B.  Few  people  know  why  the  Boston  tea  Party  happened  
C.  Most  people  don’t  know  the  details  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party
D.  Most  people  don’t  know  how  much  tea  was  dumped  into  the  harbor  
 
3.   The  Sons  of  Liberty…            
A.  carefully  planned  the  details  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party.
B.  carelessly  planned  the  details  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party.
C.  used  violence  to  intimidate  people  during  the  Boston  Tea  Party.  
D.  destroyed  private  property  during  the  Boston  Tea  Party.    

4.   Which  of  the  following  does  the  author  seem  surprised  about?      

A.  That  members  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  tried  to  sink  floating  tea  to  prevent  
looters  from  trying  to  steal  it  
B.  That  Francis  Akeley  was  arrested  and  imprisoned  
C.  That  over  92,000  pounds  of  tea  were  dumped  into  the  harbor    
D.  That  the  Sons  of  Liberty  actually  cleaned  the  decks  of  the  British  ships  after  
the  Boston  Tea  Party  
 
5.   Which  was  NOT  true?    
A.  There  were  likely  many  more  participants  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party  than  those  
that  were  actually  documented  
B.  According  to  the  author,  the  Sons  of  Liberty  did  not  live  up  to  their  violent  
reputation  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
C.  Francis  Akeley  was  the  only  person  actually  imprisoned  as  a  result  of  his  
actions  in  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
D.  The  tea  destroyed  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  would  be  worth  tens  of  millions  of  
dollars  today  
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “many  participants  fled  Boston  
immediately”  be  the  answer?      
A.  What  happened  after  the  Boston  Tea  Party?        
B.  Where  did  the  Sons  of  Liberty  go  after  the  Boston  Tea  Party?  
C.  What  happened  to  participants  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party  who  were  identified?    
D.  Why  did  the  organizers  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party  try  to  escape  Boston?    
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  were  referred  to  as  “opportunistic”  in  the  second  
paragraph?      
A.  The  organizers  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
B.  Those  who  reported  about  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
C.  Those  who  attempted  to  steal  tea  during  the  Boston  Tea  Party    
D.  The  Sons  of  Liberty      
 
  
Battles  of  Bull  Run  Text  Structure  
 
Read  the  paragraphs  below  and  identify  the  text  structure:  
 
Compare  and  Contrast  |  Problem-­Solution  |  Chronological  |  Cause-­Effect  
 
1.  The  first  and  second  battles  of  Bull  Run  were  two  of  the  most  important  battles  of  the  Civil  War.  
Both  battles  took  place  in  Manassas,  Virginia,  and  both  were  decisive  Confederate  victories.  Although  
the  result  of  each  battle  was  the  same,  the  second  battle  proved  far  more  deadly  with  over  17,000  
combined  casualties.  Furthermore,  it  proved  of  greater  importance  from  a  tactical  perspective  and  the  
Confederate  victory  prompted  Robert  E.  Lee's  first  invasion  of  the  North.    

 
_______________________________________________________  
 
2.  Because  the  Union  government  wanted  to  bring  a  quick  end  to  what  was  becoming  the  Civil  War,  
and  because  a  large  Confederate  force  was  encamped  at  the  critical  railroad  junction  of  Manassas,  
Virginia,  only  35  miles  from  Washington,  President  Lincoln  ordered  Union  Commander  Irvin  McDowell  
to  conduct  a  massive  strike  on  the  Confederates.  On  July  21,  1861,  McDowell  attacked.  While  the  
battle  started  out  well  for  the  Union  Army,  the  Confederates  would  gain  the  advantage  when  
thousands  of  reinforcements  began  arriving  in  the  early  afternoon.  Soon,  the  Confederates  broke  
through  Union  lines,  sending  them  fleeing  back  to  Washington  by  the  thousands.  The  Confederate  
victory  at  Manassas  proved  a  crushing  blow  to  Lincoln  and  the  Union  and  proved  the  war  would  be  
long  and  violent.  As  a  result,  Lincoln  requested  he  mobilization  of  500,000  additional  soldiers  for  the  
purposes  of  subduing  the  South.  
 
_______________________________________________________  
 
3.  The  first  battle  of  the  Civil  War  occurred  on  April  12,  1861,  at  Fort  Sumter,  South  Carolina.  
Although  not  a  major  battle,  it  set  the  stage  for  the  violence  and  carnage  to  come.  Just  a  little  more  
than  two  months  later,  on  July  21,  1861,  the  first  major  battle  of  the  Civil  War  occurred  at  a  small  
railroad  junction  near  Manassas,  Virginia.  Known  as  the  First  Battle  of  Manassas,  or,  the  First  Battle  
of  Bull  Run,  the  Confederate  victory  crushed  any  hope  of  a  short,  protracted  war.  On  August  28,  
1862,  Manassas  would  be  the  site  of  the  much  larger  and  bloodier  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run,  which  
resulted  in  more  than  four  times  the  casualty  numbers  as  the  first  battle.  
 
________________________________________________________  
 
4.  In  the  Second  Battle  of  Bull  Run,  Robert  E.  Lee  found  himself  and  his  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  in  
a  precarious  position.  Union  General  George  B.  McClellan  and  his  Army  of  Virginia  was  recalled  from  
its  Peninsula  Campaign  to  combine  with  the  newly  formed  Army  of  Virginia  under  John  Pope.  The  
goal  was  for  the  new  colossal  army  to  strike  at  the  Confederate  capital  at  Richmond,  Virginia.  Lee  
knew  that  both  his  army  and  capital  would  be  vulnerable  to  such  an  overwhelming  force.  Luckily,  he  
had  an  idea.    Lee  called  a  preemptive  strike  on  Pope's  army  before  it  could  combine  with  McClellan.  
Lee  split  his  army  into  two  divisions,  which  confused  Union  generals,  leading  to  poor  communication,  
poor  decisions,  faulty  intelligence,  and  ultimately,  the  defeat  of  the  Union  Army  (again)  at  Manassas.  
 
________________________________________________________  
  
Answers:    
 
1.  Compare-­Contrast  
2.  Cause-­Effect  
3.  Chronological  
4.  Problem-­Solution  
 First Battle of Bull Run Reading Comprehension

The first major battle of the American Civil War occurred on July 21, 1861, in Manassas, Virginia. The battle is
known both as the First Battle of Bull Run, after the creek that ran through the battlefield, or the First Battle of
Manassas. Union forces under General Irvin McDowell, hoping for a decisive blow against the newly formed
Confederacy, planned a surprise attack against the left flank of Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard’s forces at
the railroad junction of Manassas. Both sides were unseasoned and unprepared for the carnage that would ensue.
Hundreds of spectators from Washington lined the hills of the battlefield to cheer on the Union. McDowell, who was
skeptical of the Union plan, amassed 35,000 soldiers—the largest land army ever assembled in America at the
time—to attack the Confederate positions.

At 2:30 in the morning on July 21, McDowell sent two detachments from nearby Centreville toward Confederate
positions. By 5:15, the first shots had been fired. Through the morning, Union forces had slowly pushed Confederate
forces back until they broke through the Confederate right flank at about 11:30, sending them into a disorganized
retreat. General McDowell elected not to pursue the retreating Confederates, who were able to regroup at the Henry
Hill House. At 12:00, Confederate reinforcements under General Thomas J. Jackson arrived on the battlefield. It was
at this moment when Confederate General Bernard Bee is said to have uttered the timeless words, “There is Jackson
standing like a stone wall.” From that point on, Thomas J. Jackson would be known as Stonewall Jackson. Some
historians believe Bee was actually angry at Jackson for not sending his troops directly into battle. The tide of the
battle soon changed when Confederate forces under Jackson and Calvary Commander J.E.B. Stuart captured Union
artillery around 3:00. Jackson commanded his soldiers to press on, and for the first time in the war, Union forces
would be horrified by the “rebel yells” screamed by Confederate soldiers on the attack. At 4:00, more Confederate
reinforcements led by Kirby Smith and Jubal Early crushed a Union brigade and caused the collapse of McDowell’s
Union Army. Union forces began a disorderly and poorly managed retreat, accompanied by screaming spectators
who clogged the retreat path. Confederate forces, also in a state of disarray, captured several hundred Union soldiers
but failed to pursue the remaining forces back to Washington.

The First Battle of Bull Run proved to be the deadliest battle in American history to that point. Nearly 5,000 total
casualties were recorded, with Union forces suffering roughly 1,000 more than the Confederates. The North was
shocked and dismayed at the Union defeat, and many feared the Confederacy would move immediately on
Washington. At the very least, the First Battle of Bull Run proved the war would be long and violent. President
Lincoln was forced to sign a bill that allowed for the enlistment of up to 500,000 additional soldiers.
1.) Why did the Union Army attack at Bull Run? 6.) When was the turning point in the First
a.)   They were hoping to end the war as quickly Battle of Bull Run?
as it started. a.)   2:30 A.M.
b.)   They were hoping to prolong the war. b.)   11:30 A.M.
c.)   They had better generals. c.)   When Stonewall Jackson arrived
d.)   They wanted to capture Confederate d.)   About 3:00 P.M.
soldiers.
7.) Which of the following do you think is a
2.) At Bull Run, both the Union and Confederate major reason why the Confederates won the
Armies were… First Battle of Bull Run?
a.)   battle tested. a.)   They received many reinforcements.
b.)   ready for a long, violent war. b.)   They had many more soldiers.
c.)   Inexperienced. c.)   Their soldiers were more experienced.
d.)   tired from fighting many battles. d.)   They had better weapons.

3.) McDowell’s army was… 8.) The First Battle of Bull Run proved…
a.)   small in comparison to other armies. a.)   the Confederacy would ultimately win.
b.)   the largest ever assembled in America at the b.)   the Civil War would be long and violent.
time. c.)   President Lincoln would ultimately be
c.)   fighting for the Confederacy. assassinated.
d.)   smaller than Beauregard’s. d.)   the Union would lose the will to fight.

4.) If the Battle of Bull Run had ended at 11:30 9.) What happened first?
A.M., then… a.)   4:00 P.M.
a.)   the Confederacy would have been b.)   Stonewall Jackson arrived with
destroyed. reinforcements.
b.)   Washington DC would have been attacked. c.)   Kirby Smith arrived with reinforcements.
c.)   the Union would have been considered d.)   Spectators from Washington lined the hills
victorious. to view the battle.
d.)   the Confederacy would have been
considered victorious. 10.) Which of the following is NOT TRUE about
the First Battle of Bull Run?
5.) Who coined the nickname “Stonewall” a.)   It is also called the Battle of Manassas.
Jackson”? b.)   It was the Civil War’s first major battle.
a.)   Bernard Bee c.)   It featured Stonewall Jackson, P.T.
b.)   Union soldiers Beauregard, and Irvin McDowell as military
c.)   Thomas J. Jackson officers.
d.)   Confederate prisoners d.)   Lincoln became reluctant to request
mobilization of more soldiers for the Union
cause.
Battle  of  Bunker  Hill  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

Following  the  Battle  of  Lexington  and  Concord,  Patriot  militiamen  had  blocked  the  British  
from  sending  reinforcements  or  supplies  to  their  forces  within  the  city  by  land.  The  British,  
however,  could  still  access  Boston  through  its  harbor.  On  May  25,  1775,  British  generals  
William  Howe,  John  Burgoyne,  and  Henry  Clinton  arrived  in  Boston  via  its  harbor  to  plan  
strategy  for  breaking  the  siege.  Part  of  the  plan  called  for  the  fortification  of  high  ground  
around  Boston  that  included  Bunker  Hill  and  Dorchester  Heights.  

On  June  15,  Patriot  forces  learned  of  the  British  plan  and  rushed  to  fortify  both  Bunker  and  
Breed’s  Hill  on  the  Charlestown  Peninsula  before  the  British.  The  Charlestown  Peninsula  
was  a  narrow  strip  of  land  that  extended  about  a  mile  into  Boston  Harbor.  In  preparation  
for  the  battle,  the  British  generals  underestimated  the  resolve  of  the  Patriots  and  voted  to  
stage  a  direct  assault  on  the  Patriots  to  dislodge  them  from  the  hills  for  the  purposes  of  
taking  the  peninsula.  General  Burgoyne,  in  fact,  referred  to  the  militia  as  “untrained  
rabble.”  

At  3:00  in  the  afternoon  on  June  17,  the  British  began  their  initial  assault  on  Breed’s  Hill,  
which  was  summarily  repulsed  by  Patriot  gunners.  With  the  British  marching  four  men  
deep  and  several  hundred  across,  they  made  for  easy  targets  and  hundreds  fell  dead  or  
wounded  in  the  matter  of  hours.  The  British  reorganized  and  again  attempted  to  assault  
the  Patriot  position,  but  the  outcome  was  much  the  same  as  the  first  disaster.  By  this  time,  
the  armies  of  both  sides  were  in  disarray.  The  British,  however,  reorganized  for  a  third  
assault,  which  was  designed  to  focus  on  the  fortifications  of  Breed’s  Hill.  Again,  Patriot  
gunners  poured  gunfire  into  the  British  lines,  felling  hundreds.    As  the  fighting  went  on,  
however,  the  Patriots  on  Breed’s  Hill  ran  out  of  ammunition  which  invited  hand-­to-­hand  
combat  inside  the  fortifications.  Here,  the  British  had  a  major  advantage  with  their  muskets  
and  bayonets.  At  this  point,  the  Patriots  were  forced  to  flee  and  staged  a  brilliant  retreat,  
preventing  most  soldiers  from  being  captured  by  the  British.  Despite  the  carnage,  
however,  the  British  had  achieved  their  objective  of  controlling  the  Charlestown  Peninsula.  

The  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill  is  considered  a  pyrrhic  British  victory.  “Pyrrhic”  means  costly.  
British  forces  suffered  well  over  1,000  casualties,  compared  to  about  450  Patriot  
casualties.  Of  the  British  casualties,  81  were  officers.  

Following  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  British  generals  proved  more  cautious  in  their  
approach  to  assaulting  fortified  Patriot  positions.  It  also  led  to  the  realization  that  the  
British  would  need  more  military  firepower,  and  hence,  led  to  the  hiring  of  more  than  
30,000  Hessian  (German)  soldiers  to  supplement  their  own  army.  For  the  Patriots,  the  
stand  at  Bunker  Hill  increased  confidence  and  morale  and  proved  that  its  untrained  militias  
would  not  wither  against  the  powerful  British  army.  
1.   How  did  the  British  generals  first  plan  to  break  the  Patriot  siege  of  Boston?              
A.  The  British  wanted  to  fortify  the  high  ground  around  Boston
B.  The  British  determined  the  best  plan  of  attack  was  to  stage  a  direct  assault  on  
the  Patriots
C.  The  British  staged  a  complicated  series  of  military  maneuvers  to  confuse  the  
Patriots    
D.  The  British  planned  to  bombard  the  Charlestown  Peninsula  from  the  sea  

2.   Which  of  the  following  might  be  an  accurate  way  that  the  British  generals  
would  describe  the  Patriot  militia?            
A.  “The  Patriot  militiamen  are  among  the  best  soldiers  we’ve  seen.”  
B.  “The  Patriots  are  a  clever  bunch  and  probably  have  tricks  up  their  sleeves.”
C.  “The  disgraceful  bunch  of  dirty  Yankees  haven’t  a  chance  against  us.”  
D.  “When  pushed  to  their  limit,  these  Massachusetts  boys  will  fight  to  their  
deaths.”
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  expressions  best  describes  the  British  strategy  to  
take  Breed’s  Hill?    
A.  Don’t  make  a  mountain  out  of  a  molehill  
B.  If  first  you  don’t  succeed,  try,  try  again
C.  Put  your  money  where  your  mouth  is
D.  Beggars  can’t  be  choosers    

4.   Why  did  the  British  third  attempt  to  take  Breed’s  Hill  ultimately  succeed?  

A.  Too  many  Patriots  had  been  killed  or  wounded  

B.  The  Patriots  ran  out  of  ammunition  
C.  The  British  had  taken  the  Charlestown  Peninsula  
D.  The  passage  doesn’t  say  
 
5.   Despite  the  loss  of  the  Charlestown  Peninsula…  (select  all  that  apply)  
A.  most  Patriots  were  able  to  escape  the  battlefield.  
B.  the  British  would  resolve  to  hire  30,000  Hessian  soldiers.  
C.  the  battle  proved  that  the  Patriots  of  Massachusetts  could  take  a  stand  against  
the  British  army.  
D.  the  Patriots  continued  to  block  access  to  Boston  by  land.      
  
6.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  aftermath  of  the  battle?          
A.  Although  the  British  suffered  over  a  thousand  casualties,  they  proved  
victorious  in  the  battle  because  they  met  their  objective.  
B.  Although  the  Patriots  suffered  hundreds  of  casualties,  they  proved  victorious  
in  the  battle  because  they  proved  they  could  fight  the  British  army  
C.  Although  the  British  met  their  objectives,  they  lost  the  battle  because  they  
suffered  over  1,000  casualties      
D.  Although  the  Patriots  ultimately  gave  up  Charlestown  Harbor,  they  lost  the  
battle  because  they  suffered  over  450  casualties.      
 
7.   What  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  passage?          
A.  How  did  the  British  approach  to  the  Patriots  change  after  the  Battle  of  Bunker  
Hill?    
B.  Why  did  the  British  hire  30,000  Hessian  soldiers?    
C.  How  many  Patriots  officers  were  killed  at  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill?    
D.  Did  most  of  the  Patriot  soldiers  escape  or  were  they  captured?        
 Jacques Cartier
Jacques Cartier was born on December 31, 1491 in Saint-Malo, Brittany – which would later become part
of France. His career in exploration began in 1524, when he accompanied the Italian-born French
explorer Giovanni da Verrazano on his explorations of the Atlantic Coast of Canada and the United
States. The experience would prove valuable to Cartier’s explorations in the future.

In 1534, Cartier was commissioned by the King of France to find the fabled Northwest Passage through
the continent of North America to Asia (the Indies). When Cartier reached the New World, he sailed
around parts of Newfoundland and parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. On July 24, 1534, Cartier planted a
cross with the words engraved, “Long Live the King of France” on the shores of Gaspe Bay in Quebec.
Cartier claimed the region for France and kidnapped the two sons of an Iroquoian chief. Later in 1534,
Cartier returned to France, believing he had found Asia.

In 1535, Cartier and 112 men (including the two kidnapped natives) left France for their return trip and
sailed up the St. Lawrence River to the Iroquoian capital of Stadacona. He reached the location of
modern-day Montreal (then called Hochelaga) on October 2, 1535, where rapids prevented him from
continuing. Cartier believed the rapids were the last obstacle in his discovery of the Northwest Passage.
Today, the town on the banks of the rapids is called Lachine, the French word for China.

Cartier and his crew were forced to spend the winter of 1535-1536 at Stadacona, where the snow was
four feet deep. In addition, scurvy broke out among members of Cartier’s crew, though most were
saved by ingesting a native remedy using the boiled bark of a white spruce tree. In early May of 1536,
after enduring a brutal winter, Cartier returned to France with an Iroquoian chief who would tell the tale
of the Kingdom of Saguenay, a mythical city said to be full of rubies, gold, and other riches.

In 1540, Cartier returned to the New World as Captain General of a colonization project. Nevertheless,
Cartier set off with five ships down the St. Lawrence River for the purposes of finding the Kingdom of
Saguenay and for starting a permanent settlement on the river. The site of the settlement was chosen
near present-day Cap-rouge, Quebec and named Charlesbourg- Royal. Despite the forts built at the
settlement, and the fact that Cartier’s men falsely believed they had discovered diamonds and gold,
conditions deteriorated rapidly. The settlers had begun to starve and attacks by nearby Iroquoian
Indians resulted in the deaths of at least 35 of them. Cartier abandoned the settlement in 1542 and the
entire settlement disbanded by 1543. Cartier returned to France and died of an epidemic in 1557.
Although he was unsuccessful in establishing a permanent settlement, Cartier’s explorations of the St.
Lawrence River opened up the interior of Canada to further French exploration and eventual settlement.
1.) Where did Cartier travel on his first 6.) Which of the following is not true about the
voyages? Winter of 1535-1536?
A. France A. Most of Cartier’s crew died
B. Asia B. Many of Cartier’s men came down with
C. Canada and America Scurvy
C. Snow was four feet deep in places.
D. Africa
D. A native remedy may have helped cure
scurvy.
2.) What did the King of France want Cartier
to find in 1534? 7.) In 1540, Cartier’s main purpose(s) in
A. A new world returning to the New World was to…
B. the Northwest Passage A. Start a permanent French colony
C. Newfoundland B. Find the mythical city of Saguenay
D. America C. Discover riches such as gold and diamonds
D. All of the above

3.) Which of the following accurately 8.) Which of the following best describes
describes the places Cartier explored in the Cartier’s colonization attempt?
New World in 1534? A. Hard to tell
A.) Newfoundland, British Columbia, and B. Completely unsuccessful
Quebec C. Successful; French colonies would continue to
B. The Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Saguenay thrive and grow
C. The Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland, D. Unsuccessful; but his explorations led the
and Quebec way for future French colonies.
D. The Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland,
9.) What does the word ‘remedy’ mean in the
and Asia.
following sentence?
In addition, scurvy broke out among members of
4.) What did Cartier believe in 1534? Cartier’s crew, though most were saved by ingesting a
native remedy using the boiled bark of a white spruce
A. He had found a new French settlement tree.
B. He would become King of France A. Food
C. He had found Asia B. A curative medicine
D. He had found Indian allies C. Trap
D. Agent
5.) What did Cartier believe in 1535?
A. He was close to finding the Northwest 10.) Which of the following is the best title for
Passage this passage?
B. He was close to starting a successful
settlement A. A history of the Northwest Passage
C. He would never find the Northwest Passage B. The first permanent French settlement in
D. That the local Indians were friendly. Canada.
C. Jacques Cartier and Giovanni da Verrazano
D. The Explorations of Cartier.
                    

Siege  of  Charleston  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

 
Following  the  defeat  at  Saratoga  and  tactical  draw  at  Monmouth  Courthouse,  the  British  
military  changed  its  strategy.  It  had  failed  to  make  significant  progress  in  the  northern  and  
middle  colonies  and  its  ultimate  plan  to  isolate  New  England  along  the  line  of  the  Hudson  
River  had  failed.  Knowing  that  Loyalist  support  was  greater  in  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas,  
the  British  made  a  major  military  adjustment  and  began  its  Southern  Campaign,  designed  
to  invade  and  occupy  the  southern  colonies  with  help  from  colonists  loyal  to  England.  In  
December  of  1778,  the  campaign  officially  began  with  the  British  seizure  and  subsequent  
occupation  of  Savannah,  Georgia.  The  British  next  set  their  sights  on  a  much  bigger  prize  
–  Charleston.  

Patriot  military  forces  quickly  realized  Charleston  would  be  a  likely  target  for  the  British.  
Commander-­in-­Chief  George  Washington  appointed  Benjamin  Lincoln  in  charge  of  the  
city’s  defenses  in  December  1779.  Unfortunately  for  Lincoln,  Washington  could  not  afford  
to  offer  additional  defenses  or  reinforcements  because  of  the  need  to  keep  significant  
forces  near  New  York.  Upon  arriving  in  Charleston,  Lincoln  realized  it  was  a  dire  situation.  
Many  of  the  fortifications  protecting  Charleston  were  inadequate  or  unfinished.  While  
Lincoln  and  his  soldiers  worked  feverishly  to  improve  the  fortifications,  British  lieutenant  
general  Henry  Clinton  and  13,500  British  and  Hessian  soldiers  were  closing  in  on  
Charleston  from  the  sea.  American  efforts  did  little  to  halt  the  British  advances,  and  by  
April  1,  Charleston  was  under  siege.  By  April  9,  British  forces  had  begun  shelling  
Charleston  from  its  harbor.  Over  the  coming  days,  however,  Lincoln  refused  several  of  the  
British  demands  for  surrender.  By  April  22,  the  situation  was  totally  hopeless  for  Lincoln.  
He  proposed  surrender  terms  to  Clinton  in  which  he  would  capitulate  in  exchange  for  the  
freedom  of  his  soldiers.  Clinton  refused  and  the  bombardment  of  the  city  intensified,  
resulting  in  several  damaging  fires  that  threatened  to  engulf  the  entire  city.  On  May  12,  
with  no  bargaining  power,  Lincoln  was  forced  to  surrender  under  harsh  terms.    Clinton  
demanded  the  capture  and  incarceration  of  over  2,500  soldiers,  many  of  whom  would  die  
in  squalid  British  prisons.  In  addition,  the  Americans  were  forced  to  surrender  300  
cannons  and  over  6,000  muskets.    

Following  the  siege,  the  largest  and  most  important  city  in  the  southern  colonies  was  in  
British  control.  The  surrender  at  Charleston  would  represent  the  single  largest  Patriot  
surrender  of  soldiers  and  weapons  during  the  entire  war.    

1.   Why  did  the  British  change  strategies?            

A.  They  had  defeated  the  Patriots  in  New  England  and  wanted  to  end  the  war
B.  Their  plan  to  isolate  New  England  had  succeeded
C.  They  thought  they’d  achieve  greater  success  where  there  were  more  Loyalists  
D.  They  had  been  defeated  at  Monmouth  Courthouse  and  needed  a  new  
strategy
2.   What  happened  first?        
A.  The  British  seized  Savannah,  Georgia
B.  The  Battle  of  Monmouth  Courthouse
C.  Benjamin  Lincoln  is  put  in  charge  of  Charleston’s  defenses
D.  January  1,  1780
 
3.   Why  was  Lincoln’s  situation  at  Charleston  dire?        
A.  The  fortifications  were  inadequate  and  Washington  could  not  send  
reinforcements
B.  The  British  military  would  include  both  British  and  Hessian  soldiers
C.  Because  the  other  major  southern  port,  Savannah,  had  been  captured  by  the  
British  in  December
D.  Because  he  knew  that  surrender  terms  would  be  harsh    

4.   What  does  “capitulate”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?

He  proposed  surrender  terms  to  Clinton  in  which  he  would  capitulate  in  exchange  
for  the  freedom  of  his  soldiers.

A.  Negotiate  
B.  Retreat  
C.  Fight  on  
D.  Give  up  
 
5.   As  April  went  on…  
A.  the  British  simply  waited  for  the  Patriots  to  surrender.  
B.  the  situation  in  Charleston  improved  for  the  Patriots.  
C.  the  situation  became  hopeless  for  the  Patriots.  
D.  the  British  bombardment  began  to  subside.    
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  true  about  the  Siege  of  Charleston?          
A.  It  was  the  single  largest  Patriot  surrender  of  soldiers  and  firepower  in  the  war  
B.  It  meant  that  the  Continental  Army  was  mostly  destroyed    
C.  The  most  important  city  in  the  colonies  was  in  British  control      
D.  The  British  were  close  to  winning  the  entire  war    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Siege  of  Charleston?        
A.  The  Siege  of  Charleston  represented  a  Patriot  change  of  strategy  and  brought  
them  one  step  closer  to  winning  the  war  
B.  The  Siege  of  Charleston  represented  a  change  of  strategy  for  the  British  and  
its  success  resulted  in  George  Washington’s  surrender  
C.  The  Siege  of  Charleston  was  the  first  victory  in  England’s  Southern  Campaign  
and  resulted  in  the  capture  of  thousands  of  soldiers  and  significant  firepower  
D.  The  Siege  of  Charleston  represented  a  major  change  in  strategy  for  the  British  
and  resulted  in  Loyalists  taking  over  the  Carolinas.      
  
CHEROKEE  Reading  Comprehension  
The  Cherokee  were  a  dominant  tribe  that  lived  in  parts  of  modern-­day  Tennessee,  Georgia,  the  Carolinas,  
Alabama,  and  Kentucky.  Men  and  women  had  specific  gender  roles:  Men  were  in  charge  of  war,  hunting,  and  
diplomatic  relations,  while  females  were  in  charge  of  the  home,  property,  and  family.  Sometimes,  Cherokee  
women  participated  in  war  too.  The  Cherokee  were  divided  into  seven  large  clans:  Long  Hair,  Paint,  Bird,  Wolf,  
Wild  Potato,  Deer,  and  Blue.  Babies  would  be  born  into  their  mother's  clan.  Villages  comprised  individuals  from  
different  clans.  A  man  and  a  woman  from  the  same  clan  could  not  marry.  
 
The  Cherokee  had  many  sacred  ceremonies  including  those  for  their  crops,  births,  deaths,  war,  moon  phases,  
and  other  events.  The  most  important  Cherokee  ceremony  was  the  Green  Corn  Ceremony,  which  took  place  
when  the  last  corn  crop  ripened.  The  ceremony  usually  lasted  four  days  and  honored  Selu,  the  Cherokee  Corn  
Mother.  At  the  beginning  of  the  ceremony,  all  of  the  members  of  a  village  would  wash  themselves  in  a  source  
of  moving  water.  Then,  sacred  dances  representing  the  harvest  would  be  performed  for  several  hours  within  
the  sacred  circle,  a  large  pit  that  also  included  a  fire  lit  with  a  sacred  branch  that  was  struck  by  lightning.  The  
ceremony  would  end  with  various  other  dances  and  rituals,  including  one  in  which  the  entire  village  danced  
around  the  sacred  fire.  
 
The  Cherokee  practiced  a  variety  of  crafts  including  basketwork,  pottery,  carved  pipe  making,  and  rattle  
making.  Rattles  were  made  out  of  turtle  shells  and  were  used  to  ward  off  evil  spirits.  The  Cherokee,  however,  
are  perhaps  most  renowned  for  their  booger  masks—colorful  masks  that  represented  evil  spirits  and  their  
enemies.  Eventually,  these  masks  came  to  resemble  the  faces  of  the  White  trespassers.  Booger  masks  were  
made  from  wood  or  hornets  nests  and  were  originally  made  as  part  of  the  Booger  Dance,  a  winter  celebration  
that  ensured  evil  spirits  could  not  disrupt  the  coming  growing  season.  One  of  the  most  evil  spirits  in  Cherokee  
lore  was  the  Raven  Mocker,  an  old,  withered-­looking  witch-­like  character  who  robbed  the  living  of  their  lives  by  
eating  their  hearts.  The  Cherokees  believed  in  good  spirits  as  well  such  as  the  Little  People,  a  small  race  of  
spirits  that  lived  in  nearby  caves.  The  Cherokee  considered  these  tiny  spirits  kind,  hardworking,  and  helpful.  
The  Little  People  came  in  all  colors  and  shades  and  had  the  power  to  cast  spells.  They  were  given  a  great  deal  
of  respect  among  the  Cherokee  and  were  thought  to  teach  about  living  in  harmony  with  nature.  There  were  
three  types  of  Little  People:  the  Rock  People,  Dogwood  People,  and  Laurel  People.  
 
The  Cherokee  also  practiced  the  sport  that  evolved  into  modern-­day  lacrosse.  It  was  played  between  
members  of  the  same  clan,  or  between  rival  villages.  
 
 
1.)  Select  all  of  the  states  in  which  the    
Cherokee  lived.    
a.)  Georgia   7.)  Select  all  of  the  following  that  were  
b.)  Mississippi   actual  types  of  Little  People.  
c.)   Tennessee   a.)  Dogwood  People  
d.)  Alabama   b.)  Mountain  People  
  c.)   Rock  People  
  d.)  Elm  People  
2.)  Which  of  the  following  was  not  a    
Cherokee  family  clan?    
a.)  Paint   8.)  Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?  
b.)  Coyote   a.)  The  Little  People  were  thought  to  teach  
c.)   Wolf   about  living  in  harmony  with  nature.  
d.)  Wild  Potato   b.)  The  Booger  Dance  took  place  in  the  
  spring.  
  c.)   Booger  masks  were  made  of  hornets  
3.)  Babies  were  born  into  their   nests  or  wood.  
________________  clan.   d.)  The  Cherokee  practiced  a  type  of  sport  
a.)  brother's   that  evolved  into  modern-­day  lacrosse.  
b.)  mother's    
c.)   father's    
d.)  their  own   9.)  Which  of  the  following  is  true?  
  a.)  A  man  and  woman  from  different  clans  
  could  not  marry.  
4.)  Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?   b.)  A  Cherokee  man  could  marry  any  
a.)  Women  were  in  charge  of  property.   Cherokee  women  from  any  clan.  
b.)  Men  were  in  charge  of  diplomatic   c.)   A  man  and  woman  from  the  same  clan  
relations.   could  not  marry.  
c.)   Women  never  participated  in  war.   d.)  A  man  and  woman  from  the  same  clan  
d.)  Men  were  in  charge  of  hunting.   were  expected  to  marry.  
   
   
5.)  Which  of  the  following  Cherokee  crafts   10.)  Which  of  the  following  words  best  
actually  represented  evil  spirits?   describes  the  Cherokee?  
a.)  rattles   a.)  elusive  
b.)  booger  masks   b.)  mysterious  
c.)   carved  pipes   c.)   evil  
d.)  Little  People   d.)  spiritual  
   
   
6.)  The  ______________  ______________    
was  a  witch-­like  character  that  robbed    
the  living  of  their  lives  by  eating  their    
hearts.    
a.)  White  Settler    
b.)  Little  People    
c.)   Cherokee  Corn  Mother    
d.)  Raven  Mocker    
   
 
 CIVIL WAR Reading Comprehension
The Civil War was waged because 11 Southern states seceded (broke away and started their own government)
from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. The secession took place primarily because of a
long-standing debate concerning states’ rights, and more specifically the issue of slavery. As new territories
became states, opponents of slavery and advocates of slavery often clashed over whether or not that state should
allow slavery. After violence broke out in Kansas over the issue, and after Kansas entered the Union as a free
state, Southerners began to believe that the new president, Abraham Lincoln, would take away their rights to
make local decisions and would abolish slavery. Henceforth, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas broke away from the Union and
formed the Confederate States of America. Richmond, Virginia, was made its capital, and Jefferson Davis was
made president. Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and Missouri were divided on the issue and were declared
"Border States." On April 14, 1861, Congress declared war on the Confederate States of America for the
purposes of preserving the Union.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Although there were
no deaths reported that day, the shots at Fort Sumter signified the start of a long, bloody war that would become
the most deadly in the history of the United States. Many major battles such as Bull Run I and II, Antietam, and
Shiloh, among others, claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides in 1861 and 1862. Neither the Union nor
the Confederacy had the upper hand.

The turning point in the war, however, occurred on July 1, 1863, when Confederate and Union armies met at
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle that ensued was one of the bloodiest battles in American history.
Eventually, Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was driven away from Pennsylvania by Union General
George Meade and his Army of the Potomac. The battle did much to cripple the Confederate army. Meanwhile,
in the western battlegrounds, Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant had gained control of the Mississippi River
and port of New Orleans, which effectively split the Confederacy in two.

Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was further decimated after Ulysses S. Grant was made Commander
of the Union Army. Grant waged dozens of surprise attacks against Lee's army in the wilderness of Virginia in
1864. Although the battles resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers on the Union side, the
Confederate Army was at the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, Union General William T. Sherman marched
through Georgia and the Carolinas, destroying everything in his path. The march came to be known as
"Sherman's March to the Sea."

Finally, after Union forces had invaded the Confederate capital of Richmond, the Confederate states
surrendered on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The Union was preserved.
1.)   What does “secede” mean?
a.)   To break away from
b.)   To join
c.)   To accomplish
d.)   To lose

2.)   Which of the following best describes why 11 Southern states seceded from the Union?
a.)   Because the government wanted the states to make important decisions concerning slavery
b.)   Because the Southern states wanted the government to make important decisions concerning slavery
c.)   Because the Southern states did not want the government to make important decisions for them
concerning slavery
d.)   Because the government did not want to make important decisions for the Southern states concerning
slavery

3.)   Which of the following is true?

a.)   Congress declared war before the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter.
b.)   The first shots fired at Fort Sumter occurred after Congress declared war.
c.)   Congress declared war after the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter.
d.)   Abraham Lincoln was president of the Confederacy.

4.)   Which of the following was NOT a state that seceded from the Union?
a.)   Maryland
b.)   Virginia
c.)   North Carolina
d.)   Florida

5.)   What was the turning point of the Civil War?

a.)   Shiloh
b.)   Appomattox Court House
c.)   Antietam
d.)   Gettysburg

6.)   What general was responsible for the retreat of General Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia at
the Battle of Gettysburg?
a.)   Ulysses S. Grant
b.)   William T. Sherman
c.)   George Meade
d.)   Jefferson Davis
7.)   Which of the following is not true?
a.)   Gettysburg was the turning point of the Civil War.
b.)   Robert E. Lee's Army of the Potomac was forced out of Pennsylvania by General George Meade and the
Army of the Potomac.
c.)   After Ulysses S. Grant was made Commander of the Union army, he staged a series of attacks in
Georgia that decimated Lee's army.
d.)   William T. Sherman and his army destroyed much of Georgia.

8.)   After which event(s) did the Confederate States of America surrender?
a.)   Gettysburg
b.)   The invasion of Richmond
c.)   Sherman's March to the Sea
d.)   The Wilderness attacks

9.)   What happened first?

a.)   The invasion of Richmond
b.)   The surrender of the Confederacy
c.)   The Battle of Gettysburg
d.)   Sherman's March to the Sea

10.) Why did Congress declare war on the Confederate States of America?
a.)   To make the Southern states submit to the will of the north
b.)   To destroy Georgia
c.)   To invade Richmond
d.)   To preserve the Union
                  
 
Roberto  Clemente  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name_____________________  
 

 
 
Roberto  Clemente  Walker  was  born  on  August  18,  1934,  in  Barrio  San  Antón,  Carolina,  Puerto  Rico.  
He  was  the  youngest  of  seven  children.  His  father  was  a  foreman  who  oversaw  sugarcane  cutters  
and  helped  deliver  sand  and  gravel  for  a  construction  company.  His  mother  did  laundry,  ran  a  grocery  
store,  and  did  other  jobs  on  the  sugarcane  plantation.  Roberto  did  odd  jobs  so  he  could  help  the  
family  and  buy  himself  a  bicycle.  Growing  up,  Roberto  played  baseball  and  participated  in  track  and  
field.  He  won  medals  for  the  javelin  throw  and  short  distance  races.  Throwing  the  javelin  strengthened  
his  arm  for  throwing  a  baseball.  

At  age  18,  Roberto  joined  a  Puerto  Rican  professional  baseball  team,  the  Cangrejeros  de  Santurce,  
where  he  played  with  Willie  Mays  in  1954.  That  year,  Santurce  won  the  Caribbean  World  Series.  
Roberto  was  signed  by  the  Brooklyn  Dodgers  in  1954.  He  played  on  a  minor  league  team  for  a  
season  before  being  chosen  in  the  draft  by  the  Pittsburgh  Pirates.  Roberto  quickly  made  a  major  
impact  in  both  the  Pirates  and  Major  League  Baseball.  He  played  outfield  with  the  Pirates  from  1955  
to  1972.  He  was  selected  for  the  National  League  All-­Star  team  15  times,  won  12  Gold  Glove  Awards,  
and  won  four  National  League  batting  titles.  He  was  the  National  League  Most  Valuable  Player  in  
1966  and  the  World  Series  Most  Valuable  Player  in  1971.  His  career  batting  average  was  .317  with  
3,000  hits,  240  home  runs,  and  1,305  RBIs.  

Roberto  was  known  for  his  humanitarian  efforts.  He  helped  people  in  need  across  the  United  States  
and  Central  America  and  held  free  baseball  clinics  for  children  in  Puerto  Rico.  In  1972,  an  earthquake  
struck  Managua,  the  capital  of  Nicaragua.  Roberto  had  managed  a  Puerto  Rican  all-­star  team  in  
Managua,  and  he  had  friends  there.  He  became  the  honorary  chairman  of  an  earthquake  relief  
committee  that  raised  $150,000  and  gathered  nearly  26  tons  of  relief  supplies.  Tragically,  on  New  
Year’s  Eve,  he  died  when  the  plane  he  was  on  to  deliver  the  supplies  crashed  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  
 
Normally,  a  player  cannot  be  inducted  into  the  Baseball  Hall-­of-­Fame  until  at  least  five  years  after  he  
stopped  playing.  An  exception  was  made  for  Roberto,  and  he  was  inducted  in  1973.  He  was  the  first  
Hispanic  player  to  be  inducted  to  the  Hall-­of-­Fame.  After  his  death,  Major  League  Baseball  
established  the  Roberto  Clemente  Award  recognizing  the  player  who  combines  outstanding  skills  on  
the  field  with  devoted  work  in  the  community.  Broadcaster  Tim  McCarver  called  Roberto,  “the  
greatest  right  fielder  of  all  time,”  because  of  his  precise  and  powerful  throwing  arm.  Roberto  once  
said,  “If  you  have  a  chance  to  accomplish  something  that  will  make  things  better  for  people  coming  
behind  you,  and  you  don’t  do  that,  you  are  wasting  your  time  on  this  earth.”  Roberto  also  said,  “I  want  
to  be  remembered  as  a  ballplayer  who  gave  all  he  had  to  give.”  
  
1.   What  is  the  main  focus  of  the  first  paragraph?    
A.  Roberto’s  childhood  
B.  Roberto’s  parents  
C.  Roberto’s  skill  in  throwing  a  javelin  
D.  How  Roberto  earned  money  
 
2.   Which  can  be  inferred  from  the  second  paragraph?    
A.  Roberto  Clemente  was  the  greatest  baseball  player  in  history  
B.  The  Pirates  won  the  World  Series  in  1971  
C.  Roberto  had  the  highest  career  batting  average  of  any  Pittsburgh  Pirate  
D.  Roberto  Clemente  should  have  played  for  the  Brooklyn  Dodgers  
 
3.   The  third  paragraph  states  that  Roberto  was  known  for  his  humanitarian  
efforts.  Which  of  the  following  would  qualify  as  such  an  effort?          
A.  Signing  autographs  for  fans  
B.  Helping  to  deliver  food  to  victims  of  a  hurricane    
C.  Donating  your  old  bike  to  charity  
D.  Painting  a  picture  for  a  friend    
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  the  best  explanation  for  why  Roberto  Clemente  
was  inducted  into  the  Professional  Baseball  Hall-­of-­Fame  in  1973?              
A.  He  was  a  great  player  who  won  a  World  Series  with  the  Pittsburgh  Pirates  and  
who  won  the  National  League’s  Most  Valuable  Player  award  
B.  He  won  the  all-­star  15  times  
C.  He  would  have  been  a  Hall-­of-­Fame  player  when  he  was  eligible,  but  his  
career  and  life  were  cut  short  tragically    
D.  He  was  a  humanitarian  who  spent  a  lot  of  time  helping  people  less  fortunate  
 
5.   Which  is  NOT  true  about  Roberto  Clemente  
A.  He  won  born  in  Puerto  Rico  
B.  He  died  while  trying  to  deliver  supplies  to  people  in  Puerto  Rico  
C.  His  career  ended  with  exactly  3,000  hits.    
D.  He  died  on  New  Year’s  eve  
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  closest  in  meaning  to  the  following  quote?  
 
“If  you  have  a  chance  to  accomplish  something  that  will  make  things  better  for  people  coming  behind  
you,  and  you  don’t  do  that,  you  are  wasting  your  time  on  this  earth.”  
 
A.  Use  your  time  wisely  
B.  Make  a  positive  impact  on  the  world  
C.  Help  to  save  the  earth  
D.  Only  play  baseball  if  you  help  people      
  
 
 
7.   If  the  entire  passage  was  limited  to  the  second  paragraph,  which  of  the  
following  could  be  its  title?      
A.  The  history  of  the  Pittsburgh  Pirates  
B.  The  Tragic  Story  of  Roberto  Clemente  
C.  The  Amazing  Baseball  Career  of  Roberto  Clemente  
D.  Roberto  Clemente  at  the  1971  World  Series  
Grover  Cleveland  Printable  Reading  Comprehension   Name___________________

Grover  Cleveland  was  born  on  March  18,  1837,  in  Caldwell,  New  Jersey.  His  family  
moved  to  New  York  when  he  was  young,  but  he  could  not  attend  college  because  of  
his  father’s  death.  Nevertheless,  he  studied  hard,  and  in  1859  he  was  admitted  to  
the  New  York  Bar  Association.  

Grover’s  political  career  quickly  blossomed  in  Buffalo,  New  York.  In  1863,  he  became  
assistant  district  attorney;;  in  1871,  he  became  sheriff;;  in  1881,  he  became  mayor;;  and  
in  1882,  he  became  governor  of  New  York.  In  1884,  he  defeated  Republican  James  
Blaine  in  the  presidential  race.  In  1885,  he  entered  office.  During  his  first  term  as  
president,  Grover  enlarged  the  civil  service  and  vetoed  pension  raids  on  the  Treasury.  
In  addition,  the  Statue  of  Liberty  was  dedicated  and  the  American  Federation  of  Labor  
was  formed.  Despite  his  popularity,  Grover  Cleveland  was  defeated  by  Benjamin  
Harrison  in  his  bid  for  reelection  in  1889.  

In  1892,  Grover  Cleveland  defeated  Benjamin  Harrison  in  the  popular  election  and  
became  the  first  and  only  president  to  serve  two  non-­consecutive  terms  as  president  
(his  two  terms  were  separated  by  Benjamin  Harrison’s  presidency).  Unfortunately  for  
Cleveland,  he  entered  his  second  term  in  a  difficult  position.  The  country  was  
experiencing  a  money  crisis  brought  about  by  a  lowered  gold  reserve  and  questionable  
spending.  Cleveland  was  unsuccessful  in  his  attempt  to  thwart  an  impending  
depression  and  refused  to  interfere  in  business  matters  or  rising  unemployment.  In  
1894,  an  unemployed  worker  named  Jacob  Coxey  mobilized  an  army  of  jobless  
workers  who  walked  from  the  Midwest  to  Washington,  D.C.,  demanding  unemployment  
relief  and  legislation.  Cleveland  rejected  Coxie’s  demands,  and  Coxie  was  arrested  for  
trespassing.  In  1896,  the  Democratic  Party  chose  to  nominate  William  Jennings  Bryan  
as  their  presidential  candidate  rather  than  Grover  Cleveland.  Grover  Cleveland  died  on  
June  24,  1908.  He  was  honored  on  the  United  States  $1,000  bill  before  it  was  taken  
out  of  circulation.  

1. Which  is  NOT  true  about  Grover  Cleveland?

A. He  was  assistant  district  attorney  in  Buffalo,  NY
B. He  was  vice-­president
C. He  was  New  York’s  governor
D. In  1884,  he  ran  for  president
2.   Grover  Cleveland…  
A.  became  politically  successful  in  New  Jersey.
B.  defeated  Benjamin  Harrison  in  his  bid  for  reelection  in  1889.
C.  enlarged  the  civil  service  during  his  first  presidential  term.
D.  defeated  James  Blaine  in  the  election  of  1892.  

 
3.   In  between  the  times  Grover  Cleveland  was  president…    
A.  he  served  as  vice-­president.
B.  Benjamin  Harrison  was  president.
C.  Cleveland  went  back  to  New  York.  
D.  the  Statue  of  Liberty  was  dedicated.

4.   What  does  the  word  “thwart”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?

Cleveland  was  unsuccessful  in  his  attempt  to  thwart  an  impending  depression  
and  refused  to  interfere  in  business  matters  or  rising  unemployment.    

A.  progress  
B.  transform  
C.  describe  
D.  halt  
 
5.   Why  did  Cleveland’s  second  term  start  with  so  much  difficulty?    
A.  The  nation  was  about  to  endure  a  depression  
B.  Benjamin  Harrison  was  very  popular  
C.  Jacob  Coxie  mobilized  protests  that  ultimately  made  Cleveland  look  bad  
D.  Cleveland  became  the  first  and  only  president  to  serve  two  non-­consecutive  
terms  
 
6.   Which  question  is  not  addressed  in  the  passage  above?  
A.  Who  did  the  Democratic  Party  nominate  for  president  after  Cleveland’s  
second  term?    
B.  Why  was  America  experiencing  a  money  crisis  when  Cleveland  entered  office  
for  the  second  time?    
C.  Why  did  Benjamin  Harrison  defeat  Grover  Cleveland  after  his  first  term?      
D.  How  was  Cleveland  honored  after  his  death?    
 
7.   What  happened  first?    
A.  The  Statue  of  Liberty  was  dedicated  
B.  1890  
C.  Grover  Cleveland  began  his  second  term  as  president  
D.  Cleveland  defeated  James  Blaine  
 The Connecticut Colony
Connecticut  was  originally  settled  by  Dutch  fur  traders  in  1614.  They  sailed  up  the  
Connecticut  River  and  built  a  fort  near  present-­‐day  Hartford.  

The  first  English  settlers  were  Puritans  from  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony  who  
arrived  in  Connecticut  in  1633  under  the  leadership  of  Reverend  Thomas  Hooker.  
After  their  arrival,  several  colonies  were  established  including  the  Colony  of  
Connecticut,  Old  Saybrooke,  Windsor,  Hartford,  and  New  Haven.  Hartford  quickly  
became  an  important  center  of  government  and  trade.    

Much  of  the land  settled  by  the  colonists  was  purchased  from  the  Mohegan  Indians.  
The  Pequot  tribe,  however,  wanted  the  land.  Soon,  violence  erupted  between  
settlers  and  the  Pequots  in  1637.  In  what  came  to  be  known  as  the  Pequot  War,  the  
Pequots  were  systematically  massacred  by  not  only  the  settlers,  but  by  Mohegan  
and  Naragansett  Indians  that  had  previously  warred  against  them.  Pequot  lands  
were  subsequently  divided  among  the  settlers  and  other  tribes.  After  the  Pequot  
War,  Thomas  Hooker  led  in  the  drafting  of  the  Fundamental  Orders  of  Connecticut  
in  1639.  The  document  was  a  plan  for  government  and  is  sometimes  called  
America's  first  Constitution.  John  Haynes  was  then  chosen  as  Connecticut's  first  
governor.  Finally,  in  1662,  Connecticut  was  issued  a  royal  charter,  which  gave  the  
colony  a  legal  basis  and  approval  from  the  King.    
 1.)    Connecticut  was  originally  a(n)  ____________   6.)  Which  of  the  following  questions  is  NOT  
colony.   answered  in  the  last  paragraph?  
A.  English   A.  What  happened  to  the  Pequot  lands?  
B.  French   B.  What  was  the  Fundamental  Orders  of  
C.  American   Connecticut?    
D.  Dutch   C.  Who  was  Connecticut’s  first  governor?    
  D.  How  did  Hartford  grow  as  a  center  of  trade  
2.)    Based  on  the  first  paragraph  of  the  passage,   and  government?    
what  can  we  infer  about  Connecticut?    
A.  There  was  a  lot  of  gold  there   7.)  The  Fundamental  Orders  of  Connecticut….  
B.  There  was  a  lot  of  furry  animals  there   A.  was  drafted  by  Thomas  Hooker  
C.  There  were  a  lot  of  settlers  there   B.  is  sometimes  called  America’s  first  
D.  It  was  extremely  cold   Constitution  
  C.  was  a  plan  of  government  for  the  Connecticut  
3.)  Where  did  the  first  English  settlers  in   colony  
Connecticut  come  from?   D.  all  of  the  above  
A.  England    
B.  Massachusetts   8.)  Which  of  the  following  is  TRUE  about  the  
C.  Dutch  Territory   relationships  in  the  Connecticut  colony?    
D.  France   A.  The  Connecticut  colony  and  the  Pequots  
  were  allies  
4.)  How  did  the  Connecticut  Colony  grow?   B.  The  Mohegans  and  Connecticut  settlers  were  
A.  Landowners  received  their  land  grants  from  the   enemies  
King  of  England   C.  The  Mohegans  and  the  Pequots  were  allies  
B.  Land  was  purchased  from  the  Mohegan  Indians   D.  The  Mohegans  and  Pequots  were  enemies    
C.  Connecticut  took  land  from  neighboring    
colonies   9.)  Who  was  Connecticut’s  first  governor?    
D.  The  passage  doesn’t  say   A.    John  Haynes  
  B.    Thomas  Hooker  
5.)  What  happened  to  the  Pequot  lands?   C.    The  King  of  England  
A.  The  land  was  taken  by  the  settlers   D.  The  passage  does  not  say  
B.  The  land  was  taken  by  other  tribes.    
C.  Both  A  and  B   10.)  Which  of  the  following  questions  would  
D.  Neither  A  or  B   likely  be  answered  by  the  Fundamental  Orders  
of  Connecticut?    
A.    The  location  of  various  Indian  tribes    
B.    When  the  first  settlers  came  to  Connecticut  
C.    How  the  leaders  of  Connecticut  would  be  
chosen  
D.    What  crops  would  be  harvested  in  Spring  
 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Reading Comprehension
It was soon becoming apparent that the Articles of Confederation were insufficient as a means of governing the
nation. Important legislators such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison quickly realized the importance of
establishing national laws to prevent the states from becoming independent countries on their own. The new
United States was on the verge of collapse due to a lack of monetary funds and a series of rebellions. Shays'
Rebellion in Massachusetts was an uprising of debtor farmers led by Daniel Shays that resulted in a failed
attempt to seize a federal arsenal in Springfield.

The Constitutional (Philadelphia) Convention was called in 1786 and was held at Independence Hall in 1787.
Fifty-five men from throughout the colonies convened for the purpose of strengthening the Articles of
Confederation. George Washington was chosen to preside over the convention. From the start of the
convention, controversy arose concerning voting on legislation. Larger states such as Pennsylvania wanted their
votes to count more than smaller states because they represented larger populations. Smaller states such as
Rhode Island and New Jersey feared that their interests would be ignored.

On May 29, 1787, Virginia governor Edmund Randolph presented the Virginia Plan, a compilation of proposals
drafted by future president James Madison. Madison proposed a three-tiered government with a legislative
branch consisting of two houses (Senate and House of Representatives) that would make laws, an executive
branch to carry out the laws, and a judicial branch to enforce the laws. Madison's proposal also called for
proportional representation in both houses of the legislative branch. This meant that states would be represented
based on their populations or the amount of tax payments paid. Furthermore, the House of Representatives
would be elected by the people, and the Senate would be elected by the representatives. To quell the rising tide
of state sovereignty (independence), the Virginia Plan would authorize the national government to have direct
authority over American citizens, as well as to negate any state laws that were not deemed in the best interest of
the United States.

While the larger states seemed to support the Virginia Plan, the smaller states began to voice their opposition.
William Paterson, from New Jersey, warned that his state would never go along with the plan, and Roger
Sherman, from Connecticut, opposed the popular election (by the people) of representatives. Others, such as
Alexander Hamilton, claimed that the Virginia Plan was too democratic and failed to protect the government
against the passage of popular, but ultimately, harmful laws. Nevertheless, the Virginia Plan was voted (7 states
to 3) as the convention's basis for deliberations. Thus, the Articles of Confederation would be effectively
replaced rather than amended.

The issue of equal versus proportional representation, however, was the most contentious issue and threatened
to destroy the deliberations, and perhaps, the new nation. The smaller states would not agree to any plan in
which the larger ones had more votes. On July 5, 1787, a special committee was formed to try to come to a
compromise regarding the issue of representation. The Great Compromise, as it came to be known, formed an
alternative plan in which the House of Representatives would include one state delegate for every 40,000
citizens of a particular state, and the Senate would have the same number of delegates, regardless of population,
for each state. On July 16, five states voted for the plan, and four (the larger states) voted against it. It was a
victory for the smaller states.

On July 26, another committee was formed to begin drafting what would become the U.S. Constitution. On
August 17, 1787, the Constitution was signed. The Constitution was first ratified by Delaware on December 7,
1787, and then by Pennsylvania on December 12. Although wealthy and powerful citizens in many states were
reluctant to lend support to the Constitution because they would be relinquishing some powers, influential
officials such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington voiced their support for the Constitution which
helped sway popular opinion. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were among those who wrote The
Federalist—a series of political essays written to promote ratification of the Constitution. By 1790, all thirteen
colonies ratified the Constitution and became states.
1.)   In what year was the Constitutional Convention held?
a.)   1776
b.)   1788
c.)   1786
d.)   1787

2.)   Why was the Constitutional Convention held in the first place?
a.)   To discuss a solution to Shays’ Rebellion
b.)   To strengthen the Articles of Confederation
c.)   To elect George Washington as president
d.)   To write a new Constitution

3.)   What did larger states want as part of the Constitution?

a.)   All states to have equal votes/
b.)   States with larger populations to have more votes.
c.)   States with more slaves to have less votes.
d.)   States with larger areas to have more votes.

4.)   In James Madison's Virginia Plan, what branch of government would ENFORCE laws?
a.)   executive
b.)   the Senate
c.)   legislative
d.)   judicial

5.)   Which of the following is NOT true about Madison's Virginia Plan?
a.)   The executive branch carries out laws.
b.)   It called for the nullification of any state law that was not in the best interest of the United States.
c.)   The judicial branch has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
d.)   States with smaller populations would have less votes.

6.)   States with larger populations…

a.)   overwhelmingly disliked the Virginia Plan.
b.)   agreed with states with smaller populations.
c.)   generally liked the Virginia Plan.
d.)   generally disliked the Virginia Plan.
7.)   The Great Compromise…
a.)   really didn't help either side.
b.)   provided a system that favored the smaller states.
c.)   provided a system that favored the larger states.
d.)   provided a system that tried to appease larger states and smaller states.

8.)   ____________________ was the first state to ratify the Constitution.

9.)   Alexander Hamilton ___________________ the ratification of the Constitution.

a.)   refused
b.)   opposed
c.)   advocated
d.)   disagreed with

10.) What happened last?

a.)   1791
b.)   Shays’ Rebellion
c.)   All thirteen states ratified the Constitution.
d.)   The Federalist was written.
Second  Continental  Congress  Printable  Reading  Comprehension
Name________________________________________  

On  May  10,  1775,  the  Continental  Congress  met  for  the  second  time  in  Philadelphia.  
Unlike  the  circumstances  during  which  the  first  Congress  was  held,  the  American  
Revolution  had  begun  and  American  soldiers,  known  as  “minutemen”  had  been  killed.  
The  delegates  to  the  Second  Continental  Congress  chose  John  Hancock,  a  wealthy  
Massachusetts  merchant  and  chief  financial  contributor  to  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  as  
president.  While  Georgia  refused  to  send  a  delegate  to  the  First  Continental  Congress,  
it  eventually  agreed  to  send  one  this  time.  

The  Second  Continental  Congress  made  decisions  like  an  actual  government.  It  
authorized  the  production  of  paper  money  and  named  Benjamin  Franklin  Postmaster  
General  (in  charge  of  the  Post  Office).  Most  importantly,  it  authorized  the  creation  of  
the  Continental  Army  and  George  Washington  as  Commander-­in-­Chief.  It  would  
become  the  legislative  branch  of  the  war  effort  that  would  sign  treaties,  make  
declarations,  and  appoint  ambassadors.  By  1777,  the  Continental  Congress  adopted  
the  Articles  of  Confederation  -­  a  temporary  (and  inadequate)  set  of  laws  that  would  be  
replaced  ten  years  later  by  the  United  States  Constitution.  

Some  delegates  of  the  Second  Continental  Congress  still  wished  to  avoid  war,  most  
notably  John  Dickinson  from  Pennsylvania.  They  sent  a  petition  known  as  the  Olive  
Branch  Petition  to  Parliament  to  express  their  wish  for  peace  and  to  appeal  to  the  king  
to  respect  their  rights.  At  the  same  time,  the  British  had  intercepted  a  letter  from  John  
Adams  stating  his  belief  that  war  was  inevitable  and  that  the  United  States  should  have  
already  built  up  its  military.  Subsequently,  the  Olive  Branch  Petition  was  rejected  by  
England,  and  King  George  hired  30,000  German  troops  to  fight  alongside  the  British  in  
war  against  America.  

On  July  2,  1776,  the  Second  Continental  Congress  approved  the  measure  to  declare  
independence  from  England.  Two  days  later,  the  actual  Declaration  of  Independence  
was  approved.  

1. Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true  about  the  Second  Continental
Congress?
A. It  had  already  met  once  before
B. Delegates  from  all  13  colonies  attended
C. George  Washington  was  chosen  as  President  of  the  congress
D. Some  delegates  still  believed  that  peace  with  England  was  the  best  path
2.   In  which  of  the  following  ways  was  the  Second  Continental  Congress  
different  from  the  First  Continental  Congress?  Select  all  that  apply.          
A.  The  Second  Continental  Congress  was  held  in  Philadelphia  
B.  Georgia  sent  delegates  to  the  Second  Continental  Congress
C.  The  American  Revolution  was  already  underway  at  the  Second  Continental  
Congress
D.  The  Second  Continental  Congress  made  decisions  like  an  actual  government  
 
3.   Which  was  not  a  function  of  the  Second  Continental  Congress?      
A.  Making  treaties  with  other  nations  
B.  Appointing  ambassadors  to  nations
C.  Authorizing  the  Continental  Army
D.  Adopting  the  United  States  Constitution  in  1777  

4.   According  to  the  passage,  which  two  events  happened  simultaneously?    

A.  The  interception  of  the  John  Adams  letter  and  the  hiring  of  30,000  Hessian  
soldiers  
B.  The  Olive  Branch  Petition  and  interception  of  the  John  Adams  letter  
C.  The  Olive  Branch  Petition  and  the  hiring  of  30,000  Hessian  soldiers  
D.  The  Continental  Congress  approved  the  measure  to  declare  independence  
from  England  and  the  issuance  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  
 
5.   Which  pair  had  contrasting  thoughts  on  the  best  course  of  action?  
A.  George  Washington  and  John  Hancock  
B.  George  Washington  and  John  Adams  
C.  John  Hancock  and  Benjamin  Franklin  
D.  John  Adams  and  John  Dickinson      
 
6.   What  happened  last?            
A.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  issued  
B.  The  Second  Continental  Congress  met  
C.  July  5,  1776    
D.  The  Articles  of  Confederation  was  adopted      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   Below  is  a  definition  for  a  word  in  this  passage.  What  is  the  word?  
 
a  formal  written  request,  typically  one  signed  by  many  people,  appealing  to  
authority  with  respect  to  a  particular  cause.  

A.  petition    
B.  treaty    
C.  declaration  
D.  delegate        
Continental  Army  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

For  its  first  160  years  of  existence,  the  colonies  that  made  up  England’s  North  
American  empire  acted  more  as  individual  nations  than  as  united  colonies.  Hence,  
when  tensions  with  England  increased,  and  the  onset  of  war  seemed  more  and  more  
likely,  there  was  hardly  a  “national”  army  to  fight  the  British.  At  the  time,  individual  
colonies  relied  on  their  local  militias  for  defense.  These  militias  consisted  of  citizens,  
farmers,  and  laborers  who  doubled  as  “soldiers”  with  weapons.  Such  militias  had  little  
formal  military  training.  

Following  the  Battles  of  Lexington  and  Concord  in  1775,  a  colonial  army  consisting  of  
26  regiments  was  formed  on  orders  from  the  Massachusetts  Provincial  Congress.  
Smaller  forces  were  raised  throughout  New  England  and  New  York.  The  Continental  
Congress  authorized  the  creation  of  the  Continental  Army  with  these  regiments  on  
June  14,  1775.    The  next  day,  Congress  appointed  George  Washington  as  
Commander-­in-­Chief  of  the  army.  Although  many  disliked  the  idea  of  a  permanent  
national  army,  it  was  deemed  necessary  in  the  wake  of  the  British  threat.  

Throughout  the  war  the  Continental  Army  experienced  major  problems.  Not  only  were  
the  soldiers  in  the  army  inexperienced,  but  they  lacked  adequate  weaponry,  clothes,  
shoes,  and  food.  Not  surprisingly,  desertions  were  frequent  and  morale  was  extremely  
low.  Disease,  starvation,  and  hypothermia  plagued  the  Continental  Army  at  its  winter  
quarters  at  Morristown  in  early  1777,  and  at  Valley  Forge  during  the  winter  of  1777-­
1778.    Nearly  one  in  six  soldiers  wintering  at  Valley  Forge  died  of  Typhoid,  Dysentery,  
and  Pneumonia  because  of  the  unsanitary  conditions  and  contaminated  food.  Nutrition  
was  non-­existent  and  the  only  food  that  many  soldiers  ate  for  months  at  a  time  was  
known  as  firecake  -­  a  simple  mixture  of  flour  and  water  cooked  over  a  fire  until  it  
became  solid.  

Despite  the  dreadful  conditions  and  desertions,  the  Continental  Army  remained  
relatively  intact  under  the  leadership  of  George  Washington.  With  the  arrival  of  Baron von  
Steuben  at  Valley  Forge  in  1778,  the  army  learned  military  tactics,  formations,  training,  
and  discipline,  and  gradually  became  a  military  force  that  could  effectively  fight  the  
British  in  combat.  In  its  first  action  after  Valley  Forge,  the  vastly  improved  army  fought  
the  British  to  a  draw  at  the  Battle  of  Monmouth  Courthouse.  Combined  with  French  
forces,  the  Continental  Army  would  stage  a  successful  siege  of  the  British  at  Yorktown  
in  1781,  which  would  prove  the  last  major  battle  of  the  war.  
1.   Prior  to  the  Revolutionary  War,  England’s  North  American  colonies…
A.  were  united.
B.  acted  in  each  other’s  best  interests.
C.  acted  more  like  individual  nations  than  as  a  single  unit.
D.  raised  a  national  army.

2.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  “soldiers”  prior  to  the  Revolutionary  
War?          
A.  Most  of  the  soldiers  were  just  farmers  and  laborers  with  weapons  
B.  Most  of  the  soldiers  were  well-­trained  and  had  military  experience  
C.  Most  of  the  soldiers  had  experience  with  the  Continental  Army  
D.  Most  of  the  soldiers  were  in  well-­trained  militias  that  had  experience  fighting  in  
wars
 
3.   When  was  George  Washington  appointed  Commander-­in-­Chief?          
A.  Before  Congress  authorized  the  Continental  Army
B.  The  day  after  the  Battle  of  Lexington  and  Concord
C.  June  14,  1775
D.  The  day  after  Congress  authorized  the  Continental  Army    

4.   If  the  third  paragraph  served  as  the  entire  passage,  which  of  the  following  
could  be  its  title?

A.  The  Growth  of  the  Continental  Army  

B.  George  Washington:  America’s  Greatest  Leader  
C.  The  Continental  Army:  Methods  of  Survival  at  Valley  Forge  
D.  The  Dreadful  Suffering  of  the  Continental  Army  
 
5.   At  Valley  Forge…  (Select  all  that  are  true)  
A.  the  Continental  Army  was  trained  by  Baron  von  Steuben.  
B.  the  British  attacked  the  Continental  Army.  
C.  nearly  one  in  six  soldiers  died  of  disease.  
D.  some  soldiers  had  nothing  to  eat  but  firecake.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Continental  Army  after  the  winter  
of  1777-­1778?  
A.  The  army  was  weakened  from  the  dreadful  winter  and  was  not  strong  enough  
to  continue  
B.  The  army  was  significantly  improved  and  defeated  the  British  at  the  Battle  of  
Monmouth  Courthouse  
C.  The  army  was  significantly  improved  and  fought  the  British  to  a  draw  at  the  
Siege  of  Yorktown      
D.  The  army  was  significantly  improved  and  fought  the  British  to  a  draw  at  the  
Battle  of  Monmouth  Courthouse.    
 
7.   What  question  is  not  answered  in  the  passage?        
A.  What  was  the  last  major  battle  of  the  Revolutionary  War?    
B.  How  did  soldiers  make  firecake?      
C.  Why  did  some  oppose  the  formation  of  a  permanent  army?      
D.  Where  was  the  Continental  Army  in  the  winter  months  of  1777?            
The  Conway  Cabal  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

The  Conway  Cabal  was  the  only  major  political  threat  to  George  Washington  during  
the  Revolutionary  War.  The  “cabal,”  or  secret  political  group,  consisted  of  several  
senior  military  officers  who  aimed  to  supplant  George  Washington  as  Commander-­in-­
Chief.  Thomas  Conway,  for  whom  the  group  is  named,  wrote  several  letters  to  the  
Second  Continental  Congress  and  others  criticizing  George  Washington.  

In  late  1776  and  1777,  the  Continental  Army  had  experienced  a  series  of  significant  
setbacks,  first  in  disastrous  battles  in  and  around  New  York  City,  and  later  at  
Brandywine  Creek  and  Germantown  near  Philadelphia.  Following  the  Battle  of  
Brandywine  Creek,  British  forces  occupied  Philadelphia,  causing  Congress  to  flee  west  
to  York,  Pennsylvania.  As  Washington  took  up  winter  quarters  with  the  Continental  
Army  at  Valley  Forge,  and  as  conditions  there  deteriorated  for  the  army,  some  
members  of  Congress  began  questioning  whether  Washington  was  fit  for  Commander-­
in-­Chief.  Some  pointed  to  Horatio  Gates,  who  took  credit  for  the  Patriot  victory  at  
Saratoga,  as  a  possible  replacement.  

Thomas  Conway,  who  served  as  the  army’s  inspector  general  at  the  time,  and  who  
served  under  Washington  in  the  Philadelphia  campaign,  wrote  a  letter  to  Congress  
criticizing  Washington  and  lobbying  for  his  own  promotion.  Washington  opposed  the  
promotion  of  the  Irish-­born  Conway,  whom  he  considered  arrogant.  He  also  thought  
Conway’s  promotion  would  anger  those  within  his  ranks  that  had  served  longer.  In  
addition,  Conway  wrote  a  letter  to  Horatio  Gates  that  alluded  to  Washington  as  a  poor  
general  and  that  it  would  be  better  served  with  Gates  in  charge.  Washington  received  
word  of  the  letter,  which  caused  him  to  believe  his  subordinate  generals  were  seeking  
to  supplant  him.  Washington  became  so  famously  annoyed  by  the  sniping  and  letters  
that  he  threatened  to  resign  from  the  army  if  it  continued.  Much  to  Washington’s  
chagrin,  Congress  would  actually  promote  both  Conway  and  Gates  to  the  Board  of  
War.  Gates  was  named  president  of  the  Board  of  War  and  Washington’s  relationship  
with  both  men  took  turns  for  the  worse.  

Eventually,  however,  because  most  of  Washington’s  contemporaries  fully  supported  

him,  Congress  reluctantly  was  forced  to  give  full  public  support  for  Washington,  short-­
circuiting  any  plots  to  remove  Washington  from  command.  

In  the  end,  Conway  resigned  from  the  army  and  was  later  injured  in  a  duel  by  a  
Washington  supporter.  Horatio  Gates  remained  in  the  army,  but  his  reputation  was  
permanently  marred.  Gates  would  nearly  be  charged  with  cowardice  after  the  Battle  of  
Camden,  which  effectively  ended  his  military  career.  
1.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Conway  Cabal?  
A.  A  group  of  military  officers  who  wanted  promotions
B.  A  group  of  military  officers  who  favored  the  British
C.  A  group  of  military  offers  who  favored  the  removal  of  George  Washington
D.  A  group  of  military  officers  who  were  arrogant

2.   What  was  the  effect(s)  of  the  Patriot  defeat  at  the  Battle  of  Brandywine  
Creek?  Select  all  that  apply.            
A.  Congress  fled  west  to  York
B.  The  British  were  able  to  occupy  Philadelphia  
C.  The  Continental  Army  spent  the  winter  at  Valley  Forge
D.  George  Washington  was  replaced  as  Commander-­in-­Chief  
 
3.   Why  did  some  members  of  Congress  begin  questioning  Washington’s  
leadership?          
A.  Because  of  the  brutal  winter  of  1777-­1778  at  Valley  Forge
B.  Because  Horatio  Gates  claimed  victory  at  Saratoga
C.  Because  of  a  disastrous  series  of  battles  in  New  York  and  near  Philadelphia
D.  Because  they  thought  George  Washington  would  serve  better  elsewhere    

4.   Why  did  Washington  oppose  the  promotion  of  Thomas  Conway?

A.  He  thought  it  would  anger  officers  that  had  served  longer  
B.  He  thought  Conway  to  be  a  poor  leader  
C.  He  thought  he  was  a  better  military  officer  than  Conway  
D.  He  preferred  Horatio  Gates  
 
5.   Select  all  of  the  following  that  are  true.  
A.  Thomas  Conway  was  nearly  charged  with  cowardice  after  the  Battle  of  
Camden  
B.  Washington  believed  that  the  letters  he  learned  about  represented  an  attempt  
to  supplant  him  
C.  Horatio  Gates  wrote  a  letter  suggesting  Conway  would  be  better  as  
Commander-­in-­Chief  
D.  Despite  their  feelings  about  George  Washington,  both  Horatio  Gates  and  
Thomas  Conway  were  promoted  to  the  Board  of  War  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  another  way  to  say  the  sentence  below  without  
losing  meaning?  
 
Much  to  Washington’s  chagrin,  Congress  would  actually  promote  both  Conway  
and  Gates  to  the  Board  of  War.  
 
A.  Washington  was  pleased  that  Congress  promoted  Conway  and  Gates  to  the  
Board  of  War.  
B.  Washington  wanted  to  discuss  the  promotion  of  Conway  and  Gates  to  the  
Board  of  War.  
C.  Washington  was  jealous  of  the  promotion  of  Conway  and  Gates  to  the  Board  
of  War.  
D.  Washington  opposed  the  promotion  of  Conway  and  Gates  to  the  Board  of  
War.    
 
7.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  Conway  Cabal?        
A.  The  Continental  Army  was  ultimately  weakened  by  the  controversy    
B.  The  only  real  effect  were  the  negative  outcomes  for  Conway  and  Gates      
C.  George  Washington  became  a  member  of  the  Continental  Congress      
D.  The  military  career  of  Horatio  Gates  ended              
              

Coronado  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________________  

Rumors  of  Seven  Golden  Cities  

Francisco  Coronado  was  a  Spanish  explorer  who  visited  parts  of  the  American  southwest.  He  was  
born  in  Salamanca,  Spain  around  1510.  He  quickly  took  to  exploring.  As  governor  of  New  Galicia  (a  
province  of  New  Spain  in  present-­day  Mexico),  Coronado  heard  stories  of  seven  golden  cities  along  
the  Pacific  Ocean  named  Cibola  and  quickly  assembled  a  simultaneous  land  and  sea  expedition.  The  
cities  were  said  to  contain  houses  made  out  of  gold  and  streets  paved  with  gold.  Coronado  and  a  
friend,  Antonio  Mendoza,  invested  large  sums  of  money  in  the  expedition.  In  1540,  Coronado,  
Mendoza,  335  Spaniards,  1300  natives,  and  four  Franciscan  monks  headed  north  for  the  purposes  of  
taking  the  gold  from  the  Seven  Cities  of  Cibola.  
 
The  Search  
Coronado  divided  the  expedition  into  small  groups  that  would  begin  the  arduous  inland  journey  at  
different  intervals  so  that  the  grazing  areas  and  water  holes  along  the  trail  would  not  be  overwhelmed.  
Coronado  and  the  expedition  first  crossed  into  present-­day  America  by  following  the  Zuni  River  into  
Cibola  (present  day  New  Mexico).  Coronado  expected  to  find  the  fabled  seven  cities,  but  instead,  
found  little  more  than  a  complex  of  Zuni  Indian  pueblos.  Nevertheless,  a  devastated  Coronado  and  
his  half-­starving  expedition  pushed  on  into  present-­day  Arizona,  where  they  entered  Zuni  Indian  
territory  at  Hawikuh  and  demanded  entrance  into  the  village.  When  the  Zuni  refused,  the  men  of  the  
expedition  took  their  village  by  force  and  confiscated  all  of  the  food  they  needed.  This  incident  
intimidated  natives  of  nearby  villages,  who  quickly  submitted  to  Coronado  in  future  encounters.  

Discovery  of  the  Grand  Canyon  

From  Hawikuh,  Coronado  sent  several  scouting  parties  to  search  for  the  Seven  Cities  of  Cibola.  The  
first  scouting  party  raided  a  Hopi  Indian  Village,  that  turned  out  to  be  as  poor  as  the  Zuni  villages.  
Although  no  gold  was  discovered,  members  of  the  expedition  learned  of  the  Colorado  River  that  was  
located  to  the  west.  Coronado  then  sent  a  second  scouting  party  to  find  the  Colorado  River.  Members  
of  this  scouting  party  became  the  first  to  find  the  Colorado  River  and  the  magnificent  Grand  Canyon.  
The  expedition,  however,  was  unsuccessful  in  descending  the  Grand  Canyon  to  the  Colorado  River,  
and  thus  could  not  link  up  with  the  water  expedition.  They  next  headed  east  where  they  encountered  
another  pueblo  village  along  the  Rio  Grande  in  New  Mexico.  It  was  near  this  village  called  Tiguex,  
close  to  present-­day  Albuquerque,  where  Coronado  and  his  expedition  spent  the  winter  of  1540-­
1541.  During  the  winter,  Coronado  clashed  with  Indians  from  the  village  in  what  came  to  be  known  as  
the  Tiguex  War.    

Still,  No  Golden  Cities!  

During  the  winter  of  1540-­1541,  Coronado  once  again  heard  of  a  mythical  city  to  the  northeast  known  
as  Quivira  that  was  said  to  be  full  of  gold  and  riches.  Coronado  and  his  expedition  traveled  hundreds  
of  miles  to  the  village  of  Quivira  in  present-­day  Kansas.  Once  again,  Coronado  suffered  a  crushing  
disappointment  when  he  found  the  village  and  there  was  no  gold.  Coronado  returned  to  Tiguex  and  
spent  another  winter  there.  On  June  29,  1541,  Coronado  held  the  first  ever  Christian  mass  in  the  
interior  of  the  present-­day  United  States  near  Dodge  City,  Kansas.  The  event  is  commemorated  with  
a  large  concrete  cross  known  as  Coronado’s  Cross.  

Death  in  Disgrace  

Coronado  was  soon  ordered  back  to  New  Spain  (Mexico).  He  remained  the  governor  of  New  Galicia,  
but  his  expeditions  had  bankrupted  him.  He  died  on  September  22,  1544  in  Mexico  City  
1.   What  is  explained  in  the  first  paragraph?          
A.   Coronado’s  determination  to  take  the  gold  in  the  Seven  Cities  of  Cibola
B.   Coronado’s  struggle  to  find  the  Seven  Cities  of  Cibola
C.   How  Coronado  was  elected  as  governor  of  New  Galicia
D.   Coronado’s  adventures  before  1540

2.   Why  did  Coronado  divide  his  expedition  to  begin  the  inland  journey  at  
different  times?  
A.  To  confuse  natives  in  the  area
B.  To  have  a  better  chance  of  finding  gold  
C.  To  make  sure  the  animals  would  have  food  and  water  
D.  To  make  sure  his  expedition  did  not  starve  

3.   Which  best  describes  how  Coronado  and  the  expedition  felt  after  following  
the  Zuni  River  to  Cibola?        
A.  Bitterly  disappointed
B.  Somewhat  disappointed
C.  Excited  and  enthusiastic
D.  Hopeful  and  rested

4.   After  Coronado’s  expedition  took  Hawikuh  by  force…    

A.  other  native  groups  began  building  defenses.  

B.  his  men  were  unable  to  procure  food  and  supplies  they  needed.  
C.  other  native  groups  were  scared  and  gave  the  expedition  what  it  asked  for.    
D.  the  expedition  was  finally  able  to  collect  some  gold.    
 
5.   Coronado  and  his  expedition…  
A.  are  credited  with  discovering  the  Colorado  River  and  Grand  Canyon.  
B.  found  gold  and  riches  in  the  village  of  Tiguex.  
C.  held  the  first  Christian  mass  in  present-­day  New  Mexico.  
D.  failed  to  find  the  Seven  Cities  of  Cibola  but  did  find  the  riches  of  Quivira.  
 
6.   Following  his  expeditions  in  the  New  World,  Coronado  was…    
A.  poor  
B.  wealthy  
C.  removed  as  governor  of  New  Galicia  
D.  making  plans  for  new  expeditions  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.   For  which  of  the  following  questions  could  “Tiguex”  be  the  answer?  
A.  Where  did  Coronado  die?    
B.  Where  did  Coronado  and  his  men  plant  Coronado’s  Cross?    
C.  Where  did  Coronado  and  his  men  discover  the  Grand  Canyon?    
D.  Where  did  Coronado  and  his  men  spend  the  winter  of  1540-­1541?  
  
 
Crabs  of  Christmas  Island  Text  Structure  
 
Read  the  paragraphs  below  and  identify  the  text  structure:  
 
Compare  and  Contrast  |  Problem-­Solution  |  Sequential  |  Cause-­Effect  
 
The  continual  demise  of  the  Christmas  Island  red  crab  is  directly  attributable  to  the  proliferation  of  the  
yellow  crazy  ant.  The  yellow  crazy  ant  was  accidentally  introduced  to  Christmas  Island  in  the  1900s  
and  has  since  had  a  terrible  impact  on  the  red  crab  and  other  native  species.  Although  the  ants  don't  
bite  or  sting,  they  spray  formic  acid  when  disturbed,  which  causes  blindness,  dehydration,  and  death,  
to  the  red  crabs.  Some  studies  have  shown  that  the  ants  have  killed  twenty  million  red  crabs  -­  about    
half  the  population.  
 
__________________________________________________________
 
The  Christmas  Island  red  crab  is  not  the  only  crab  that  inhabits  the  island.  The  robber  crab,  also  
known  as  the  coconut  crab,  or  palm  thief,  also  inhabits  the  island.  Christmas  Island  is  home  to  the  
largest  population  of  robber  crabs  in  the  world;;  although  they  are  outnumbered  fifty  to  one  by  red  
crabs.  The  robber  crab  is  much  larger  than  the  red  crab;;  in  fact,  it  is  the  largest  arthropod  in  the  world.  
It  is  so  large  that  is  has  no  natural  predators.  The  largest  robber  crabs  have  measured  up  to  16  
inches  in  length  whereas  the  largest  red  crabs  may  grow  to  five  inches  in  length.  Unlike  red  crabs,  
robber  crabs  are  capable  of  preying  upon  larger  animals  such  as  other  crabs,  small  turtles,  reptiles,  
and  even  birds.    
 
__________________________________________________________  
 
The  migration  of  millions  of  Christmas  Island  red  crabs  across  the  island  is  one  of  nature's  most  
incredible  spectacles.  Unfortunately,  each  year  hundreds  of  thousands  of  them  are  killed  by  cars  as  
they  attempt  to  cross  roads  to  reach  the  ocean.  To  combat  the  troubling  trend,  park  rangers  on  the  
island  built  "crab  fences."  Crab  fences  are  simply  aluminum  barriers  that  direct  the  crabs  away  from  
roads  toward  underpasses.  These  underpasses  are  called  crab  grids.  The  island  even  has  a  crab  
bridge  to  help  the  crabs  avoid  roads.    
 
__________________________________________________________  
 
 
Christmas  Island  red  crab  eggs  hatch  as  soon  as  they  make  contact  with  water.  The  thousands  of  
larva  form  a  huge  cloud  in  the  surf  that  is  swept  away  from  the  shore.  For  three  or  four  weeks,  the  
larva  will  remain  at  sea.  During  this  time,  the  larva  will  become  shrimp-­like  organisms  called  
megalopae.  The  megalopae  gather  near  the  shore  for  a  few  days  while  they  change  into  small  crabs.  
Next,  these  small  crabs  leave  the  water  and  make  a  nine-­day  journey  to  the  center  of  the  island  
where  they'll  spend  the  next  three  or  four  years  hidden  among  rock  crevices,  in  brush,  and  in  debris  
on  the  forest  floor.  They  reach  maturity  at  four  or  five  years,  where  they'll  mate  and  begin  the  famous  
migration  back  to  the  ocean.    
 
__________________________________________________________  
 
  
Answers:    
 
1.  Cause-­Effect  
2.  Compare-­Contrast  
3.  Problem-­Solution  
4.  Sequential  
  
 
An  Introduction  to  Cryptocurrency  Reading  Comprehension            
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Cryptocurrency  is  a  digital  form  of  money  that  is  used  to  buy  and  sell  items  and  services  
completely  online.  The  first  cryptocurrency,  Bitcoin,  was  invented  and  released  in  2009  by  
an  anonymous  person,  or  group  of  people,  who  took  the  name  Satoshi  Nakamoto.  It  was  
later  revealed  that  Satoshi  Nakamoto  was  an  Australian  entrepreneur  named  Craig  
Wright.    Just  like  we  spend  money  in  coins  and  dollars,  cryptocurrency  is  spent  via  digital  
coins  such  as  bitcoins.    
 
Bitcoins  were  created  for  the  purpose  of  putting  the  people  in  charge  of  their  own  
currency.    The  dollars  and  coins  that  we  spend  on  food,  clothes,  and  gifts  are  regulated  by  
the  government  –  cryptocurrency  isn’t  controlled  by  any  central  bank  or  one  major  
administrator.    The  power  to  spend  and  regulate  the  money  is  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  
people  who  use  it.    However,  since  cryptocurrency  isn’t  regulated  by  the  government,  it  
can’t  be  used  to  pay  for  government-­provided  services  or  to  pay  taxes.      
 
Bitcoins  can  be  purchased  using  real  paper  money;;  however,  they  can’t  be  stored  in  a  
physical  wallet  or  bank  account.    Instead,  cryptocurrency  like  bitcoins  are  stored  in  a  
person’s  virtual  wallet.    The  online  wallet  also  keeps  track  of  any  transactions  and  
transfers  of  virtual  money  between  two  people.        
 
Exchanging  money  online  happens  differently  from  an  in-­person  exchange.    When  we  buy  
products  at  a  store,  we  give  the  cashier  dollar  bills  and  take  our  change.    The  money  we  
pay  with  is  unique  –  no  one  else  can  use  that  dollar  bill  unless  they  have  it  themselves.    
Paying  with  cryptocurrency  is  another  story.    When  bitcoins  are  exchanged  digitally,  
safeguards  must  be  in  place  to  prevent  the  same  digital  coin  from  being  accessed  by  
multiple  people.      
 
To  keep  cryptocurrency  transactions  secure,  all  exchanges  of  digital  money  are  chronicled  
in  a  public  ledger  –  a  record  of  transactions  that  anyone  can  open  and  validate.    This  
ledger  is  called  the  block  chain,  and  it  makes  sure  that  all  bitcoin  exchanges  are  honest  
and  everyone  receives  the  digital  money  that  he/she  paid  for.    If  a  faulty  transaction  was  
made  –  for  example,  if  one  person  tried  to  send  the  same  bitcoin  to  multiple  people  in  
order  to  save  money  –  that  transaction  would  be  made  public  on  the  block  chain,  and  
other  bitcoin  users  would  identify  it  as  false.    While  the  government  regulates  paper  
money,  the  regulators  of  cryptocurrency  are  the  people  buying  and  spending  it.  
 
Each  country  has  its  own  paper  currency,  but  bitcoin’s  virtual  value  is  valid  anywhere  in  
the  world.    If  crytpocurrencies  become  further  recognized  as  official  forms  of  global  
currency,  they  could  revolutionize  the  manner  in  which  payments  are  made  on  a  day-­to-­
day  basis.  
  
 
1.   What  is  a  consequence  of  a  currency  not  regulated  by  the  government?  
A.  It  can’t  be  used  to  pay  for  things  over  the  internet    
B.  It  can’t  be  used  to  pay  for  government  services  of  taxes  
C.  It  can’t  be  stored  in  a  virtual  wallet  
D.  Transactions  with  cryptocurrency  cannot  be  secure    
 
2.   What  is  a  bitcoin?              
A.  According  to  the  passage,  it  is  a  type  of  cryptocurrency      
B.  According  to  the  passage,  it  is  the  only  type  of  cryptocurrency      
C.  According  to  the  passage,  it  is  cryptocurrency  that  can  be  used  just  like  bills  
and  coins  at  a  store  
D.  The  passage  doesn’t  tell      
 
3.   Why  is  the  block  chain  important?              
A.  Because  it  is  a  list  of  all  cryptocurrency  transactions      
B.  Because  people  are  buying  and  spending  cryptocurrency      
C.  Because  cryptocurrencies  are  accepted  throughout  the  world    
D.  Because  cryptocurrencies  are  different  from  traditional  dollars  and  cents      
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  best  explains  the  main  idea  of  the  third  paragraph?    
A.  You  should  have  a  wallet  whether  you  use  cryptocurrencies  or  paper  money  
and  coins.    
B.  Cryptocurrencies  are  stored  in  a  virtual  wallet  that  has  many  more  functions  
than  a  traditional  wallet  
C.  Cryptocurrency  is  used  online  whereas  paper  money  and  coins  are  used  to  
buy  products  in  stores    
D.  Bitcoins  can  be  purchased  using  paper  money      
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  PURPOSE  of  cryptocurrency?    
A.  To  provide  an  online  currency  
B.  To  provide  a  currency  that  is  available  in  more  than  one  country  
C.  To  make  sure  purchases  online  are  secure  
D.  To  make  sure  people,  rather  than  governments,  are  in  charge  of  their  money      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  an  example  of  speculation?        
A.  “If  crytpocurrencies  become  further  recognized  as  official  forms  of  global  
currency,  they  could  revolutionize  the  manner  in  which  payments  are  made  on  
a  day-­to-­day  basis.”  
B.  “Each  country  has  its  own  paper  currency,  but  bitcoin’s  virtual  value  is  valid  
anywhere  in  the  world.”  
C.  “When  bitcoins  are  exchanged  digitally,  safeguards  must  be  in  place  to  
prevent  the  same  digital  coin  from  being  accessed  by  multiple  people.”  
D.  “Bitcoins  can  be  purchased  using  real  paper  money;;  however,  they  can’t  be  
stored  in  a  physical  wallet  or  bank  account.”  
 
7.   What  is  NOT  true  about  cryptocurrencies?    
A.  Bitcoin  was  invented  by  Craig  Wright,  who  took  on  the  anonymous  name  
Satoshi  Nakamoto    
B.  The  block  chain  is  a  ledger  that  is  currently  not  available  to  the  public  
C.  Cryptocurrency  users  share  the  burden  of  regulating  cryptocurrencies  
D.  They  are  valid  anywhere  in  the  world        
  
 
Jefferson  Davis  Reading  Comprehension  
 
Jefferson  Davis  was  born  in  Christian  County,  Kentucky,  on  June  3,  1808.  He  was  the  youngest  of  ten  
children.  In  1818,  Davis  attended  Jefferson  College  in  Mississippi  before  transferring  to  Transylvania  
University  in  Lexington,  Kentucky.  In  1824,  Davis  entered  the  United  States  Military  Academy  and  was  
commissioned  as  a  second  lieutenant  in  1828.  

The  next  fifteen  years  of  Davis’s  life  were  rather  uneventful.  In  1844,  however,  he  was  elected  to  the  U.S.  
House  of  Representatives.  In  1845,  Davis  married  Varina  Howell.  After  fighting  bravely  in  the  Mexican-­
American  War,  in  particular,  at  the  Siege  of  Monterrey,  Davis  was  appointed  acting  senator  of  Mississippi  
when  Senator  Jesse  Spright  died  suddenly  in  1847.  Soon  after,  the  Senate  made  Davis  chairman  of  the  
Committee  on  Military  Affairs.  Davis,  however,  resigned  his  seat  in  the  Senate  and  ran  for  governor  of  
Mississippi  in  1851.  He  was  defeated  by  Henry  Stuart  Foote  by  999  votes.  

Left  without  political  office,  Jefferson  Davis  campaigned  strongly  for  Franklin  Pierce’s  bid  for  the  
presidency.  Davis  and  Pierce  shared  a  strong  view  that  the  federal  government  should  not  interfere  with  
the  states’  rights.  Pierce  was  elected  as  America’s  14th  president  and  made  Jefferson  Davis  his  secretary  
of  war.  Although  Pierce  served  only  one  term  as  president,  Davis  successfully  reentered  the  Senate  in  
1857.  

As  talk  of  secession  ruminated  throughout  the  Southern  states  concerning  the  issues  of  states  rights  and  
slavery,  Davis  urged  preservation  of  the  Union.  Nevertheless,  with  the  election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  as  
president  (a  slavery  opponent),  South  Carolina  officially  seceded  from  the  Union.  Though  he  was  
fundamentally  against  secession,  Jefferson  Davis  then  announced  the  secession  of  Mississippi  from  the  
Union  and  resigned  from  the  Senate.  

Four  days  after  announcing  secession,  Davis  was  commissioned  as  major  general  of  Mississippi  troops  in  
the  Confederate  Army.  On  February  9,  1861,  Davis  was  made  provisional  president  of  the  Confederacy.  
Davis  and  his  family  then  took  up  residence  at  the  White  House  of  the  Confederacy  at  Richmond,  Virginia,  
in  May  of  1861.  Davis  was  elected  to  a  six-­year  term  and  promptly  put  General  Robert  E.  Lee  in  command  
of  the  Confederate  Army.  

After  initial  success  in  the  Civil  War,  it  soon  became  clear  that  the  Confederacy  was  at  a  major  
disadvantage.  In  July  of  1863,  after  the  Confederate  defeat  at  the  Battle  of  Gettysburg,  Davis  refused  
Lee’s  offer  to  surrender  to  Union  forces.  Most  scholars  believe  that  Davis’s  leadership  was  poor  during  the  
Civil  War.  He  was  responsible  for  the  idea  that  all  lands  in  the  Southern  territory  should  be  defended  with  
equal  strength  and  firepower.  This  theory  played  directly  into  the  hands  of  the  Union  Army,  which  was  
able  to  coordinate  efforts  to  strike  lethal  blows  at  crucial  Southern  locations.  Davis  is  also  blamed  for  
allowing  Confederate  generals  to  invade  hostile  Northern  territory  while  essential  ports  along  the  
Confederate  portion  of  the  Mississippi  River  were  falling  into  Union  hands.  Davis  was  also  seemingly  poor  
at  handling  his  generals  and  judging  their  competence.  

As  the  Confederacy  fell,  Davis  escaped  to  Danville,  Virginia.  While  trying  to  flee  to  Meridian,  Mississippi,  
Davis  was  captured  and  imprisoned  along  the  Virginia  coast.  He  was  indicted  for  treason  in  1866  but  was  
released  from  jail  after  bail  was  posted  by  prominent  politicians.  In  1870,  Davis  became  president  of  the  
Carolina  Life  Insurance  Company.  After  writing  several  books  about  the  Confederacy,  Davis  died  in  New  
Orleans,  Louisiana,  at  the  age  of  81  in  1889.  

 
1.)  What  was  the  nature  of  the  relationship  between  Jefferson  Davis  and  Franklin  Pierce?
 
a.)  They  supported  the  same  views  
b.)  They  supported  different  views  
c.)  They  both  were  presidents  of  the  Confederacy  
d.)  They  were  both  presidents  of  the  United  States  
 
2.)  What  does  the  following  sentence  imply?  
 
"Most  scholars  believe  that  Davis'  leadership  was  poor  during  the  Civil  War."  
 
1.)  All  thought  he  was  a  poor  leader  
2.)  Some  thought  he  was  a  poor  leader  and  some  thought  he  was  a  good  leader  
3.)  A  few  scholars  may  believe  he  was  not  a  poor  leader  
4.)  His  leadership  was  acceptable  during  the  Civil  War  
 
3.)  Jefferson  Davis  was  never…  
 
a.)  president  of  the  Confederacy  
b.)  major  General  of  Mississippi  troops  
c.)  governor  of  Mississippi  
d.)  a  senator  
 
 
4.)  What  word  could  replace  "promptly"  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
Davis  was  elected  to  a  six-­year  term,  and  promptly  put  General  Robert  E.  Lee  in  command  of  the  
Confederate  Army  
 
a.)  slowly  
b.)  angrily  
c.)  carefully  
d.)  quickly  
 
5.)  Which  of  the  following  WAS  NOT  a  reason  why  Jefferson  Davis  was  considered  a  poor  
leader?    
 
a.)  He  was  poor  at  judging  the  competence  of  his  generals  
b.)  He  was  poor  at  handling  his  generals  
c.)  He  authorized  an  invasion  of  the  north  while  southern  ports  were  into  Union  hands  
d.)  He  put  Robert  E.  Lee  in  command  of  the  Confederate  army.      
 
6.)  What  question  is  answered  in  the  second  paragraph?    
 
a.)  Who  made  Jefferson  Davis  Secretary  of  War?    
b.)  When  did  Jefferson  Davis  run  for  governor?  
c.)  Did  Jefferson  Davis  support  secession?    
d.)  When  was  Jefferson  Davis  appointed  as  a  second  lieutenant?  
 
 
 
 
7.)  What  does  the  passage  tell  about  Jefferson  Davis'  release  from  jail?  
 
a.)  The  passage  doesn't  tell  anything  about  it  
b.)  The  passage  doesn't  tell  the  specific  names  of  those  who  bailed  Jefferson  Davis  from  jail    
c.)  The  passage  tells  the  specific  names  of  those  who  bailed  Jefferson  Davis  from  jail  
d.)  The  Carolina  Life  Insurance  Company  bailed  Jefferson  Davis  from  jail  
 
 
8.)  Jefferson  Davis...  
 
a.)  did  not  believe  in  secession  
b.)  did  not  believe  is  states  rights  
c.)  did  not  believe  in  slavery  
d.)  believed  in  secession    
 
9.)  What  happened  first?    
 
a.)  Mississippi  seceded  from  the  Union  
b.)  Davis  was  commissioned  as  Major  General  of  Mississippi  troops  
c.)  July  of  1863  
d.)  Davis  re-­entered  the  Senate  
 
10.)  Which  of  the  following  fields  was  Jefferson  Davis  NEVER  involved  in?  
 
a.)  Insurance  
b.)  Military  
c.)  Medicine  
d.)  Government    
 
                          

Frederick  Douglass  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            

Name__________________________________  

Frederick  Douglass  was  born  near  Hillsboro,  Maryland,  in  February  of  1818.  He  was  born  into  
slavery  and  was  separated  from  his  mother  when  he  was  a  baby.  At  the  age  of  12,  Frederick  
began  receiving  reading  lessons  from  the  wife  of  his  “master,”  even  though  it  was  illegal  to  
teach  slaves  to  read.    

Douglass  was  soon  sent  away  to  another  slave  owner  named  Mr.  Freeman.  Mr.  Freeman  
allowed  Frederick  to  teach  other  slaves  to  read.  Frederick  taught  over  40  slaves  how  to  read  
passages  from  the  New  Testament.  Other  slave  owners,  however,  became  angry  and  
destroyed  the  “congregation”  in  which  Frederick  taught.  Four  years  later,  in  1837,  Frederick  
married  a  free  black  woman  named  Anne  Murray.  They  would  have  five  children.  He  gained  
his  own  freedom  by  escaping  from  captivity  by  dressing  as  a  sailor  and  boarding  a  train  at  
Havre  de  Grace,  Maryland,  near  Baltimore.  By  the  time  he  reached  New  York  City  he  was  a  
free  man  (though  not  officially  a  free  man).  Douglass  continued  to  Massachusetts  and  soon  
joined  the  abolitionist  cause.  Inspired  by  the  famous  abolitionist  William  Lloyd  Garrison,  
Douglass  became  a  prominent  anti-­slavery  speaker  and  writer.    

In  1845,  Douglass  authored  Narrative  of  the  Life  of  Frederick  Douglass,  an  American  Slave,  
an  autobiography.  The  book  was  a  critical  success  and  became  an  instant  best  seller.  The  
book  was  translated  into  three  languages,  and  Douglass  was  invited  to  tour  Ireland  and  Great  
Britain.  Douglass  spent  two  years  in  Europe  lecturing  on  the  horrors  of  slavery.  Douglass  
became  a  popular  figure  in  Great  Britain,  where  his  lectures  were  “standing  room  only.”  The  
people  of  Great  Britain,  roused  by  Douglass’s  speeches,  raised  money  on  his  behalf  to  pay  
his  “owner,”  Hugh  Auld,  for  his  official  freedom.  Auld  was  paid  700  pounds  by  the  people  of  
Great  Britain  and  Douglass  was  officially  a  free  man  in  America.  

When  he  returned  to  America,  Douglass  published  The  North  Star  and  four  other  abolitionist  
newspapers  under  the  motto  “Right  is  of  no  Sex  —  Truth  is  of  no  Color  —  God  is  the  Father  
of  us  all,  and  we  are  all  brethren.”  He  advocated  equal  education  for  black  children,  who  
received  virtually  no  funding  for  education.  As  his  reputation  grew,  Douglass  became  an  
advisor  to  Abraham  Lincoln  and  Andrew  Johnson.  Douglass  led  a  growing  movement  that  
caused  a  split  in  the  Abolitionist  movement.  Douglass  and  others  believed  the  US  Constitution  
was  an  anti-­slavery  document,  while  William  Lloyd  Garrison  believed  it  was  a  pro-­slavery  
document.  In  addition,  Garrison  believed  that  The  North  Star  was  competing  for  readers  with  
his  own  newspaper,  the  National  Anti-­Slavery  Standard.  

By  the  time  of  the  start  of  the  Civil  War,  Douglass  was  one  of  the  nation’s  most  prominent  
black  men.  Later,  The  North  Star  was  merged  with  other  newspapers  and  was  called  the  
Frederick  Douglass  Paper.  Douglass  believed  the  primary  cause  of  the  Civil  War  was  to  
liberate  the  slaves.  After  Lincoln  issued  the  Emancipation  Proclamation,  Douglass  continued  
in  the  fight  for  the  rights  of  the  freed  slaves.    
Following  the  war,  Douglass  was  made  president  of  the  Freedmen’s  Bureau  Savings  Bank.  
Frederick’s  wife,  Anne  Murray,  died  in  1881,  but  he  remarried  Helen  Pitts,  a  white  abolitionist,  
in  1884.  In  1895,  Douglass  died  of  a  heart  attack  at  his  home  in  Washington.  

1.    Why  was  Mr.  Freeman  significant  in  Frederick’s  life?    

A.   Mr.  Freeman  gave  Frederick  his  freedom
B.   Mr.  Freeman  introduced  Frederick  to  Anne  Murray
C.   Mr.  Freeman  sent  him  to  England
D.   Mr.  Freeman  allowed  Frederick  to  teach  other  slaves  to  read

2.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  relationship  between  Frederick  
and  William  Lloyd  Garrison?    
A.  They  were  great  supporters  of  each  other  throughout  their  lives
B.  Although  they  fought  for  the  same  cause,  they  had  major  differences    
C.  Although  they  fought  for  different  causes,  they  had  much  that  brought  them  
together
D.  Throughout  his  life,  Frederick  was  unimpressed  with  Garrison  
 
3.   How  did  Frederick  officially  become  a  free  man?    
A.  He  escaped  to  New  York
B.  He  wrote  an  important,  best-­selling  book
C.  He  joined  the  abolitionist  cause  with  William  Lloyd  Garrison
D.  Some  of  his  supporters  in  England  paid  for  his  freedom

4.   Which  was  NOT  true  about  Frederick  Douglass?        

A.  He  believed  the  U.S.  Constitution  was  pro-­slavery  

B.  He  was  advisor  to  two  presidents  
C.  He  published  the  anti-­slavery  newspaper  The  North  Star  
D.  His  ideas  were  partly  responsible  for  a  split  in  the  Abolitionist  movement  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  could  be  answered  with  “ending  slavery?”  
A.  What  did  Frederick  Douglass  lecture  about  in  England?      
B.  What  did  Frederick  Douglass  try  to  accomplish  after  the  Civil  War?    
C.  What  did  Frederick  Douglass  believe  was  the  purpose  of  the  Civil  War?    
D.  What  was  Frederick’s  most  personal  accomplishment?      
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  the  best  translation  of  Frederick’s  motto?    
Right  is  of  no  Sex  —  Truth  is  of  no  Color  —  God  is  the  Father  of  us  all,  and  we  are  all  
brethren

A.  All  people,  regardless  of  color  are  related  under  God    

B.  All  people,  regardless  of  whether  or  not  they  were  slaves,  are  related  under  
God    
C.  All  people,  regardless  or  their  color,  or,  whether  they  are  men  or  women,  are  
 related  under  God    
D.  All  people,  regardless  of  color,  or,  whether  they  are  men  or  women  must  
believe  in  God  
Birth of a Pirate – Sir Francis Drake Reading Comprehension

Sir Francis Drake was born sometime around 1540 as the son of a Puritan farmer. Drake taught himself
navigation as the navigator of a small merchant vessel early in his career. He also served as an officer aboard
a West African slave vessel. In 1567, Drake and his cousin, John Hawkins, were attacked by a Spanish ship in
the Gulf of Mexico. The Spaniards took all of their sea vessels, though they allowed Drake and Hawkins to
escape with their lives. At the time, the Spaniards had no idea that failing to kill Drake would prove so costly to
the entire Spanish Empire. From that point on, Drake developed a hatred for Catholic Spaniards and devised
plans to seek revenge.

Plundering Spanish Treasure Ships

In 1572, Queen Elizabeth commissioned Drake to work as a privateer in attacking Spanish ports and shipping.
Drake left England for the Caribbean Sea with two ships and 73 sailors. After an unsuccessful attempt to attack
the Spaniards in present-day Nicaragua, Drake formulated new plans to attack a Spanish vessel carrying
hoards of gold brought back from Mexico. After successfully heisting the gold, he then sailed back to England
and brought the spoils back to Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth promptly appointed Drake as the leader of
an expedition to sail around (circumnavigate) the world. As part of the circumnavigation, Drake made further
plans to plunder Spanish interests.

Circumnavigation

On December 17, 1577, Drake left England with three ships and two supply ships and started his
circumnavigation. The voyage got off to a poor start. Terrible weather prompted some of the crew to stage a
mutiny (to take over the ship). The mutiny was unsuccessful, and when Drake reached the west coast of South
America, he had the leader of the mutiny, Thomas Doughty, beheaded.

After the mutiny, Drake’s ship, now named the Golden Hind, sailed for Valparaiso, Chile. The ship encountered
Spanish sea vessels carrying gold. The Spanish ships could not identify the Golden Hind as a pirate ship
because of rainy weather and because the Golden Hind had been ravaged by bad weather. As a result, Drake
plundered the Spanish vessel and proceeded to plunder the Spanish port at Callo. Drake also learned of the
location of a huge Spanish galleon named Cacafuego that was sailing toward Panama. Drake made plans to
attack Cacafuego.

Attack on Cacafuego

On March 3, 1579, the Golden Hind demolished Cacafuego with cannon fire off the coast of Panama. Drake
confiscated an unbelievable amount of precious metals and jewels from Cacafuego—80 pounds of gold, two
tons of silver, pearls, and precious stones. Afterward, Drake sailed to California to repair his ship. He claimed
the area, thought to be near San Francisco, for the English crown. Drake’s return trip to England took over a
year. Not only did he become the first explorer to make the journey around the world, but upon his return,
despite the demands of the Spanish crown to have him beheaded, Queen Elizabeth made him a knight. After
the circumnavigation, Drake was made commander of a fleet of English ships that continued to plunder
Spanish sea vessels and steal their gold. When Spain declared war on England in 1585, Francis Drake led a
thunderous assault at the Spanish port of Cadiz and scored another major victory when the Spanish Armada
attempted to invade the English Channel.

Legacy

Many believe Francis Drake was the main reason the English defeated the vaunted Spanish Armada. He died
in 1596 from dysentery off the coast of Panama.
1. Why did Sir Francis Drake develop disdain for the Spanish?
A. Because his ship was attacked and confiscated by the Spanish in the Gulf of
Mexico
B. Because he planned to seek revenge on the Spanish
C. Because he served as an officer on a West Indies slave vessel
D. Because Spain declared war on England in 1585

2. How did the Spanish make a mistake in allowing Drake to live after
capturing his ship in 1567?
A. Because Sir Francis Drake would declare war on Spain
B. Because Sir Francis Drake would complete a circumnavigation
C. Because Sir Francis Drake would have a major impact on the future of the
Spanish Empire
D. Because Drake would be knighted by Queen Elizabeth

3. Which word used in the second paragraph means the same as “stealing?”
A. heisting
B. spoils
C. circumnavigation
D. privateer

4. When did Drake complete the circumnavigation?

A. 1577
B. 1578
C. 1579
D. 1580

5. Which of the following is NOT true?

A. Francis Drake served as a privateer for the Queen of England
B. Francis Drake frequently plundered Spanish treasure vessels
C. Francis Drake won several important battles against the Spanish military
D. Queen Elizabeth made Drake a knight before he completed the
circumnavigation

6. For which of the following questions would “80 pounds of gold, two tons of
silver, pearls, and precious stones,” be the answer?
A. What did Sir Francis Drake plunder at Cadiz?
B. What did Sir Francis Drake plunder from Callo?
C. What did Sir Francis Drake find in California?
D. What did Sir Francis Drake plunder from Cacafuego?
7. Which of the following could be a description of Drake as published in a
Spanish textbook?
A. Sir Francis Drake was a national hero who helped the British Empire defeat
the vaunted Spanish Armada
B. Sir Francis Drake was a former privateer who rose to the level of a military
commander and became a hero in both England and Spain
C. Sir Francis Drake was a bloodthirsty, merciless privateer who made it his life’s
mission to destroy the world’s greatest empire
D. Drake was considered a hero to many and was the first explorer to complete a
circumnavigation of the world
  
 
Eratosthenes  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Eratosthenes  was  a  librarian,  poet,  mathematician,  and  astronomer.    He  was  born  in  a  
Greek  colony  called  Cyrene—located  in  modern  day  Libya—in  276  BC.    When  he  was  
40  years  old,  he  became  the  chief  librarian  of  the  Library  of  Alexandria,  an  enormous  
repository  of  information  from  a  myriad  of  locations  and  intellects.    He  continued  
collecting  information  throughout  his  lifetime  and  eventually  contributed  some  findings  
of  his  own.  
 
Eratosthenes  is  credited  with  inventing  the  filed  of  geography  and  developed  the  first  
system  of  latitude  and  longitude  for  plotting  precise  locations  on  Earth.  In  his  system  it  
was  possible  to  estimate  the  distance  from  any  known  points  on  Earth  at  the  time.  He  
also  calculated  the  angle  of  Earth’s  tilt  and  documented  a  catalog  of  675  stars.  His  
“sieve,”  known  today  in  math  classrooms  as  the  Sieve  of  Eratosthenes  is  a  method  to  
quickly  and  efficiently  find  prime  numbers.    In  the  sieve,  a  list  of  consecutive  integers  is  
generated  starting  with  two  and  ending  with  any  number  (n).  After  two,  every  second  
number  of  the  list  is  crossed  out  (even  numbers).  Since  the  next  number  is  three,  every  
third  number  is  crossed  out  in  the  next  step.  Four  is  crossed  out,  but  five  is  next,  so  
every  fifth  number  is  crossed  out.  As  the  pattern  continues,  composite  (non-­prime)  
numbers  are  crossed  out  and  prime  numbers  such  as  5,  7,  9,  11,  13,  17,  and  onward  
are  left  behind.    
 
Eratosthenes’  most  important  contribution,  however,  may  have  been  his  calculation  of  
Earth’s  circumference  using  geometry  and  trigonometry.    Eratosthenes  noticed  that  at  
noon  on  the  summer  solstice  in  an  Egyptian  well,  the  sun’s  rays  shone  directly  into  the  
well  and  lit  up  the  water—meaning  that  at  that  day  and  time,  the  sun  was  right  above  
the  well.    He  then  put  up  a  tall  pole  in  Alexandria  that  cast  a  shadow  on  the  summer  
solstice,  meaning  that  the  sun  was  positioned  slightly  south  from  the  pole.    After  
measuring  the  distance  between  the  well  and  the  pole  and  taking  into  account  the  
Earth’s  spherical  nature,  Eratosthenes  measured  the  angle  of  the  sun’s  rays  on  the  
day  of  the  solstice  and  related  that  in  a  proportion  to  the  circumference  of  the  Earth.    
His  calculation,  while  not  totally  airtight,  yielded  a  high  degree  of  accuracy.  The  same  
calculations  performed  today,  with  accurate  data,  result  in  the  circumference  of  the  
Earth  measuring  only  66  kilometers  off  from  its  actual,  accepted  circumference.    
 
Eratosthenes  died  at  the  age  of  82.    Although  most  of  his  original  writings  have  been  
lost  to  history,  we  do  have  evidence  of  his  mathematical  work  and  astronomical  
findings  which  are  highly  relevant  in  both  fields  today.  
 
 
  
   
1.   Which  of  the  following  is  OMITTED  from  the  passage?      
A.  Information  about  the  childhood  of  Eratosthenes    
B.  Information  about  Eratosthenes’s  job  in  Alexandria  
C.  Information  about  his  contributions  to  the  field  of  geography      
D.  Information  about  his  contributions  to  mathematics      
 
2.   What  does  “repository”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
When  he  was  40  years  old,  he  became  the  chief  librarian  of  the  Library  of  
Alexandria,  an  enormous  repository  of  information  from  a  myriad  of  locations  
and  intellects.  
                       
A.  mystery    
B.  place  where  things  are  stored    
C.  sanctuary      
D.  religious  dome        
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  how  the  Sieve  of  Eratosthenes  
works?                        
A.  Multiples  of  composite  numbers  are  used  to  filter  out  prime  numbers      
B.  Multiples  of  some  prime  numbers  and  some  composite  numbers  are  used  to  
filter  out  the  prime  numbers  
C.  Multiples  of  prime  numbers  are  used  to  filter  out  composite  numbers  
D.  Multiples  of  prime  numbers  are  used  to  filter  out  the  remaining  prime  numbers  
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  true  about  the  Sieve  of  Eratosthenes?          
A.  It  starts  with  “n”  and  end  in  100  
B.  It  stars  with  2  and  ends  in  “n”    
C.  It  starts  with  2  and  ends  in  100          
D.  It  starts  and  ends  with  any  numbers  (n)      
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  would  most  likely  be  taught  in  a  geography  class?      
A.    The  calculation  of  the  Earth’s  circumference  
B.    The  Sieve  of  Eratosthenes  
C.    The  catalog  of  stars  
D.    The  development  of  latitude  and  longitude  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  a  reasonable  inference?  
A.  Most  of  the  discoveries  made  by  Eratosthenes  were  relatively  simple  and  
required  little  knowledge  of  mathematics.    
B.  The  angle  of  the  sun’s  rays  on  the  summer  solstice  could  not  be  related  to  the  
circumference  of  the  Earth  because  of  the  Earth’s  spherical  nature  
C.  The  method  Eratosthenes  used  to  calculate  the  circumference  of  the  Earth  
was  sound,  although  the  data  available  may  have  been  inaccurate  
D.  The  method  Eratosthenes  used  to  calculate  the  Earth  has  proven  to  be  
somewhat  flawed,  although  the  data  he  used  was  accurate  
 
 
7.   In  which  of  the  following  textbooks  would  you  expect  to  learn  about  
Eratosthenes?              
A.  Greek  History:  The  Rise  and  Fall  of  an  Incredible  Empire  
B.  The  New  World:  How  the  Discovery  of  Ancient  Texts  Influenced  World  
Progress  
C.  Early  Progress:  How  Greek  Mathematicians  Used  Advanced  Math  to  
Understand  Properties  of  Earth    
D.  The  Sun,  the  Moon,  and  The  Stars:  A  Beginner’s  Guide  to  Understanding  
Space      
  
 
Fibonacci  Sequence  Reading  Comprehension  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Named  for  an  Italian  mathematician,  the  Fibonacci  Sequence  is  a  set  of  numbers  that  
follow  a  very  specific  mathematic  rule:  the  next  number  in  the  sequence  is  the  sum  of  
the  two  numbers  before  it.    For  example,  if  the  first  two  numbers  in  the  sequence  are  1  
and  1,  the  next  number  would  be  1+1,  or  2.    Subsequently,  the  next  number  would  be  
1+2,  or  3,  and  so  on.    The  sequence  goes  for  infinity  as  numbers  are  added  one  at  a  
time:  1,  1,  2,  3,  5,  8,  13,  21,  34…  
 
What  makes  the  sequence  so  interesting  is  that  its  main  applications  are  not  found  with  
a  pencil  and  paper;;  rather,  multiple  real-­life  examples  of  the  Fibonacci  sequence  can  
be  observed  in  nature.    The  number  of  petals  on  a  flower  tend  to  follow  the  Fibonacci  
sequence,  as  do  the  proportions  of  the  human  body.    Spiral  shapes  also  fall  neatly  into  
this  pattern:  the  number  of  spirals  found  in  pine  cones,  pineapples,  and  the  insides  of  
sunflowers  usually  follow  the  Fibonacci  sequence.    Further,  many  spirals  in  nature  tend  
to  start  off  very  tightly  coiled  and  then  gradually  move  more  and  more  outward  as  they  
go  on  –  these  spirals  are  called  Fibonacci  spirals  because  they  become  larger  in  
relation  to  the  Fibonacci  sequence.  
 
One  of  the  most  interesting  applications  of  the  Fibonacci  sequence  is  present  in  
architecture—the  golden  rectangle.    The  golden  rectangle  is  said  to  be  the  most  
aesthetically  pleasing  rectangle  because  of  the  ratio  of  its  length  to  width  –  about  1.61.    
A  golden  rectangle  is  created  by  adding  squares  to  an  existing  rectangle  in  the  order  of  
the  Fibonacci  sequence.    For  example,  we  would  start  with  a  1x1  square  and  add  
another  1x1  square  to  that,  as  per  the  first  two  numbers  of  the  sequence.    The  next  
number  in  the  sequence  is  2,  so  we  would  add  a  2x2  square  to  the  existing  rectangle.    
We  would  then  add  a  3x3  square,  and  then  a  5x5  square,  and  so  on.    No  matter  how  
many  new  squares  we  added  to  the  rectangle,  the  ratio  of  length  to  width  would  remain  
the  same,  creating  a  rectangle  that  mirrors  the  unique  Fibonacci  patterns  in  nature.      
 
1.   Which  of  the  following  best  explains  the  Fibonacci  Sequence?    
a.   The  previous  number  is  the  sum  of  the  two  numbers  after  it  
b.   The  next  number  is  the  sum  of  the  two  numbers  after  it  
c.   The  next  number  is  the  sum  of  the  two  numbers  before  it  
d.   The  previous  number  is  the  sum  of  two  numbers  near  it  
 
 
 
 
 2.   What  pattern  does  not  fit  the  Fibonacci  sequence?    
a.   13,  21,  34,  55,  89…  
b.   21,  34,  55,  89,  146…  
c.   1,  1,  2,  3,  5,  8,  13….  
d.   All  of  the  above  follow  the  Fibonacci  sequence  
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  questions  lacks  elaboration  in  the  third  paragraph?  
a.   What  are  Fibonacci  spirals?      
b.   What  are  examples  in  nature  of  the  Fibonacci  sequence?    
c.   How  do  the  proportions  of  the  human  body  follow  the  Fibonacci  sequence?      
d.   What  is  interesting  about  the  Fibonacci  sequence?    
 
4.   What  word  or  words  in  the  first  paragraph  could  be  replaced  by  the  word  
“then?”    
a.   sequence  
b.   For  example  
c.   next  
d.   subsequently  
 
5.   What  is  true  about  the  golden  rectangle?      
a.   The  width  of  the  golden  rectangle  will  change  according  to  the  number  of  
squares  added  to  it  
b.   Its  ratio  of  length  to  width  does  not  change  regardless  of  its  size  
c.   The  height  of  the  golden  rectangle  will  change  according  to  the  number  of  
squares  added  to  it  
d.   The  ratio  of  width  to  height  in  a  golden  rectangle  is  1.61  
 
6.   In  what  paragraph  is  biographical  information  about  Fibonacci  given?    
a.   Introductory  paragraph  
b.   Middle  paragraph  
c.   Last  paragraph  
d.   None  of  the  paragraphs  give  biographical  information  about  Fibonacci  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  do  you  think  is  closest  to  a  golden  rectangle?      
 

                                                         
 FORT TICONDEROGA Reading Comprehension
Fort Ticonderoga was a small, dilapidated British fort maintained by the British at the southern tip of Lake Champlain in
upstate New York. It was a strategically important fort in the French and Indian War and was known then known as Fort
Carillon.

Although it was manned by only 48 British soldiers, American forces recognized its geographic importance and its cache
of cannons, guns, and other weapons. Fort Ticonderoga was located in a strategically important route between the
colonies and England’s northern provinces (today Canada). The Massachusetts Committee of Safety authorized a secret
mission that would be led by Colonel Benedict Arnold to seize the fort. Arnold helped in the effort to recruit 400 soldiers.

As Arnold’s mission traveled north, he learned that Connecticut had also planned a mission to seize the fort that was led
by Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys from Vermont. When Arnold finally reached Allen, the two worked out an
agreement to share command of the mission. On May 10th, 1775, Allen, Arnold, and 83 soldiers raided Fort Ticonderoga.
The British soldiers, sleeping inside the fort, offered no resistance. No one was killed in the raid. After the surrender, as
many as four hundred additional American soldiers arrived at the fort, promptly destroying it in search of liquor. Arnold
was infuriated by the lack of discipline and regard by the Green Mountain Boys. Several of them became so sick of
Arnold that they apparently drew their swords. Ethan Allen would take credit for the entire operation.

On May 11, Arnold led the seizure of nearby Fort Crown Point, which yielded more weapons and cannons. The first of
Arnold’s many perceived snubs occurred when he was relieved of command of the fort by Benjamin Hinman, who had
come with 1,000 troops to help rebuild it.

Despite Arnold’s disappointment, the weapons obtained from the seizures of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point would
prove extremely useful to the American cause. Commander in Chief of Continental forces George Washington put
Colonel Henry Knox in charge of transporting the weapons for the defense of Boston. Knox and his men dragged 59
cannons on ox-drawn sleds over 300 miles from Fort Ticonderoga, through Albany, N.Y., and the mountains of
Massachusetts, to Boston. The trip took 56 days. The entire load weighed more than 60 tons. When the cannons arrived in
Boston, Washington ordered them positioned atop Dorchester Heights, overlooking the British fleet in the harbor below.
On the night of March 4, 1776, Dorchester Heights would be fortified by 1,200 soldiers and the cannons were moved into
place— all of which went unnoticed by the British. The British, astonished by the enormity of the work completed by the
Patriots, were eventually forced to leave Boston and sail back to British territory in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada).
1.)   Where was Fort Ticonderoga?
a.)   Massachusetts
b.)   Connecticut
c.)   Boston
d.)   New York

2.)   Why was Fort Ticonderoga important?

a.)   It was a located along an important communication route between the Northern colonies and
Southern colonies
b.)   There were cannons, guns, and other weapons stored there.
c.)   Hundreds of British troops were stationed there.
d.)   Secret plans were hidden there.

3.)   Who or what authorized the seizure of the fort?

a.)   the Green Mountain Boys
b.)   the Massachusetts Committee of Safety
c.)   Parliament
d.)   Benedict Arnold

4.)   Why was Benedict Arnold angry after the seizure of Fort Ticonderoga?
a.)   He thought people were killed needlessly.
b.)   He thought the Green Mountain Boys showed a lack of discipline.
c.)   The British soldiers disrespected him.
d.)   He thought the Green Mountain Boys deserved more credit.

5.)   Which of the following best describes the British soldiers in the fort during the seizure?
a.)   They fled the fort.
b.)   They fought valiantly.
c.)   They didn't fight at all.
d.)   They defeated the Americans.

6.)   Where were the weapons seized from Fort Ticonderoga used?
a.)   Boston
b.)   Connecticut
c.)   Fort Crown Point
d.)   Vermont

7.)   What does the word “yielded” mean in the following sentence?

On May 11, Arnold led the seizure of nearby Fort Crown Point, which yielded more weapons and
cannons.

a.)   provided
b.)   nullified
c.)   destroyed
d.)   traveled
 8.)   Which of the following is NOT true?
a.)   It took 56 days to get the weapons to Boston.
b.)   The cannons were dragged on ox-drawn sleds.
c.)   Benedict Arnold was in charge of transporting the weapons to Boston.
d.)   The entire load weighed over 60 tons.

9.)   Why did the British leave Boston?

a.)   They were outnumbered.
b.)   They needed reinforcements.
c.)   There was nothing left to accomplish there.
d.)   Their fleet was threatened by the cannons on Dorchester Heights.

10.) When was Fort Crown Point seized?

a.)   1776
b.)   After the cannons were dragged to Boston.
c.)   Before Fort Ticonderoga was seized.
d.)   Before Henry Knox was put in charge of transporting the weapons to Boston.
 
                    

Federalist  Papers  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

 
After  Delaware  and  Pennsylvania  ratified  the  Constitution,  other  states  began  
considering  their  options.  Some  states  were  not  sure  if  signing  the  Constitution  was  in  
their  best  interest.  In  an  attempt  to  persuade  the  eleven  other  states  to  ratify,  
Alexander  Hamilton,  James  Madison  and  John  Jay  (mostly  Hamilton  and  Madison  
though)  wrote  the  eighty-­five  essays  known  as  the  Federalist  Papers.  They  were  
published  in  New  York  newspapers.  The  esteemed  authors  were  referred  to  as  
“publius”.  

The  Federalist  Papers  are  considered  one  of  the  greatest  contributions  to  American  
democracy,  Federalism  and  governmental  theory.  The  Federalist  Papers  were  
extremely  effective  in  outlining  both  the  defects  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation  and  the  
advantages  of  the  newly  proposed  Constitution  as  advocated  by  the  authors.  
Alexander  Hamilton,  in  particular,  was  instrumental  in  explaining  the  functions  of  the  
three  branches  of  the  new  government  –  the  executive,  legislative  and  judicial.  In  
addition,  the  authors  enumerate  important  aspects  of  a  functioning  government  such  
as  a  system  of  checks  and  balances  (so  no  individual  gets  too  much  power),  
federalism  (a  system  where  there  is  a  central  government  and  regional  governments),  
separated  powers,  pluralism  (a  system  in  which  there  are  multiple  sources  of  power)  
and  representation.  

Some  call  the  Federalist  Papers  the  greatest  public  relations  campaign  in  history.  Only  
two  years  after  the  papers  were  published,  Rhode  Island  became  the  last  of  the  
colonies  to  ratify.  

1.   Why  did  Hamilton,  Madison,  and  Jay  write  the  Federalist  Papers?      
A.   To  convince  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware  to  ratify  the  Constitution
B.   To  convince  the  other  states  to  consider  their  options
C.   To  convince  the  other  states  to  ratify  the  Constitution  
D.   To  establish  “Publius”  as  esteemed  authors
 
2.   What  does  “enumerate”  mean  as  used  in  the  following  sentence?

In  addition,  the  authors  enumerate  important  aspects  of  a  functioning  

government  such  as  a  system  of  checks  and  balances  (so  no  individual  gets  too  
much  power),  federalism,  separated  powers,  pluralism  and  representation.  

A.  Depart
B.  Debate
C.  Decide
D.  List
  
3.   The  Federalist  Papers…
A.  was  written  as  a  replacement  for  the  Articles  of  Confederation.
B.  effectively  outlined  what  was  flawed  about  the  Articles  of  Confederation.
C.  was  written  to  explain  the  Articles  of  Confederation.
D.  was  written  to  add  to  the  volumes  of  governmental  theory.  

4.   Which  of  the  following  is  an  accurate  reflection  of  the  Federalist  Papers?  

A.  The  essays  were  largely  written  by  Hamilton  and  Madison  with  a  minor  
contribution  from  John  Jay.  
B.  The  essays  were  largely  written  by  Hamilton  with  minor  contributions  from  
Madison  and  Jay.    
C.  The  essays  were  exclusively  written  by  Hamilton  and  Madison.    
D.  The  essays  were  written  with  equal  contributions  from  all  three  authors.    
 
5.   The  authors  of  the  Federalist  papers  were…    
A.  ultimately  unsuccessful  in  their  original  goal.  
B.  ultimately  successful  in  accomplishing  their  original  goal.    
C.  partially  successful  in  accomplishing  their  goal,  but  only  time  will  tell.  
D.  not  actually  consequential  to  the  ratification  of  the  Constitution.    
 
6.   Why  do  some  call  the  Federalist  Papers  the  “greatest  public  relations  
campaign  in  history?”    
A.  Because  it  made  sure  that  to  include  a  system  of  check  and  balances  into  the  
government  
B.  Because  it  effectively  explained  the  executive,  legislative,  and  judicial  
branches  of  the  new  government  
C.  Because  it  made  Alexander  Hamilton  and  James  Madison  two  of  the  most  
important  people  in  American  history  
D.  Because  it  had  the  effect  of  convincing  the  remaining  states  to  ratify  America’s  
laws  and  join  together  become  one  country  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  was  not  explained  in  the  Federalist  Papers?    
A.  That  a  functioning  government  has  multiple  sources  of  power  rather  than  all  of  
the  power  invested  in  a  single  person    
B.  That  a  functioning  government  can  not  allow  for  regional  governments  
C.  That  a  functioning  government  requires  that  power  not  be  controlled  by  a  
single  person    
D.  That  a  functioning  government  requires  a  separation  of  powers.        
  
GALAXIES  Reading  Comprehension  
Overview  
A  galaxy  is  a  massive  complex,  or  system,  of  stars,  remnants  of  stars,  an  interstellar  medium  of  gas  
and  dust,  and  dark  matter.  Some  include  multiple  star  systems,  clusters,  and  interstellar  clouds.  
Galaxies  are  bound  by  gravity  and  contain  millions  to  trillions  of  stars.  The  size  of  some  galaxies  are  
measured  in  units  called  parsecs,  while  others  are  measured  in  light-­years.  One  parsec  is  equivalent  
to  about  19  trillion  miles  (31  trillion  kilometers).  An  average  galaxy  may  extend  from  1,000–100,000  
parsecs.  A  light-­year  is  the  distance  that  light  travels  in  an  Earth  year.  Light  travels  at  nearly  300,000  
kilometers  per  second  (180,000  miles).  If  you  were  to  calculate  the  actual  size  of  a  galaxy  using  
numbers  rather  than  the  aforementioned  units,  the  resulting  figure  would  be  impossible  to  understand  
or  conceptualize.  Galaxies  are  usually  separated  by  spaces  that  extend  over  millions  of  parsecs.  
These  vast  spaces  are  called  intergalactic  spaces.  Despite  the  vast  distances  between  them,  
galaxies  are  often  organized  into  clusters  and  superclusters.  Clusters  and  superclusters  are  then  
organized  into  sheets  and  filaments.  A  filament,  defined  as  structures  that  form  the  boundaries  
between  large  voids  in  the  universe,  are  the  largest  known  structures  in  the  universe.  

Types  of  Galaxies  

Galaxies  are  usually  classified  according  to  their  shape.  Elliptical  galaxies  are  round;;  spiral  galaxies  
are  characterized  by  their  long,  spiraling  arms;;  and  peculiar  galaxies  are  shaped  irregularly,  likely  
because  of  the  gravitational  pull  of  a  nearby  galaxy.  Scientists  estimate  the  presence  of  100  billion  
galaxies  in  the  universe.  

Dark  Matter  
About  90  percent  of  the  mass  of  an  average  galaxy  is  made  of  up  mysterious,  invisible  masses  called  
dark  matter.  Dark  matter  is  hypothetical;;  its  actual  existence  is  simply  scientific  and  mathematical  
conjecture  (educated  guess).  Only  its  gravitational  effects  on  visible  objects  can  be  observed  (such  
as  the  rotational  curves  of  spiral  galaxies).  Some  scientists  think  dark  matter  is  concentrated  in  huge  
masses  such  as  black  holes.  

Our  Galaxy  
Our  solar  system  lies  within  the  Milky  Way  galaxy.  The  Milky  Way  galaxy  contains  over  200  billion  
stars  and  has  a  diameter  of  up  to  120,000  light-­years.  Our  solar  system  orbits  around  the  Milky  Way  
once  every  200–250  million  years.  You  can  see  the  Milky  Way  galaxy  on  a  clear  night.  It  looks  like  a  
milky-­white  band  across  the  night  sky.  The  center  of  the  galaxy  is  located  in  the  direction  of  the  
constellation  Sagittarius.  The  Milky  Way  is  thought  to  be  nearly  as  old  as  the  universe  itself.  Some  
estimates  age  the  galaxy  at  over  13  billion  years.  It  is  part  of  a  cluster  of  galaxies  known  as  the  Local  
Group.  Two  smaller  galaxies  and  a  number  of  dwarf  galaxies  actually  orbit  the  Milky  Way,  the  largest  
of  which  is  called  the  Large  Magellanic  Cloud.  Considered  an  irregular  galaxy,  the  Large  Magellanic  
Cloud  is  thought  to  be  about  160,000  light-­years  away  from  the  Milky  Way.  Although  our  Milky  Way  is  
ten  times  larger,  scientists  estimate  that  10  billion  suns  could  fit  in  the  Large  Magellanic  Cloud.  The  
galaxy  was  first  observed  by  explorer  Ferdinand  Magellan,  whom  the  galaxy  is  named  for,  and  looks  
like  a  small  night  cloud  in  the  Southern  Hemisphere.  
  

1.)  The  shape  of  irregular  galaxies  is  likely   6.)  Our  galaxy  is  part  of  a  group  of  galaxies  
caused  by  the  _____  of  nearby  galaxies.   called  the  ____.  
   
a.)  gravitational  pull   a.)  Milky  Way  
b.)  orbit   b.)  Large  Magellanic  Cloud  
c.)   size   c.)   Solar  System  
d.)  rotation   d.)  Local  Group  
   
2.)  The  largest  known  structures  in  the   7.)  Galaxies  are  measured  in  units  called  
universe  are  called  _____.   ____.  
   
a.)  sheets   a.)  meters  
b.)  filaments   b.)  parsecs  
c.)   galaxies   c.)   miles  
d.)  solar  systems   d.)  dark  matter  
   
3.)  A  light-­year  is  the  _____  in  which  light   8.)  The  existence  of  dark  matter  is  
travels  in  one  year.   "hypothetical."  What  does  hypothetical  
  mean  in  this  instance?  
a.)  distance    
b.)  speed   a.)  impossible  
c.)   volume   b.)  definite  
d.)  velocity   c.)   calculated  
  d.)  possible  
4.)  The  Large  Magellanic  Cloud  is  a  ____    
that  orbits  the  _____.   9.)  Galaxies  are  mostly  made  of  __.  
   
a.)  galaxy;;  sun   a.)  constellations  
b.)  star;;  Milky  Way   b.)  planets  
c.)   galaxy;;  Milky  War   c.)   stars  
d.)  star;;  sun   d.)  dark  matter  
   
5.)  Spaces  in  between  galaxies  are  called   10.)  Galaxies  are  normally  classified  by  
_____.   their  ____.  
   
a.)  solar  systems   a.)  age  
b.)  clusters   b.)  shape  
c.)   intergalactic  spaces   c.)   size  
d.)  interstellar  clouds   d.)  stars  
   
 
  
 
History  of  Google  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Google  began  as  a  research  project  conducted  in  January  1996  by  Larry  Page  and  
Sergey  Brin.    Page  and  Brin  were  PhD  students  at  Stanford  University  who  were  
looking  to  shift  the  mindset  of  a  traditional  search  engine.    At  the  time,  search  engines  
ordered  results  for  a  search  based  on  the  number  of  times  the  search  term  appeared  
on  the  page;;  Page  and  Brin  wanted  to  do  things  differently.    They  developed  a  system  
called  PageRank  which  returned  search  results  based  on  the  relevance  of  pages  with  
the  search  term.  It  determined  relevance  based  on  the  number  of  links  to  the  page  and  
the  relevance  of  pages  linking  back.    In  other  words,  if  a  certain  page  was  linked  to  
frequently,  and  the  pages  that  linked  to  it  were  themselves  important,  it  would  appear  
at  the  top  of  search  results.    
 
The  search  engine’s  first  name  was  BackRub  because  of  the  backlinks  used  by  the  
system  when  determining  website  relevance;;  the  name  Google  evolved  a  little  later  as  
a  misspelling  of  the  number  googol—the  number  one  followed  by  one  hundred  zeroes.    
Page  and  Brin  wanted  to  create  the  impression  that  their  site  provided  a  large  amount  
of  information,  and  the  reference  to  googol  did  exactly  that.  
 
The  website  name  for  Google  was  initially  registered  under  Stanford  University  as  
google.stanford.edu  or  z.stanford.edu;;  Google’s  domain  name  was  eventually  
registered  in  September  1997.    The  company  aspect  integrated  with  the  website  
aspect  in  September  1998  and  was  initially  based  out  of  a  friend’s  garage.      The  
company  was  initially  funded  was  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  August  1998  from  
the  co-­founder  of  Microsystems,  and  major  investors  pitched  in  twenty-­five  million  
dollars  in  June  1999.    Google’s  initial  public  offering  –  a  time  when  shares,  or  pieces  of  
the  overall  company,  are  sold  to  investors—took  place  in  2004,  further  expanding  the  
scope  of  the  company  from  a  single  search  engine  to  a  more  global  enterprise.      
 
Over  the  years,  Google  has  continued  to  grow.    By  2009,  people  were  conducting  over  
a  billion  searches  per  day.  The  company  has  expanded  from  a  search  engine  to  a  
series  of  applications  and  products  such  as  Gmail  (e-­mail),  Chrome  (web  browser)  
Drive  (a  file-­sharing  and  storage  system),  and  many  others.    It’s  most  profitable  
component  is  its  advertising  service  known  as  Adwords  for  those  who  place  ads  using  
Google,  and  AdSense  for  the  websites  and  search  pages  the  ads  appear  on.  As  of  
October  2016,  seventy  offices  in  over  forty  countries  keep  the  search  engine  and  
associated  Google  products  running  smoothly.      
 
 
 
  
1.   How  was  the  search  engine  developed  by  Brin  and  Page  different  from  
previous  search  engines?          
A.  It  ranked  results  based  on  the  number  of  times  search  terms  appeared  
B.  It  ranked  results  based  on  how  popular  the  search  terms  were  
C.  It  ranked  results  based  on  the  number  of  links  on  a  certain  page  
D.  It  ranked  results  based  on  the  the  relevance  of  the  page  with  the  search  terms  
 
2.   Which  of  the  following  would  rank  highest  in  Google  search  results  if  
someone  types  in  “Best  Pizza  in  Chicago?”                
A.  A  page  that  sells  pizza  in  Chicago  
B.  A  page  with  the  phrase  “Best  Pizza  in  Chicago”  several  times  
C.  A  page  that  is  linked  to  by  popular  Chicago  food  websites  
D.  A  page  that  advertises  its  pizza  on  the  radio        
 
3.   What  is  ironic  about  how  Google  got  its  name?                    
A.  The  creators  of  Google  wanted  to  create  an  impression  that  Google  contained  
a  lot  of  information      
B.  A  googol  is  the  number  one  with  100  zeroes  after  it        
C.  It  evolved  from  the  misspelling  of  the  term  “googol.”    
D.  It  was  named  by  PhD  students  Larry  Page  and  Sergey  Brin      
 
4.   Which  paragraph  explains  the  transition  of  Google  from  a  search  engine  to  
a  corporation?        
A.  First  
B.  Second  
C.  Third    
D.  Fourth  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  statistics  within  the  passage  is  outdated?              
A.  The  statistic  that  tells  the  amount  of  Google’s  initial  funding  
B.  The  statistic  that  tells  the  number  of  searches  people  conduct  per  day      
C.  The  statistic  that  tells  the  amount  of  money  major  investors  pitched  in  to  help  
Google  grow    
D.  The  statistic  that  tells  the  number  of  zeroes  in  Googol  
 
6.   What  question  is  NOT  answered?        
A.  What  are  some  other  products  made  by  Google?    
B.  How  many  people  created  Google?    
C.  Who  was  the  co-­founder  of  Microsystems?    
D.  Why  was  2004  an  important  year  for  Google?        
 
 
 
  
7.   What  is  IMPLIED  in  the  final  paragraph?        
A.  Google  is  an  international  corporation  
B.  Google  AdWords  and  AdSense  are  basically  the  same  product    
C.  Chrome,  Drive,  and  Gmail  are  also  Google  products    
D.  Since  October  2016,  there  are  very  few  new  products  from  Google        
  
 
Federalists  v  Republicans  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name________________  
 
 
Federalists  v  Republicans  
 
The  Federalist  Party  was  America’s  first  political  party,  formed  chiefly  by  Secretary  of  
the  Treasury  Alexander  Hamilton  during  his  tenure  in  George  Washington’s  cabinet.  
The  Federalist  Party  believed  in  strong  central  Government,  a  national  banking  system  
and  good  relations  and  trade  with  England.  The  Federalist  Party  quickly  gained  
strength  throughout  New  England  and  in  the  urban  areas  of  the  middle  states.    
 
Those  who  opposed  the  Federalist  Party  would  become  known  as  Republicans  or  
Jeffersonians.  Led  by  Thomas  Jefferson,  Republicans  favored  an  agricultural  
economic  base  rather  than  one  based  on  banking  and  opposed  the  idea  of  
strengthening  ties  with  Great  Britain.  Republicans  dominated  the  politics  of  the  
Southern  states  and  much  of  America’s  farmlands.    
 
The  partisan  politics  that  emerged  in  the  1700’s  threatened  to  tear  the  new  country  
apart  as  Both  Hamilton  and  Jefferson  were  key  members  of  George  Washington’s  
cabinet.  Washington  tried  unsuccessfully  to  mediate  between  the  two,  but  was  known  
to  favor  Hamilton’s  view  on  politics  above  anyone  else.  As  a  result,  Jefferson  would  
resign  as  Secretary  of  State  in  1793,  after  he  unsuccessfully  introduced  legislation  in  
Congress  that  would  have  effectively  dissolved  Hamilton’s  position  as  Secretary  of  the  
Treasury.  Republicans  would  win  back  the  seat  of  power  in  1801  with  the  election  of  
Thomas  Jefferson  as  President  and  the  subsequent  splitting  of  the  Federalist  Party.  
The  Federalist  Party  would  be  virtually  dissolved  after  expressing  opposition  to  the  War  
of  1812  and  completely  gone  by  1825.  
 
1.   Which  of  the  following  was  NOT  supported  by  Federalists?    
A.  America  should  have  good  relations  with  England  
B.  American  should  have  a  strong  central  government  
C.  America’s  economy  should  be  based  on  agriculture  
D.  American  should  have  a  national  banking  system  
 
2.   George  Washington…    
A.  was  known  to  favor  Hamilton’s  thoughts  on  politics.  
B.  appointed  Jefferson  to  Secretary  of  Treasury.  
C.  appointed  Hamilton  to  Secretary  of  State.  
D.  usually  agreed  with  Thomas  Jefferson.  
 
 
 
 
 3.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  election  of  Thomas  Jefferson?      
A.  The  Republicans  became  weaker    
B.  The  Federalists  split    
C.  The  War  of  1812  started  
D.  Jefferson  resigned  as  Secretary  of  State  
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  accurate?        
A.  The  Federalists  were  popular  in  the  South  and  the  Republicans  were  popular  
in  New  England  and  the  urban  areas  
B.  The  Federalists  were  dissolved  when  Thomas  Jefferson  was  elected  president  
C.  Republicans  were  formed  before  the  Federalists  
D.  Republicans  rejected  strengthening  ties  with  England      
 
5.   What  does  “mediate”  mean  in  the  sentence  below?  
 
Washington  tried  unsuccessfully  to  mediate  between  the  two,  but  was  known  to  
favor  Hamilton’s  view  on  politics  above  anyone  else.  
   
A.  bridge  differences  
B.  choose  
C.  disagree    
D.  judge  
 
6.   “Opposition  to  the  War  of  1812”  is  the  answer  to  which  question?  
A.  Why  did  the  Federalist  Party  split?    
B.  Why  was  Thomas  Jefferson  elected  president?  
C.  Why  did  Thomas  Jefferson  resign  from  Washington’s  cabinet?  
D.  What  was  the  main  reason  the  Federalists  dissolved?  
 
7.   Why  did  Thomas  Jefferson  resign  from  Washington’s  cabinet?    
A.  Washington  was  not  a  Republican  
B.  Washington  seemed  to  favor  the  politics  of  Alexander  Hamilton  
C.  He  felt  Washington  was  a  bad  president  
D.  Because  the  Federalist  Party  would  split  
 
  
 
Franz  Joseph  Haydn  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
In  the  mid-­1700s,  there  was  a  shift  in  the  arts  and  in  politics.    The  Age  of  Enlightenment  (or  
just  the  Enlightenment)  had  taken  shape  in  Europe,  with  more  people  supporting  ideals  such  
as  tolerance  and  individual  liberties.  There  was  increased  separation  of  church  and  state  and  
opposition  to  absolute  monarchy.    In  the  arts,  architects,  designers,  and  painters  favored  
symmetry  over  dramatic  proportions  and  ornate  details.  
 
The  same  change  was  taking  place  in  the  music  world  –  the  pioneers  of  what  we  now  call  the  
Classical  period  (ca.  1750-­1800)  composed  in  stricter,  more  balanced  forms.  Franz  Joseph  
Haydn  was  the  perfect  example  of  this.    In  contrast  to  the  music  of  the  Baroque  era,  music  in  
the  classical  era  featured  a  more  specific  compositional  structure.    A  symphony,  which  is  a  
piece  written  for  orchestra,  would  be  broken  down  into  four  movements  (large  sections  with  
different  tempos  and  contrasting  moods  or  emotions).    Each  movement  would  be  broken  
down  into  discrete  sections,  demarcated  by  pauses,  or  musical  cadences.    Each  section  
would  be  broken  down  further  into  smaller  sections,  called  phrases,  which  are  short  passages  
that  evoke  the  same  pacing  and  feeling  as  a  spoken  sentence.  
 
So,  generally  speaking,  each  piece  Haydn  wrote  can  be  viewed  as  a  collection  of  phrases  –  
“musical  sentences”  –  strung  together  into  larger  structures.    That  is  not  to  say  that  his  music  
was  uninteresting  –  it  was  in  the  details  that  Haydn  created  interest.    Perhaps  he  repeated  a  
phrase  twice  in  a  row,  for  emphasis;;  maybe  one  movement  was  in  a  different  key  than  the  
one  that  came  before.  
 
The  Declaration  of  Independence  was  signed  in  1776,  stating  that  all  men  have  the  right  to  
“life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.”    This  major  historical  event  occurred  during  
Haydn’s  lifetime  –  we  must  remember  he  and  the  founding  fathers  lived  in  the  same  world.    
Just  as  white  settlers  in  America  wanted  independence  from  England,  composers  like  Haydn  
established  themselves  as  artistic  individuals  who  did  not  need  the  approval  of  nobility  to  be  
successful.    He  famously  lived  in  London  at  the  end  of  his  life,  writing  music  for  the  sake  of  
creating  art  –  not  for  the  prince  –  and  effectively  changed  the  role  of  composers  and  
musicians  in  European  society.  
 
Haydn  wrote  106  symphonies  and  68  string  quartets  (pieces  for  two  violins,  viola,  and  cello).    
Music  written  for  these  ensembles  was  essentially  invented  by  Haydn,  and  this  is  one  of  many  
examples  of  Haydn’s  adherence  to  structure  as  a  man  of  the  Enlightenment,  but  also  his  
simplistic  and  playful  personality  as  an  artist.      
 
 
 
 
   
 1.   Which  of  the  following  best  expresses  the  conditions  in  the  mid-­1700s?  
A.  The  monarchies  were  growing  in  power  and  influence  
B.  Separation  of  church  and  state  was  coming  to  an  end  
C.  Major  changes  were  taking  place  across  society  and  culture  
D.  The  Age  of  Enlightenment  was  ending  
 
2.   Based  on  the  information  in  the  passage,  which  best  describes  the  Age  of  
Enlightenment?                  
A.  A  time  in  history  where  people  began  to  value  individual  liberties  and  began  to  
oppose  the  monarchies    
B.  A  time  in  history  where  people  began  to  listen  to  music        
C.  A  time  in  history  where  people  began  to  value  the  monarchy  and  oppose  
individual  liberties  
D.  A  time  of  major  change  for  architects,  musicians,  and  painters      
 
3.   What  is  implied  in  the  second  paragraph?                
A.  Haydn  was  reluctant  to  adopt  the  new  forms  of  music  pioneered  in  the  
Classical  era      
B.  Haydn  was  a  pioneer  in  Classical  era  music      
C.  Changes  occurring  in  culture  and  society  were  less  likely  to  occur  in  music  
and  composition  
D.  Haydn’s  musical  techniques  were  more  suited  to  the  Baroque  era        
 
4.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  second  paragraph?            
A.  How  did  Haydn  create  interest  in  his  music?    
B.  What  is  a  movement  in  a  symphony?    
C.  How  was  music  in  the  Classical  era  different  from  that  in  the  Baroque  era?      
D.  What  is  a  symphony?    
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  does  the  author  compare?            
A.  Symphonies  and  movements  
B.  The  Declaration  of  Independence  and  life,  liberty,  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness  
C.  Composers  such  as  Haydn  and  the  monarchies  of  Europe  
D.  Composers  such  as  Haydn  and  White  settlers  in  America  fighting  for  
independence  
 
6.   What  is  implied  in  the  fourth  paragraph?      
A.  Haydn  composed  music  based  on  the  desires  of  the  noble  family  
B.  Many  musicians  were  forced  to  create  music  for  nobility  
C.  The  American  Declaration  of  Independence  was  signed  in  1776  
D.  Composers  such  as  Haydn  and  America’s  founding  fathers  essentially  lived  in  
different  worlds  
 
 
  
 
7.   The  final  paragraph…  
A.  reveals  information  about  Haydn’s  style  as  a  composer.  
B.  gives  detailed  information  about  Haydn’s  symphonies.    
C.  gives  biographical  information  about  Haydn’s  life  outside  of  music.  
D.  gives  information  about  the  causes  and  effects  of  the  Enlightenment    
The  Hessians  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

During  the  Revolutionary  War,  British  military  forces  hired  about  30,000  German  
soldiers,  known  as  Hessians.  The  word  “Hessian”  came  from  the  German  states  of  
Hesse-­Cassel  and  Hesse-­Hanau,  where  some  of  the  “Hessians”  came  from.  

Germany  was  much  different  in  1776  than  it  is  today.  Then,  it  was  made  up  of  various  
states,  each  of  which  was  ruled  by  a  landgrave  (prince).  Men  who  lived  within  each  
state  were  often  forced  into  the  landgrave’s  army  at  an  early  age.  The  landgrave  could  
increase  his  fortune  by  renting  out  these  armies  to  foreign  powers  in  their  times  of  
need.  The  individual  soldier  had  no  say  in  the  matter.  Payment  for  the  soldiers  was  
sent  directly  to  each  state’s  landgrave.  In  this  way,  the  fate  of  Hessian  soldier  is  
sometimes  compared  to  the  practice  of  slavery,  although  the  soldiers  were  paid  well.  

The  “Hessians”  that  fought  in  the  Revolutionary  War  gained  a  reputation  for  savagery  
and  were  greatly  feared  amongst  the  ranks  of  Continental  soldiers.  Curiously,  several  
diaries  gathered  from  Hessian  soldiers  in  the  field,  revealed  that  they,  in  fact,  were  
horrified  by  the  way  the  British  soldiers  destroyed  civilian  property  and  executed  
prisoners.  Despite  their  military  prowess,  British  soldiers  also  feared  and  mistrusted  the  
Hessians,  and  thus  treated  them  badly.  

While  the  Hessians  fought  in  every  battle  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  they  are  best  
remembered  in  America  for  their  defeat  at  the  hands  of  George  Washington  and  his  
soldiers  on  December  26,  1776.  In  the  battle,  Washington’s  men  crossed  the  icy  
Delaware  River  on  Christmas  night  and  marched  nine  miles  to  Trenton,  staging  an  
ambush  on  the  sleeping  Hessians.  Many  of  Washington’s  men  lacked  shoes  and  the  
soldiers  were  said  to  have  left  a  trail  of  blood  all  the  way  to  Trenton.  In  all,  Washington  
captured  about  1,000  Hessian  soldiers,  who  were  paraded  through  the  streets  in  an  
effort  to  raise  the  morale  of  the  beleaguered  Patriot  cause.  Captured  German  soldiers  
were  sent  to  area  farms  to  work  as  farm  hands.  Other  Hessian  soldiers  were  sent  to  
Lancaster,  Pennsylvania,  where  they  were  treated  well.  Many  of  the  Hessians  sent  to  
Lancaster  stayed  permanently  rather  than returning  to  their  dreadful  existence  in  Germany.  
Of  the  30,000  Hessian  soldiers  that  fought  in  America,  approximately  3,000-­5,000  
stayed  to  live  in  the  United  States.  

1. Why  was  the  life  of  a  Hessian  soldier  comparable  to  that  of  a  slave?
A. Because  Hessian  soldiers  had  to  fight  without  payment
B. Hessian  soldiers  were  forced  into  the  military  and  rented  out  to  foreign
powers
C. Hessian  soldiers  were  forced  to  wear  shackles  and  chains
D. Hessian  soldiers  were  disliked  by  both  American  and  British  soldiers
2. Which  of  the  following  IS  NOT  true  about  Hessian  soldiers?
A. They  had  a  reputation  for  savagery
B. About  1,000  Hessians  were  captured  by  General  Washington  at  the  Battle  of
Trenton
C. Only  3,000-­5,000  Hessian  soldiers  decided  to  return  to  Germany
D. About  30,000  Hessian  soldiers  fought  alongside  the  British  in  the
Revolutionary  War

3. Which  of  the  following  is  an  example  of  irony?

A. Captured  Hessian  soldiers  were  paraded  through  the  streets  to  improve  the
morale  for  those  supporting  the  Patriot  cause
B. Although  the  Hessians  earned  a  reputation  for  savagery,  many  were  appalled
by  the  British  practices  of  destroying  property  and  executing  prisoners
C. Even  though  they  were  good  soldiers,  Hessian  soldiers  were  mistrusted  by
British  soldiers
D. Hessian  soldiers  were  often  forced  into  the  military  at  an  early  age

4. Define  “prowess”  in  the  following  sentence?

Despite  their  military  prowess,  British  soldiers  also  feared  and  mistrusted  the
Hessians,  and  thus  treated  them  badly.

A. decisions
B. supplies
C. talents
D. mysteries

5. The  Hessians…
A. played  a  major  role  in  the  British  military  during  the  Revolutionary  War.
B. played  a  major  role  in  the  American  military  during  the  Revolutionary  War.
C. played  a  minor  role  in  the  British  military  during  the  Revolutionary  War.
D. fought  in  some  battles  of  the  Revolutionary  War.

6. Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  events  that  occurred  at  Trenton?
A. The  Hessians  ambushed  Washington’s  army  but  were  ultimately  defeated
B. The  Hessians  ambushed  and  defeated  George  Washington’s  army  on  the  day
after  Christmas  in  1776
C. Washington  and  his  men  crossed  the  icy  Delaware  River  and  marched  nine
miles  to  Trenton  before  ambushing  the  Hessians  on  Christmas  Eve  in  1776
D. Washington’s  men  ambushed  and  defeated  the  Hessians  after  a  nine-­mile
march  to  Trenton  on  the  day  after  Christmas  in  1776
7.   If  the  entire  passage  was  limited  to  the  second  paragraph,  what  could  be  its  
title?          
A.  Germany  in  1776    
B.  Military  tactics  used  by  Hessian  soldiers  
C.  Armies  for  Rent:  How  Landgraves  Became  Rich  Lending  Fighters  
D.  The  Hessian  Soldier:  Fighting  for  Freedom                
  
HOUSE  OF  BURGESSES  Reading  Comprehension  
As  the  settlement  of  Jamestown  became  more  successful,  the  strict  rules  and  harsh  consequences  
doled  out  by  governors,  such  as  Thomas  Dale,  quickly  became  outdated  and  unnecessary.  In  1619,  
George  Yeardley  was  elected  the  new  governor  of  Virginia.  Yeardley's  primary  goal  as  governor  was  
to  ensure  that  Virginians  would  have  the  same  rights  as  those  living  in  England.  Yeardley  quickly  
established  the  first  representative  government  (officials  to  represent  the  people)  in  the  New  World  
and  scheduled  annual  meetings  in  which  laws  and  rules  based  on  popular  will  were  formulated.  
 
The  first  meeting  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  (representative  government)  occurred  on  July  30,  1619.  
The  House  of  Burgesses  was  made  up  of  22  men  -­  2  men  representing  each  of  Virginia's  11  
"plantations"  or  counties.  The  major  goal  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  was  to  change  the  law  as  
imposed  by  Thomas  Dale.  Yeardley  signed  off  on  the  changes,  which  effectively  ended  martial  law  in  
Jamestown  and  resulted  in  newfound  freedoms  among  the  settlers.  The  House  of  Burgesses  
effectively  represented  the  first  form  of  democracy  to  ever  reign  in  the  New  World.  It  resulted  in  the  
formation  of  new  social  and  economic  institutions  such  as  Virginia's  undemocratic  slave-­labor  
workforce.  
   
1.)  Who  was  elected  as  Virginia’s  new   7.)  Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?  
a.)  Some  of  the  representatives  in  the  
governor  in  1619?  ________________  
House  of  Burgesses  were  women.  
  b.)  The  first  meeting  of  the  House  of  
Burgesses  occurred  in  the  summer  of  
2.)  What  was  George  Yeardley's  primary  
1619.  
goal  as  governor?   c.)   The  creation  of  the  House  of  Burgesses  
resulted  in  the  formation  of  a  slave-­labor  
a.)  To  ensure  everyone  was  safe  
workforce.  
b.)  To  ensure  everyone  got  along  with  the  
d.)  Plantations  =  Counties  
Indians  
 
c.)   To  ensure  Virginians  had  the  same  
8.)  What  does  "outdated"  mean  in  the  
rights  as  people  in  England  
following  sentence?  
d.)  To  ensure  he  got  a  lot  of  gold  
 
 
As  the  settlement  of  Jamestown  became  more  
3.)  What  is  a  representative  governor?  
successful,  the  strict  rules  and  harsh  
a.)  A  government  which  represents  
consequences  doled  out  by  governors,  such  as  
England  
Thomas  Dale,  quickly  became  OUTDATED  
b.)  A  government  which  represents  officials  
and  unnecessary.  
c.)   A  government  with  officials  that  
 
represent  the  people  
a.)  a  new  date  
d.)  A  government  which  is  unfair  to  the  
b.)  replaced  by  another  date  
people  
c.)   old  and  inappropriate  
 
d.)  fun  
4.)  The  House  of  Burgesses  was  made  up  of  
 
____________  officials.  
9.)  Which  happened  last?  
a.)  11  
a.)  Winter  of  1618  
b.)  2  
b.)  George  Yeardley  became  governor  
c.)   22  
c.)   The  House  of  Burgesses  was  formed  
d.)  1  
d.)  Winter  of  1619  
 
 
5.)  The  major  goal  of  the  House  of  
10.)  Which  happened  second?  
Burgesses  was  to…  
a.)  The  slave-­labor  workforce  was  formed.  
a.)  change  laws  that  had  been  made  by  the  
b.)  George  Yeardley  became  governor.  
former  governor.  
c.)   The  House  of  Burgesses  was  formed.  
b.)  to  find  22  representatives.  
d.)  1620  
c.)   to  make  money  for  England.  
d.)  to  make  money  for  the  new  colony.  
 
 
6.)  Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?  
a.)  Thomas  Dale  was  governor  before  
George  Yeardley.  
b.)  The  House  of  Burgesses  was  the  first  
democracy  in  the  New  World.  
c.)   The  House  of  Burgesses  was  made  up  
of  11  representatives  for  each  of  the  
colony's  2  plantations.  
d.)  It  was  important  for  the  governor  to  
ensure  that  his  people  had  the  same  
rights  as  the  people  in  England.  
 
  
 
The  History  of  Instagram                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Instagram  was  founded  by  Kevin  Systrom  and  Mike  Krieger  in  October  2010.    Systrom  and  
Krieger  initially  wanted  to  create  an  application  for  mobile  photography  called  Burbn,  but  upon  
developing  their  idea  further,  found  that  it  was  too  similar  to  the  existing  search-­result  app  
called  Foursquare.    They  tweaked  their  original  idea  until  they  came  up  with  a  photo-­sharing  
app.    The  name  “Instagram”  is  a  combination  of  “instant  camera”  and  “telegram.”    
 
From  the  outset,  Instagram  proved  extremely  popular.  Only  two  months  after  its  launch,  it  
achieved  a  million  users  and  reached  ten  million  users  in  its  first  year.    The  simple  idea  of  
sharing  photos  in  a  social  media  setting  appealed  to  a  wide  variety  of  phone  users.  As  time  
went  on,  Systrom  and  Krieger  began  making  a  series  of  technology-­related  improvements  to  
the  app—making  it  compatible  with  Android  and  Windows  phones,  for  example—as  well  as  
improving  the  user  experience.    In  January  2011,  it  added  hashtags,  offering  users  the  ability  
to  find  posts  and  people  related  to  common  interests.    As  Instagram  grew  into  one  of  the  most  
popular  apps  in  the  world,  tech  titans  took  notice.  In  2012,  Facebook  purchased  Instagram  for  
one  billion  dollars.    
 
In  November  2012,  Instagram  launched  web  versions  of  user  profiles,  giving  desktop  users  
the  ability  to  access  Instagram  profiles.    However,  the  website  profile  launch  retained  limited  
functionality  and  lacked  a  search  bar;;  the  feature  was  redesigned  in  2015.    Instagram  also  
began  allowing  the  upload  of  non-­square  photos  to  the  app  in  August  2015,  a  notable  shift  
from  the  look  and  feel  of  the  app  since  its  inception.    Rather  than  cropping  down  larger  photos  
to  a  neat  square,  users  could  upload  any  photo  of  any  dimension  to  share  with  friends  and  
followers.  
 
In  March  2016,  Instagram  changed  the  nature  of  its  news  feed,  the  place  where  users  scroll  
through  newly-­posted  photos  from  those  they  follow,  from  chronological  to  algorithmic.    
“Algorithmic”  means  that  Instagram  uses  computer  algorithms  and  artificial  intelligence  to  
make  “decisions”  on  what  its  data  predicts  you’ll  like  best.  While  this  decision  was  met  with  
backlash  at  first,  it  was  made  in  order  to  prevent  users  from  missing  important  posts  from  
friends  and  family  that  might  have  gone  unnoticed  with  a  standard  chronological  timeline  
approach.    Later  in  2016,  the  app  underwent  major  aesthetic  changes;;  the  app  itself  
revamped  to  a  black-­and-­white  theme,  while  the  app  icon  changed  to  a  whimsical  rainbow-­
colored  design.      
 
Today,  Instagram  boasts  800  million  users.  Every  day,  55  million  photos  are  uploaded  and  
1.2  billion  likes  are  recorded.  

 
 
 
  
   
1.   Why  did  Instagram  turn  out  differently  than  its  founders  expected?        
A.  Because  they  wanted  to  build  an  app  for  mobile  photography    
B.  Because  at  first  it  was  too  similar  to  another  popular  app    
C.  Because  they  wanted  their  app  to  work  similarly  to  Four  Square    
D.  Because  they  liked  the  name  Instagram  more  than  the  name  Burbn      
 
2.   Which  of  the  following  is  OMITTED  in  the  first  paragraph?                          
A.  How  was  the  name  “Instagram”  created?      
B.  What  tweaks  did  Systrom  and  Krieger  make  to  their  original  idea  to  create  
Instagram?    
C.  What  is  the  purpose  of  Instagram?    
D.  What  happened  in  October  of  2010?      
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  PACE  of  Instagram’s  growth?                    
A.  It  was  as  popular  in  2010  as  it  is  now      
B.  After  several  years,  it  became  very  popular      
C.  It  became  very  popular  eventually  
D.  It  became  very  popular  very  quickly        
 
4.   Why  are  hashtags  (#)  useful  on  Instagram?          
A.  They  help  you  upload  and  post  images      
B.  They  help  you  improve  posts  and  images        
C.  They  help  you  find  interesting  posts  and  images        
D.  They  help  you  organize  your  posts    
 
5.   What  word  could  replace  “backlash”  in  the  following  sentence?    
 
While  this  decision  was  met  with  backlash  at  first,  it  was  made  in  order  to  prevent  users  
from  missing  important  posts  from  friends  and  family  that  might  have  gone  unnoticed  with  
a  standard  chronological  timeline  approach.      
 
A.    excitement  
B.    resistance  
C.    fear  
D.    understanding    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.   What  is  implied  in  the  fourth  paragraph?    
A.  Everyone’s  news  feed  will  have  different  posts  and  pictures,  depending  on  
who  they  follow  
B.  Instagram  will  soon  switch  to  an  algorithmic  news  feed  so  people  can  see  
what  is  actually  important  to  them  
C.  Instagram  recently  switched  to  a  chronological  news  feed  so  people  can  see  
what  is  actually  important  to  them  
D.  In  2016,  Instagram  changed  its  app  icon  to  the  familiar  rainbow-­colored  design  
 
7.   In  the  last  paragraph,  why  is  “decisions”  in  quotation  marks?        
A.  Because  the  program  doesn’t  actually  make  real  decisions  like  a  human  
B.  Because  the  author  wanted  to  emphasize  the  word  “decisions”  
C.  Because  the  word  “decisions”  is  an  important  word  
D.  Because  artificial  intelligence  is  now  being  used  by  many  websites  and  apps  
to  make  predictions  on  what  content  users  want  to  see  
 Battle of the Ironclads Reading Comprehension

The Battle of the Ironclads, also known as the Battle of Hampton Roads, was likely the most important naval battle
of the American Civil War. On March 8–9, 1862, Confederate forces attempted to break a powerful Union naval
blockade that had isolated Norfolk and Richmond from international trade by deploying their ironclad warship, the
CSS Virginia, which was originally the USS Merrimack.  

After the secession of the Southern states, the Confederacy had gained control of the Gosport Navy Yard and all of
its ships formerly under Union control. Nevertheless, Union naval forces remained in control of several forts in the
region and staged a powerful blockade that the Confederacy was initially powerless to break. Because of the
Union’s naval and industrial superiority, Confederate engineers were forced to think of new ways to combat the
Union advantage. The world’s first ironclad ship had set sail in France in 1860, and Southern engineers believed
they could duplicate the idea. Work began in 1861 on the Merrimack, which had been partially destroyed and which
was recently raised from the bed of the Elizabeth River. The plan was to build an iron shell around the ship and to
outfit it with an iron ram. It took seven months to complete. When it was done, the armor encasing the Virginia was
two inches thick backed by two feet of iron and pine. It was equipped with ten guns and fourteen gun ports and was
ready for action by February of 1862.

When Union intelligence learned of the construction of the Virginia, they scrambled to make their own ironclad war
ship. Union naval officials commissioned Swedish architect John Ericsson to design what would be called the
Monitor, an ironclad warship to equal the Virginia. Even though Ericsson actually completed the Monitor before the
Virginia was finalized, the Virginia would be activated first and would wreak havoc in Hampton Roads before the
Monitor could arrive. On the morning of March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia stormed into the waters of Hampton
Roads where it immediately engaged the Union fleet, utterly destroying the USS Cumberland with the ram, sinking
the ship, and killing 120 sailors. The Virginia next destroyed the USS Congress, resulting in its surrender. Union
attempts to shoot at the Virginia proved completely useless. Only darkness saved the remainder of the Union fleet.
Naval officers aboard the Virginia and its support fleet planned to finish the job on the morning of March 9.

The next morning, much to the surprise of the Confederates, the Union ironclad Monitor met the Merrimack on her
way to dispatching the remainder of the Union fleet. The two ironclads fired at each other at close range for hours,
neither side able to sink the other. Eventually, each ship withdrew, prompting both sides to proclaim victory.
Surprisingly, neither ship would ever fight again. The Virginia was set afire by the Confederacy after she became
stuck in the shallow water of the James River. The Monitor would sink en route to North Carolina on December 31,
1861.

Today, most historians believe the Battle of the Ironclads was a draw, even though the Confederates failed to break
the Union blockade. One thing is for sure—the ironclad warships used in this battle influenced navies around the
world to abandon the construction of wooden war ships in favor of iron ones.
1.) Why did the Confederacy decide to build the CSS 6.) The CSS Virginia…
Virginia? a.)   was equipped with 24 guns.
a.)   For naval superiority over the Union. b.)   was equipped with iron plates four feet thick.
b.)   To capture as many Union sailors as possible. c.)   was equipped with 14 gun ports.
c.)   To intimidate the Union. d.)   was ready for action in 1861.
d.)   To break the Union blockade.
7.) In its first combat, the CSS Virginia…
2.) Why was the Union blockade so harmful to the a.)   was destroyed by Union warships.
Confederacy? b.)   destroyed several Union warships.
a.)   It prevented them from building ships. c.)   was badly damaged.
b.)   It prevented major cities in Virginia from trading d.)   broke the naval blockade.
with foreign countries.
c.)   Thousands of sailors were captured or killed. 8.) Who won the Battle of the Ironclads?
d.)   It threatened Washington DC. a.)   The Confederacy
b.)   The Union
3.) Union forces… c.)   Neither side
a.)   had completely evacuated Hampton Roads. d.)   The Monitor
b.)   were in control of all of the Hampton Roads.
c.)   were destroying southern port cities. 9.) Which of the following phrases best explains what
d.)   were in control of some Hampton Roads forts. happened to the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor
after the Battle of the Ironclads?
4.) What does an engineer do? a.)   They both played an important part in the war
a.)   Figure out ways to build things after their initial battle.
b.)   Sails ships b.)   They were both used after the war.
c.)   Figures out how to buy things c.)   They both played no role in the remainder of the
d.)   Decides what military tactics to use war.
d.)   They were both sold to other countries to
5.) Which of the following is true about ironclad improve their respective navies.
ships?
a.)   The CSS Virginia was the world’s first. 10.) The main effect of the Battle of the Ironclads
b.)   The Monitor was the world’s first. was…
c.)   The idea was first thought of by the Confederacy. a.)   the devastation of the Confederate fleet.
d.)   The first ironclad ship sailed in France. b.)   the withdrawal of Union forces from their naval
blockade.
c.)   an increase in iron manufacturing in the
Confederacy.
d.)   a worldwide conversion of wooden naval ships to
iron naval ships.
 JAMESTOWN (part 1) Reading Comprehension
Despite the failure of the Lost Colony at Roanoke, King James I was eager to start a permanent English
settlement in North America. He granted charters to a pair of English companies to establish those settlements.
While one of the two companies was unsuccessful in establishing a colony in present-day Maine, the other,
known as the London Company, led by Captain Christopher Newport, sailed to Virginia and established a
settlement on a swampy peninsula on the James River.

While the chosen location certainly provided good cover from the potential ambushes of local Indians, its
swampy climate led to horrible diseases such as dysentery and malaria. Jamestown further suffered from poor
and corrupt leadership and a population of men that were unfit for life in the wilderness. Many were there for
the opportunity to make a lot of money and refused to participate in building shelters or collecting food. Settlers
constantly bickered with each other and found relatively little in the way of natural resources or wonders to send
back to England.

Because Jamestown was built on traditional hunting grounds of the Algonquin Indians, trouble arose soon after
their arrival. By the winter of 1607, only 38 out of the original 104 settlers were still alive. Food shortages were
making unbearable situations even worse. Jamestown was on the brink of collapse until John Smith formulated
plans to procure Indian corn and other foods via trade. Smith’s first excursions were extremely successful, and
he returned to the beleaguered colony with large quantities of corn and beans. On one of his excursions,
however, he was ambushed by Indians and taken to the great Chief Powhatan. Smith used his charm and
persuasion to convince Powhatan that the settlers were peaceful and did not intend to build a permanent
settlement at Jamestown. Smith was subsequently returned to Jamestown and gained influence among the
colonists.

In winter of 1608, Jamestown remained a desperate settlement with serious leadership problems and a food
shortage. John Smith became hated by much of the so-called leadership. Despite at least one attempt on his life,
Smith was named president of the Jamestown Council because of his previous experience and because he was
one of the few colonists who knew what it took to survive at Jamestown.

For the next year, Smith managed the colony about as well as it could be managed. He forced all colonists to
work and contribute to the colony as a whole. He imposed badly needed discipline and even staged shooting
contests and drills to scare local Indians who were surely spying on them. Besides managing Jamestown, John
Smith procured food from local Indians for European trinkets and goods. Despite Powhatan’s demand for guns,
John Smith refused to trade them and often burned villages and stole food when Indians would not trade.
Smith’s power terrified the Indians, who came to think of him as virtually indestructible. Powhatan rightfully
saw him as the life force of Jamestown and sent his warriors on countless missions to kill him. While John
Smith escaped death many times with firepower, Powhatan’s daughter, the princess Pocahontas, took a special
liking to him, and informed him in advance when her father would send warriors after him.
1.)   What question is answered in the fourth paragraph?
a.)   Who tried to kill John Smith?
b.)   Why was John Smith named president of the Jamestown Council?
c.)   Who else was considered for president of the Jamestown Council?
d.)   On what date was John Smith named president of the Jamestown Council?

2.)   What did John Smith refuse to trade to the local Indians?
a.)   digging tools
b.)   guns
c.)   horses
d.)   food

3.)   How did John Smith act when the Native Americans refused to trade with him?
a.)   peacefully
b.)   fairly
c.)   The passage does not say.
d.)   violently

4.)   What does the word “procured” mean in the following sentence:
Besides managing Jamestown, John Smith procured food from local Indians for European trinkets
and goods.
a.)   threatened
b.)   obtained
c.)   grew
d.)   stole

5.)   How did John Smith gain “influence” among the settlers?
a.)   They saw he had excellent leadership qualities.
b.)   He was easy on the colonists and understanding of their laziness.
c.)   His persuasiveness with Powhatan likely saved the colony from attack.
d.)   He threatened them.

6.)   What can you INFER about why Powhatan wanted to kill John Smith?
a.)   Powhatan wanted to control the Jamestown colony.
b.)   He hated that his daughter took a special liking to him.
c.)   John Smith was disrespectful to his people.
d.)   He believed killing John Smith would eventually lead to the death of the colony.

7.)   John Smith was ______________ to the early survival of the Jamestown colony.
a.)   creative
b.)   nominal
c.)   indispensable
d.)   burdensome
8.)   Which of the following was NOT a problem the settlers encountered at Jamestown?
a.)   bad leadership
b.)   disease
c.)   food shortages
d.)   freezing cold weather

9.)   What did John Smith convince Powhatan of?

a.)   That the settlement was peaceful and not permanent
b.)   That more English were coming to the settlement
c.)   That the settlers were just trying to find food
d.)   That the settlers were trying to establish a permanent settlement

10.) How did the “leadership” of Jamestown feel about John Smith?
a.)   Most people thought he was tolerable.
b.)   Many hated him.
c.)   The passage gives no clue to the answer of this question.
d.)   They obviously loved him.
 JAMESTOWN (part 2) Reading Comprehension
The Jamestown colony flourished under the strict rule of John Smith. Nevertheless, the London Company
(which was now called the Virginia Company) had formed a new government that was to be led by Thomas De
La Warr. The new charter issued by the Virginia Company called for the appointment of a governor rather than
a president. John Smith, who nearly died after igniting himself in a canoe, returned to England for good. Since
De La Warr was unable to make the trip immediately, Thomas Gates was named interim governor.
Unfortunately, Gates’ ship wrecked off the coast of Bermuda, and he was unable to resume the trip until new
ships were built.

Meanwhile, the Virginia Company was in the process of reformulating its philosophy on potential profits in
Jamestown. By 1609, it became obvious that profits would have to be realized over a long-term basis rather than
immediately. The Virginia Company began reorganizing business possibilities to resemble those that had been
successful in controlling the populations in Ireland. They proposed to bring England to the New World by
sending families to Jamestown. Families were promised their own parcels of land for seven years of communal
labor at Jamestown. This, the Virginia Company believed, would cause colonists to have a permanent stake in
the welfare of the community as a whole, which would result in increased productivity and profit. Those that
were not wealthy enough to pay their passage to the New World would have their trip subsidized (paid for) in
exchange for seven years of labor. Those individuals became servants.

With John Smith out of the picture, and with the lack of a visible leader at Jamestown (because of Gates’
shipwreck), Powhatan saw an opportunity to rid himself of the white settlers once and for all. Hence, Powhatan
ordered his people to stop trading with the settlers. Without any leadership, and more specifically without the
leadership of John Smith, the settlers once again became complacent and stopped contributing to the welfare of
Jamestown. Trading teams that departed from Jamestown to Powhatan’s lands rarely returned and were
presumed dead. Without corn from the Algonquins, with settlers who refused to work and with Powhatan’s
warriors seemingly closing in around them, the winter of 1609–1610 became known as the “Starving Time.”
Colonists were forced to eat cats and dogs, and some were even executed for digging up human corpses to eat.
When Gates finally arrived in 1610, only about 60 of the 500 settlers were still alive. Gates decided to abandon
the settlement and nearly set sail with the remaining settlers for England. While Powhatan and his people
celebrated wildly, Thomas De La Warr arrived with three fully supplied ships with a mission to stay
indefinitely.

De La Warr and Gates reestablished the tough discipline that had led the colony to success under John Smith.
Under the set of rules developed by Gates and enforced by Sir Thomas Dale (the future governor of Virginia),
settlers would be brutally punished for breaking the rules. Settlers were shot, burned at the stake, and hung at
the gallows. Such transgressions as cursing carried physical torture or public humiliation as consequences.

During this time, relations with the Indians worsened. The settlers were still dependent on the Indians for food
and became more and more violent in their quests to obtain it. The Indians, in turn, responded in kind, resulting
in a bloody series of killings on both sides.
1.)   What does the word “indefinitely” mean in the following sentence?

While Powhatan and his people celebrated wildly, Thomas De La Warr arrived with three fully
supplied ships with a mission to stay indefinitely.
a.)   for a long time
b.)   for a short time
c.)   for no time
d.)   under certain conditions

2.)   According to the business philosophy of the Virginia Company of London, settlers would be
productive if…
a.)   they loved their governor.
b.)   they were threatened with death.
c.)   they had a stake in the community as a whole.
d.)   they were promised gold.

3.)   When did Powhatan decide to stop trading with the colonists?
a.)   When John Smith was gone.
b.)   When he realized Jamestown had no real leader.
c.)   Both A and B
d.)   Neither A or B

4.)   What is the general theme of the passage?

a.)   The colony would have been more successful with more discipline.
b.)   The settlers were unfair to the Powhatan Indians.
c.)   Pocahontas took a special liking to John Smith.
d.)   The Jamestown colony constantly struggled to survive in its early years.

5.)   Under the leadership of John Smith, the Jamestown colony…

a.)   disintegrated
b.)   split
c.)   thrived
d.)   flourished

6.)   According to this passage, at what point were the settlers no longer dependent on the Powhatan
Indians for food?
a.)   After the Starving Time
b.)   After the arrival of Thomas De La Warr
c.)   After discipline was reestablished at Jamestown
d.)   By the end of this passage, the settlers were still dependent on the Powhatans for food.

7.)   What happened last?

a.)   The Starving Time
b.)   Gates decides to abandon the settlement.
c.)   John Smith departs.
d.)   Thomas de La Warr arrives.
8.)   When Thomas Gates returned to the Jamestown settlement, __________ of the settlers were alive.
a.)   few
b.)   most
c.)   all
d.)   none

9.)   Profits from the settlement of Jamestown would come…

a.)   quickly
b.)   immediately
c.)   never
d.)   eventually

10.) How did the settlers respond after the departure of John Smith?
a.)   They continued to work hard for the welfare of the settlement.
b.)   They decided to return to England.
c.)   They became lazy and selfish again.
d.)   They responded by carrying on the rules of John Smith.
 The Virginia Colony (Jamestown) Part 3 Reading Comprehension

During the winter of 1612–1613, Samuel Argall devised a plan to kidnap Powhatan's favorite daughter, Pocahontas,
who was visiting friends near Jamestown. Argall bribed two Indians with some copper kettles to lure Pocahontas
onto an English ship. Although Pocahontas was suspicious, she boarded the ship and was kidnapped. Argall planned
to ransom Pocahontas, but Powhatan was unwilling to meet the demands of the English. Negotiations dragged on for
over a year, during which time Pocahontas grew accustomed to life among the English. In captivity, she converted to
Christianity, was baptized, and in 1814, married the wealthy tobacco planter John Rolfe. The marriage of Rolfe and
Pocahontas resulted in a truce between the Indians and the English. Although Powhatan was unhappy with the
marriage and truce, as he realized it would result in the expansion of the English settlement, he grew tired of the
fighting and felt powerless to stop it.

Despite the truce, Jamestown remained a dismal place for most of the settlers. Food shortages and disease were
rampant in Jamestown. Because Rolfe's tobacco crop showed such promise for profit, many settlers began growing
their own, though few reserved space for corn. Tobacco became the cash crop of the Jamestown settlement. In 1614,
conditions improved for settlers when Thomas Dale, using his powers as governor, began transferring some of the
land to private ownership. In order to continue growing tobacco, the Virginia Company needed a substantial
workforce. Through “the headright system,” English settlers were guaranteed 50 acres of land in return for three
years of labor. Heads of families that came to the New World were guaranteed 50 acres of land for each person they
brought over. With their own lands, settlers began to build houses, tend to their land, and grow crops, which resulted
in a new hope and inspiration for a successful colony.

Unfortunately, Jamestown's future was not bright. Powhatan's successor, Opechancanough, attacked the white
settlements near Jamestown in order to prevent the settlers from taking more land for tobacco. It was a surprise
attack, as the warriors approached the settlements as if they were preparing to trade. The attacks decimated the
settlements and resulted in the deaths of 347 settlers, including John Rolfe. The attacks were especially surprising
considering the peaceful relations that had reigned for many years. Although the Indians were driven back and
eventually completely defeated, in 1624, as a result of the high mortality rates at Jamestown and the colony's poor
financial state, King James revoked the colony's charter and made Virginia a possession of the Crown.
1.) Which of the following DID NOT happen to 6.) ______________ became the cash crop of the
Pocahontas while she was kidnapped? Jamestown colony.
a.)   She had a child. a.)   Corn
b.)   She converted to Christianity. b.)   Cotton
c.)   She got married. c.)   Beans
d.)   She grew accustomed to life among the d.)   Tobacco
settlers.
7.) As part of the headright system, colonists were
2.) Why was Pocahontas kidnapped? guaranteed __________ for __________.
a.)   So John Rolfe could marry her. a.)   food; land
b.)   Because the settlers believed Powhatan b.)   land; food
would meet their demands to get her back. c.)   food; labor
c.)   So they could bring her back to England. d.)   land; labor
d.)   To unite the Powhatans and settlers.
8.) Who was guaranteed 50 acres of land under
3.) As a result of the marriage between the headright system?
Pocahontas and John Rolfe… a.)   Anyone who came over to Jamestown from
a.)   hostilities ceased temporarily between the England.
Powhatans and settlers. b.)   The heads of families
b.)   war was imminent. c.)   The heads of families who brought at least
c.)   the Powhatans and settlers became rich. one settler from England to Jamestown.
d.)   Powhatan finally met the ransom demands of d.)   Settlers who tended their own lands and who
the settlers. grew food for other settlers.

4.) Powhatan was ______________ with the 9.) Why were Jamestown and the colony of
marriage between his daughter and John Rolfe Virginia made possessions of the Crown?
a.)   pleased a.)   The colony’s high mortality rate.
b.)   unhappy b.)   The colony was making incredible profits.
c.)   surprised c.)   The colony could no longer grow tobacco.
d.)   mortified d.)   John Rolfe was killed.

5.) Ultimately, Powhatan felt ____________ 10.) As more settlers arrived in Jamestown…
concerning the growth of Jamestown. a.)   they crowded into existing settlements.
a.)   excited b.)   relations with the Powhatans improved
b.)   pleased because of the increase in trade.
c.)   disappointed c.)   less land was available for the Powhatans.
d.)   powerless d.)   the settlement of Jamestown became more
profitable in the eyes of the British Crown.
                
 
Kansas-­  Nebraska  Act  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                                            Name  ________________  
 
 
 
Kansas-­Nebraska  Act  
 
In  1854,  Congress  passed  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act,  which  organized  the  remaining  
territory  acquired  in  the  Louisiana  Purchase  so  that  such  territories  could  be  admitted  
to  the  Union  as  states.

Probably  the  most  important  result  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act  was  its  language  
concerning  the  contentious  issue  of  slavery.  Proposed  by  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  and  
signed  by  president  Franklin  Pierce,  the  bill  divided  the  region  into  two  territories.  
Territory  north  of  the  40th  parallel  was  called  Nebraska  Territory,  and  territory  south  of  
the  40th  parallel  was  called  Kansas  Territory.  The  most  controversial  aspect  of  the  
Kansas-­Nebraska  Act  was  that  each  territory  would  decide  for  itself  whether  or  not  to  
permit  slavery.  This  stipulation  repealed  the  Missouri  Compromise  of  1820  which  
stated  that  slavery  was  prohibited  north  of  36°  30′.

As  there  was  more  support  for  slavery  in  Kansas,  both  pro-­slavery  and  anti-­slavery  
advocates  organized  teams  of  people  to  settle  in  the  state.  Not  surprisingly,  the  area  
became  a  battleground  for  both  sides,  and  the  resulting  violence  caused  the  territory  to  
be  referred  to  as  “Bleeding  Kansas,”  and  was  one  of  the  first  major  causes  of  the  Civil  
War.  Eventually,  on  January  29,  1861,  after  much  controversy,  Kansas  was  admitted  
to  the  Union  as  a  free  state  –  just  months  before  the  first  shots  of  the  Civil  War  were  
fired.

 
 
1.   What  was  the  purpose  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act?    
A.  To  repeal  the  Missouri  Compromise  
B.  To  make  sure  all  territories  could  vote  on  the  issue  of  slavery  
C.  To  admit  Kansas  and  Nebraska  to  the  Union  as  free  states  
D.  To  organize  territories  so  they  could  become  states  
 
2.   What  was  controversial  about  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act?  
A.  Slavery  would  be  allowed  in  both  Kansas  and  Nebraska  Territories  
B.  Territories  would  decide  whether  or  not  to  allow  slavery  within  their  borders  
C.  Neither  Kansas  or  Nebraska  could  become  states  if  they  allowed  slavery  
D.  Slavery  would  be  prohibited  in  certain  parts  of  the  territories  
 
 
  
 
3.   What  is  a  stipulation  as  used  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
This  stipulation  repealed  the  Missouri  Compromise  of  1820  which  stated  that  
slavery  was  prohibited  north  of  36°  30′.  
     
A.  A  condition  or  requirement    
B.  A  change  
C.  An  illegal  act  
D.  A  promise  
 
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  true?  
A.  There  was  more  support  for  slavery  in  Kansas  
B.  There  was  equal  support  for  slavery  in  both  Kansas  and  Nebraska  
C.  There  was  more  support  for  slavery  in  Nebraska  
D.  There  was  little  support  for  slavery  in  Kansas  or  Nebraska    
 
5.   Why  did  Kansas  become  known  as  “Bleeding  Kansas?”    
A.  Because  of  the  increased  slave  trade  that  occurred  before  it  became  a  state    
B.  Because  slavery  supporters  were  always  violent  
C.  Because  slavery  supporters  and  slavery  opponents  both  moved  to  the  state    
D.  Because  it  was  a  major  cause  of  the  Civil  War  
 
6.   Eventually…  
A.  Kansas  became  a  slave  state  after  the  start  of  the  Civil  War.  
B.  Kansas  became  a  slave  state  before  the  start  of  the  Civil  War.  
C.  Kansas  became  a  free  state  after  the  start  of  the  Civil  War.  
D.  Kansas  became  a  free  state  before  the  start  of  the  Civil  War.    
 
7.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act?      
A.  It  brought  the  nation  together  
B.  It  brought  the  nation  closer  to  war  
C.  Slavery  became  legal  in  Kansas  
D.  Slavery  would  eventually  become  illegal  in  America    
Laura  Keene   Name__________________________

Laura  Keene  was  one  of  the  most  famous  actors  and  stage  managers  of  her  time.  She  
performed  all  over  the  world:  in  London,  New  York,  California,  and  Australia.  She  
achieved  great  financial  success  by  starting  her  own  theater  in  New  York  City.  On  
October  15,  1858,  My  American  Cousin  debuted  in  Keene’s  theater.  Keene  had  
purchased  the  rights  to  the  play,  which  was  originally  written  by  British  playwright  Tom  
Taylor.  The  story  was  a  comedy  about  an  American  who  must  visit  his  English  relatives  
to  claim  his  inheritance.  My  American  Cousin  proved  very  popular  –  it  was  only  
scheduled  to  play  for  two  weeks  but  instead,  ran  for  150  straight  days.  

Laura  Keene,  however,  is  best  known  for  the  events  that  occurred  at  Ford's  Theater  on  
the  night  of  April  14,  1865,  during  the  showing  of  My  American  Cousin  in  Washington,  
D.C.  At  10:13  P.M.,  John  Wilkes  Booth  shot  President  Lincoln,  who  had  come  to  watch
the  play  with  his  wife  in  celebration  of  the  Union  victory  over  the  Confederate  States  of  
America  in  the  American  Civil  War.  Amidst  the  chaotic  scene,  Keene  made  her  way  
through  a  labyrinth  of  passageways  to  the  presidential  box.  She  carried  a  pitcher  of  
water,  which  served  as  her  ticket  inside.  Sensing  history  was  being  made,  Keene  
begged  Dr.  Charles  Leale,  who  was  attending  to  Lincoln,  if  she  could  see  the  dying  
president.  Amazingly,  Leale  agreed.  Keene  proceeded  to  create  a  scene  only  an  actor  
could  imagine.  Carefully,  she  cradled  the  president’s  head  in  her  lap  for  several  
minutes.  Keene’s  theatrics  served  no  medical  purpose  whatsoever  and  ultimately  
served  as  a  bizarre  side  note  to  one  of  the  most  tragic  episodes  in  American  history  to  
that  point.  Keene  cherished  the  colorful  floral  dress  she  wore  that  night,  because  the  
cuff  bore  bloodstains  from  the  dying  president.  Over  time,  the  dress  was  lost,  but  the  
cuff  still  exists  today  –  complete  with  Lincoln’s  blood.  It  was  donated  to  the  National  
Museum  of  American  History.  
1. Who  was  Tom  Taylor?
A. The  author  of  My  American  Cousin
B. An  actor  in  My  American  Cousin
C. Laura  Keene’s  husband
D. A  doctor  who  was  attending  to  Abraham  Lincoln

2. Which  of  the  following  was  not  true?

A. Laura  Keene  was  well-known  before  the  Lincoln  episode
B. Dr.  Charles  Leale  surprisingly  allowed  Ms.  Keene  to  enter  Lincoln’s  box  and
cradle  the  dying  president
C. Lincoln  was  shot  at  Ford’s  Theater  by  John  Wilkes  Booth
D. My  American  Cousin  was  the  story  of  a  British  man  visiting  his  American
relatives

3. What  does  “debuted”  mean  in  the  following  sentences?

My  American  Cousin  debuted  in  Keene’s  theater.  Keene  had  purchased  the
rights  to  the  play,  which  was  originally  written  by  British  playwright  Tom  Taylor.

A. Made  its  first  showing

B. Ended
C. Performed
D. Listened

4. What  purpose  did  Keene’s  presence  in  Lincoln’s  box  serve?

A. She  brought  water  to  the  President
B. She  served  no  purpose
C. She  brought  comfort  to  the  President
D. She  brought  hope  to  the  President

5. What  question  is  NOT  answered?

A. Why  was  Lincoln  watching  My  American  Cousin?
B. Who  watched  My  American  Cousin  alongside  of  Lincoln?
C. Why  did  Dr.  Leale  allow  Laura  Keene  to  stage  the  scene  with  Lincoln?
D. Does  any  part  of  the  dress  that  Keene  wore  that  night  still  exist?

6. Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  scene  described  in  the  second
paragraph?
A. Keene’s  actions  made  her  one  of  the  most  famous  people  in  American
history
B. Keene’s  actions  served  as  a  strange  episode  in  a  national  tragedy
C. Keene’s  actions  served  to  comfort  the  nation  during  a  horrible  event
D. Keene’s  actions  proved  she  was  one  of  the  best  actors  of  her  time  
7.   What  could  be  a  title  for  the  passage?  
A.  The  History  of  Ford’s  Theater  
B.  Laura  Keene’s  Dress  
C.  Laura  Keene  –  Making  History  with  a  Dying  President    
D.  Assassination  –  How  Lincoln’s  Death  Changed  America  
 
 MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Reading Comprehension

Marquis de Lafayette was born in France on September 10, 1757. Lafayette is most remembered for his role as
a major-general for the Continental Army under General George Washington during the American
Revolutionary War.

During the American Revolution, Lafayette served admirably in many battles like the Battle of Brandywine and
the Battle of Rhode Island. During this time, Lafayette also returned to France for a short period to try and
negotiate for French support for the American Revolution. After returning from his trip to France, General
Lafayette helped to block British troops at Yorktown from reaching General Washington’s Continental Army,
allowing General Washington to better prepare his troops for battle against the British Army.

In 1778, Lafayette once again returned to France to assist the French king. Lafayette tried to encourage King
Louis XVI to follow America’s examples of freedom and government brought on by the American Revolution.
King Louis XVI respected Lafayette and soon brought forth changes to the French government such as the
“Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Rights of Citizens,” which closely resembled the Constitution of the
United States. Lafayette was then made a commander in chief by the king to aide his country in its own French
Revolution.

In 1792, the French Revolution turned and Marquis de Lafayette was captured while trying to escape back to
the United States. Lafayette became a prisoner of war for more than five years. In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte
assisted in getting Lafayette released from prison. Lafayette never fully agreed with the French government
under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, and his supporters and refused to participate in its sessions.

In 1824, American President James Monroe invited Lafayette to return and visit the United States once again.
While on his tour of the United States, General Lafayette visited all twenty-four states in the Union. Lafayette
soon returned to France and was offered and then declined the dictatorship of France.

Lafayette died 10 years later and was buried in France on May 20, 1834. In 2002, General Lafayette was given
American citizenship. America wanted to honor his contribution as a soldier and general in the Revolutionary
War.
1.)   What does the passage imply about how Lafayette felt about the American government?
a.)   He thought it should be more like the French government.
b.)   He was impressed by it.
c.)   He thought it would never work.
d.)   He did not trust it.

2.)   Marquis de Lafayette served under _________________ in the American Revolutionary War.
a.)   Napoleon Bonaparte
b.)   King Louis XVI
c.)   James Madison
d.)   George Washington

3.)   During this time, Lafayette also returned to France for a short period to try and negotiate for
French support for the American Revolution.

What does the word "negotiate" mean in the sentence above?

a.)   take
b.)   forgive
c.)   demand
d.)   come to an agreement about something

4.)   What happened first in this selection?

a.)   Lafayette fought in the American Revolutionary War.
b.)   Lafayette fought in the French Revolution.
c.)   Lafayette visited the United States in 1824.
d.)   Lafayette became an American citizen.

5.)   What question is answered in the third paragraph?

a.)   When was Lafayette born?
b.)   When was Lafayette captured and sent to prison for five years?
c.)   When did Lafayette return to France to help the French King Louis XVI?
d.)   How old was Lafayette when he was made a general?

6.)   Which of the following is not true?

a.)   Lafayette was a general in the American Revolutionary War
b.)   Lafayette was a commander in chief during the French Revolution.
c.)   Lafayette is buried in America.
d.)   Lafayette returned to France by the time the French Revolution had begun.

7.)   What does the word "citizenship" mean in the last paragraph?
a.)   A special ship that traveled from America to France.
b.)   Money and rewards
c.)   The act of being a citizen.
d.)   A plaque that says he served in the Revolutionary War.
8.)   Lafayette fought to help his country during the French Revolution, but…
a.)   he died in a battle during the French Revolution.
b.)   he was taken as a prisoner of war and stayed in prison for over 5 long years.
c.)   he returned to America and became a citizen.
d.)   he decided to become the nation's dictator anyway.

9.)   Which question is NOT answered in the second paragraph?

a.)   What battles did Lafayette participate in during the American Revolution?
b.)   How did Lafayette's support help George Washington at Yorktown?
c.)   Why did Lafayette return to France?
d.)   When was Lafayette thrown in jail?

10.) What is the theme of the second paragraph?

a.)   How Lafayette helped France
b.)   How Lafayette helped America win its independence
c.)   How Lafayette was very famous in America
d.)   How Lafayette was honored in America
 Robert de la Salle
Robert de La Salle, also called Robert Sieur de la Salle, was a famous French explorer. He was born on
November 21, 1643, in Rouen, France. He spent nine years as a Jesuit student and teacher before
renouncing his vows and traveling to the New World.

La Salle's career in exploration began in 1666, when he traveled to Quebec, Canada as a French colonist.
In 1667, he was granted a seigneury (a large plot of land) on Montreal Island, which he sold two years
later in the hopes of jump starting his career as an explorer. Eager to find the fabled Northwest Passage
to Asia, La Salle set up an impulsive expedition with nine canoes from Montreal, Quebec in 1669. La Salle
and his crew, however, were ill-prepared for the exploration, but did reach Lake Ontario. The expedition
turned back to Montreal two months later without reaching the river that La Salle believed led to China -
the Ohio. La Salle made several other smaller expeditions between 1671 and 1673.

In 1677, in pursuit of his own glory, he returned to France and got permission from the King to explore all
lands between Florida, Mexico, and New France. After stockpiling supplies and building a ship on the
Niagara River, La Salle and his men explored parts of Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan and the
surrounding land (including Green Bay, Wisconsin) in 1679 and 1680.

On February 6, 1682, La Salle and 40 men reached the Mississippi River and began their journey south.
On April 9, La Salle claimed the entire Mississippi River Basin for France when he reached the mouth of
the river near Venice, Louisiana. The claim included not only the Mississippi River, but all land where its
branches extended - approximately two thirds of the entire United States. La Salle named the region
Louisiana, after his King. On the return trip, La Salle and Henri da Tonti, one of his lieutenants, oversaw
the construction of Fort St. Louis in 1682 on a butte above the river in modern-day Illinois. Today, the
park is known as Starved Rock and is the most visited state park in the state of Illinois. Tonti stayed as
commander of the fort, while La Salle returned to France for more supplies.

In 1684, La Salle and 300 hopeful colonists returned to North America in the hopes of establishing a large
French colony along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The trip, however, was a nightmare. It was plagued
by pirate attacks, hostile Indians, and poor navigation. One of La Salle's supply ships became shipwrecked
and members of the expedition killed local Indians who had taken supplies from the wreck, making
dangerous enemies. The expedition ended up in Texas where they founded another Fort St. Louis, far
from their target - the Mississippi River. During one of several searches for the river, 36 of La Salle's men
mutinied near present-day Navasota, Texas. It was here where La Salle was murdered by one of his own
men on March 19, 1687. The colony of Fort St. Louis would persist until 1688, when its remaining
residents were killed by Indians.
1.) Robert de la Salle believed 6.) Which of the following best describes la
__________________ led to China. Salle’s return trip to the Gulf of Mexico in
A. Quebec 1684?
B. the Ohio River A. It was a successful trip in which la Salle and
C. Montreal Island his men established new forts.
B. It was an unsuccessful trip because la Salle
D. Lake Ontario
and his men could not establish a fort.
C. It was a successful trip because la Salle
2.) Which of the following was NOT a place la named the area Louisiana
Salle explored by 1780? D. It was an unsuccessful trip because of Indian
A. Lake Huron and pirate attacks, poor navigation, and
B. Niagara River shipwreck.
C. Green Bay
D. Lake Superior 7.) La Salle was killed by…
A. One of his own men
B. Indians
3.) When did la Salle start exploring the C. Pirates
Mississippi River? D. Shipwreck
A.) Before he explored Lake Erie
B. 1679 8.) Circle all of the following that are true.
C. After establishing Fort St. Louis A. La Salle and his men established two
D. 1682 separate Fort St. Louis’s
B. La Salle and his men made a fort in modern-
day Illinois
4.) When did la Salle claim the whole C. La Salle and his men enjoyed friendly
Mississippi River for France? relations with most of the Indians they met
A. When he reached the mouth of the river D. La Salle’s return trip to the Gulf of Mexico
B. When he started exploring the river included hopeful colonists.
C. 1680
D. On his way back to Lake Ontario 9.) Which of the following would make the
best title for this passage?
5.) What did la Salle really claim for France? A. A Complete History of the Mississippi River
A. Only the Mississippi River B. The Crews of de la Salle
B. Part of the Mississippi River C. The Tale of Two Trips: the Success and
C. The Mississippi River and the Great Lakes Failure of Robert de la Salle Along the
Mississippi River
D. The Mississippi River and all of the land it
D. The Founding of Fort St. Louis
and its branches extend
10.) Why is Robert de la Salle important?
A. He searched for the Northwest Passage
B. He explored the Great Lakes
C. He established Fort St. Louis (now Starved
Rock State Park)
D. He claimed all of Louisiana for France
 Lewis  and  Clark  –  Details  Focus  

After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether

Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the wilderness, Native Americans, botany,
and geology of the new lands acquired in the deal. Lewis selected William Clark
to help him in this colossal effort. The expedition became known as the Corps of
Discovery. Little did they know, that this adventure would become one of the
most storied in American history.

On May 14, 1804, the historic journey began, as Lewis, Clark, and 38 other
Corps members sailed from St. Charles, Missouri, west on the Missouri River.
Averaging about 20 miles of distance per day, the Corps sailed past La Charette,
the last White settlement on the Missouri River on May 25. On July 4, the Corps
celebrated the first Independence Day spent west of the Mississippi River by
firing their keelboat cannon and naming a creek (near present day Atchison,
Kansas) Independence Creek.

On August 3, 1804, the Corps encountered Native Americans for the first time
near present day Omaha, Nebraska. The Native Americans were presented with
such gifts as peace medals and flags and told of a "Great Father to the East" that
would ensure their prosperity provided they didn't attack White settlers. On
August 20, the Corps experienced their first and only death when Charles Floyd
died of a burst appendix. Nevertheless, the expedition continued. As the Corps
entered the Great Plains, new animals previously unknown such as coyote and
antelope were recorded. As the Corps sailed north, they met up with the Teton
Sioux. Near present-day Pierre, South Dakota, the Teton Sioux (Lakota)
demanded one of their boats as a toll for moving farther upriver. A fight nearly
ensued, but was defused by the diplomacy of a chief named Black Buffalo. For
three more anxious days, the expedition stayed with the tribe.

On October 24, the Corps reached the villages of the Mandan near present-day
Bismarck, North Dakota. The villages were huge, and contained more people
than many major cities in America. Lewis and Clark decided to build a fort, which
they named Fort Mandan, across the river from the Indian villages.
Communication was constantly an issue between the Corps of Discovery and
local tribes. For this reason, Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint Charbonneau, a
French-Canadian fur-trapper and his wife, Sacagawea, to translate for them
when they headed west toward the mountains.
  
1.)      Toussaint  Charbonneau  was  a  _________________.    
 
a.)  Fur-­trapper  
b.)  French  Canadian  
c.)  Translator  
d.)  All  of  the  Above  
 
2.)        ____________  ______________  was  the  first  person  to  die  on  the  Lewis  and  
Clark  expedition.      
 
a.)  Meriwether  Lewis  
b.)  William  Clark  
c.)  Toussaint  Charbonneau  
d.)  William  Floyd  
 
3.)  Lewis  and  Clark  built  a  fort  in  October  of  1804  in  present-­day  ____________.  
 
a.)  South  Dakota  
b.)  North  Dakota  
c.)  Nebraska  
d.)  Kansas  
 
4.)        Lewis  and  Clark  and  the  Corps  of  Discovery  traveled  an  average  of  about  
_____________  miles  per  day  as  they  sailed  down  the  Missouri  River.  
 
a.)  10  
b.)  15  
c.)  20  
d.)  50  
 
5.)  The  Corps  of  Discovery  celebrated  the  first  Independence  Day  west  of  
__________________  on  July  4,  1804.    
 
a.)  the  Missouri  River  
b.)  the  Mississippi  River  
c.)  Colorado  
d.)  Pierre,  South  Dakota  
 

 
 
 

 
  

ANSWERS:    

1.)  D  
2.)  D  
3.)  B  
4.)  C  
5.)  B  

 
 Lewis  and  Clark  –  Main  Ideas  Focus  

After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether

Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the wilderness, Native Americans, botany,
and geology of the new lands acquired in the deal. Lewis selected William Clark
to help him in this colossal effort. The expedition became known as the Corps of
Discovery. Little did they know, that this adventure would become one of the
most storied in American history.

On May 14, 1804, the historic journey began, as Lewis, Clark, and 38 other
Corps members sailed from St. Charles, Missouri, west on the Missouri River.
Averaging about 20 miles of distance per day, the Corps sailed past La Charette,
the last White settlement on the Missouri River on May 25. On July 4, the Corps
celebrated the first Independence Day spent west of the Mississippi River by
firing their keelboat cannon and naming a creek (near present day Atchison,
Kansas) Independence Creek.

On August 3, 1804, the Corps encountered Native Americans for the first time
near present day Omaha, Nebraska. The Native Americans were presented with
such gifts as peace medals and flags and told of a "Great Father to the East" that
would ensure their prosperity provided they didn't attack White settlers. On
August 20, the Corps experienced their first and only death when Charles Floyd
died of a burst appendix. Nevertheless, the expedition continued. As the Corps
entered the Great Plains, new animals previously unknown such as coyote and
antelope were recorded. As the Corps sailed north, they met up with the Teton
Sioux. Near present-day Pierre, South Dakota, the Teton Sioux (Lakota)
demanded one of their boats as a toll for moving farther upriver. A fight nearly
ensued, but was defused by the diplomacy of a chief named Black Buffalo. For
three more anxious days, the expedition stayed with the tribe.

On October 24, the Corps reached the villages of the Mandan near present-day
Bismarck, North Dakota. The villages were huge, and contained more people
than many major cities in America. Lewis and Clark decided to build a fort, which
they named Fort Mandan, across the river from the Indian villages.
Communication was constantly an issue between the Corps of Discovery and
local Indian tribes. For this reason, Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint
Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur-trapper and his wife, Sacagawea, to
translate for them when they headed west toward the mountains.
1.)      Which  of  the  following  WAS  NOT  something  likely  experienced  by  the  Lewis  
and  Clark  expedition  as  described  in  the  third  paragraph?  

a.)  boredom  
b.)  sadness  
c.)  tension  
d.)  discovery  

2.)        The  last  paragraph  tells…  

a.)  the  number  of  expedition  members  who  survived  the  winter  at  Fort  Mandan.  
b.)  how  Lewis  and  Clark  managed  to  avoid  armed  conflict  with  the  Teton  Sioux.  
c.)  about  trade  between  Lewis  and  Clark  and  the  Mandan.
d.)  why  Lewis  and  Clark  hired  a  translator  to  travel  with  them.  

3.)        What  is  the  purpose  of  the  first  paragraph?  

a.)  To  explain  who  Thomas  Jefferson  was  

b.)  To  explain  who  Lewis  and  Clark  were  
c.)  To  inform  the  reader  that  Lewis  and  Clark  would  encounter  Native  Americans  
d.)  To  provide  background  and  purpose  for  the  expedition  

4.)        Which  of  the  following  could  be  a  title  for  the  second  paragraph?  

a.)  Lewis  and  Clark  and  the  naming  of  Independence  Creek  
b.)  Lewis  and  Clark:  Sailing  the  Mississippi  River  
c.)  Lewis  and  Clark:  The  Beginning  of  an  Epic  Journey  
d.)  Lewis  and  Clark:  The  Last  Days  of  a  Disastrous  Journey  
ANSWERS:    

1.)  A  
2.)  D  
3.)  D  
4.)  C  

 
 Lewis  and  Clark  –  Sequencing  Focus  

After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether

Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the wilderness, Native Americans, botany,
and geology of the new lands acquired in the deal. Lewis selected William Clark
to help him in this colossal effort. The expedition became known as the Corps of
Discovery. Little did they know, that this adventure would become one of the
most storied in American history.

On May 14, 1804, the historic journey began, as Lewis, Clark, and 38 other
Corps members sailed from St. Charles, Missouri, west on the Missouri River.
Averaging about 20 miles of distance per day, the Corps sailed past La Charette,
the last White settlement on the Missouri River on May 25. On July 4, the Corps
celebrated the first Independence Day spent west of the Mississippi River by
firing their keelboat cannon and naming a creek (near present day Atchison,
Kansas) Independence Creek.

On August 3, 1804, the Corps encountered Native Americans for the first time
near present day Omaha, Nebraska. The Native Americans were presented with
such gifts as peace medals and flags and told of a "Great Father to the East" that
would ensure their prosperity provided they didn't attack White settlers. On
August 20, the Corps experienced their first and only death when Charles Floyd
died of a burst appendix. Nevertheless, the expedition continued. As the Corps
entered the Great Plains, new animals previously unknown such as coyote and
antelope were recorded. As the Corps sailed north, they met up with the Teton
Sioux. Near present-day Pierre, South Dakota, the Teton Sioux (Lakota)
demanded one of their boats as a toll for moving farther upriver. A fight nearly
ensued, but was defused by the diplomacy of a chief named Black Buffalo. For
three more anxious days, the expedition stayed with the tribe.

On October 24, the Corps reached the villages of the Mandan near present-day
Bismarck, North Dakota. The villages were huge, and contained more people
than many major cities in America. Lewis and Clark decided to build a fort, which
they named Fort Mandan, across the river from the Indian villages.
Communication was constantly an issue between the Corps of Discovery and
local Indian tribes. For this reason, Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint
Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur-trapper and his wife, Sacagawea, to
translate for them when they headed west toward the mountains.
  
1.)      Which  of  the  following  happened  before  August  20,  1804?    
 
a.)  Lewis  and  Clark  decided  to  hire  translators  
b.)  Lewis  and  Clark  told  the  Native  Americans  of  their  “Great  Father  to  the  East.”    
c.)  Lewis  and  Clark  decided  to  build  Fort  Mandan  
d.)  Black  Buffalo  defused  a  fight  between  the  Corps  and  the  Teton  Sioux  
 
2.)        When  did  Lewis  and  Clark  reach  lands  near  present-­day  Pierre,  South  
Dakota?    
 
a.)  Before  they  celebrated  the  first  Independence  Day  west  of  the  Mississippi  River  
b.)  Before  Charles  Floyd  died  
c.)  After  they  reached  the  Mandan  villages  
d.)  Before  they  hired  translators  
 
3.)        What  happened  first?      
 
a.)  Lewis  and  Clark  and  the  Corps  of  Discovery  sailed  past  La  Charette  
b.)  The  Corps  encountered  Native  Americans  for  the  fist  time  
c.)  July  1,  1804  
d.)  The  Corps  named  Independence  Creek  
 
4.)        What  happened  last?      
 
a.)  August  20,  1804  
b.)  The  Corps  reached  areas  near  Bismarck,  North  Dakota  
c.)  The  Corps  encountered  Native  Americans  near  Omaha,  Nebraska  
d.)  Armed  conflict  nearly  ensued  between  the  Corps  and  Teton  Sioux    
 

 
 
 

 
ANSWERS:    

1.)  B  
2.)  D  
3.)  A  
4.)  B  

 
 Lewis  and  Clark  –  Contextual  Vocabulary  Focus  

After the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether

Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the wilderness, Native Americans, botany,
and geology of the new lands acquired in the deal. Lewis selected William Clark
to help him in this colossal effort. The expedition became known as the Corps of
Discovery. Little did they know, that this adventure would become one of the
most storied in American history.

On May 14, 1804, the historic journey began, as Lewis, Clark, and 38 other
Corps members sailed from St. Charles, Missouri, west on the Missouri River.
Averaging about 20 miles of distance per day, the Corps sailed past La Charette,
the last White settlement on the Missouri River on May 25. On July 4, t
celebrated
he Corps the first Independence Day spent west of the Mississippi River by
firing their keelboat cannon and naming a creek (near present day Atchison,
Kansas) Independence Creek.

On August 3, 1804, the Corps encountered Native Americans for the first time
near present day Omaha, Nebraska. The Native Americans were presented with
such gifts as peace medals and flags and told of a "Great Father to the East" that
would ensure their prosperity provided they didn't attack White settlers. On
August 20, the Corps experienced their first and only death when Charles Floyd
died of a burst appendix. Nevertheless, the expedition continued. As the Corps
entered the Great Plains, new animals previously unknown such as coyote and
antelope were recorded. As the Corps sailed north, they met up with the Teton
Sioux. Near present-day Pierre, South Dakota, the Teton Sioux (Lakota)
demanded one of their boats as a toll for moving farther upriver. A fight nearly
ensued, but was defused by the diplomacy of a chief named Black Buffalo. For
three more anxious days, the expedition stayed with the tribe.

On October 24, the Corps reached the villages of the Mandan near present-day
Bismarck, North Dakota. The villages were huge, and contained more people
than many major cities in America. Lewis and Clark decided to build a fort, which
they named Fort Mandan, across the river from the Indian villages.
Communication was constantly an issue between the Corps of Discovery and
local tribes. For this reason, Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint Charbonneau, a
French-Canadian fur-trapper and his wife, Sacagawea, to translate for them
when they headed west toward the mountains.
  
1.)      On  August  3,  1804,  the  Corps  encountered  Native  Americans  for  the  first  time  
near  present  day  Omaha,  Nebraska.  
 
What  does  “encountered”  mean  in  the  sentence  above?  
 
a.)  Fled  from  
b.)  Fought    
c.)  Ended  
d.)  Came  Upon  
 
2.)        Lewis  selected  William  Clark  to  help  him  in  this  colossal  effort.      
 
What  does  colossal  mean  in  the  sentence  above?    
 
a.)  ordinary  
b.)  huge  
c.)  small  
d.)  average  
 
3.)        The  Native  Americans  were  presented  with  such  gifts  as  peace  medals  and  
flags  and  told  of  a  "Great  Father  to  the  East"  that  would  ensure  their  prosperity  
provided  they  didn't  attack  White  settlers.  
 
What  does  “prosperity”  mean  in  the  sentence  above?    
 
a.)  sickness  
b.)  well-­being  
c.)  food  supply  
d.)  enemies  
 
4.)        Communication  was  constantly  an  issue  between  The  Corps  of  Discovery  
and  local  tribes.  
 
What  does  “constantly”  mean  in  the  sentence  above?  
 
a.)  rarely  
b.)  never  
c.)  almost  always  
d.)  sort  of    
 

 
 
 
  
5.)  A  fight  nearly  ensued,  but  was  defused  by  the  diplomacy  of  a  chief  named  
Black  Buffalo.  
 
What  does  “defused”  mean  in  the  sentence  above?  
 
a.)  Defined  
b.)  Played  
c.)  Calmed  
d.)  Ignited  

ANSWERS:    

1.)  D  
2.)  B  
3.)  B  
4.)  C  
5.)  C  

 
 BATTLES OF LEXINGTON AND CONCORD Reading Comprehension
Following resolutions made by the Continental Congress, armed conflict seemed imminent. King George, who
declared the colonies in a state of rebellion, had authorized the deliverance of British soldiers to reinforce those
who had occupied Boston since 1768. General Thomas Gage was sent to Boston to disarm the colonists and
arrest the leaders of the rebellion, namely John Hancock and Samuel Adams. After learning of the existence of a
large colonial arsenal in Concord, about 20 miles northwest of Boston, General Gage sent a detachment of 700
troops under Colonel Francis Smith to march to Concord for the purposes of seizing and destroying artillery and
ammunition. The colonists, however, already knew their weapons were in jeopardy and had moved most of
them to secret locations before the arrival of the redcoats.

As British troops mobilized in Boston, Dr. Joseph Warren alerted members of the Sons of Liberty—Paul Revere
and William Dawes. Dawes promptly rode to Concord to warn Hancock, and Adams and Revere rode through
the countryside yelling, “The regulars are coming” or “The regulars are out.” By dawn, about 70 armed
minutemen (Massachusetts militia) had gathered in the Lexington town common awaiting the arrival of the
redcoats. Gage’s own wife, Margaret Kemble Gage, is thought to have given Warren information about her
husband’s planned raid in sympathy to the Revolution.

When the British arrived on the scene, someone fired a shot that would become known as “The Shot Heard
Round’ the World.” To this day, historians disagree on which side fired first, or if the shot came from a
spectator. Nevertheless, the redcoats subsequently unleashed devastating volleys before charging the
minutemen with their bayonets. As the redcoats marched on to Concord, eight minutemen were killed and ten
wounded. As the march continued, the numbers of minutemen arriving from surrounding towns swelled and the
substantial militia retreated to a ridge about a mile from Concord across the North Bridge. Meanwhile, British
troops had occupied Concord, destroyed several cannons, and burned leftover ammunition. A gun battle erupted
as the two sides crossed at the North Bridge. In a stunning turn of events, the minutemen held the bridge,
forcing the redcoats to retreat. As the redcoats exited Concord on their way back to Boston, hundreds or even
thousands of farmers and other colonial workers had positioned themselves behind trees, rocks, in pastures,
under bridges, and in places they could not be seen by the redcoats, firing at them as they marched on.
Desperate redcoats, frustrated by an enemy they could not see and in revenge for the brutal scalping of one of
their dead, sometimes pillaged houses and communities along the way, killing dozens of colonists. Colonial
militias, however, continued to snipe away the lines of redcoats. By the time they finally had made it back to
Boston, 73 redcoats were killed and 174 were wounded. The American Revolution had officially begun.
1.)   When did British troops begin their
occupation of Boston? 6.)   Who fired the first shot?
a.)   1768 a.)   No one knows
b.)   Following resolutions made by the b.)   A spectator
Continental Congress c.)   The British
c.)   During the search for weapons d.)   The Patriots
d.)   After the Battles of Lexington and Concord

7.)   What happened as the redcoats marched on

2.)   What does “in jeopardy” mean in the to Concord?
following sentence? a.)   The militia grew.
b.)   The Americans were defeated.
The Colonists, however, already knew their c.)   The minutemen fled.
weapons were in jeopardy and had moved d.) None of the Above.
most of them to secret locations before the
arrival of the redcoats. 8.)   Which of the following happened first?
a.)   Minutemen gathered on the Lexington
a.)   safe Town Common.
b.)   damaged b.)   The confrontation at the North Bridge
c.)   destroyed c.)   The American Revolution had begun.
d.)   threatened d.)   The redcoats marched from Concord back
to Boston.

3.)   Which of the following was NOT a reason

General Gage was sent to Boston? 9.)   Which of the following best describes the
a.)   To disarm the colonists redcoats as they marched back to Boston?
b.)   To arrest Samuel Adams a.)   vulnerable
c.)   To arrest John Hancock b.)   confident
d.)   To arrest Benjamin Franklin c.)   hungry
d.)   bored

4.)   Which of the following best describes

Margaret Kemble Gage? 10.) Which of the following is NOT true?
a.)   Concerned for the colonists a.)   73 redcoats were killed by the time they
b.)   Concerned for herself made it back to Boston.
c.)   Concerned for her husband b.)   The Ride of Paul Revere was nothing but a
d.)   Concerned for no one legend.
c.)   The colonists had prepared for the
confiscation of their weapons by the
5.)   Why was the first shot of the Revolutionary British.
War known as the “Shot Heard Round’ the d.)   Many redcoats were killed by minutemen
World?” who hid behind rocks and trees.
a.)   It changed the course of world history.
b.)   Many people lost their lives.
c.)   The cannons fired were very loud.
d.)   Shots occurred all around the world.
 LINCOLN’S CHILDHOOD Reading Comprehension
 
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky, to Thomas and Nancy Lincoln
in their one-room log cabin on their farm known as Sinking Spring (near modern-day Hodgenville, Kentucky).
Although Thomas lacked formal education, he was an excellent farmer and carpenter and oftentimes served as a
member of the jury. Thomas and Nancy joined a small Baptist church in the area that had broken away from the
larger church over the issue of slavery.

When Abe was two, the family moved to nearby Knob Creek Farm, where Abe's first memories of his
childhood were formed. Because of difficulties his father had with the title to the farm, Thomas Lincoln moved
his family to Pigeon Creek, Indiana, in 1816, where the seven-year-old Abraham helped him build a log cabin
in the woods. Two years later, Nancy died of “milk sickness.” Milk sickness is a rare disease caused by drinking
the milk or consuming the meat of a cow that had fed on poisonous roots. In 1819, however, Thomas married
Sarah Bush Johnston, whom Abraham would call “Mother.” Sarah was a kind and warm woman who brought
her three children, Matilda, Elizabeth, and John, to the Lincoln homestead to live with Abraham and his sister.

From an early age, Sarah recognized Abraham’s quick wit and intellect and encouraged him to read. Abraham
became an avid reader, gobbling up any book he could get his hands on from neighbors, clergymen, and
traveling teachers. Abraham attended school on an inconsistent basis. At times, traveling teachers may have
taught at a nearby rudimentary schoolhouse, and at other times Abraham walked several miles to the nearest
school. Lincoln himself admitted that the total amount of schooling he received in his childhood was no more
than twelve months; nevertheless, he became an excellent reader, learned to write, measure, and make division
and multiplication calculations. Abraham took his studies very seriously. Without paper in the house to practice
his writing and math, he often did arithmetic on the back of a wooden spoon using charcoal as a makeshift
pencil. Lincoln described where he grew up and the opportunities for education in the following quote:

"It was," he once wrote, "a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew
up. There were some schools, so-called, but no qualification was ever required of a teacher beyond "readin',
writin', and cipherin'" to the Rule of Three. If a straggler supposed to understand Latin happened to sojourn in
the neighborhood, he was looked upon as a wizard."

Abe’s growing desire to attend school conflicted with his father’s demands on him, which often made him
appear lazy to his neighbors. His father often rented him out to perform manual labor tasks such as shucking
corn, hoeing, gathering, and plowing. During the early 1800s, Abe’s father was entitled to all of the money
earned as a result of his son’s labor. Abe's considerable strength was evident with his unusual skill and power
with an axe. Abe was said to be able to chop more wood and split more rails than anyone around. Far larger and
stronger than the other boys in the region, Abe could outrun and outwrestle all of them. Unlike most boys of his
time, however, Abe avoided hunting because he took no pleasure in killing animals.

Although Abe gained a reputation as a prankster and for his storytelling abilities, he also gained a reputation for
honesty. When he was nineteen years old, he was hired to co-steer a flatboat down the Mississippi River to
unload produce to be sold at the plantations in the South and to return with the money earned. For these
services, Abe was paid eight dollars a month. More importantly, these forays into the South opened Abe’s eyes
to the world beyond the Indiana frontier and likely began to shape his views toward the horrors of slavery as he
witnessed the auctions and treatment of slaves firsthand.
  

1.)   What did Abraham's father do for a living? 6.)   What did Abraham Lincoln use to write his
a.)   He was a farmer. arithmetic?
b.)   He was a teacher. a.)   wooden spoon
c.)   He was a doctor. b.)   his arm
d.)   He was a judge. c.)   pencil
d.)   Charcoal

2.)   Why did the Lincoln family decide to join a new

church? 7.)   What do you think “cipherin” is closest to in the
a.)   The passage doesn't say. following quote:
b.)   Over the issue of slavery.
c.)   They became more religious. "It was," he once wrote, "a wild region, with many
d.)   They wanted to be in a smaller church. bears and other wild animals still in the woods.
There I grew up. There were some schools, so-
called, but no qualification was ever required of a
teacher beyond "readin', writin', and cipherin'" to
3.)   Where did Abraham live when he was 7?
the Rule of Three. If a straggler supposed to
a.)   Indiana understand Latin happened to sojourn in the
b.)   Sinking Spring Farm neighborhood, he was looked upon as a wizard."
c.)   Kentucky a.)   writing
d.)   Illinois b.)   reading
c.)   math
d.)   planning
4.)   What word or phrase would NOT describe Sarah
Bush Johnston?
a.)   dishonest 8.)   Which of the following was Abe NOT rented out
b.)   kind by his father to do?
c.)   nurturing a.)   gathering
d.)   caring b.)   hoeing
c.)   plowing
d.)   shoveling
5.)   How long did Abraham Lincoln go to school for?
a.)   Never
b.)   His whole life 9.)   Which of the following was NOT true about
c.)   About one year Abraham Lincoln?
d.)   Two years a.)   He was the strongest and fastest boy around.
b.)   He gained a reputation for dishonesty.
c.)   He was a prankster.
d.)   He sometimes appeared lazy to others.

10.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln refrain from

hunting?
a.)   His family didn't need him to hunt.
b.)   His family didn't own a gun.
c.)   He was a terrible shot.
d.)   He didn't like killing animals.
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – THE MIDDLE YEARS (Part 1)
In 1830, Abe’s father moved the family to Illinois following fears of another milk sickness outbreak. After enduring
several plagues and one of the worst winters on record, Abe decided to leave his father’s homestead and set off on
his own at the age of 22. Abe’s experience, intelligence, and ingenuity would serve him well. His first job required
him to steer a flatboat from Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana. After leading the construction of the flatboat with
two other boys, Abe gained notoriety from the residents of New Salem when he figured out how to float the stuck
flatboat over Rutledge’s Dam by drilling a hole in the bottom of the boat. After successfully unloading the goods in
New Orleans, Abe took a steamer to St. Louis and walked home the remainder of the way. The owner of the flatboat
was so impressed with Abe, he hired him to work as a clerk in his store in New Salem.

In New Salem, Abe made many friends, mastered grammar, and gained a reputation as a master storyteller. In
August of 1832, he decided to become a candidate for one of four representatives of Sangamon County in the Illinois
legislature, despite being a resident in the county for only nine months. His campaign platform centered on
improvements to the navigation of the Sangamon River he would initiate. During this time, however, Lincoln was
made captain of a company of men from New Salem to volunteer their service in the Black Hawk War. The
company would become the Fourth Illinois Mounted Volunteers. Lincoln himself served for about three months in
the frontier of Illinois but was never engaged in any real combat. When he returned to New Salem, it was election
time. By this time, however, there were thirteen candidates, and he finished eighth on the ballot (though over 90
percent of the residents of New Salem voted for him). Discouraged, Abe decided to enter a partnership to purchase
the store he clerked at on credit. Thinking that New Salem was an up-and-coming town, Lincoln believed the
purchase would earn him great profits. Unfortunately, his partner abandoned him, subsequent attempts to sell the
store were unsuccessful, and Lincoln was saddled with a debt that would take him seventeen years to pay off.

Abe Enters Politics

On May 7, 1833, Abe was appointed postmaster of New Salem. As the population of New Salem declined over the
next few years, it became too small for a post office and Abe was out of a job. That same year, Lincoln was hired to
survey new lands acquired by Sangamon County, despite the fact he had no training as a surveyor. According to
legend, it took Abe only six weeks to learn the trade, and from that point on he was considered an excellent surveyor.
In 1834, Abe would campaign again for representative in the Illinois state legislature. Now that he was well-known
in a larger portion of Sangamon County, Abe traveled from village to village giving speeches, attending shooting
matches, horse races, and other community events. Again, there were thirteen candidates, but this time Abe won.
1.)   Why did Abe's father move them to Illinois?
a.)   There was better farming in Illinois.
b.)   He was afraid milk sickness would strike again.
c.)   Abe's grandparents lived in Illinois.
d.)   There was more opportunity in Illinois.

2.)   How did Abe Lincoln gain notoriety among the people of New Salem, Illinois?
a.)   They thought he was very funny.
b.)   He was on his way to New Orleans.
c.)   He figured out how to steer a stuck flatboat over a dam.
d.)   He was steering a flatboat at age 19.

3.)   In New Salem, Abe… (select all that apply)

a.)   mastered grammar
b.)   gained a reputation as a master storyteller
c.)   made a lot of friends
d.)   ran for president

4.)   Which of the following statements best describes Abe's experience in the election for the Illinois
legislature?
a.)   A total failure
b.)   A partial success; he gained most of the votes in Sangamon County, but failed to get enough votes in
New Salem.
c.)   A total success
d.)   A partial success; he gained most of the votes in New Salem, but failed to get enough votes in other
parts of Sangamon County.

5.)   Abe was the captain of a group of men who "volunteered" to serve in the Black Hawk War. What is a
volunteer in this context?
a.)   Someone who would pay to go to war.
b.)   Someone who goes to war and does not expect to be paid.
c.)   Someone who goes to war and expects to be paid.
d.)   Someone who goes to war.

6.)   Why did Abe decide to purchase a store in New Salem?

a.)   He liked his partners.
b.)   He thought it would earn him a lot of money.
c.)   He thought he needed business experience.
d.)   He was bored.

7.)   Why did Abe lose his job as postmaster of New Salem?
a.)   The population of New Salem was too small to justify having a post office.
b.)   New Salem didn't like the way Abe represented them.
c.)   Abe became an Illinois state representative.
d.)   Abe decided to enter politics.
8.)   What happened first?
a.)   Abe became postmaster of New Salem.
b.)   Abe became surveyor of Sangamon County.
c.)   Abe wins the election for Illinois representative.
d.)   1832

9.)   Which of the following did Abe NOT do as he campaigned for Illinois state representative?
a.)   Went to shooting matches
b.)   Traveled to different villages
c.)   Went to horse races
d.)   Traveled to different states

10.) Why do you think Abe won the second election?

a.)   Because he had more money.
b.)   There were no other good candidates.
c.)   Because he campaigned throughout the county and met a lot of people.
d.)   It was just good luck.
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Middle Years (Part 2)

Illinois Legislature

Abe became an influential force of the Whig Party in the Illinois legislature and was reelected in 1836, 1838, and 1840.
During this time, the issue of slavery became more and more contentious in Illinois and many other states. In 1837,
Lincoln first spoke publicly to the legislature concerning his views on slavery when it passed a set of resolutions against
abolitionist (anti-slavery) groups. Although Illinois was a free state at the time, it had many people who supported slavery,
especially in its southern portions. In addressing the legislature, Abe opposed the resolutions and asserted that he believed
slavery was an evil institution. Despite his feelings against slavery, Lincoln admitted he did not think the time was right to
free all of the slaves.

Abe Earns his Law License

In 1836, Lincoln endeavored to study law. Not surprisingly, by the end of 1836, he was admitted to the Illinois state bar
and obtained his license to practice. The next year he moved to Springfield, where he was already popular with the city’s
residents for his efforts to get the state capital moved there from Vandalia. Despite the fact he had become a lawyer, Abe
was still in debt, had no money, and had no place to live. Sometime shortly after arriving in Springfield, Abe took up
residence in the upstairs room above a store owned by Joshua Speed. Abe could not afford to pay the price for his own
room, so Joshua offered to share his room. Abe, who was carrying all of his possessions in two saddlebags when he
inquired about the price for a room, remarked, “Well, Speed, I am moved!" after setting his saddlebags on the floor of the
room. Abe and Joshua quickly became inseparable and forged a lifelong friendship.

Joshua Speed

Abe soon became a respected lawyer known for his honesty, wit, oratory, and hard work. In the 1830s, lawyers and
lawmakers were expected to travel to circuit courts throughout the state, oftentimes covering great distances. Abe was
assigned to what was called the Eighth Judicial Circuit. As a politician and lawyer, Abe would travel to such courts to
explain to the people the meanings of the laws created in the legislatures that were being applied to the local cases. Abe
endeared himself to the people with the anecdotes and stories he used to explain the difficult concepts to people in terms
they could understand. Oftentimes, such educational “sessions” were held in the village tavern or meetinghouse, would
include meals, and would last well into the night. It was at these “sessions” where Abe’s legend was born and grew; where
his stories, speeches, and explanations became legendary. Though poor, Abe was beginning to make a name for himself
beyond the confines of New Salem or even Springfield.
  
1.)   Which of the following would be an accurate 6.)   Which of the following words probably
summary of Abraham Lincoln's views DOES NOT describe Abraham Lincoln?
toward slavery? a.)   witty
a.)   He thought the Southern economy needed it. b.)   funny
b.)   He thought all slaves should be freed c.)   ferocious
immediately. d.)   humble
c.)   He thought it was evil, but that the time was
wrong to free all of the slaves.
d.)   He thought it served a purpose. 7.)   What happened first?
a.)   Abe moved in with Joshua Speed.
b.)   Abe traveled the circuit courts.
2.)   Which of the following was true about c.)   Abe obtained his law license.
Illinois? d.)   Abe moved to Springfield.
a.)   Many people in southern Illinois supported
slavery.
b.)   It was considered an eastern state at the 8.)   In the sentence, "Abe endeared himself to the
time. people with the anecdotes and stories he used
c.)   Slavery was legal in Illinois. to explain the difficult concepts to people in
d.)   Many people in northern Illinois supported terms they could understand."
slavery.
What does "endeared" mean?

3.)   Why was Abe popular in Springfield before a.)   begged

he moved there? b.)   obtained goods
a.)   He knew Joshua Speed. c.)   made people like him
b.)   As a legislator, he fought to get the state d.)   made people feel sorry for him
capital moved there.
c.)   He was an outstanding lawyer.
d.)   He lived in the largest house in town. 9.)   Where was the "legend" of Abraham Lincoln
born?
a.)   In Springfield
4.)   Which of the following was NOT true about b.)   In the courtroom
Abe when he moved to Springfield? c.)   In Chicago
a.)   He took all of his possessions in two bags. d.)   In village taverns and meetinghouses
b.)   He was in a lot of debt.
c.)   He bought a small house.
d.)   He had no place to live. 10.) Why did Abraham Lincoln use stories when
discussing the law?
a.)   They helped people relate to what he was
5.)   Why did Abe have to travel great distances to saying.
practice law? b.)   They helped the people begin to make laws.
a.)   Because he practiced in the circuit courts c.)   He wasn't a particularly serious man.
b.)   He was in a lot of debt. d.)   They helped him relax in front of big
c.)   Because the people of Springfield did not crowds.
trust he was a good lawyer
d.)   Because he was against slavery
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Middle Years (part 3)
In December of 1839, Abe met Mary Todd, a “handsome” woman from a wealthy, slave-owning family from
Lexington, Kentucky. Abe had been involved in two romances prior to Mary; one with Ann Rutledge, who died
of typhoid, and another with Mary Owens, which ended abruptly. By 1840, however, Abe and Mary Todd
became engaged. Unfortunately, their mutual affections failed to last and by 1841, the engagement was broken,
plunging Abe into a deep depression that rendered him unable to attend to his business or his job. Mired in
sadness, Lincoln went back to his boyhood home in Kentucky with his friend Joshua Speed, where he
apparently recovered sufficiently to return to his life in Springfield. To this day, there is no historical record of
why the pair decided to call off their engagement. In 1842, however, Abe and Mary had re-established relations
and were married on November 4 of that year. Abe and Mary would have four children, two of which died in
childhood. In 1844, Abe and Mary Todd bought their first house on the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets in
Springfield.

Abe as Congressman

Following his marriage, Abe’s interest in politics continued to influence the course he would take in life.
Despite entering a law partnership with Judge Stephen Logan, Abe made several unsuccessful attempts to gain
the Whig nomination for congressman in the 30th District of Illinois. In 1846, however, Abe was finally
nominated and elected in August of that year. Abe served one two-year term in Washington and was the only
Whig representative in the Democrat-dominated Illinois delegation. During his time as congressman, Abe spoke
out against the Mexican-American War, attributing its cause to president James K. Polk’s desire for “military
glory—that attractive rainbow that rises in showers of blood." Lincoln believed the United States was waging
an unprovoked war for the purposes of expanding its boundaries. This stance made him particularly unpopular,
and Lincoln lost much of the political support he once enjoyed, and hence, was not reelected to Congress.

Back to Law

After this stint as congressman, Lincoln returned to Springfield with a new vigor to practice law. He “rode the
circuit” twice every year for ten weeks, practicing law in county seats throughout the state of Illinois. Many of
his cases involved disputes which involved the operations of barges, drawbridges, and railroads. He would
argue cases in front of the Illinois Supreme Court some 175 times, and even argued a case in front of the United
States Supreme Court. Of the 51 cases in which he was the only lawyer for a particular client, 31 of the cases
were decided in his favor. Abe, who called himself “the prairie lawyer,” took other kinds of cases as well,
including those involving murder. In 1858, he successfully defended “Duff” Armstrong against charges of
homicide. One of the witnesses testified to seeing the murder committed in the moonlight. Abe proceeded to
consult his copy of the Farmer’s Almanac, which showed the moon at the time was at a low angle, reducing
visibility and making it highly unlikely anyone could witness a crime using moonlight alone. Armstrong was
acquitted. At this point, Abe was one of the foremost lawyers in the state of Illinois. Abe, however believed he
lacked the logic, reasoning, and mathematical skills needed to be an elite lawyer and dedicated himself to
intensive late-night readings until he felt he had improved himself with respect to those subjects. As the issue of
slavery continued to strain relations between the North and the South and with the passage of the Kansas-
Nebraska Act in 1854, which opened up the new territories to the possibility of slavery, Abe returned to politics.

Abe Speaks out Against Slavery

On October 16, 1854, Abe issued his famous "Peoria Speech" in which he condemned the institution of slavery,
declaring,

"I hate [slavery] because of the monstrous injustice of slavery itself. I hate it because it deprives our republican
example of its just influence in the world…"

Later that year, Abe decided to run for the Illinois Senate seat as a Whig. The Whigs, at the time, were
crumbling from the inside out. Differing opinions within the party concerning the Kansas-Nebraska Act
threatened to tear the party in two, or to obliterate it all together. Consequently, Lincoln lost the nomination but
became instrumental in the formation of a new party—the Republican Party. The Republican Party quickly
gained influence and became a national political powerhouse by the time Lincoln would be elected president.

In 1857, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Roger Taney ruled that blacks had no rights in
America as citizens in the famous Dred Scott s. Sandford decision. The decision was a major blow to the
abolitionists in the North and further polarized relations between the two parts of the country. Although Lincoln
spoke out against the decision, he affirmed the Court's right to issue such a decision. That same year, after his
nomination by the Illinois Republican Party for the Senate, Abe delivered the immortal words,

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave
and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will
cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.”
1.)   Which of the following best describes Mary Todd Lincoln?
a.)   She came from a poor family that believed in slavery.
b.)   She came from a rich family that believed in slavery.
c.)   She came from a rich family that did not believe in slavery.
d.)   She came from a poor family that did not believe in slavery.

2.)   What happened first?

a.)   Abe and Mary bought their first house.
b.)   Abe first became engaged to Mary Todd.
c.)   1841
d.)   Abe went back to Kentucky with Joshua Speed.

3.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd call off their first engagement?
a.)   Mary had second thoughts.
b.)   Abe wasn't sure if he wanted to get married.
c.)   Abe was broke.
d.)   No one knows.

4.)   How many children did Abe and Mary Todd have?
a.)   1
b.)   2
c.)   3
d.)   4

5.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln lose political support as congressman?

a.)   He was more interested in his law practice.
b.)   He spoke out against the Mexican-American War.
c.)   He spoke out against slavery.
d.)   He supported President James K. Polk.

6.)   How would you describe the success of Abraham Lincoln in arguing cases in front of the Illinois
Supreme Court?
a.)   Somewhat successful
b.)   Always successful
c.)   Somewhat unsuccessful
d.)   Not very successful

7.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln call himself the "prairie lawyer"?
a.)   He wanted to save the prairies from development.
b.)   He, himself, was from an area of the country that had a lot of prairies.
c.)   He specialized in prairie law.
d.)   No one really knows.
8.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln stay up late at night studying mathematics and logic?
a.)   He thought he needed to practice those skills to become a better lawyer.
b.)   It was a hobby of his.
c.)   He wanted to be an astronomer.
d.)   He needed to master those subjects for an important trial.

9.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln return to politics?

a.)   He wanted to become president.
b.)   He was sick of practicing law.
c.)   The issue of slavery was threatening the relationship between the North and South.
d.)   He had mastered mathematics and logic.

10.) In the following sentence, what does "instrumental" mean?

Lincoln lost the nomination but became instrumental in the formation of a new party—the Republican
Party.

a.)   having to do with an instrument

b.)   slide
c.)   helped make happen
d.)   musical
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Presidential Years (part 1)
Abe Lincoln Emerges

Though Abe had a national reputation, the Republican nomination for president in the election of 1860 seemed
elusive. Powerful Republicans William Seward from New York, Salmon P. Chase from Ohio, and Edward
Bates from Missouri seemed to be the frontrunners. On February 27, 1860, however, Abe was invited to speak
before a crowd of powerful Republicans at Cooper Union (a university) in New York City. Abe’s anti-slavery
speech, in which he claimed the Founding Fathers and authors of the Declaration of Independence would have
prohibited the extension of slavery into new territories, left a lasting impression on the members of the audience
and propelled him to legitimacy among the Republican candidates running for presidency. The powerful
publisher Horace Greeley called it “One of the most happiest and most convincing political arguments ever
made in this City... No man ever made such an impression on his first appeal to a New York audience.” After
the speech, Abe decided that he would at least make an attempt for the Republican nomination to the
presidency. He assembled a team of devoted campaigners who called Lincoln “The Rail Candidate.”

The Republican National Convention

On May 9-10 of 1860, Abe and his team traveled to the Republican National Convention in Decatur, Illinois,
where his savvy team of supporters worked the convention for endorsements. Seward and Chase, though
powerful and well-known politicians, had created enough enemies over the years to prove vulnerable and had
alienated parts of the Republican Party. Though Abe believed slavery was evil, his moderate (rather than
radical) stance appealed to many, as did his support for the nation’s internal improvements and protective tariff.
Furthermore, Abe was extremely popular in the western states, and because the convention was in his home
state, thousands of his supporters descended upon Decatur. While Seward led on the first and second ballots
(though he didn’t get enough votes to win), Lincoln won the nomination on the third ballot when the chairman
of the Ohio Republican Delegation was convinced to shift his votes to Lincoln. Seward, who thought his
nomination was assured, was crushed, and Chase couldn’t even manage to draw full support from his home
state of Ohio. Now that Abe had secured the Republican nomination for president, he had a chance to win the
presidential election.

Abe is Elected the 16th President

In 1860, the future of the United States was much in doubt. The issue of slavery, which had bitterly divided the
nation, had also begun to divide political parties, making the presidential election very complicated. The
Democratic Party had been divided into the Northern Democratic Party and Southern Democratic Party. The
Northern Democratic Party nominated Stephen Douglas for the presidency, while the Southern Democratic
Party nominated John C. Breckenridge. The Constitutional Union Party nominated the former Tennessee
Governor John Bell.

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 33 states. Of the eleven Southern states that
would eventually secede, only Virginia allowed Abe’s name to be on their ballots. In Virginia, Abe received
slightly over one percent of the popular vote. In the four slave states that would become Border States, Abe
finished third or fourth. In New England, however, Abe won the popular vote in every county. The 81.8 percent
voter turnout for the election of 1860 is the second-highest turnout in presidential election history. Now that
Abe had been elected president, he had to appoint the members of his cabinet.

Choosing Advisors

In thinking about his advisors, Abe wanted the brightest and most influential politicians available. For the two
most important posts in his cabinet, he chose the two candidates that ran against him for the Republican
nomination for president. He appointed William Seward as his secretary of state and Salmon P. Chase as his
secretary of treasury. Both men would prove indispensable to the president in his dealings with the Civil War.
1.)   In the following sentence, what does "elusive"
mean? 6.)   What did winning the Republican nomination
mean?
Though Abe had a national reputation, the a.)   He would be governor of Illinois.
Republican nominee for president in the election of b.)   He was assured, at least, of becoming vice
1860 seemed elusive. president.
c.)   He would be the Republican nominee for
a.)   hard to get president.
b.)   impossible d.)   He would be president.
c.)   possible
d.)   likely
7.)   Which of the following is NOT true about the
political parties in 1860?
2.)   How would you describe Horace Greeley's a.)   The Democratic Party had become two different
response to Lincoln's speech at Cooper Union? parties.
a.)   He thought it was inappropriate. b.)   The issue of slavery had brought them closer
b.)   He agreed with parts of it. together.
c.)   He disagreed with it. c.)   The issue of slavery had produced major divides
d.)   He strongly agreed with it. in the parties.
d.)   The Constitutional Union party nominated John
Bell.
3.)   Which of the following was probably NOT
implied in Lincoln's speech at Cooper Union?
a.)   The new territories should decide for themselves 8.)   Which of the following statements best describes
whether or not to allow slavery. Abe's performance in the presidential election of
b.)   People of all races and colors should have 1860?
liberty. a.)   His support was strongest in the Border States.
c.)   Slavery should not be allowed in America's new b.)   His support was strongest in the New England
territories. states.
d.)   The Founding Fathers would have frowned on c.)   Northern states and Southern states showed
slavery. support for him.
d.)   He finished third or fourth in the Southern states.

4.)   Which of the following probably did NOT help

Lincoln at the Republican National Convention? 9.)   Which of the following statements best describes
a.)   Other candidates had made enemies in the the sentiments of voters in the election of 1860?
Republican Party. a.)   They cared more in the Southern states.
b.)   The Republican National Convention was in his b.)   They didn't seem to care very much.
home state of Illinois. c.)   They cared very much in the North and the
c.)   His moderate stance on slavery. South.
d.)   He was the “Rail Candidate”. d.)   They cared more in the Northern states.

5.)   How did William Seward feel after the Republic 10.)  Why did Abe choose his opponents in the
National Convention? Republican National Convention as his cabinet
a.)   He was devastated. advisors?
b.)   He felt betrayed. a.)   He was bragging about his victory.
c.)   He felt happy for Abraham Lincoln. b.)   He wanted the smartest people advising him.
d.)   He thought "the best man won." c.)   He was forced to by Congress.
d.)   He feared they would run against him again in
the election of 1864.
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Presidential Years (part 2)
Secession

Following Abe’s election, the state of South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. Florida,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Georgia would secede in the following weeks. These states formed the
Confederate States of America (CSA) and declared themselves an independent nation. Upon entering office, Abe was
faced with the most pressing crisis in the history of the young nation.

Abe’s road to the White House was not easy either. According to some accounts, he had to ride through Baltimore on a
secret train in disguise to evade would-be assassins on his way to inauguration in Washington. After Abe’s inauguration,
the Confederacy continued to mobilize. It elected Jefferson Davis as president and set up its capital headquarters in
Montgomery, Alabama. War was imminent.

War Begins

As war approached, President Lincoln sent provisions to American forts that were now in Confederate territory, including
Fort Sumter, near Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Secessionists in South Carolina considered this an act of war and
began bombarding the fort on April 12, 1861. Union forces at Fort Sumter surrendered and thus, the American Civil War
began. On April 15, Abe requested the mobilization of 75,000 troops from the states for the purposes of “preserving the
Union.” In the following days, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia seceded from the Union, refusing to
mobilize against their Southern neighbors. The secession of Virginia, one of the most populous states in the country, was
a major prize for the Confederacy. To reward it, the Confederate capital was moved from Montgomery, Alabama, to
Richmond, Virginia.

Managing the War

As Union troops descended from Massachusetts to the nation’s capital, pro-secession residents of Baltimore, Maryland,
attacked Union soldiers and destroyed railroads linking Washington to the North. In response, President Lincoln
suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland, allowing the government to arrest suspected perpetrators and keep them
in jail indefinitely without a trial or conviction. He also authorized the blockades of Southern ports. During this difficult
time, Abe was also suffering depression likely caused by the stresses of the war, the death of his son Willie, and the
increasingly erratic behavior of his mourning wife.

Later in 1861, Abe endured an embarrassing and potentially dangerous episode when the British ship Trent was
intercepted by the Union Navy in the Atlantic Ocean. Two Confederate agents on their way to England and France were
seized and brought back to America as prisoners. Although the American public was in full support of the illegal seizure,
England considered it an act of war. Eventually, Lincoln was compelled to release the Confederate agents to avert the
British threat. Despite the demands of England, however, Abe never issued a formal apology, and hostilities between
England and America died.

Abe had other things to worry about as well. Union forces had been routed in the war’s first major battle at Manassas, just
thirty miles west of Washington. This was a major blow to the morale of the North, which underestimated the resolve and
fight of the Confederacy. After the devastation at Manassas, Abe realized the war would not end any time soon.
Throughout 1861 and much of 1862, Abe became dissatisfied with the progress of the war and turned his attention to
leadership in the major branch of the Union Army, the Army of the Potomac. Early in 1862, Lincoln replaced War
Secretary Simon Cameron with Edwin M. Stanton. Stanton would prove an excellent choice. His tireless work effort and
superb managerial skills helped organize the massive military efforts of the Union.  
  
1.)   Which of the following states did not secede from the Union?
a.)   Florida
b.)   New York
c.)   Alabama
d.)   Mississippi

2.)   Why did Abraham Lincoln ride through Baltimore in disguise?

a.)   There was no military support for him in Baltimore.
b.)   There were supposedly assassins waiting for his train in Baltimore.
c.)   He needed to get to Washington quickly.
d.)   He was afraid of large crowds.

3.)   What does "imminent" mean in the following paragraph?

After Abe’s inauguration, the Confederacy continued to mobilize. It elected Jefferson Davis as president and set up its
capital headquarters in Montgomery, Alabama. War was imminent.

a.)   unlikely
b.)   definite
c.)   likely
d.)   possible

4.)   When did the Civil War begin?

a.)   When the Southern states seceded
b.)   When Lincoln had to ride through Baltimore in disguise
c.)   At Lincoln's inauguration
d.)   When Fort Sumter was bombarded by the Confederacy

5.)   Why did North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia secede?
a.)   They opposed slavery.
b.)   They refused to fight other Southern states.
c.)   There was no way out for those states.
d.)   They were angry about the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

6.)   Which of the following was NOT true about Baltimore, Maryland?
a.)   Lincoln had to ride through the city in disguise to evade would-be assassins.
b.)   The city was full of pro-secessionists.
c.)   Baltimore was blockaded by the Union Navy.
d.)   Residents of the city attacked Massachusetts troops on their way to the Union capital, Washington.

7.)   Which of the following is a GOOD example of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus?
a.)   Prisoners in jail get new trials.
b.)   Prisoners who were previously in jail are released.
c.)   Nobody can be arrested.
d.)   People become prisoners without a trial if they are suspected of committing crimes.
8.)   Which of the following WAS NOT a reason why President Lincoln was likely suffering from depression?
a.)   His wife was in mourning.
b.)   He was embarrassed by what happened in Baltimore.
c.)   His son died.
d.)   The war was very stressful.

9.)   Why was England so angry about the seizure of the Confederate agents aboard the Trent?
a.)   President Lincoln refused to apologize to them.
b.)   It started a war between England and France.
c.)   President Lincoln was unpopular in England.
d.)   They thought the Union did not have the right to seize agents traveling to their country on their boat.

10.)  What did the Battle of Manassas prove?

a.)   The North would win the war.
b.)   The war would not be short.
c.)   The war would not be long.
d.)   The South would win the war.
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Presidential Years (part 3)
Leadership in the Union Army

After the First Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln had appointed West Point graduate General George McClellan as
Commander of the Army of the Potomac. McClellan set his sights upon the capture of the Confederate capital of
Richmond. In what he called the Peninsula Campaign, McClellan planned to move the huge army by boat to the
Eastern Shore (Peninsula) of Virginia and then over land to Richmond itself. McClellan, however, took an inordinate
amount of time planning and mobilizing the movements, and challenged the president's authority several times in the
process. Furthermore, McClellan was slow to strike when he had the opportunities and always exaggerated the
number of enemy troops waiting to engage his army.

On September 16, 1862, the Union Army scored a major victory at Sharpsburg, Maryland, in what came to be
known as The Battle of Antietam. Antietam would prove to be the bloodiest one-day battle of the war. The battle
forced the battered Confederate Army under General Robert E. Lee to cross the Potomac River back into Virginia
and foiled Lee's attempt to carve a path of military victories in Union territory. Despite the urgings of the president
and Congress, McClellan failed to order his army to pursue the fleeing Confederates, enabling them to regroup in
their own territory. Lincoln, having had enough of McClellan's indecision and insubordination, replaced him as
Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Finding a suitable replacement, however, would prove no easy task. In
fact, Lincoln went through several more commanders before settling on General Ulysses S. Grant.

The Slavery Issue

From the time the war had started, Lincoln had wrestled with himself and members of his cabinet concerning the
proper timing of emancipating slaves in the South. With the momentum of the war swinging back to the Union, and
on the heels of the major victory at Antietam, Lincoln issued his famous Emancipation Proclamation on September
22, 1862, to be effective on January 1, 1863. The decree freed all slaves in "enemy territory." The proclamation,
however, failed to address slavery in the Border States. Lincoln believed forcing the Border States of Kentucky,
Maryland, Delaware, and Missouri to free their slaves would push them to join the Confederacy. Despite his failure
to free slaves in the Border States, Lincoln believed that slavery would die as long as it did not extend into new
territories.

Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln maintained his primary goal was not the liberation of slaves, but
rather the preservation of the Union. In fact, Lincoln believed the best plan of action for the newly freed slaves was
to set up a colony for them in Africa. Lincoln enjoyed little, if any, support for the plan, and by 1863 abandoned the
idea. By the end of 1863, Lincoln had formulated a plan to recruit black soldiers to the Union Army in the belief that
"the bare sight of 50,000 armed and drilled black soldiers on the banks of the Mississippi would end the rebellion at
once."

Good News for the Union

July of 1863 would prove a major turning point in the war. On July 3, the Army of Northern Virginia led by Robert
E. Lee was repulsed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in arguably the most storied battle in American history. The
following day, on July 4, 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant and Union forces took Vicksburg, Mississippi, after a long
siege, gaining control of the Mississippi River for the Union Army and splitting the Confederacy into two separate
parts. For Lincoln, control of the Mississippi River, its ports, and its navigation were one of the main objectives in
eventual military victory.
1.)   Which of the following statements correctly describes George McClellan?
a.)   An indecisive general who always struck quickly
b.)   A decisive general who always knew the size of an enemy force
c.)   A decisive general who failed to strike quickly but always knew the size of an enemy force
d.)   An indecisive general who failed to strike quickly and who exaggerated the size of an enemy force

2.)   The Battle of Antietam was…

a.)   the bloodiest one-day battle in the war.
b.)   a battle that occurred in 1864.
c.)   a decisive victory for the Confederate Army.
d.)   the bloodiest battle in the war.

3.)   Why did Lincoln replace McClellan as General of the Army of the Potomac?
a.)   He failed to pursue the fleeing Confederates.
b.)   He challenged the president's authority.
c.)   He was slow to strike.
d.)   All of the above

4.)   Why did Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation fail to free slaves in the Border States?
a.)   He did not want those states to be persuaded to join the Confederacy.
b.)   Those states had no slaves.
c.)   Freeing those slaves would mean certain victory for the Confederacy.
d.)   Lincoln did not believe that slaves in those states deserved their freedom.

5.)   What was Lincoln's primary goal in the war?

a.)   Preserve the nation
b.)   Punish the South
c.)   To free the slaves
d.)   Win the presidential election of 1864

6.)   Which of the following was NOT TRUE about Abraham Lincoln?
a.)   He believed in allowing former slaves to become soldiers for the Union Army.
b.)   He thought slaves should not be allowed to become soldiers for the Union Army.
c.)   He thought, at least for some time, that freed slaves should be sent to a colony in Africa.
d.)   He believed slavery would die if it was not extended into the new territories.

7.)   Which of the following was NOT a reason why July of 1863 was a "turning point" for the Union Army?
a.)   July 4th became a national holiday after the fall of Vicksburg.
b.)   The Union took Vicksburg, Mississippi.
c.)   The Union Army drove the Confederates from Northern soil at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
d.)   The Union Army took control of the Mississippi River.

8.)   What happened first?

a.)   The Battle of Gettysburg ended.
b.)   The slaves were actually freed.
c.)   July 4th
d.)   The Emancipation Proclamation
9.)   Which of the words in the following sentence means the act of "keeping together"?

Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln maintained his primary goal was not the liberation of slaves, but
rather the preservation of the Union.

a.)   primary
b.)   liberation
c.)   preservation
d.)   Proclamation

10.)  Which battle was arguably "the most storied" in American history?
a.)   Vicksburg
b.)   Antietam
c.)   Bull Run
d.)   Gettysburg
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN – The Presidential Years (part 4)

After the historic victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the situation had vastly improved for the Union, but
the war was far from over. On November 22, 1863, President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the
dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg. The 272-word speech, which followed a two-hour
address by Harvard professor Edward Everett, would become one of the greatest speeches in American history.

In March of 1864, President Lincoln appointed General Ulysses S. Grant Commander of the Army of the
Potomac, the main branch of the Union Army. Finally, after nearly three years of war, the president had found a
general who would pursue fleeing Confederates. Grant, known as "Unconditional Surrender Grant" after his
exploits at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, in 1862, was by this time a Union hero after leading the Army of the
Tennessee to numerous victories in the West, including those at Shiloh and Vicksburg. Grant would spend 1864
waging his bloody Overland Campaign through much of the state of Virginia, suffering massive casualties
while gradually diminishing the numbers and spirit of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Eventually, Grant
would corner Lee's Army at Petersburg, Virginia, where he staged a ten-month siege. During the siege, Lincoln
would visit Grant's headquarters at City Point, outside of Petersburg, where his presence excited and inspired
the Union soldiers.

Meanwhile, Union General William T. Sherman struck another blow to the spirit of the Confederacy with his
destructive march through the state of Georgia, which would become known as Sherman's March to the Sea.
Sherman's Army destroyed farms, railroad lines, and virtually anything in its path. After Sherman's capture of
Atlanta, Georgia, President Lincoln easily won reelection to a second term. In contrast to his campaign platform
in 1860, Lincoln made the emancipation of slaves a primary emphasis. Over 78 percent of Union soldiers would
support his bid for a second term as president.

On April 9, 1865, the Confederate States of America surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The
Civil War was over and the Union would be preserved. At this point, President Lincoln had to consider the
complicated task of reconstructing the Union and how to reintegrate the Confederate states back into the United
States.

Lincoln believed in a policy of forgiveness and took a moderate approach to Reconstruction, hoping to
reconstruct the Union as quickly as possible rather than indefinitely punish the rebel states. Unfortunately, the
president did not have much of a chance to preside over Reconstruction. Just five days after the end of the war,
Southern sympathizer and actor John Wilkes Booth assassinated the president while he was watching a play at
Ford's Theater in Washington, DC. Lincoln's bodyguard had abandoned his post, allowing Booth access to the
presidential box. Lincoln died at 7:22 the next morning at the Peterson House across the street from the theater.
Upon his death, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton uttered the timeless words, "Now, he belongs to the ages."
1.)   After the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the situation had __________________ for the Confederacy.
a.)   remained the same
b.)   worsened
c.)   improved
d.)   become impossible

2.)   When did President Lincoln give his Gettysburg Address?

a.)   After the war was over
b.)   During the Battle of Gettysburg
c.)   After the Battle of Gettysburg
d.)   Before the Battle of Gettysburg

3.)   Which of the following was not true about Ulysses S. Grant?
a.)   He led the Confederacy to victories in the Overland Campaign.
b.)   He was known as "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.
c.)   He was the general President Lincoln was looking for since the war started.
d.)   He had led the Army of the Tennessee to many victories.

4.)   How would you best describe Grant's Overland Campaign?

a.)   A campaign through Virginia in which Lee's Army of Northern Virginia defeated Grant.
b.)   A campaign through Virginia that caused many casualties and weakened the Confederate spirit.
c.)   A campaign through Virginia that caused many casualties but strengthened the Confederate spirit.
d.)   A campaign through Virginia that crushed the spirit of the Union.

5.)   Which of the following was a major reason why President Lincoln was elected to a second term in 1864?
a.)   There were no other candidates who ran against him.
b.)   Because the South seemed to be winning the war.
c.)   After the capture of Atlanta, it seemed as if the war was coming to an end.
d.)   People were happy that the slaves were free.

6.)   Which of the following describes how Union soldiers probably felt about President Lincoln?
a.)   Most liked him.
b.)   All disliked him.
c.)   Most disliked him.
d.)   All liked him.

7.)   What did Lincoln think about the process of Reconstruction after the Civil War?
a.)   He believed the Southern states had to be punished.
b.)   He believed the Southern states would be readmitted to the Union as quickly as possible.
c.)   He believed that some states should return to the Union and others should not.
d.)   He believed the Southern states should never be allowed to be states.

8.)   When was Abraham Lincoln assassinated?

a.)   Just days before the end of the Civil War.
b.)   Just days after the end of the Civil War.
c.)   1864
d.)   During his first term as president.
9.)   Which of the following is NOT true?
a.)   Lincoln died the morning after he had been shot.
b.)   Lincoln's bodyguard may have been asleep or not where he was supposed to be.
c.)   Lincoln died at the Petersen House.
d.)   Lincoln died at Ford's Theater.

10.)  What does the word "timeless" mean in the sentence below?

Edwin M. Stanton uttered the timeless words "Now, he belongs to the ages."

a.)   always relevant

b.)   aspiring
c.)   taking a long time
d.)   irrelevant
  
 
Ada  Lovelace  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Ada  Lovelace,  known  today  as  the  first  computer  programmer,  was  born  Augusta  Ada  
Byron  in  London  in  1852.    She  was  the  daughter  of  the  famous  poet  Lord  Byron.    Her  
father  died  when  she  was  eight,  and  as  she  grew  up,  her  mother  made  sure  she  was  
taught  math  and  science  in  hopes  of  preventing  her  from  developing  the  mood  swings  
and  temper  of  her  father.    Lovelace’s  early  education  resulted  in  her  developing  a  
curiosity  and  talent  for  numbers  and  language.  Her  learning  pursuits  brought  her  into  
contact  with  scholars  and  important  figures  such  as  Charles  Dickens  and  Michael  
Faraday.    
 
At  age  seventeen,  Lovelace  met  mathematician  and  inventor  Charles  Babbage.    
Babbage  connected  her  to  University  of  London  professor  Augustus  de  Morgan,  under  
whom  she  began  studying.    Babbage,  today  considered  the  father  of  the  computer,  
invented  the  difference  and  analytical  engines  to  perform  mathematical  calculations.    
These  engines  laid  the  groundwork  for  modern-­day  computation  with  computers.      
 
Lovelace  was  tasked  with  translating  one  of  Babbage’s  articles  on  the  analytical  engine  
from  French  to  English.    She  not  only  translated  the  article,  but  also  added  her  own  
notes  and  thoughts  to  it  as  she  went;;  the  notes  she  took  were  three  times  longer  than  
the  article  itself.    Lovelace  believed  that  the  analytical  engine  could  be  used  to  process  
letters  and  symbols  rather  than  numbers  alone  and  she  is  credited  with  writing  the  first  
algorithm  meant  to  be  carried  out  by  a  computer.    She  also  wrote  in  her  notes  a  
method  for  the  engine  to  repeat  certain  instructions  over  and  over—the  foundation  for  
modern-­day  loops  –  an  essential  part  of  modern  programming.    Lovelace’s  notes  were  
published  in  an  English  science  journal  in  1843  under  her  initials  A.  A.  L.      
 
Ada  Lovelace  received  little  to  no  acclaim  for  her  ideas  while  she  was  alive.    She  died  
of  cancer  in  1852.    Almost  a  century  later,  Lovelace’s  works  were  finally  introduced  
back  into  the  scientific  sphere  by  B.  V.  Bowden.    Her  notes  were  republished  and  
finally  appreciated  for  their  insight  into  coding  and  programming  techniques  –  although  
there  are  those  that  dispute  the  actual  scientific  value  of  her  contributions  and  question  
whether  the  ideas  she  presented  were  original.  Ada  Lovelace  received  many  honors  
for  her  work  after  her  death;;  in  1980,  the  United  States  Department  of  Defense  named  
a  computer  language  “Ada”  in  her  honor.      
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
1.   Why  did  Ada’s  mother  insist  on  her  learning  math  and  science?          
A.  To  make  sure  she  could  compete  with  men  who  were  learning  math  and  
science    
B.  To  make  sure  she  could  become  a  professor  or  get  an  engineering  job    
C.  To  prevent  her  from  suffering  mood  swings  and  temper  tantrums  like  her  
father      
D.  To  help  her  become  one  of  the  first  computer  programmers      
 
2.   Charles  Babbage…                        
A.  invented  the  first  programming  language.    
B.  invented  the  difference  and  analytical  engine.    
C.  believed  his  invention  could  be  used  for  tasks  other  than  math  calculations.      
D.  met  Ada  Lovelace  when  he  was  seventeen.        
 
3.   How  did  Ada  Lovelace  influence  modern  computing?  Select  all  that  apply.                        
A.  She  wrote  about  a  programming  method  realized  today  as  loops      
B.  She  believed  that  computers  could  take  on  tasks  apart  from  computing  
numbers  
C.  She  wrote  the  first  algorithm  meant  to  be  carried  out  by  a  computer  
D.  She  was  a  successful  and  trusted  translator  who  knew  both  English  and  
French        
 
4.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered?          
A.  When  did  Ada  Lovelace  receive  credit  for  her  groundbreaking  notes  on  
computing?      
B.  How  is  Ada  Lovelace  honored  today?            
C.  Who  introduced  Lovelace’s  work  into  the  modern  scientific  journals?          
D.  What  did  Charles  Babbage  think  of  Lovelace’s  ideas  on  computing?        
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  statements  concerns  her  “detractors?”      
A.    …  there  are  those  that  dispute  the  actual  scientific  value  of  her  contributions  
and  question  whether  the  ideas  she  presented  were  original.  
B.    Almost  a  century  later,  Lovelace’s  works  were  finally  introduced  back  into  the  
scientific  sphere  by  B.  V.  Bowden.  
C.    Lovelace  believed  that  the  analytical  engine  could  be  used  to  process  letters  
and  symbols  rather  than  numbers  alone  and  she  is  credited  with  writing  the  
first  algorithm  meant  to  be  carried  out  by  a  computer.  He  developed  theorems  
of  modular  forms.  
D.  Ada  Lovelace  unfortunately  received  little  to  no  acclaim  for  her  ideas  while  she  
was  alive.      
 
 
  
 
6.   Based  on  the  information  in  the  passage,  which  of  the  following  
expressions  describes  Ada  Lovelace?    
A.  Back  to  the  future      
B.  In  the  weeds  
C.  Ahead  of  her  time    
D.  Out  of  her  league      
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  is  an  accurate  description  of  the  four  paragraphs  in  
the  passage?          
A.  1  >>  Ada’s  Early  Years,  2  >>  Ada’s  Education,  3  >>  Ada’s  Legacy,  4  >>  Ada’s  
Discoveries  
B.  1  >>  Ada’s  Early  Years  >>  Ada’s  Family  >>  Ada’s  Discoveries,  4  >>  Ada’s  
Legacy  
C.  1  >>  Ada’s  Early  Years,  2  >>  Ada’s  Education,  3  >>  Ada’s  Discoveries,  4  >>  
Ada’s  Legacy  
D.  1  >>  Ada’s  Family,  2  >>  Ada’s  Early  Years,  3  >>  Ada’s  Discoveries,  4  >>  
Ada’s  Future  
Loyalists  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

During  the  time  of  the  American  Revolution,  many  residents  of  the  colonies  were  
unsure  whether  the  idea  of  separating  from  England  was  a  wise  one.  Some  were  
strictly  opposed  to  it.  These  individuals  were  called  Loyalists.  Loyalists,  called  “Tories”  
by  Patriots,  opposed  the  Revolution  for  many  reasons:  

1. They  believed  in  the  sanctity  of  their  shared  cultural  heritage  with  the  British  and
had  a  strong  sense  of  duty  and  loyalty  toward  the  British  Crown.  
2. They  may  have  benefitted  from  the  Trans-­Atlantic  trade  with  England  and  were
worried  that  war  could  threaten  their  livelihood.  
3. They  were  worried  that  an  independent  nation  would  be  reduced  to  anarchy  and
chaos.  
4. They  thought  the  British  military  would  simply  crush  any  rebellion  and  additional
punishments  would  follow.  
5. They  believed  that  Parliament  was  the  legitimate  authority  over  the  colonies  and
that  acts  of  rebellion  amounted  to  insubordination.    
6. They  enjoyed  being  part  of  the  British  Empire,  considered  the  most  powerful  in
the  world.  
7. African-­American  slaves  living  in  the  13  colonies  were  promised  freedom  by  the
British  for  joining  the  cause.  

Throughout  the  Revolutionary  War,  individuals  and  groups  identified  as  Loyalists  were  
persecuted  by  Patriots.  Loyalists  were  subject  to  personal  attacks,  imprisonment,  
harassment,  and  seizure  of  their  property.  Many  were  forced  to  flee.  Some  fled  to  
Loyalists  strongholds  such  as  New  York  City,  while  others  fled  to  Canada  or  the  West  
Indies.  While  many  such  people  started  their  lives  anew,  others  eventually  returned  to  
America  where  they  were  treated  harshly  at  first,  but  eventually  re-­integrated  into  
society.  

1. Which  of  the  following  best  describes  how  people  felt  about  the
Revolutionary  War?
A. They  strongly  supported  war  against  England
B. They  did  not  support  war  against  England
C. They  supported  the  British  Empire
D. Some  people  supported  war  while  others  opposed  it
2. What  were  “Tories?”
A. Those  who  remained  loyal  to  England
B. Those  who  supported  war  with  England
C. Those  who  weren’t  sure  what  side  to  choose
D. Those  who  decided  to  leave  America  forever

3. Which  of  the  following  statements  would  a  Loyalist  disagree  with?

A. “The  British  Empire  is  the  most  powerful  in  the  world!”
B. “We  are  subjects  of  the  king  and  should  respect  his  authority!”
C. “Do  not  let  your  business  with  England  blind  you  from  its  disregard  for
our  rights!”
D. “The  British  army  will  simple  crush  the  ragtag  Patriots!”
4. Read  the  sentence  below.  Which  of  the  choices  would  be  an  example
of  the  underlined  word?
They  believed  that  Parliament  was  the  legitimate  authority  over  the  colonies  and  
that  acts  of  rebellion  amounted  to  insubordination.  

A. Yelling  at  your  teacher

B. Forgetting  your  homework
C. Falling  from  the  monkey  bars
D. Talking  out  of  turn

5. After  the  Revolutionary  War…

A. Loyalists  were  forgiven  immediately.
B. Most  Loyalists  became  Patriots.
C. Many  loyalists  would  return  to  America.
D. Loyalists  could  only  live  in  England.

6. Which  of  the  following  questions  is  not  answered  in  the  final
paragraph?
A. Where  was  a  loyalist  stronghold  in  the  13  colonies?
B. How  were  Loyalists  treated  in  America?
C. How  were  Loyalists  who  returned  to  America  initially  treated?
D. How  were  people  identified  as  Loyalists?
7. Which  statement  is  NOT  true?
A. Loyalists  frequently  harassed  Patriots,  took  their  property,  and  forced
many  to  flee
B. Loyalists  had  a  strong  sense  of  duty  to  the  British  crown
C. African-American  Loyalists  were  promised  freedom  for  their  service  to
the  British
D. Loyalists  believed  that  America,  as  an  independent  nation,  could  not
peacefully  exist.
  
 
Manifest  Destiny  Reading  Comprehension  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Following  the  War  of  1812,  American  entered  a  period  of  history  known  as  the  Era  of  
Good  Feeling.  During  this  time,  America  articulated  its  first  foreign  policy  through  the  
Monroe  Doctrine  and  a  growing  sense  of  nationalism  gripped  the  population.  
Americans  started  believing  that  they  were  morally  and  culturally  superior  to  their  
Native,  Mexican,  and  British  neighbors  and  that  it  was  God’s  will  and  the  people’s  duty  
to  spread  American  virtues  from  "sea  to  shining  sea."  

In  1845,  newspaper  editor  John  O’  Sullivan  first  coined  the  term  "Manifest  Destiny,"  to  
describe  the  mindset  of  American  expansion.  The  idea  of  Manifest  Destiny  was  
reflected  in  the  19th  century  by  the  mass  migration  of  Americans  from  the  eastern  
United  States  to  the  west  through  the  great  emigrant  trails  such  as  the  Oregon,  
California,  Santa  Fe,  and  Mormon  Trails.  It  was  used  to  justify  the  corrupt  treaties  and  
wars  that  resulted  in  the  removal  of  Native  Americans  from  their  ancestral  land.  It  was  
also  used  to  justify  the  Mexican-­American  War,  resulting  in  the  annexation  of  1.2  
million  square  miles  of  land  in  the  American  West.  

Manifest  Destiny  also  accelerated  the  onset  of  the  Civil  War  as  it  touched  off  intense  
sectional  dramas  between  southern  states  hoping  to  expand  slavery  into  new  
territories  and  northern  states  hoping  to  prevent  the  spread  of  slavery.  

1.   As  part  of  the  Era  of  Good  Feeling…  

a.   Americans  began  feeling  a  growing  pride  in  their  nation  
b.   Native  Americans  expanded  territory  into  Mexico  
c.   Americans  fought  in  the  War  of  1812  
d.   Americans  believed  themselves  equal  to  British  for  the  first  time  
 
2.   What  was  the  effect  of  Manifest  Destiny  on  the  Civil  War?  
a.   It  had  no  influence  on  the  onset  of  the  Civil  War  
b.   It  helped  postpone  the  onset  of  the  Civil  War  
c.   It  accelerated  the  onset  of  the  Civil  War  by  forcing  the  issue  of  slavery  
d.   It  caused  people  to  migrate  to  the  eastern  United  States  
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  did  NOT  happen  as  a  result  of  Manifest  Destiny?    
a.   Western  expansion  
b.   Increased  nationalism  
c.   Preservation  of  Native  American  culture  
d.   The  annexation  of  1.2  million  square  miles  
 
  
4.   What  does  “migration”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?    
 
The  idea  of  Manifest  Destiny  was  reflected  in  the  19th  century  by  the  mass  
migration  of  Americans  from  the  eastern  United  States  to  the  west  through  
the  great  emigrant  trails  such  as  the  Oregon,  California,  Santa  Fe,  and  
Mormon  Trails.  
 
a.   People  moving  from  one  area  to  anther  
b.   People  losing  their  homes  
c.   People  preparing  for  war  
d.   People  leaving  the  country  
 
5.   What  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  second  paragraph?    
a.   Who  coined  the  term  Manifest  Destiny?  
b.   How  did  people  get  to  western  parts  of  the  United  States?  
c.   How  were  parts  of  the  southwest  and  Mexico  annexed  to  the  United  
States?  
d.   When  did  the  Civil  War  begin?  
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  questions  could  be  answered  by  “America’s  first  
articulation  of  foreign  policy”?  
a.   What  is  Manifest  Destiny?  
b.   What  is  the  Monroe  Doctrine?  
c.   What  is  the  Era  of  Good  Feeling?  
d.   Why  did  Americans  feel  superior  to  the  Native,  Mexican,  and  British  
neighbors?  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  Manifest  Destiny?    
a.   American  foreign  policy  must  not  be  influenced  by  other  nations  
b.   American  ideals  must  be  spread  across  North  America  
c.   Americans  will  begin  to  settle  in  the  western  United  States  
d.   The  American  spirit  will  help  resolve  the  Civil  War  
 
 MARY TODD LINCOLN Reading Comprehension
Mary Todd Lincoln was born on December 13, 1818, in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born into a wealthy
Kentucky family, though her mother died when she was seven. The following year, her father married Betsy
Humphries. The family lived in a fourteen-room Kentucky mansion, which Mary shared with her fourteen brothers
and sisters! Her father was close friends with Kentucky political leader, Henry Clay, who engendered a love of
politics within Mary.

Like many young women of her day, Mary left school as a teenager to attend finishing school, where she studied
drama, dance, music, social graces, and learned to speak French fluently. In 1839, Mary moved to Springfield,
Illinois, to live with her sister, Elizabeth. While living in Illinois, Mary was courted by both Stephen A. Douglas and
Abraham Lincoln, though it was Lincoln whom she would become engaged to. Despite the engagement, the pair
broke up before becoming engaged again. They were finally married on November 4, 1842, at Mary’s sister’s home
in Springfield. By marrying Lincoln, Mary Todd gave up a life of opulence for one of general poverty. Lincoln had
not yet become a successful lawyer and was crushed by debt. Mary’s family did not approve of Lincoln, citing his
awkward appearance and humble upbringing.

Soon, however, Lincoln’s reputation as a lawyer grew and the pair were able to purchase a house in Springfield.
Mary would have four boys: Robert, Eddie, Tad, and Willie. Mary raised the children at home while Lincoln
traveled to courts throughout the state to argue cases and explain the law.

In 1860, Mary and her children moved to the White House. By this time, her second son, Eddie had died. The
transition was extremely difficult for Mrs. Lincoln. Her family grew up with slaves. Some of her brothers were
fighting in the Confederate Army, and two had been killed in battle. Things took a turn for the worse for the Lincoln
family in 1862, when her eleven-year-old son, Willie, died (probably of typhoid fever). Willie’s death plunged Mary
into a deep depression, which may have resulted in highly publicized public outbursts and incidences of irrational
behavior. Mary further sought to ease her pain by traveling to New York City where she would take incredible
shopping sprees, buying up the most expensive clothes, silks, and materials. New York merchants were happy to
allow her to run up prodigious lines of credit that totaled, at least at one point, over $27,000. Mary also dabbled in
the supernatural and several times procured the services of spiritualists to try to contact her dead son, Willie.

Despite her outrageous behavior, which some historians attribute to bipolar disorder, Mary Todd frequently visited
field hospitals for Union soldiers and often hosted lavish parties at the White House to maintain the aura and prestige
of the house of the president.

On April 14, 1865, Mary was present at the assassination of her husband at Ford’s Theater. Mary was inconsolable
and soon returned to Illinois to recover. Her grief, however, would return with the death of her son, Tad, in 1871,
and her behavior would become increasingly erratic over the course of the next few years. She would reportedly
wander the streets of Chicago (while visiting her son Robert) with thousands of dollars in government bonds sewn
into her jacket. She also continued to spend money lavishly on useless items and trinkets. In 1875, her sole surviving
son, Robert, institutionalized his mother at a psychiatric hospital in Batavia, Illinois, where she apparently attempted
suicide. By 1876, she was released to the custody of her sister, Elizabeth, in Springfield before embarking on a four-
year trip traveling in Europe, where her health began to decline. In 1880, she returned to the Springfield home of her
sister. She died on July 16, 1882, in Springfield at the age of 63.
1.)   Which of the following best describes the conditions in which Mary Todd grew up?
a.)   Very poor
b.)   Somewhat wealthy
c.)   Somewhat poor
d.)   Very wealthy

2.)   Select all of the following subjects Mary studied at finishing school.
a.)   French
b.)   Drama
c.)   Music
d.)   Astronomy

3.)   How did Mary's condition change when she married Abraham Lincoln?
a.)   She became much less wealthy.
b.)   She gave away all of their possessions.
c.)   She became fabulously wealthy.
d.)   Her wealth remained about the same.

4.)   Which of the following WAS NOT a reason why Mary's transition to the White House was
difficult?
a.)   Her son Eddie had recently died.
b.)   Two of her brothers had been killed in the war.
c.)   Abraham Lincoln had become very sick.
d.)   She had grown up with slaves.

5.)   Why do you think Mary sometimes used the services of spiritualists?
a.)   To try to cure Abe's depression
b.)   To talk to her dead son Willie
c.)   To find out her fortune
d.)   To find out when the war would end

6.)   What happened first?

a.)   1842
b.)   Mary transitioned to the White House.
c.)   The Civil War had begun.
d.)   Tad died of typhoid fever.

7.)   Why did Mary take shopping sprees in New York City?
a.)   She needed nice clothes as the first lady.
b.)   Her husband made a lot of money, and she wanted to spend it.
c.)   She needed distractions from her depression.
d.)   She hated Washington.
8.)   Which of the following was NOT TRUE about Mary Todd?
a.)   She visited hospitals to care for wounded soldiers.
b.)   She hosted lavish parties at the White House.
c.)   Her behavior seemed to improve over time.
d.)   She often had public outbursts.

9.)   Which of her sons lived the longest?

a.)   Tad
b.)   Eddie
c.)   Willie
d.)   Robert

10.) What does the word “erratic” mean in the following line:

…her behavior would become increasingly erratic over the course of the next few years.
a.)   contained
b.)   hateful
c.)   pleasant
d.)   unpredictable
  
 
Mayan  Calendar  
Name  ____________________________________  
   
The  Maya  were  an  indigenous  people  who  lived  throughout  Mexico  and  Central  America  from  
about  800  B.C.  to  1100  A.D.  The  Mayan  society  was  thought  to  be  the  most  complex  and  
sophisticated  in  the  world  at  the  time.  The  Maya  were  responsible  for  incredible  achievements  
in  astronomy,  agriculture,  math,  engineering  and  technology.  Although  there  are  several  
theories  on  why  they  eventually  faded  into  history,  historians  and  archaeologists  still  have  not  
come  to  a  consensus.    
 
Calendars  
 
Among  the  most  notable  of  Maya  achievements  were  its  calendars.  The  Calendar  Round  was  
a  52-­year  system  that  tracked  time  in  two  overlapping  cycles.  The  first  cycle,  called  Tzolk’in,  
was  a  religious  cycle  in  which  20  day-­names  were  combined  with  the  numbers  1-­13,  to  give  
each  of  the  260  resulting  days  a  unique  identifier.    
 
The  second  system,  called  the  Haab',  was  a  365-­day  long  solar  cycle.  The  Haab'  had  
eighteen  20-­day  months,  and  one  five-­day  month.  The  five-­day  month  was  called  a  "wayeb."    
 
Every  day  had  a  day  number  and  name  in  the  Tzolk’in  and  a  day  and  month  name  in  the  
Haab'.  After  52  years,  both  the  Tzolk’in  and  the  Haab'  reset  on  the  same  day.  Because  the  
calendar  reset  itself  after  52  years,  it  proved  impossible  to  record  history  and  events  
chronologically.    
 
The  Long  Count  
 
In  order  to  assign  events  to  a  specific  date  in  time,  the  Maya  developed  the  Long  Count  
calendar.  The  Long  Count  calendar  measured  time  from  the  distant  past.  Scientists  believe  
the  start  date  was  August  11  of  the  year  3,114  B.C.  It  lasted  1,872,000  days  and  ended  on  
December  21,  2012  -­  which  some  people  took  to  mean  as  a  Mayan  prophecy  predicting  the  
end  of  the  world.  The  Long  Count  calendar  was  divided  into  cycles.  It  was  similar  to  our  
current  calendar,  although  its  days  were  grouped  into  the  following  cycles  based  on  the  
number  20:  kin  (one  day),  winal  (20  days),  tun  (360  days),  k'atun  (720  days),  and  baktun  
(144,000  days).  The  base-­20  system  used  by  the  Maya  was  called  the  vigesimal  system.    
 
 
1.   What  was  the  major  difference  between  Tzolk’in  and  the  Haab’?      
A.   The  Haab’  had  less  days  than  Tzolk’in  
B.   The  Tzolk’in  was  a  religious  cycle  and  the  Haab’  was  a  solar  cycle.    
C.   The  Tzolk’in  had  five  leftover  days  called  a  “wayeb.”  
D.   Only  the  Haab’  reset  itself  after  52  years  
   
 
 
 2.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Haab’?    
A.   A  solar  calendar  system  with  260  days  
B.   A  religious  calendar  system  with  260  days  
C.   A  solar  calendar  system  with  18  months  and  365  total  days  
D.   A  religious  calendar  with  18  months  and  365  total  days  
 
3.   What  was  the  disadvantage  of  the  Calendar  Round?      
A.   It  could  only  track  religious  events    
B.   It  could  not  assign  events  to  specific  dates  
C.   One  of  the  cycles  resulted  in  five  left-­over  days  
D.   One  of  the  cycles  only  tracked  260  days  
 
4.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “December  21,  2012”  be  the  answer?  
A.   When  did  the  The  Long  Count  reset?    
B.   When  did  the  Calendar  Round  reset?    
C.   When  did  the  first  baktun  end?    
D.   When  did  the  Long  Count  end?    
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  first  paragraph?      
A.   A  basic  introduction  to  the  Maya    
B.   A  detailed  introduction  to  the  Maya  
C.   An  introduction  to  the  Mayan  calendars  
D.   A  detailed  history  of  the  Maya    
 
6.   What  does  “consensus”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?    
 
Although  there  are  several  theories  on  why  they  eventually  faded  into  history,  historians  
and  archaeologists  still  have  not  come  to  a  consensus.    
   
A.   agreement  
B.   sharing  
C.   controversy  
D.   history  
 
7.   What  question  is  not  answered  in  the  passage?      
A.   What  was  the  base-­20  system  used  by  the  Maya  called?    
B.   Why  did  the  Maya  invent  the  Long  Count  calendar?    
C.   When  did  the  Long  Count  calendar  start?      
D.   What  happened  during  the  “wayeb”?      
  
 
Mayan  Religion    
Name  ____________________________________  
   
The  Maya  were  an  indigenous  people  who  lived  throughout  Mexico  and  Central  America  from  
about  800  B.C.  to  1100  A.D.  The  Mayan  society  was  thought  to  be  the  most  complex  and  
sophisticated  in  the  world  at  the  time.  The  Maya  were  responsible  for  incredible  achievements  
in  astronomy,  agriculture,  math,  engineering  and  technology.  Although  there  are  several  
theories  on  why  they  eventually  faded  into  history,  historians  and  archaeologists  still  have  not  
come  to  a  consensus.    
 
Mayan  culture  centered  around  its  gods  and  religion.    
 
Itzamna  –  Itzamna  was  the  most  important  god  in  Mayan  culture.  He  was  the  god  of  fire  that  
created  the  Earth  and  who  ruled  based  on  his  extraordinary  knowledge.  Itzamna,  together  
with  his  wife,  the  goddess  Ix  Chel,  were  the  parents  of  all  other  gods.  The  Mayans  credited  
Itzamna  with  giving  them  writing,  calendars,  and  science.  Mayan  glyphs  often  portrayed  
Itzamna  as  an  elderly  man  on  a  throne.  Other  glyphs  depicted  him  as  a  two-­headed  
underwater  serpent  or  caiman.    
 
Kukulkan  –  Kukulkan  was  the  feathered-­serpent  god.  Often  depicted  as  a  dragon,  he  came  
to  prominence  in  the  latter  part  of  Mayan  civilization.  El  Castillo,  sometimes  called  the  
Pyramid  of  Kukulkan,  is  one  of  the  most  famous  Mayan  pyramids.  The  pyramid  was  
astrologically  designed  so  that  a  serpent-­shaped  shadow  descended  upon  one  of  the  
pyramid’s  staircases  during  the  spring  and  fall  equinox.    
 
Bolon  Tzacab  –  Also  known  as  Huracan,  Bolon  Tzacab  was  the  god  of  farming,  storms,  
wind,  and  fire.  Mayans  believed  he  caused  flooding  when  angered.  He  was  thought  to  have  
lived  in  the  windy  mists  above  such  floodwaters.  His  name  meant  “one  leg.”  He  was  often  
portrayed  as  having  one  human  leg  and  one  serpent  leg.  He  is  also  depicted  with  a  leaf  
protruding  for  him  nostril.    
 
Kings  –  Mayan  city-­states,  or  population  centers,  were  controlled  by  kings  who  often  
legitimized  their  power  by  building  pyramids.  Kings  were  expected  to  exercise  military  
prowess  by  carrying  out  raids  against  rival  city-­states.  Mayan  kings  took  on  god-­like  personas  
and  were  responsible  for  ensuring  that  the  gods  received  the  prayers  and  the  praise  they  
deserved.    
 
Mayan  Priests  –  Priests  in  Mayan  culture  were  high-­ranking  officials  who  served  as  
intermediaries  between  people  and  the  gods.  They  also  taught  reading  and  writing  and  
performed  religious  ceremonies  and  sacrifices,  studied  and  interpreted  astrology,  and  kept  
track  of  family  lineages  among  other  things.  

 
 
  
1.   Which  of  the  following  were  not  associated  with  serpents?          
A.   Mayan  priests  
B.   Kukulcan    
C.   Itzamna  
D.   Bolon  Tzacab    
 
2.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “served  as  intermediaries  between  the  
people  and  gods”  be  the  answer?    
A.   What  was  the  only  function  of  the  Mayan  priests?        
B.   What  was  the  primary  function  of  the  Mayan  kings?      
C.   What  was  one  of  the  functions  of  the  Mayan  Priests?    
D.   What  was  the  function  of  Bolon  Tzacab?    
 
3.   In  Mayan  civilization,  a  hurricane  that  hit  Mexico  would  likely  be  attributed  to  the  anger  
of  …      
A.   Mayan  Kings    
B.   Kukulcan    
C.   Itzamna  
D.   Bolon  Tzacab  
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  could  replace  “exercise  military  prowess”  in  the  following  
sentence?  
 
Kings  were  expected  to  exercise  military  prowess  by  carrying  out  raids  against  rival  
city-­states.  
 
A.   Show  violence    
B.   Attack  enemies  
C.   Show  skill  in  warfare  
D.   Make  their  city-­states  rich  
 
5.   Which  is  NOT  true  about  Itzamna?      
A.   He  and  his  wife  were  parents  to  the  other  gods  
B.   He  was  the  god  of  water  who  created  Earth  
C.   He  was  sometimes  portrayed  as  an  old  man  on  a  throne  
D.   He  ruled  through  based  on  his  incredible  wisdom    
 
6.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  passage?    
A.   Where  is  El  Castillo  located?    
B.   Who  gave  the  Maya  writing,  calendars,  and  science?    
C.   What  were  two  depictions  of  Itzamna?      
D.   Besides  warfare,  what  were  the  Mayan  kings  responsible  for?      
 
7.   What  did  Kukulkan  and  Bolon  Tzacab  have  in  common?        
A.   They  both  were  gods  of  farming      
B.   They  each  had  one  human  leg      
C.   Their  parents  were  Itzamna  and  Ix  Chel        
D.   They  both  carried  out  raids  against  rival  city-­states        
  
 
Mayan  Calendar  
Name  ____________________________________  
   
The  Maya  were  an  indigenous  people  who  lived  throughout  Mexico  and  Central  America  from  
about  800  B.C.  to  1100  A.D.  The  Mayan  society  was  thought  to  be  the  most  complex  and  
sophisticated  in  the  world  at  the  time.  The  Maya  were  responsible  for  incredible  achievements  
in  astronomy,  agriculture,  math,  engineering  and  technology.  Although  there  are  several  
theories  on  why  they  eventually  faded  into  history,  historians  and  archaeologists  still  have  not  
come  to  a  consensus.    
 
Pyramids  
 
Ruins  of  the  majestic  Mayan  pyramids  are  scattered  throughout  parts  of  Mexico  and  Central  
America.  All  Mayan  pyramids  had  flat  tops  and  many  were  built  to  align  with  celestial  events  
such  as  the  path  of  the  sun.    
 
Types  of  Pyramid  
 
Pyramids  to  the  Gods  –  These  pyramids  were  designed  to  honor  the  Mayan  gods.  They  were  
not  meant  to  be  touched  or  climbed  by  humans.  Although  there  were  stairs  leading  to  the  top  
of  the  pyramid,  they  were  so  steep  that  most  humans  were  incapable  of  making  such  a  climb.  
Such  pyramids  also  contained  secret  passages  and  traps.    
 
Sacrificial  Pyramids  –  The  Maya  also  built  pyramids  that  were  designed  for  religious  and  
sacrificial  purposes.  These  pyramids  had  stairs  that  led  to  a  temple  at  the  top  where  important  
religious  ceremonies  could  be  held  and  where  sacrifices  were  made  to  the  gods  by  priests  in  
front  of  worshippers.    
 
A  Famous  Pyramid  
 
Temple  of  Kukulcan,  sometimes  called  El  Castillo,  honors  the  Mayan  feathered-­serpent  God  
named  Kukulcan.  The  temple  is  the  centerpiece  of  Chichén  Itzá  –  an  important  Mayan  city,  
and  world  UNESCO  site,  that  lasted  about  300  years.  The  flat-­topped  pyramid  has  four  
staircases,  each  with  91  steps.  Combined  with  the  entrance  step,  there  are  365  total  steps.  
Amazingly,  during  the  spring  and  fall  equinox,  a  serpent-­shaped  shadow  descends  upon  the  
pyramid  and  grows  larger  as  it  falls  upon  the  stairs  as  the  day  progresses.  By  dusk,  the  
shadow  joins  the  stone  serpent  head  at  the  base  of  the  stairs  producing  a  chilling  effect.  The  
entire  shadow  lasts  for  about  45  minutes  before  disappearing  in  the  dwindling  light.  According  
to  Maya  legend,  the  shadow  symbolized  the  return  of  Kukulcan,  who  comes  back  to  Earth  to  
give  his  blessing  for  a  full  harvest  and  good  health.  Today,  thousands  of  people  gather  
around  the  pyramid  during  this  time  to  celebrate  the  “descent  of  Kukulcan.”

 
 
  
1.   What  is  NOT  true  about  Mayan  pyramids?        
A.   They  were  built  for  religious  ceremonies  
B.   They  were  built  to  honor  gods    
C.   They  were  flat  at  the  tops  
D.   Humans  could  visit  pyramids  built  for  gods  
 
2.   In  contrast  to  sacrificial  pyramids…    
A.   pyramids  to  the  gods  had  flat  tops.      
B.   pyramids  to  the  gods  were  the  sites  of  sacrifices.    
C.   sacrificial  pyramids  had  secret  passages  and  traps.  
D.   pyramids  to  the  gods  could  not  be  climbed  by  humans.    
 
3.   Where  is  the  Temple  of  Kukulcan?          
A.   El  Castillo    
B.   Chichén  Itzá    
C.   UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site  
D.   The  passage  doesn’t  say  
 
4.   Which  paragraph  describes  a  sequence  of  events?  
A.   Second    
B.   Third    
C.   Fourth    
D.   Final    
 
5.   What  could  replace  “incapable  of  making”  in  the  following  sentence?    
 
Although  there  were  stairs  leading  to  the  top  of  the  pyramid,  they  were  so  steep  that  
most  humans  were  incapable  of  making  such  a  climb.    
     
A.   difficult  to  make    
B.   impossible  to  find  
C.   eager  to  make  
D.   unable  to  male    
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  “the  descent  of  Kukulcan”?    
A.   The  four  stairwells  and  entrance  step  that  combine  to  make  365  total  steps  
B.   A  feathered-­serpent  God  
C.   The  growing  shadows  that  envelop  the  stairs  of  El  Castillo  during  an  equinox    
D.   Ceremonies  that  occur  atop  the  sacrificial  pyramids    
 
7.   What  question  is  not  answered  in  the  passage?      
A.   What  kinds  of  things  were  sacrificed  by  the  Maya?      
B.   How  did  the  Mayan  civilization  compare  to  other  civilizations  that  existed  at  the  same  time?      
C.   What  did  the  shadow  symbolize?        
D.   How  long  does  the  shadow  of  Kukulcan  last  during  the  Spring  or  Fall  Equinox?        
 METEORS  Reading  Comprehension  
To  understand  meteors,  one  must  also  understand  meteoroids  and  meteorites.  First,  a  meteoroid  is  a  
particle  in  the  solar  system.  The  meteoroid  may  be  as  small  as  a  grain  of  sand,  or,  as  large  as  a  
boulder.  When  the  meteoroid  enters  the  Earth's  atmosphere,  and  becomes  visible  as  a  shooting  star,  
it  is  called  a  meteor.  If  the  meteor  makes  it  to  the  ground,  it  is  called  a  meteorite.  

Meteors,  also  called  shooting  stars,  occur  in  the  Earth's  mesosphere  at  an  altitude  of  about  40-­60  
miles.  Millions  of  meteors  enter  the  Earth's  atmosphere  every  day,  though  the  vast  majority  are  
observed  at  night.  Their  visibility  in  the  night  sky  is  due  to  air  friction  which  causes  the  meteor  to  glow  
and  emit  a  trail  of  gasses  and  melted  particles  that  lasts  for  about  a  second.  Meteor  showers  are  
relatively  common  events  that  occur  when  the  Earth  passes  through  a  trail  of  debris  left  by  a  comet.  

Sometimes  Meteoroids  make  it  throughout  the  atmosphere  and  hit  the  ground,  where  they  are  
referred  to  as  meteorites.  There  are  over  31,000  documented  meteorites  that  have  been  found,  
although  only  five  or  six  new  ones  are  found  every  year.  The  largest  meteorite  ever  found  was  in  the  
African  nation  of  Namibia.  It  weighs  over  100  tons  and  left  a  huge  impact  crater  in  the  ground.  
Scientists  believe  the  massive  Berringer  Crater  in  Arizona  was  formed  when  a  300,000  ton  meteorite  
crashed  to  the  ground  over  49,000  years  ago.  On  November  30,  1954,  the  Hodges  Meteorite  
(actually  a  fragment  of  a  meteorite)  crashed  through  the  roof  of  the  residence  of  Ann  Hodges  in  the  
town  of  Sylacauga,  Alabama.  It  bounced  off  a  table  before  striking  her  in  the  leg.  Although  she  was  
badly  bruised,  she  was  not  seriously  injured.  It  was  the  first  recorded  instance  of  a  meteorite  injuring  
a  human.  The  actual  meteorite  was  donated  to  the  Alabama  Museum  of  Natural  History  after  various  
legal  battles  concerning  ownership.  Some  scientists  believe  the  impact  of  a  large  meteorite  from  an  
asteroid  or  comet  in  Mexico's  Yucatan  Peninsula  was  responsible  for  the  extinction  of  dinosaurs  
some  65  million  years  ago.  Such  an  impact  would  have  had  catastrophic  global  consequences  
including  immediate  climate  change,  numerous  earthquakes,  volcano  eruptions,  wildfires,  and  
massive  supertsuanims,  along  with  the  proliferation  of  massive  amounts  of  dust  and  debris  that  would  
block  solar  energy  and  lead  to  a  disruption  in  photosynthesis.  

Most  meteorites  that  reach  the  Earth  are  classified  as  chondrites  or  achondrites,  while  a  small  
percentage  are  iron  meteorites  and  stony-­iron  meteorites.  Most  meteorites  are  chondrites.  Chondrites  
contain  silicate  materials  that  were  melted  in  space,  amino  acids,  and  other  presolar  grains,  particles  
likely  formed  from  stellar  explosions.  Diamond  and  graphite  are  among  materials  found  to  be  present  
in  these  grains.  Chondrites  are  thought  to  be  over  4.5  billion  years  of  age  and  to  have  originated  in  
the  asteroid  belt,  where  they  never  formed  larger  bodies.  Achondrites  are  less  common.  These  types  
of  meteorites  seem  to  be  similar  to  igneous  rock.  Iron  meteorites  make  up  less  than  five  percent  of  
meteorite  finds.  These  types  of  meteorites  are  thought  to  come  from  the  core  of  asteroids  that  were  
once  molten.  Finally,  stony-­iron  meteorites  constitute  less  than  one  percent  of  all  meteorite  falls.  They  
are  made  of  iron-­nickel  metal  and  different  silicates.  
1.   A  meteor  shower  occurs  when  the  Earth   6.   Which  kind  of  meteorite  is  the  least  
passes  through  _______.   common?  
A.              the  asteroid  belt   A.              Chondrites  
B.              a  solar  flare   B.              Story-­iron  meteorites  
C.              a  trail  of  debris  left  by  a  comet   C.              Iron  Meteorites  
D.              a  meteoroid   D.              Achondrites  
   
   
2.   Which  of  the  following  actually  hits  the   7.   Another  name  for  a  shooting  star  is  a  
ground?   ___________________.  
A.              meteor   A.              meteorite  
B.              meteorite   B.              meteor  
C.              meteoroid   C.              meteoroid  
   
   
3.   Chondrites  are  thought  to  have  originated  in   8.   Which  of  the  following  was  not  (possibly)  
_____.   caused  by  a  meteorite  impact?  
A.              the  outer  reaches  of  the  Milky  Way.   A.              A  slight  injury  to  Ann  Hodges  
B.              the  asteroid  belt   B.              The  Berringer  Crater  
C.              Earth's  atmosphere   C.              The  formation  of  the  Yucatan    
D.              the  Oort  Cloud              Peninsula  
  D.              The  extinction  of  the  dinosaurs  
   
4.   ___________  meteorites  are  found  every    
year.   9.   _________  meteors  enter  the  Earth's  
A.              Numerous   atmosphere  every  day.  
B.              No   A.              Thousands  
C.              Very  few   B.              Few  
D.              Thousands  of   C.              Millions  
  D.              Hundreds  
   
5.   Most  meteorites  are    
_____________________.   10.  The  largest  meteorite  ever  discovered  
A.              iron   landed  in______.  
B.              stony-­iron   A.              Africa  
C.              achondrites   B.              The  United  States  
D.              chondrites   C.              Alabama  
  D.              Mexico  
 

 
Answers  

1.   C  
2.   B  
3.   B  
4.   C  
5.   D  
6.   B  
7.   B  
8.   C  
9.   C  
10.  A  
Michelangelo  Reading  Comprehension        Name  ____________________  

Michelangelo  was  a  famous  Renaissance  artist,  sculptor,  poet,  and  architect.  He  is  regarded  as  one  
of  the  finest  painters  of  the  Renaissance  period.  He  was  born  in  Abrezzo  in  the  Tuscany  region  of  
Italy  in  1475.  He  was  raised  in  Florence.  Although  his  father  disapproved  of  his  interest  in  art,  
Michelangelo  became  an  apprentice  of  Italian  painter  Domenico  Ghirlandaio.  Ghirlandaio  was  so  
impressed  with  the  work  of  his  apprentice,  that  he  recommended  him  to  the  ruler  of  Florence,  
Lorenzo  de’  Medici.  Michelangelo  studied  in  de’  Medici’s  workshop  for  three  years.  During  these  
years,  Michelangelo  gained  new  perspectives  on  art  and  met  many  prominent  figures  in  art  and  
literature.  He  also  painted  his  first  important  works,  Madonna  of  the  Steps  (1490–1492)  and  Battle  of  
the  Centaurs  (1491–1492).  

In  1494,  the  Medici  family  was  driven  away  from  Florence.  As  a  result,  Michelangelo  left  the  city  for  
Venice,  Bologna,  and  then  Rome.  In  1497,  he  sculpted  Bacchus,  the  Roman  God  of  Wine.  Bacchus  
would  prove  one  of  Michelangelo’s  only  works  involving  a  pagan,  rather  than  Christian  subject.  He  
was  next  commissioned  by  the  French  cardinal  Jean  de  Billheres  to  sculpt  a  marble  depiction  of  
Jesus  resting  in  Mary’s  arms  after  the  Crucifixion.  It  was  called  Pieta  and  was  made  for  the  Cardinal’s  
funeral  monument.    Pieta  can  be  viewed  today  in  St.  Peter’s  Basilica  in  Vatican  City.  That  
same  year,  Michelangelo  moved  back  to  Florence.  He  was  then  commissioned  to  complete  a  marble  
statue  of  David  started  by  Agostino  di  Duccio.  The  statue  was  to  be  a  symbol  of  the  Florentine  
Republic.  Michelangelo  finished  the  colossal  statue  in  1504.  It  stood  over  14  feet  tall.  The  statue  was  
immediately  recognized  as  a  masterpiece,  and  is  considered  one  of  Michelangelo’s  two  greatest  
sculptures.  In  1508,  commissioned  by  Pope  Julius  II,  Michelangelo  began  the  work  from  which  he  
became  most  famous  for,  the  ceiling  of  the  Sistine  Chapel.  The  elaborate  ceiling  took  four  years  to  
complete.  Working  on  scaffolding  high  above  the  chapel  floor,  Michelangelo  painted  over  400  life-­
sized  figures  on  the  ceiling  by  1512.  The  ceiling  features  nine  scenes  from  the  Book  of  Genesis,  
seven  Old  Testament  prophets,  and  five  sibyls  (characters  from  Greek  mythology).  Of  the  Old  
Testament  scenes,  the  Creation  of  Adam  is  the  most  renowned.  

In  the  1520’s  and  1530’s,  Michelangelo  worked  on  several  major  projects  including  the  grand  Medici  
Chapels  in  the  Basilica  of  San  Lorenzo,  fortifications  of  the  city  of  Florence,  the  Laurentian  Library  in  
Florence,  and  the  fresco  of  The  Last  Judgment  on  the  alter  wall  of  the  Sistine  Chapel.  The  Last  
Judgment  took  seven  years  to  complete  and  was  the  largest  fresco  (painting)  of  the  Renaissance  
period.  As  he  worked  on  the  massive  fresco,  Michelangelo  met  Vittoria  Colonna,  a  female  poet  who  
became  a  close  friend  and  inspired  his  own  poetry.  

In  1546,  at  the  age  of  71,  Michelangelo  was  commissioned  as  architect  of  St.  Peter’s  Basilica  and  
designed  its  dome.  Michelangelo  never  married  and  remained  in  a  relative  state  of  solitude  for  most  
of  his  life.  As  he  grew  older,  he  cherished  this  solitude  more  and  more.  In  1564,  Michelangelo  died  of  
a  “slow  fever”.  He  was  buried  in  front  of  a  large  crowd  in  Santa  Croce  (a  church)  in  Florence.  
 1.   Michelangelo’s  father…      
A.  supported  his  son’s  interest  in  painting.    
B.  did  not  support  his  son’s  interest  in  painting.  
C.  was  a  famous  painter.  
D.  helped  his  son  get  work  as  an  apprentice.  
 
2.   How  did  Michelangelo  grow  as  an  artist  as  an  apprentice  for  Lorenzo  de’  
Medici?  Select  all  that  apply.      
A.  He  was  hired  to  paint  the  ceiling  of  the  Sistine  Chapel  
B.  He  met  many  important  people  in  the  art  world  
C.  He  painted  Madonna  on  the  Steps  
D.  He  sculpted  Bacchus  
 
3.   What  made  Michelangelo’s  sculpture  of  Bacchus  different  from  his  other  
works?    
A.  It  was  a  sculpture  
B.  It  was  made  after  the  Medici’s  were  driven  from  Florence  
C.  It  did  not  involve  a  Christian  subject  
D.  It  was  not  built  in  Florence    
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  ceiling  of  the  Sistine  Chapel?    
A.  It  includes  seven  scenes  from  the  Book  of  Genesis,  nine  Old  Testament  
prophets,  and  five  sibyls  
B.  It  includes  over  400  life-­sized  figures,  scenes  from  the  Book  of  Genesis,  
prophets  from  the  Old  Testament,  and  characters  from  Greek  Mythology  
C.  It  includes  400  life-­sized  figures  and  other  characters  from  the  Bible  and  
mythology  
D.  It  took  Michelangelo  over  four  years  to  complete  and  features  elaborate  figure  
drawings  of  a  variety  of  things.    
 
5.   What  does  the  word  “renowned”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
                       Of  the  Old  Testament  scenes,  the  Creation  of  Adam  is  the  most  renowned.  

A.  Questioned  
B.  Studied  
C.  Famous  
D.  Beautiful  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6.   In  which  paragraph  does  the  reader  learn  about  the  work  of  art  that  took  
Michelangelo  the  longest  to  complete?    
A.  Introductory  
B.  First  body  
C.  Second  body  
D.  Concluding  
 
7.   Michelangelo  did  not…  
A.  paint  frescos.  
B.  write  poetry.  
C.  work  on  the  fortifications  of  Florence.  
D.  enjoy  being  with  lots  of  people.  
 
 

 
 
 MICKEY MANTLE Reading Comprehension
Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. When he was four, his family moved to
Commerce, Oklahoma, where he spent the rest of his childhood. His dad taught him how to play baseball and
how to be switch hitter (bat right-handed and left-handed). Mickey was an outstanding athlete from an early
age. He played baseball, basketball, and football in high school. A high school football injury to his leg resulted
in an infection that nearly necessitated its amputation. Although the infection eventually subsided, he would
suffer from its effects for the rest of his life.

Mickey was drafted by the New York Yankees at age 18. He was so talented that he was almost immediately
called up from the minor leagues to the Yankees. Yankees management believed he would be the next great
Yankees star and gave him the number "6" (Babe Ruth was 3, Lou Gehrig was 4, and Joe DiMaggio was 5).
The pressure on the 20-year-old kid from Oklahoma was intense. Mickey played poorly in his first stint in the
Major Leagues and was sent back to the minors. It was a devastating setback to Mantle. He even thought of
quitting. Nevertheless, he was soon called back up to the majors. This time, he wore the number "7." The rest,
they say, is history.

Mickey Mantle went on to enjoy an incredible baseball career as the Yankees starting center fielder for 18
years. He was one of the most popular athletes in sports history. Kids and adults alike, throughout the nation,
idolized "The Mick." He played for the New York Yankees from 1951–1968. During that time, he hit 536 home
runs, several of which are said to be among the longest in history. He was a 16-time All-Star and won three
American League MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards. He played on seven World Championship Yankee
teams, and still holds the Major League record for World Series home runs (18), RBIs (40), and runs scored
(42). In 1956, Mickey Mantle became the last person to win the Major League Triple Crown, hitting 52 home
runs, batting .353, and knocking in 130 runs (RBIs). Injuries to Mickey's legs eventually caught up with him.
He retired on March 1, 1969. He was inducted in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. His number
"7" was retired by the Yankees.

Behind the scenes, however, Mickey Mantle's life was turbulent. Years of alcoholism eventually destroyed his
liver. In June of 1995, he received a liver transplant. On August 13, 1995, however, Mickey Mantle died. The
words "A Great Teammate" are etched on his tombstone. Mickey Mantle is honored on a 2006 U.S. postage
stamp. Today, his popularity lives on. His baseball cards are worth more than virtually any other athlete (except
Babe Ruth). His 1952 rookie card has sold for as much as $50,000 in mint condition.
1.)   Where did Mickey Mantle spend most of his childhood?
a.)   Spavinaw
b.)   New York
c.)   Commerce
d.)   Texas

2.)   What is a switch hitter?

a.)   Someone who switches position in the batting order.
b.)   Someone who bats left-handed and right-handed.
c.)   Someone who hits a lot of home runs.
d.)   Someone who switches positions in the outfield.

3.)   Why did Mickey Mantle originally get the number "6"?
a.)   He had six brothers and sisters.
b.)   Because it was his favorite number.
c.)   The Yankees thought he was the next in line of great Yankee stars.
d.)   The Yankees wanted him to bat sixth in the lineup.

4.)   Which of the following in NOT true?

a.)   Joe DiMaggio wore number 5.
b.)   Babe Ruth wore number 6.
c.)   Mickey Mantle wore number 7.
d.)   Lou Gehrig wore number 4.

5.)   Which of the following is NOT true about Mickey Mantle?

a.)   Mickey played center field for the Yankees from 1951–1986.
b.)   He hit over 500 home runs.
c.)   Mickey Mantle was known to hit some of the longest home runs in history.
d.)   Mickey made 16 All-Star games.

6.)   How many MVP awards did Mickey Mantle win?

a.)   3
b.)   4
c.)   6
d.)   7

7.)   Which of the following IS true about Mickey Mantle?

a.)   He holds the World Series record of 40 runs scored.
b.)   He holds the World Series record of 40 RBIs
c.)   He holds the World Series record of 42 home runs.
d.)   He holds the World Series record of 42 stolen bases.
8.)   What happened second?
a.)   1972
b.)   Mickey was given the number "7."
c.)   Mickey retired from baseball.
d.)   Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown.

9.)   Which of the following likely affected Mickey's career and life? Select all that apply.
a.)   His postage stamp
b.)   Alcohol
c.)   His injured leg
d.)   His jersey number

10.) Which of the following best describes what "turbulent" means in the context of this passage?
a.)   faithful
b.)   relaxed
c.)   difficult
d.)   careless
                
 
Missouri  Compromise  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name___________________  
 
In  1819,  as  Missouri  began  drafting  a  state  constitution  in  preparation  for  
statehood,  New  York  congressman  James  Tallmadge  introduced  two  
antislavery  amendments  to  the  bill  which  allowed  for  the  creation  of  Missouri  
as  a  state.  Despite  the  fact  that  Tallmadge’s  bills  were  not  passed,  the  issue  
involving  slavery  threatened  to  explode.

The  issue  of  slavery  had  remained  controversial  in  America  since  1787.  In  
1819,  half  of  America’s  twenty-­two  states  were  free  states  (northern),  and  
half  were  slave  states  (southern).  Because  the  free  states  had  larger  
populations,  they  controlled  the  House  of  Representatives.  Free  and  slave  
states  shared  equal  representation  in  the  Senate.  The  admission  of  Missouri  
as  a  free  state  or  slave  state  would  upset  the  balance.  Antislavery  members  
of  Congress  argued  that  slavery  should  be  prohibited  in  new  states,  while  
pro-­slavery  members  of  Congress  argued  that  the  state  should  have  the  
right  to  determine  if  slavery  was  legal  or  illegal  within  its  borders.

A  compromise  was  made  when  Maine  applied  for  statehood  in  1820.  
According  to  the  deal  thought  of  by  Henry  Clay,  if  the  southern  states  
agreed  to  the  admission  of  Maine  as  a  free  state,  Missouri  would  be  
admitted  as  a  slave  state.  In  addition,  all  lands  acquired  in  the  Louisiana  
Purchase  north  of  36°  30′  N  latitude  would  be  free.  Both  the  free  and  the  
slave  states  agreed  to  Clay’s  compromise,  which  lasted  30  years  before  
being  repealed  following  another  period  of  American  expansion.    

1.   What  was  the  primary  issue  that  made  the  Missouri  Compromise  
necessary?    
A.   slavery
B.   statehood
C.   Maine
D.   Henry  Clay

2.   The  admission  of  Missouri  as  a  free  state  had  the  potential  to…  
A.  cause  slavery.
B.  destroy  the  House  of  Representatives.
C.  upset  the  balance  in  Congress.
D.  give  the  northern  states  too  much  power.  
  
3.   Slavery  supporters  argued  that…    
A.  slavery  should  be  illegal.  
B.  slavery  should  be  allowed  in  all  states.
C.  that  slavery  should  only  be  illegal  in  the  new  states.
D.  that  citizens  of  new  states  should  vote  on  slavery.

4.   What  happened  when  Maine  was  admitted  to  the  Union?

A.  Slavery  was  permitted  in  Maine  

B.  Slavery  was  permitted  throughout  the  country  
C.  Slavery  was  permitted  in  Missouri  
D.  Slavery  was  not  permitted  in  Missouri  
 
5.   Why  is  the  Louisiana  Purchase  important  in  this  discussion?    
A.  As  a  result  of  the  Missouri  Compromise,  slavery  became  illegal  in  all  lands  
acquired  in  the  Louisiana  Purchase    
B.  As  a  result  of  the  Missouri  Compromise,  slavery  became  illegal  is  some  of  the  
lands  acquired  in  the  Louisiana  Purchase  
C.  As  a  result  of  the  Missouri  Compromise,  slavery  was  permitted  in  all  lands  
acquired  in  the  Louisiana  Purchase  
D.  As  a  result  of  the  Missouri  Compromise,  slavery  was  permitted  through  
America    
 
6.   What  does  the  passage  suggest  about  the  Missouri  Compromise?    
A.  The  same  problems  that  caused  the  Missouri  Compromise  would  appear  
again  in  the  near  future    
B.  The  problems  addressed  in  the  Missouri  Compromise  were  permanently  
solved      
C.  Eventually,  Missouri  would  become  a  free  state    
D.  There  were  some  states  that  did  not  agree  to  Clay’s  compromise.    
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  would  be  the  best  title  for  the  passage  above?      
A.  The  life  of  Henry  Clay  
B.  The  House  of  Representatives  and  its  Stance  on  Slavery  
C.  Maine  –  the  Story  of  a  Free  State    
D.  How  the  Issue  of  Slavery  Shaped  America’s  Map  
  
 
Mozart  and  the  Golden  Ratio  Reading  Comprehension  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
One  of  the  most  famous  composers  in  all  of  Western  classical  music  is  Wolfgang  Amadeus  
Mozart  –  a  child  prodigy  and  composer  of  over  600  works.  Born  in  1756,  Mozart  was  
immersed  in  the  Classical  era  of  music  as  a  child.    His  father,  Leopold  Mozart,  a  composer  
and  violinist,  taught  him  piano,  violin,  and  to  compose  at  a  young  age.    Wolfgang’s  talents  
became  apparent  quickly,  as  he  began  to  compose  his  own  music  at  the  age  of  five.  Soon  he  
was  touring  Europe  performing  for  royalty.  
 
Like  Haydn’s,  Mozart’s  music  followed  the  balanced,  symmetrical  structures  typical  of  the  
Classical  period.    In  fact,  historians  often  remark  that  his  music  had  a  divine  quality  in  its  
proportions,  with  moments  of  major  musical  arrivals  in  his  pieces  often  occurring  at  intervals  
that  correspond  to  the  Golden  Ratio.    The  Golden  Ratio  is  a  mathematical  concept  whereby  
the  ratio  of  two  numbers  is  the  same  as  ratio  of  their  sum  to  the  larger  quantity.  He  was  a  
significant  figure  in  many  genres  of  classical  music,  composing  18  piano  sonatas,  41  
symphonies,  22  operas,  and  much  more.    In  qualitative  terms,  Mozart’s  music  is  thought  to  be  
a  sophisticated  and  emotional  take  on  the  preexisting  Classical  forms,  expanding  on  Haydn’s  
early  work  and  incorporating  the  more  contrapuntal  (involving  multiple,  simultaneous  
contrasting  voices)  influences  of  Bach.    Another  aspect  of  Mozart’s  work  was  that  he  seemed  
to  compose  effortlessly  –  original  manuscripts  of  his  music  indicate  that  he  rarely  crossed  
things  out.  
 
Despite  his  incredible  ability,  Mozart  was  known  to  be  self-­destructive.  He  often  stayed  out  all  
night,  drank  lots  of  alcohol,  and  spent  all  his  money.    This  lack  of  discipline  occasionally  
translated  into  his  professional  life,  too.    For  example,  he  did  not  finish  writing  the  overture,  or  
the  opening  orchestral  piece,  to  his  opera  The  Marriage  of  Figaro  until  the  day  of  the  
premiere.    
 
Mozart  has  been  a  renowned  musician  since  the  1760s,  and  his  abilities  became  more  
developed  and  nuanced  as  he  matured.    Some  of  his  final  works,  such  as  his  last  three  
symphonies,  are  considered  to  be  the  pinnacle  of  classical  music.    Interestingly,  these  pieces  
were  some  of  his  only  works  written  out  of  pure  artistic  inspiration  –  not  motivated  by  a  
deadline  or  a  patron’s  request.    Like  Haydn,  Mozart  went  on  to  break  from  the  constraints  of  
patronage  (the  system  under  which  musicians  were  employed  and  responsible  to  nobility  or  
rich,  influential  people).      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1.   Which  question  is  answered  in  the  opening  paragraph?        
a.   How  did  Mozart  compare  to  Bach  or  Haydn?    
b.   Where  was  Mozart  born?    
c.   Who  taught  Mozart  to  compose?    
d.   Was  Mozart’s  mother  a  musical  talent?    
 
2.   Why  did  historians  call  Mozart’s  work  “divine?”      
a.   Because  it  expanded  on  the  work  of  Haydn  
b.   Because  it  proved  a  more  sophisticated  take  on  preexisting  Classical  era  
forms    
c.   Because  the  movements  of  the  music  in  his  pieces  occurred  at  intervals  
that  corresponded  with  the  golden  ratio.    
d.   Mozart  was  an  effortless  composer  and  rarely  crossed  things  out  
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  details  supports  the  idea  that  Mozart  was  a  prodigy?          
a.   His  incredible  talent  was  evident  in  his  early  manuscripts,  which  show  he  
rarely  crossed  things  out  and  composed  music  effortlessly  
b.   He  sometimes  had  to  finish  his  work  at  the  last  moment      
c.   The  movement  in  his  music  occurred  at  intervals  that  corresponded  with  
the  golden  ratio        
d.   He  began  composing  at  the  age  of  five    
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  could  complete  the  sentence  below?  
 
Despite  his  incredible  ability…  
   
a.   Mozart’s  last  three  pieces  are  considered  the  pinnacle  of  classical  music.  
b.   Mozart  was  self-­destructive  with  his  health  and  his  money.    
c.   Mozart  composed  18  piano  sonatas  and  41  symphonies.  
d.   Mozart  wrote  the  overture  to  the  Marriage  of  Figaro.    
 
5.   According  to  the  author…  
   
a.   Mozart  reached  his  musical  peak  when  he  got  older.  
b.   Mozart  reached  his  musical  peak  when  he  was  a  child.  
c.   Mozart  was  a  significant  figure  in  one  genre  of  classical  music.  
d.   Mozart  preferred  to  compose  music  for  the  wealthy  classes.  
 
6.   Mozart…  
a.   was  a  famous  musician  for  most  of  his  life.  
b.   became  famous  toward  the  end  of  his  life.  
c.   only  became  famous  after  his  death.  
d.   was  famous  for  part  of  his  life.      
  
7.   Which  word  in  the  following  sentence  means  “at  the  same  time?”    
 
In  qualitative  terms,  Mozart’s  music  is  thought  to  be  a  sophisticated  and  emotional  take  on  
the  preexisting  Classical  forms,  expanding  on  Haydn’s  early  work  and  incorporating  the  
more  contrapuntal  (involving  multiple,  simultaneous  contrasting  voices)  influences  of  Bach.  
 
a.   preexisting    
b.   qualitative    
c.   simultaneous    
d.   sophisticated    
 
                                                         
Choose  Your  Own  Path  Through  History  –  The  Story  of  Dr.  Samuel  Mudd
Name  ____________________________________  

Dr.  Mudd  was  an  American  physician  and  farmer  who  lived  near  Bryantown,  Maryland,  during  the  
American  Civil  War.  Like  many  people  who  lived  near  Bryantown,  Mudd  was  a  slave  owner  who  
supported  the  Confederate  States  of  America.    In  1864,  the  state  of  Maryland  abolished  slavery,  making  
the  future  of  Mudd’s  tobacco  plantation  uncertain.  That  same  year,  Mudd  was  introduced  to  the  actor  John  
Wilkes  Booth.  Booth  claimed  he  was  interested  in  buying  land  in  the  region,  but  was  really  touring  the  
area  to  map  an  escape  route  for  his  planned  kidnapping  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  To  what  extent  Mudd  and  
Booth  discussed  the  kidnapping  plot  is  unclear.  Historians  do  know  that  Booth  stayed  overnight  at  Mudd’s  
farm  and  purchased  a  horse  from  him.  Ultimately,  the  kidnapping  plan  failed  to  come  into  fruition.  Booth  
and  Mudd  met  again  in  Washington  in  late  December  of  1864  but  the  details  of  the  meeting  remain  
unknown  as  well.    

On  April  14,  1865,  John  Wilkes  Booth  shot  President  Lincoln  at  Ford’s  Theater  in  Washington,  D.C.  While  
managing  a  desperate  escape  from  the  theater,  Booth  broke  his  leg.  Despite  his  injury,  he  was  able  to  
escape  Washington  that  night  and  rode  toward  southern  Maryland.  One  of  his  accomplices,  David  Herold,  
met  Booth  in  the  wilderness  in  an  attempt  to  guide  him  to  safety.  When  it  became  clear  that  Booth  would  
be  unable  to  continue  without  medical  attention,  Herold  guided  him  to  the  house  of  Dr.  Mudd.  At  4:00  in  
the  morning,  they  knocked  on  Mudd’s  door.  Mudd  recognized  Booth  but  was  likely  unaware  that  he  had  
just  assassinated  the  president.  Mudd  diagnosed  the  broken  fibula,  fashioned  a  splint,  and  arranged  for  a  
pair  of  crutches  to  be  delivered.    Booth  and  Herold  were  extended  hospitality  and  spent  the  remainder  of  
the  morning  and  much  of  the  next  day  at  Mudd’s  farm.    

The  next  morning,  Mudd  rode  into  Bryantown,  where  he  quickly  learned  news  of  Lincoln’s  assassination  
and  the  identity  of  the  assassin.  Unbelievably,  Mudd  found  himself  at  the crossroads  of  American  history.  
He  had  two  choices.  He  could  tell  the  authorities  in  Bryantown  that  Lincoln’s  assassin  was  incapacitated  at  
his  farm  less  than  five  miles  away,  and  thus,  become  one  of  America’s  great  heroes.  Or,  he  could  say  
nothing  and  protect  the  assassin.  Mudd’s  decision  would  have  a  major  impact  on  his  life  and  on  the  
course  of  American  history!    

Mudd  chose  to  protect  Booth.  Although  there  are  conflicting  accounts  of  what  followed,  Mudd  probably  
calmly  returned  to  his  farm  and  demanded  that  both  Booth  and  Herold  leave  immediately.  It  is  thought  that  
Mudd  waited  at  least  24  hours  to  tell  the  authorities  anything  about  his  visitors.  When  he  was  finally  
questioned  by  the  authorities,  he  may  have  also  led  them  in  the  wrong  direction  in  their  quest  to  capture  
Booth.  Mudd’s  explanations  drew  the  suspicion  of  detectives,  who  continued  to  question  him  over  the  
course  of  the  next  few  days.  Mudd  initially  claimed  to  never  have  met  Booth  before,  but  eventually  it  was  
revealed  he  had  in  fact  met  him  several  times.    

On  April  26,  1865,  Dr.  Samuel  Mudd  was  arrested  and  charged  with  conspiracy  to  murder  Abraham  
Lincoln.  In  this  context,  conspiracy  means  he  was  involved  with  the  planning  and  execution  of  the  murder  
and  escape.  On  June  29,  1865,  Mudd  was  sentenced  to  life  in  prison.  He  escaped  the  death  penalty  by  a  
single  vote.    

In  1869,  Mudd  was  pardoned  by  President  Andrew  Johnson  for  helping  to  stop  an  epidemic  of  yellow  
fever  in  prison.  He  was  released  from  jail  and  returned  to  his  farm  near  Bryantown.  He  died  at  the  age  of  
49  from  pneumonia.  Mudd’s  conviction  remains  a  source  of  controversy  today.    
1. What  was  discussed  during  the  second  meeting  between  John  Wilkes  Booth  and  Dr.  
Samuel Mudd?
A. The  assassination  of  Lincoln
B. The  escape  route  that  Booth  would  follow
C. The  ending  of  slavery
D. The  topics  of  their  discussions  are  unknown

2. Which  of  the  following  IS  NOT  true?

A. Booth  broke  his  leg  following  the  assassination  of  Lincoln.
B. Dr.  Mudd  helped  Booth  by  making  a  splint  and  arranging  for  crutches
C. Dr.  Mudd  discussed  the  assassination  of  Lincoln  with  Booth
D. Booth  and  David  Herold  spent  the  remainder  of  the  morning  at  Dr.  Mudd’s  home.

3. How  was  Mudd  at  the  “crossroads”  of  history?

A. Because  John  Wilkes  Booth  had  escaped  Washington
B. Because  Dr.  Mudd  had  helped  John  Wilkes  Booth  escape
C. Because  Mudd’s  decision  on  whether  or  not  to  protect  John  Wilkes  Booth  would  have  a  major
impact  on  American  history
D. Because  Mudd’s  decision  on  whether  or  not  to  alert  the  authorities  to  the  whereabouts  of  John
Wilkes  Booth  would  delay  his  capture.

4. Why  did  Mudd  wait  24  hours  to  tell  authorities  about  his  visitors?
A. Because  he  was  so  surprised  about  Lincoln’s  assassination
B. Probably  to  give  Booth  and  Herold  as  much  time  as  possible  to  elude  captors
C. Because  Mudd  claimed  to  have  never  met  Booth
D. To  ensure  he  did  not  get  in  trouble

5. What  is  suggested  in  the  following  sentence?

Although  there  are  conflicting  accounts  of  what  followed,  Mudd  probably  calmly  returned  to  his
farm  and  demanded  that  both  Booth  and  Herold  leave  immediately.

A. Historians  aren’t  totally  sure  what  Dr.  Mudd  did  when  he  returned  to  his  house
B. Historians  are  sure  that  Booth  and  Herold  were  at  Mudd’s  farmhouse.
C. Historians  are  sure  that  Dr.  Mudd  demanded  that  Booth  and  Herold  leave  his  farmhouse
D. Historians  aren’t  sure  if  Dr.  Mudd  was  involved  in  the  plot.

6. What  does  the  word  “incapacitated”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?
He  could  tell  the  authorities  in  Bryantown  that  Lincoln’s  assassin  was  incapacitated  at  his  farm
less than  five  miles  away,  and  thus,  become  one  of  America’s  great  heroes.

A. Quiet
B. Unable  to  move  well
C. Hidden
D. Uncertain

7. Which  of  the  following  IS  NOT  answered  in  the  fourth  paragraph?
A. How  long  did  Dr.  Mudd  wait  before  telling  the  authorities  about  his  visitors?
B. Why  did  authorities  question  Dr.  Mudd  over  the  course  of  several  days?
C. Why  did  Dr.  Mudd  decide  to  protect  Booth  and  Herold?
D. How  many  times  did  Dr.  Mudd  meet  with  John  Wilkes  Booth?  
  
 
The  Rise  and  Fall  of  MySpace  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Before  the  dawn  of  Facebook  and  Twitter  came  the  rise  and  fall  of  MySpace,  a  social  
media  site  launched  in  2003  in  Beverly  Hills,  California.    Employees  from  the  company  
eUniverse,  headed  by  their  CEO  Brad  Greenspan,  developed  the  first  version  of  the  
site  based  on  a  Malaysian  social  gaming  site.    MySpace  allowed  users  to  create  a  
circle  of  friends  and  view  blogs,  photos,  and  videos.    Beginning  in  2005,  the  creation  of  
MySpace  Records  allowed  artists  to  upload  their  own  songs  and  albums—and  as  of  
2017,  over  53  million  songs  have  been  uploaded.  
 
News  Corporation  bought  MySpace  for  580  million  dollars  in  2005;;  from  2005  to  early  
2008,  it  was  the  most  visited  social  networking  site  in  the  world,  with  75.9  million  
unique  visitors  logging  on  in  2008.    MySpace  was  the  most  visited  website  in  the  
United  States  in  2006—it  even  attracted  more  visitors  than  Google.    Its  usefulness  as  a  
social  site,  music  repository,  and  gaming  platform  attracted  a  wide  variety  of  network  
traffic  and  laid  the  groundwork  for  the  modern  social  networking  sites  that  thrive  today.  
 
By  April  2008,  however,  MySpace  began  its  steady  decline  as  competitors  in  the  social  
media  space  such  as  Facebook  and  Twitter  spiraled  upward.  By  2010,  was  operating  
with  only  half  the  number  of  users  it  had  druing  its  peak.  As  traffic  declined,  the  
company  looked  to  cut  costs  by  laying  off  employees.    Whereas  MySpace  employed  
1,600  people  in  2008,  by  2010,  it  only  employed  200.    In  a  matter  of  three  years  
MySpace  fell  from  the  most  visited  website  in  America  to  virtual  obscurity.  It  was  sold  
to  Specific  Media  for  35  million  dollars  in  2011—an  incredibly  low  number  considering  
the  price  it  had  been  sold  for  during  its  heyday  in  2005.    Time  Inc.  bought  the  company  
in  2016.      
 
Why  did  MySpace  fall  as  quickly  as  it  rose?    Other  social  media  networks  continued  
adding  new  features  and  aspects  to  their  sites  whereas  MySpace  seemed  to  remain  
complacent  with  its  reputation  as  an  entertainment  and  music  platform;;  the  site’s  
reluctance  to  change  with  the  times  could  have  led  to  it  becoming  obsolete.    
Furthermore,  sites  like  Facebook  looped  in  outside  developers  to  improve  their  quality  
and  content;;  MySpace  operated  purely  in-­house,  limiting  the  scope  of  their  ideas  to  a  
single  dimension.  Despite  MySpace’s  inability  to  adapt  to  an  evolving  Internet  age,  it  
remains  one  of  the  most  important  sites  in  internet  history.    
 
 
 
 
 
 1.   Which  of  the  following  IS  NOT  true  about  MySpace?    
A.  It  was  the  world’s  first  social  network    
B.  The  idea  for  the  site  came  from  a  social  gaming  platform  
C.  It  was  launched  in  2003  
D.  It  was  once  America’s  most  visited  website  
 
2.   People  make  investments  in  the  hopes  of  making  money  from  them.  Which  
of  the  following  best  describes  the  quality  of  the  investment  made  by  News  
Corporation?      
A.  It  was  a  poor  investment  because  MySpace  was  eventually  overtaken  by  
Facebook  and  other  social  media  networks  
B.  It  was  a  good  investment  because  so  many  people  uploaded  their  music  to  
the  site  
C.  It  was  an  excellent  investment  because  MySpace  was  once  the  most  popular  
website  in  America  
D.  It  was  a  very  poor  investment  because  it  lost  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars      
 
3.   What  happened  in  2008?  Select  all  that  apply.                          
A.  The  decline  of  MySpace  began      
B.  MySpace  was  the  world’s  most  popular  social  media  network  
C.  Only  200  employees  remained  at  MySpace    
D.  MySpace  had  75.9  million  unique  visitors        
 
4.   Facebook  and  Twitter  are  described  as  “competitors”  with  MySpace  in  the  
social  media  space.  Which  of  the  following  best  defines  “competitors”  in  
this  context?            
A.  Opponents      
B.  Companies  offering  similar  services            
C.  People  striving  to  be  the  best        
D.  Companies  that  join  together  in  an  attempt  to  make  more  money  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  statements  of  advice  may  have  prevented  the  fall  of  
Facebook?  Circle  all  that  apply.    
A.    Keep  up  with  the  Times!  
B.    Bring  in  people  with  ideas  from  outside  your  company!    
C.    There  are  too  many  technology  companies  in  California.  Move!    
D.    Add  new  features  to  your  website  like  the  other  social  networks  are  doing.      
 
 
 
 
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  describes  MySpace’s  chain  of  ownership  
chronologically?    
 A.  Time  >>  News  Corporation  >>  Specific  Media  >>  eUniverse      
B.  eUniverse  >>  News  Corporation  >>  Time  >>  Specific  Media  
C.  eUniverse  >>  News  Corporation  >>  Specific  Media  >>  Time    
D.  News  Corporation  >>  eUniverse  >>  Specific  Media  >>  Time      
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  is  an  accurate  reflection  on  MySpace?  
A.  It  will  likely  remain  the  most  popular  social  media  site  of  all  time  
B.  Although  obsolete  today,  MySpace  led  the  way  in  the  age  of  social  media  
C.  MySpace  will  always  be  remembered  as  one  of  the  biggest  failures  in  internet  
history  
D.  With  the  billions  of  people  on  Facebook  and  Instagram  today,  MySpace  will  likely  
become  important  again  
  
 
Dr.  Naismith  Reading  Comprehension                Name  ______________  
 
James  Naismith  found  himself  in  a  tough  position.  He  was  working  with  an  unruly  class  of  
fourteen-­year-­old  boys  at  the  YMCA  in  Springfield,  Massachusetts,  during  a  particularly  harsh  
New  England  winter  in  1891.  The  YMCA  director  of  physical  education,  Dr.  Luther  Gulick,  
gave  Naismith  an  ultimatum:  invent  an  indoor  game  that  could  keep  the  rowdy  group  of  boys  
occupied  for  the  winter.  Gulick  gave  Naismith  fourteen  days  to  implement  the  game.        
 
Naismith’s  original  idea  was  to  make  a  game  in  which  the  only  way  to  advance  the  ball  was  to  
pass  it.  Furthermore,  to  score,  players  would  have  to  lob  the  ball  into  a  basket  that  was  
placed  well  above  the  players’  heads.  Naismith  reasoned  that  these  rules  would  reduce  the  
violence  and  body  contact  endemic  to  games  at  the  time  such  as  soccer,  lacrosse,  rugby,  
hockey  and  football.    In  the  first  ever  basketball  game  at  the  YMCA,  the  players  used  a  soccer  
ball.  Each  team  also  had  nine  players  on  the  court  at  a  time.  Peach  baskets  were  used  as  
“hoops.”  Before  the  game,  Naismith  etched  his  immortal  “13  rules”  on  the  blackboard.  In  the  
original  rules,  each  half  was  fifteen  minutes  long  and  there  was  a  five-­minute  break  between  
the  halves.  The  rules  described  the  roles  of  the  umpires  and  referees,  fouls,  and  a  description  
of  what  constituted  “traveling,”  among  others.  According  to  Naismith,  the  rules  governing  fouls  
and  traveling  were  most  important  as  they  prevented  the  boys  from  tackling,  kicking  mobbing,  
and  punching  each  other.    In  the  first  basketball  game,  the  concept  of  dribbling  had  not  been  
established.    
 
Naismith’s  game  quickly  became  popular.  The  YMCA  decided  to  spread  the  word  about  
basketball  beyond  its  walls.  In  1893,  Vanderbilt  University,  in  Nashville,  Tennessee,  is  thought  
to  have  fielded  the  first  college  basketball  team.  Two  years  later,  the  first  intercollegiate  game  
was  played  in  Minnesota.  In  the  meantime,  Naismith  earned  a  medical  degree  and  joined  the  
faculty  at  the  University  of  Kansas,  where  he  became  the  Kansas  Jayhawks’  first  basketball  
coach.  Naismith’s  record  as  a  coach  was  a  subpar  55  wins  to  60  losses,  making  him,  
ironically,  the  only  coach  with  a  losing  record  in  the  history  of  Kansas  basketball.    
 
Despite  his  status  as  the  undisputed  inventor  of  one  of  the  world’s  most  popular  sports,  
Naismith  was  uninterested  in  the  fame  or  glory  that  typically  accompany  such  an  invention.  In  
fact,  he  was  more  interested  in  pursuing  the  science  of  physical  education.  By  the  time  he  
died  in  1939,  basketball  was  played  throughout  the  world  and  was  an  Olympic  event.  
Naismith  was  the  first  inductee  into  the  Naismith  Memorial  Basketball  Hall-­of-­Fame  in  
Springfield,  Massachusetts,  in  1959.  In  2010,  Naismith’s  document  describing  the  original  
rules  of  basketball  were  auctioned  for  a  record  $4,338,000  dollars.  It  was  the  highest  amount  
paid  for  an  item  of  sports  memorabilia  in  history.  The  rules  were  donated  to  the  University  of  
Kansas.    
 
Today,  over  300  million  people  are  thought  to  participate  in  basketball,  making  it  one  of  the  
world’s  most  popular  team  sports.    
 
 
  
1.   Which  of  the  following  describes  a  problem-­solution  text  structure  as  
discussed  in  this  passage?      
A.  Problem:  Naismith  died  in  1939.  Solution:  Basketball  became  an  Olympic  
sport  
B.  Problem:  Naismith  was  the  undisputed  inventor  of  basketball.  Solution:  
Naimsith  was  uninterested  in  fame  or  glory  
C.  Problem:  The  Boys  of  the  Springfield  YMCA  were  trapped  inside  during  the  
winter.  Solution:  Naismith  was  forced  to  invent  a  new  sport  
D.  Problem:  The  University  of  Kansas  needed  a  basketball  coach.  Solution:  
Naismith  led  the  team  to  a  record  of  55  wins  and  60  losses    
 
2.   Why  did  Naismith  decide  that  baskets  would  be  placed  well  above  the  
players’  heads?          
A.  He  thought  it  would  reduce  violence  and  body  contact  
B.  He  thought  it  would  increase  player  skill  
C.  He  thought  it  would  enable  players  to  score  a  lot  of  points  
D.  He  thought  it  would  be  a  great  use  of  peach  baskets      
 
3.   Why  does  the  author  use  the  word  “immortal”  in  the  following  sentence?        
 
Before  the  game,  Naismith  etched  his  immortal  “13  rules”  on  the  blackboard.  
 
A.  To  emphasize  how  important  the  sport  of  basketball  is  
B.  To  emphasize  how  important  the  13  rules  were  in  the  development  of  
basketball  
C.  To  emphasize  that  the  rules  would  be  changed  later  on  in  history  
D.  To  emphasize  that  the  sport  of  basketball  would  become  among  the  most  
popular  sports  in  the  world  
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  implied  in  the  passage?      
A.  Basketball  was  really  invented  in  Tennessee  
B.  The  boys  who  played  in  the  first  basketball  game  should  have  received  as  
much  credit  as  James  Naismith  in  the  development  of  basketball.      
C.  If  rules  governing  fouls  and  traveling  were  left  out,  it  would  be  much  less  
popular  
D.  If  rules  governing  fouls  and  traveling  were  left  out,  it  would  be  much  more  
violent    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5.   What  question  is  answered  in  the  third  paragraph?        
A.  Who  was  the  most  successful  basketball  coach  in  the  University  of  Kansas  
history?    
B.  Who  was  the  only  basketball  coach  with  a  losing  record  in  the  history  of  
University  of  Kansas?      
C.  Which  team  won  the  first  college  basketball  game  ever  played?      
D.  Who  was  the  first  coach  at  Vanderbilt  University?    
 
6.    Which  is  NOT  true  about  James  Naismith?  
A.  The  original  rules  for  basketball  he  wrote  were  donated  to  the  University  of  
Kansas  
B.  He  was  not  interested  in  becoming  famous    
C.  He  was  more  interested  in  physical  education  than  basketball    
D.  He  gave  a  speech  when  he  was  elected  to  the  Hall-­of-­Fame  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  is  the  best  description  of  this  passage?      
A.  A  biography  about  James  Naismith  
B.  A  description  about  the  popularity  of  basketball  
C.  A  description  of  the  role  the  YMCA  played  in  the  invention  of  basketball  
D.  A  description  of  Naismith’s  role  in  the  development  of  basketball  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
                  
 
Battle  of  New  Orleans  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name___________________  
 
 
Battle  of  New  Orleans  (War  of  1812)  
 
The  bloody  Battle  of  New  Orleans,  the  deadliest  battle  of  the  War  of  1812,  
actually  occurred  after  the  signing  of  the  Treaty  of  Ghent  in  late  1814,  which  
put  an  end  to  hostilities  between  the  Americans  and  British.  Word  of  the  
war's  end,  however,  failed  to  reach  New  Orleans  in  time  to  prevent  the  
battle.    
 
On  January  8,  1815,  British  General  Edward  Pakenham  and  over  10,000  
British  soldiers  and  Native  warriors  attacked  Andrew  Jackson  and  his  well  
fortified  army  of  over  5,000  men  at  Chalmette,  about  five  miles  downriver  
from  New  Orleans.  The  object  was  to  separate  Louisiana  from  the  rest  of  
the  United  States.  American  soldiers,  aided  by  pirates  under  the  command  
of  Jean  Lafitte,  cut  down  wave  after  wave  of  British  soldiers  from  behind  
impenetrable  defenses.  Pakenham  was  killed  in  the  battle  and  the  British  
suffered  over  2,000  total  casualties.  The  American  victory  served  as  the  last  
armed  conflict  of  the  War  of  1812.      
 
Although  the  battle  had  no  impact  on  the  war,  it  did  elevate  Andrew  Jackson  
to  a  national  hero  and  eventually  propelled  him  to  the  White  House.  
 
1.   The  Battle  of  New  Orleans  occurred…  
A.  at  the  beginning  of  the  War  of  1812.  
B.  in  the  middle  of  the  War  of  1812.  
C.  toward  the  end  of  the  War  of  1812.  
D.  after  the  War  of  1812.  
 
2.   The  British  objective  in  the  War  of  1812  was  to…    
A.  capture  Andrew  Jackson.  
B.  separate  Louisiana  from  the  United  States.  
C.  make  Andrew  Jackson  a  hero.  
D.  bring  the  war  back  to  England.  
 
 
 
 
 3.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  Battle  of  New  Orleans?  
A.  The  British  decided  to  continue  the  war  
B.  Many  Americans  were  killed  or  wounded  
C.  Andrew  Jackson  became  a  national  hero  
D.  Louisiana  was  separated  from  America  
 
4.   Which  is  NOT  true  about  the  Battle  of  New  Orleans?  
A.  It  was  a  major  British  victory  
B.  It  was  the  last  armed  conflict  of  the  War  of  1812  
C.  It  involved  pirates  
D.  It  occurred  after  the  Treaty  of  Ghent  
 
5.   How  many  soldiers  did  the  British  send  into  battle?    
A.  2,000  
B.  5,000  
C.  Over  10,000  
D.  The  passage  doesn’t  say  
 
6.   What  does  “elevate”  mean  in  the  following  sentence:  
 
Although  the  battle  had  no  impact  on  the  war,  it  did  elevate  Andrew  
Jackson  to  a  national  hero…    
 
A.  Decide  
B.  Raise    
C.  Tell  
D.  Manage  
 
7.   What  best  describes  the  Battle  of  New  Orleans?  
A.  An  important  and  deadly  British  victory      
B.  An  important  and  deadly  American  victory  
C.  A  deadly  British  victory  that  was  unimportant  in  the  war  
D.  A  deadly  American  victory  that  was  unimportant  in  the  war.    
 
 
 Battles in New York Reading Comprehension

After the British Pyrrhic (costly) victory at Bunker Hill in 1775, British General William Howe decided a lethal
blow needed to be delivered to the Patriot cause. Howe proposed to launch an attack on New York City using tens of
thousands of troops. He began mobilizing the massive fleet in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, American
Commander in Chief George Washington had ordered General Charles Lee to prepare for the defense of the city.
That June, Howe and 9,000 troops set sail for New York. Howe’s army was to be met in the city by additional
regiments of German and British troops. Reinforcements from Halifax led by Howe’s brother would follow them.

Howe’s initial fleet arrived in New York Harbor and began landing troops on Staten Island. On August 27, 1776,
British forces engaged the Americans at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights (also called the Battle of Long Island).
Howe’s army successfully outflanked Washington’s, eventually causing the Patriots, after some resistance, to
withdraw to Manhattan under the cover of darkness, thereby avoiding a potentially costly siege at the hands of the
British.

After failed peace negotiations, the British Army next struck at Lower Manhattan, where 12,000 British troops
quickly overtook the city. Most of the Continental Army had retreated to defensible positions at Harlem Heights and
then to White Plains, well north of the city, but some soldiers remained at Fort Washington in Manhattan. Howe’s
army chased Washington and the Continental Army into positions north of White Plains before returning to
Manhattan. In Manhattan, Howe set his sights on Fort Washington, the last Patriot stronghold in Manhattan. In the
furious, three-pronged attacked, British forces easily took the fort, capturing nearly 3,000 American prisoners and at
least 34 cannons in the process. Most of the prisoners were taken to squalid British prison ships where all but 800 or
so died of disease or starvation. General Washington, now at Fort Lee, directly across the Hudson River from Fort
Washington, witnessed the events that happened.

Following the fall of Fort Washington, British forces ferried up the Hudson River in barges toward Fort Lee.
Washington ordered the evacuation of the fort’s 2,000 soldiers across the Hackensack River at New Bridge Landing.
Washington would lead his army clear across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Following the events in and
around New York City, the outlook was bleak for the Continental Army. Morale in the army was extremely low,
enlistments were ending, and desertions were commonplace. Even General Washington admitted his army’s chances
of success were slim. Meanwhile, General Howe ordered his army into their winter quarters that December and
established several outposts from New York City south to New Brunswick, New Jersey.
1.) Where was Howe’s massive fleet mobilized for the 6.) What does the adjective “squalid” mean as
attack on New York? written in the following sentence:
a.)   Boston
b.)   Canada Most of the prisoners were taken to squalid British
c.)   New York prison ships where all but 800 or so died of disease or
d.)   New Jersey starvation.

2.) Which of the following would NOT participate in a.)   Dangerous

Howe’s attack on New York? b.)   Crowded
a.)   German soldiers c.)   Unsanitary
b.)   Soldiers led by Howe’s brother d.)   Honored
c.)   British soldiers
d.)   General Charles Lee 7.) How did George Washington likely feel watching
the events at Fort Washington?
3.) What happened at the Battle of Brooklyn a.)   Proud
Heights? b.)   Honored
a.)   The Americans withdrew. c.)   Desperate
b.)   The British withdrew. d.)   Dizzy
c.)   George Washington was captured.
d.)   A costly siege 8.) Why did George Washington evacuate Fort Lee?
a.)   Because the British would likely attack it.
4.) Why were Patriot forces at Harlem Heights? b.)   There were no more supplies inside.
a.)   It was a position they thought they could defend. c.)   He needed to try to rescue the prisoners.
b.)   Washington’s headquarters were located there. d.)   They had just defeated the British at Fort
c.)   They were hiding from the British. Washington.
d.)   They were about to surrender.
9.) Where would Washington’s army eventually end
5.) Which of the following was NOT true about Fort up?
Washington? a.)   New York
a.)   It was the last Patriot stronghold in Manhattan. b.)   New Jersey
b.)   It was attacked by General Howe and British c.)   Fort Lee
soldiers. d.)   Pennsylvania
c.)   It had been completely evacuated by George
Washington. 10.) Which of the following best expresses the effects
d.)   British forces easily took the fort. of the Battles in New York?
a.)   The Patriots were in a good position.
b.)   The outlook was very bleak for the success of the
Patriots.
c.)   Morale within the army increased.
d.)   The size of the army grew.
  
 
The  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire  Reading  Comprehension  
Name  _________________________________  
 
The  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire  is  a  horseshoe  shaped  region  along  the  shores  of  
the  Pacific  Ocean  named  for  its  numerous  active  volcanoes.  It  is  the  most  
volcanically  active  location  in  the  world,  and  is  home  to  75%  of  the  world’s  
active  and  dormant  volcanoes.  It  is  also  where  80%  of  the  earth’s  
earthquakes  occur.    California,  Mexico,  Alaska,  Canada,  Russia,  Japan,  
Ecuador,  Peru,  Bolivia,  Argentina,  and  Chile  are  among  places  within  the  
Pacific  Rim  of  Fire.  Of  the  25  largest  volcanic  eruptions  to  have  occurred  in  
the  last  11,700  years,  88%  of  them  occurred  within  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire.  
The1980  eruption  of  Mt.  St.  Helens,  in  1980,  within  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire,  
was  the  most  powerful  and  deadliest  volcanic  eruption  in  American  history.  
The  South  American  nation  of  Bolivia  is  home  to  the  world’s  greatest  
number  of  active  volcanoes.  In  1991,  the  eruption  of  Mt.  Pinatubo  in  the  
Philippines  was  so  powerful  that  its  effects  were  felt  around  the  world.  It  was  
the  second  most  powerful  eruption  in  modern  history.    
   
The  volcanoes  at  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire  are  formed  where  giant  oceanic  
plates  meet  and  collide  with  continental  plates.  The  movements  and  
collisions  of  these  massive  plates  is  called  plate  tectonics.  When  these  
plates  collide,  one  of  them  goes  underneath  the  others.  Since  the  Pacific  
Plate  is  older,  colder,  and  denser  than  the  surrounding  plates,  it  subducts  
(goes  underneath)  the  other  plates  during  this  process.  When  this  happens,  
the  Pacific  Plate  brings  a  lot  of  water  down  into  the  earth  with  it,  making  the  
crust  and  upper  part  of  the  mantle  easier  to  melt.  This  molten  rock  (magma)  
then  rises  through  the  earth’s  crust  and  creates  volcanoes!  This  process  
also  creates  a  lot  of  earthquakes  as  the  Pacific  Plate  scrapes  against  the  
plates  it  subducts.      
 
1.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered?          
a.   What  is  the  shape  of  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire?    
b.   Why  do  earthquakes  occur  in  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire?      
c.   What  was  the  most  recent  eruption  that  occurred  in  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire?    
d.   Do  major  volcanic  eruptions  actually  occur  in  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire?    
 
 
 2.   Which  of  the  following  statements  best  summarizes  the  first  paragraph?    
a.   Currently  and  historically,  the  majority  of  the  world’s  volcanic  eruptions  and  
major  volcanic  eruptions  occur  within  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire    
b.   Currently  and  historically,  a  portion  of  the  world’s  volcanic  eruptions  occur  
within  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire    
c.   Although  most  of  the  world’s  volcanic  eruptions  historically  occurred  within  
the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire,  currently  only  a  small  portion  of  such  eruptions  
occur  there  
d.   Currently,  most  of  the  world’s  major  volcanic  eruptions  occur  within  the  
Pacific  Rim  of  Fire,  but  there  is  no  evidence  that  most  of  the  world’s  past  
eruptions  occurred  there  
 
3.   How  are  plate  tectonics  related  to  volcanic  eruptions?                
a.   Plate  tectonics  result  from  volcanic  eruptions  
b.   Volcanoes  are  a  cause  of  plate  tectonics      
c.   Volcanoes  are  formed  through  plate  tectonics  
d.   Eruptions  are  measured  through  plate  tectonics      
 
4.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  eruption  of  Mt.  Pinatubo  in  1991?    
a.   It  changed  the  Philippines  forever  
b.   It  was  the  second  largest  eruption  in  modern  history    
c.   It  effected  the  region’s  plate  tectonics  
d.   The  passage  doesn’t  specify,  but  there  were  “effects”  felt  worldwide.  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  could  be  considered  a  “side-­effect”  of  the  creation  
of  volcanoes?      
a.   earthquakes    
b.   hurricanes    
c.   subduction    
d.   plate  tectonics    
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  sentences  describes  a  contrast?          
a.   The  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire  is  a  horseshoe  shaped  region  along  the  shores  of  
the  Pacific  Ocean  named  for  its  numerous  active  volcanoes.  
b.   California,  Mexico,  Alaska,  Canada,  Russia,  Japan,  Ecuador,  Peru,  Bolivia,  
Argentina,  and  Chile  are  among  places  within  the  Pacific  Rim  of  Fire.  
c.   In  1991,  the  eruption  of  Mt.  Pinatubo  in  the  Philippines  was  so  powerful  
that  its  effects  were  felt  around  the  world.  It  was  the  second  most  powerful  
eruption  in  modern  history.  
d.   Since  the  Pacific  Plate  is  older,  colder,  and  denser  than  the  surrounding  
plates,  it  subducts  (goes  underneath)  the  other  plates  during  this  process.  
 
 
 
  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  best  explains  the  formation  of  volcanoes  in  the  
Pacific  Rim  of  Fire?    
a.   Volcanoes  in  this  region  are  formed  when  a  continental  plate  slips  beneath  
an  oceanic  plate,  causing  magma  to  rise  through  the  surface  
b.   Volcanoes  in  this  region  are  formed  when  an  ocean  plate  slides  underneath  
a  continental  plate  causing  magma  to  rise  through  the  surface    
c.   Volcanoes  in  this  region  are  formed  when  a  continental  plate  rises  above  
an  oceanic  plate,  causing  magma  to  rise  through  the  surface  
d.   Volcanoes  in  this  region  are  formed  when  an  oceanic  plate  rises  above  a  
continental  plate,  causing  magma  to  rise  through  the  surface  
 Thomas Paine and Common Sense Reading Comprehension

Thomas Paine was born in England in 1737. He was the son of uneducated English farmers. In his early years, he
served as an apprentice in his father's corset-making business but eventually served as a merchant seaman before
starting his own corset business. In 1759, Paine married Mary Lambert, who would soon die during childbirth.

After the death of his wife, Paine moved around England and took several different jobs such as a servant, tax
collector, and teacher. In 1771, Paine married Elizabeth Ollive, his landlord's daughter. It was during this time,
while living in Lewes, East Sussex, that he became involved in local politics. In 1772, he published his first political
work, known as The Case of the Officers of Excise, which championed better pay and working conditions for tax
collectors. That same year, Paine met Benjamin Franklin, who encouraged him to move to America and wrote him a
recommendation to do so. Paine arrived in Philadelphia on November 30, 1774, just days after obtaining a legal
separation from his second wife. Upon his arrival in America, he was near death from typhoid, which had claimed
the lives of five other passengers on the ship.

Although it took six weeks for Paine to recover from the trip to America, he quickly made his mark on American
politics and sentiments. On January 10, 1776, he anonymously published Common Sense, a pro-independence
pamphlet that would galvanize the colonists against the British and that would greatly influence the expediency of
the Declaration of Independence. Paine's pamphlet quickly spread through the colony's literate population and
became the international voice of the pro-independence colonies. Common Sense would quickly become the top-
selling publication of the 18th century. That same year, he penned The Crisis, which greatly helped to inspire the
Continental Army. Below is a famous quote from The Crisis:

“These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier
and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink
from the service of their country; but he that stands it now,
deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we
have this consolation with us, that the harder the
conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

During and after the Revolution, Paine worked in France on French-American foreign affairs. It was during this time
that he began to advocate the French Revolution. On January 29, 1791, he published The Rights of Man, a pamphlet
encouraging the French Revolution and criticizing European monarchies. At first, he was seen as a great asset to the
revolutionaries of France and was appointed to the French Convention and was named an honorary French citizen.
However, as powers shifted in revolutionary France, Paine quickly became unpopular, was arrested, and scheduled
to be executed (though he escaped execution by chance). During his incarceration, Paine penned The Age of Reason,
a pamphlet that condemned organized religion. This pamphlet ultimately alienated many of his former supporters
and resulted in his virtual ostracism from politics upon his return to America. Paine died in New York City in 1809.
According to record, only six people came to his funeral.
1.) Which of the following did Thomas Paine 6.) Which of the following would describe Paine’s
NOT do in his early years? “sunshine patriot” as in the following lines:
a.)   Go to war
b.)   Work as an apprentice The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will,
c.)   Run a business in this crisis, shrink from the service of their
d.)   Serve on a boat country…

2.) What did Thomas Paine’s first publication a.)   Someone who likes warm weather
support? b.)   Someone who fights to the death
a.)   Education for all c.)   Someone who is inspirational
b.)   The war for independence d.)   Someone who fights only when it is easy
c.)   Better pay for tax collectors
d.)   Marriage 7.) Where was Thomas Paine after the
Revolution?
3.) Based on the passage, in what condition was a.)   France
Thomas Paine’s health when he arrived in b.)   Philadelphia
Philadelphia? c.)   England
a.)   He was in good health. d.)   None of the above
b.)   He was in okay health.
c.)   He was in bad health. 8.) Which of the following best describes how the
d.)   He was near death. French felt about Thomas Paine?
a.)   At first he was a nuisance, then an asset.
4.) When did Thomas Paine publish Common b.)   They always considered him a nuisance.
Sense? c.)   At first he was an asset, then a nuisance.
a.)   Before he arrived in America d.)   They always considered him an asset.
b.)   Before he obtained a legal separation from
his second wife 9.) Which of Thomas Paine’s pamphlets angered
c.)   After he recovered from typhoid his former supporters?
d.)   1791 a.)   The Age of Reason
b.)   Common Sense
5.) Which of the following would best describe the c.)   The Case of the Officers of Excise
main idea of Common Sense? d.)   The Crisis
a.)   America should seek peace with England.
b.)   America should fight to become an 10.) Which happened last?
independent nation. a.)   Paine published The Age of Reason
c.)   Americans should support their king. b.)   Paine was nearly executed.
d.)   Obtaining freedom will be easy. c.)   1810
d.)   Paine’s funeral
  
Pirates  and  Text  Structure  
 
Read  the  paragraphs  below  and  identify  the  text  structure:  
 
Compare  and  Contrast  |  Problem-­Solution  |  Chronological  |  Cause-­Effect  
 
   
1.  When  Thomas  Jefferson  was  elected  president,  one  of  his  goals  was  to  dispatch  of  the  dreaded  
Barbary  Pirates  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  The  pirates  charged  foreign  nations  tolls  for  safe  passage  
or  trade.  The  Barbary  Pirates  would  capture,  enslave,  and  then  sell  sailors  from  nations  that  failed  to  
pay  the  toll.  The  toll  was  very  expensive  and  became  more  expensive  when  Jefferson  entered  office.  
In  1801,  Jefferson  authorized  American  naval  ships  to  sail  to  the  Mediterranean  Sea  to  wage  war  
against  the  pirates.  American  warships  bombarded  the  ports  in  North  Africa  that  served  as  the  
staging  grounds  for  the  pirates.  The  American  navy  defeated  the  Barbary  Pirates  in  the  First  Barbary  
War,  and  then  again  in  the  Second  Barbary  War,  thus,  ridding  the  world  forever  of  the  pirates  and  
opening  up  the  Mediterranean  Sea  to  trade.      
 
_______________________________________________________  
 
2.  While  both  the  Barbary  Pirates  and  Pirates  of  the  Caribbean  pillaged  and  plundered  during  the  
same  time  in  history,  there  was  relatively  little  else  they  had  in  common.  The  Barbary  Pirates  
operated  in  North  Africa  and  the  Pirates  of  the  Caribbean  operated  in  the  Caribbean  Sea  and  off  the  
coasts  of  North  and  South  America.  While  the  Barbary  Pirates  worked  in  teams  to  capture  slaves  for  
eventual  sale,  the  Pirates  of  the  Caribbean  were  primarily  interested  in  plundering  Spanish  galleons  
heading  back  to  Europe.  The  Barbary  Pirates  worked  as  the  naval  unit  of  the  Ottoman  Empire,  while  
pirates  in  the  Caribbean  worked  on  their  own,  or,  worked  as  privateers  for  the  kings  and  queens  of  
European  nations.    
 
_______________________________________________________  
 
3.  One  of  the  reasons  the  Anglo-­Spanish  War  of  1585  occurred  was  because  of  continued  English  
pirating  and  plundering  of  Spanish  port  cities  and  treasure  galleons.    Although  it  was  never  formally  
declared,  the  war  lasted  nineteen  long  years  and  resulted  in  the  defeat  of  both  the  Spanish  and  
English  armadas.  When  the  war  became  hopelessly  deadlocked,  both  sides  agreed  to  the  Treaty  of  
London.  As  a  result  of  the  treaty,  the  English  agreed  to  stop  targeting  Spanish  possessions  in  pirating  
raids  and  both  sides  agreed  to  open  up  their  ports  to  ships  of  the  other.    
 
________________________________________________________  
 
4.  Edward  Teach,  otherwise  known  as  Blackbeard,  began  his  pirating  career  in  1713  –  after  the  
Spanish  War  of  Succession.  Within  a  few  years,  “Blackbeard”  earned  a  reputation  as  a  notorious  
pirate  by  plundering  settlements  in  the  Caribbean  Sea  and  North  America.  In  1718,  he  staged  an  
infamous  blockade  of  Charleston,  South  Carolina  -­  plundering  ships,  stealing  riches,  and  ransoming  
hostages.  In  November  of  1718,  however,  Blackbeard  met  his  end  in  a  naval  battle  off  of  the  coast  of  
Virginia  -­    where  the  governor  had  placed  a  generous  bounty  on  his  head.    
 
________________________________________________________  
 
Answers:    
 
1.  Problem-­Solution  
2.  Compare-­Contrast  
3.  Cause-­Effect  
4.  Chronological  
  
Plymouth  Colony  Reading  Comprehension  
 
The  holiday  of  Thanksgiving  was  born  from  the  Puritan  settlement  of  Plymouth,  on  the  coast  of  present-­‐‑day  
Massachusetts.  
 
Puritan  separatists,  desperate  for  religious  freedom,  left  England  in  1607  for  the  Netherlands  under  
increasing  pressure  from  the  crown  to  conform.  Although  they  were  allowed  religious  freedom,  they  were  not  
granted  citizenship  in  the  Netherlands,  and  hence,  could  not  secure  meaningful  jobs  and  were  restricted  to  
those  that  were  low  paying  and  unskilled.  Some  Puritans,  disheartened  by  the  drifting  of  their  children  from  
the  church,  made  arrangements  with  the  Merchant  Adventurers  (a  London  joint-­‐‑stock  company)  to  relocate  
to  America.  Payment  for  their  passage  was  made  in  exchange  for  future  repayment  and  a  percentage  of  future  
profits  made  by  the  settlement.  
 
Thirty-­‐‑five  Pilgrims  (as  they  would  come  to  be  known)  boarded  the  Mayflower  with  67  other  passengers  and  
set  sail  for  Virginia  on  September  16,  1620.  The  treacherous  voyage  across  the  stormy  Atlantic  Ocean  lasted  
10  weeks.  When  the  Mayflower  finally  approached  America,  it  was  nowhere  near  Jamestown  or  even  Virginia.  
On  November  11,  1620,  the  Mayflower  reached  land  off  present-­‐‑day  Cape  Cod.  Some  historians  believe  the  
Mayflower  never  intended  to  sail  to  Virginia,  but  rather  had  secretly  planned  to  sail  to  New  England.  Many  of  
the  passengers  threatened  mutiny  because  they  were  supposed  to  be  brought  to  Virginia.  As  a  result,  the  
Mayflower  Compact  was  drafted  which  guaranteed  the  equal  treatment  of  all  settlers  in  the  new  colony.  The  
Mayflower  Compact  further  documented  the  colony's  continued  allegiance  to  England  but  also  called  for  the  
establishment  of  an  independent,  civil  government.  
 
The  Compact  was  signed  by  41  male  passengers,  and  the  decision  to  remain  at  Plymouth  rather  than  to  spend  
more  time  at  sea  was  made.  The  settlers  organized  themselves  into  a  group  known  as  the  Council  of  New  
England.  The  council  promised  one  hundred  acres  of  land  to  those  settlers  who  remained  at  Plymouth  for  
seven  years.  The  Mayflower  and  its  passengers  explored  the  coast  of  Massachusetts  for  several  weeks  before  
finding  the  perfect  spot  at  Plymouth  on  December  21,  1620.  
 
Life  in  Massachusetts  was  difficult  for  the  settlers.  Half  of  the  original  passengers  on  the  Mayflower  died  of  
disease,  starvation,  and  the  harsh  Massachusetts  winter.  Unlike  Jamestown,  however,  Indian  attacks  were  not  
a  constant  threat.  Rather,  the  local  Wampanoag  Indians  were  responsible  for  the  colonists’  survival.  Squanto,  
who  was  kidnapped  and  had  experienced  life  in  Europe  as  a  slave  and  later  as  an  observer  of  European  
culture  in  a  monastery,  had  recently  returned  to  Massachusetts  only  to  find  his  former  village  ravaged  by  
death  and  disease.  He  assimilated  into  the  Wampanoag  village  located  at  Plymouth  and  later  joined  the  
Pilgrim  colony  at  Plymouth  when  they  learned  he  could  speak  English.  Squanto  taught  the  Pilgrims  how  to  
establish  friendly  relations  with  the  Indians  and  how  to  plant  crops,  fish,  and  trap  mammals  for  the  fur  trade.  
If  it  weren't  for  Squanto,  the  Wampanoags  and  their  sachem  Massasoit,  all  of  the  settlers  would  have  surely  
perished.  One  year  after  the  landing  of  the  Mayflower,  the  surviving  Pilgrims  celebrated  their  first  fall  harvest  
with  a  prodigious  feast.  They  invited  91  of  their  Indian  friends.  The  feast  was  the  first-­‐‑ever  Thanksgiving.  
   
 1.) Why did some passengers threaten to mutiny? 6.) Circle all of the following that explain why
a.)   The trip took too long. Squanto was important to the settlers.
b.)   They were criminals. a.)   He could speak English.
c.)   They thought they were going to Virginia but b.)   He taught the settlers how to steal from local
were actually going to Massachusetts. Indians.
d.)   They thought they were going to Massachusetts c.)   He taught settlers how to speak the
but were actually going to Virginia. Wampanoag language.
d.)   He taught settlers how to maintain friendly
2.) What holiday was born from the settlement of relations with Indians and how to plant crops.
Plymouth? Be careful to use correct spelling.
_______________________________ 7.) In the following sentence, what does the word
“conform” mean?
3.) What happened third?
a.)   The Council of New England was organized. Puritan separatists, desperate for religious freedom, left
b.)   The Mayflower Compact was signed. England in 1607 for the Netherlands under increasing
c.)   November 11, 1620 pressure from the crown to conform.
d.)   The settlers found the perfect spot to start a
settlement at Plymouth. a.)   To be the same as
b.)   To be different from
4.) Why did the Puritans leave England? c.)   To give money to
a.)   They wanted more money. d.)   To hate
b.)   They wanted religious freedom.
c.)   They wanted new scenery. 8.) What phrase best describes the Puritans of
d.)   They were kicked out. Plymouth?
a.)   Dependent on their Indian neighbors
5.) About how many passengers died of disease, b.)   They were able to survive because of their
winter, and starvation? resourcefulness.
a.)   35 c.)   Interested in gold and riches
b.)   67 d.)   They probably wanted to go back to England.
c.)   102
d.)   51 9.) What did the Mayflower Compact not do?
a.)   Proclaim allegiance to England
b.)   Guarantee that all settlers would be treated as
equals
c.)   Called for the establishment of an independent
government
d.)   Proclaim independence from England

10.) What happened first?

a.)   The Mayflower Compact
b.)   The settlers met Squanto
c.)   September 16, 1620
d.)   The Council of New England was organized.

 
  
 
Pollination  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Plants  use  the  process  of  pollination  to  transfer  their  genetic  information  from  one  
generation  to  the  next,  and  to  set  in  motion  their  process  of  reproduction.    
Reproduction  is  important  for  all  organisms—not  just  plants—because  it  keeps  a  
species  alive  and  preserves  its  genes  for  future  descendants.    Plants  can  either  cross-­
pollinate,  meaning  that  a  flower  is  pollinated  by  another  flower  of  the  same  species,  or  
self-­pollinate,  meaning  that  a  flower  pollinates  itself  or  is  pollinated  by  a  flower  on  the  
same  plant.  
 
While  many  animal  species  have  separate  male  and  female  counterparts,  a  plant  has  
both  male  and  female  parts  to  it.    The  female  part  is  called  the  pistil,  which  makes  
nectar  at  its  base;;  the  male  part  includes  thin  stalks  called  stamen.    Pollen  is  found  on  
the  anthers  at  the  very  tips  of  each  stamen.    Pollination  occurs  when  pollen  from  the  
anther  of  one  flower  is  transferred  to  the  pistil  of  another  flower.    The  pollen  then  
travels  down  the  pistil  and  fertilizes  egg  cells  in  the  plant’s  ovaries,  leading  to  the  
creation  of  seeds  and  fruits.    These  seeds  and  fruits  are  what  contain  the  plant’s  
genetic  information  and,  when  spread,  can  lead  to  growth  of  new  plants.  
 
The  process  of  pollination  requires  the  existence  of  pollinators  that  facilitate  the  
movement  of  pollen  from  one  flower  to  another.    These  pollinators  can  be  biotic,  
meaning  they  are  living  or  abiotic,  meaning  they  are  non-­living.  Some  examples  of  
abiotic  pollinators  include  wind  and  water  that  carry  pollen  from  place  to  place  so  it  
may  by  chance  come  into  contact  with  another  flower.    Butterflies,  bees,  insects,  and  
hummingbirds  are  examples  of  biotic  pollinators  that  land  on  flowers,  causing  the  
pollen  to  rub  onto  their  bodies  or  feeding  parts,  and  transfer  that  pollen  to  other  flowers  
as  they  fly  from  place  to  place.  
 
Most  plants  have  adaptations  to  increase  the  chances  they  are  pollinated.  Some  are  
adapted  to  attracting  bees  with  bright  colors  and  sweet  nectar.    The  bees  may  notice  
the  vibrant  colors  of  a  flower  and  land  on  it;;  while  they  collect  the  nectar  from  the  
flower,  pollen  from  the  anthers  may  rub  onto  it,  and  therefore  be  transferred  to  another  
flower  when  the  bee  searches  for  another  nectar  source.    Some  flowers  are  adapted  
for  pollination  by  a  single  source.  For  example,  some  flowers  in  tropical  rainforests  can  
only  be  pollinated  by  a  specific  species  of  hummingbird  with  specially-­adapted  bills  that  
can  fit  inside  the  flower!    
   
 
 
 
  
1.   Pollination  ensures…        
A.  bees  and  hummingbirds  have  food.  
B.  a  plant  reproduces.  
C.  certain  pollinators  have  specific  adaptations.  
D.  bees  will  be  attracted  to  certain  flowers.  
 
2.   A  flower  that  is  pollinated  by  another  flower  on  the  same  plant  is  an  
example  of  __________________________.              
A.  Abiotic  pollination  
B.  Cross-­pollination      
C.  Self-­pollination  
D.  Adaptive  pollination      
 
3.   Which  is  NOT  true?                  
A.  The  pistil  makes  nectar      
B.  Pollen  is  found  on  the  anthers        
C.  The  anthers  are  located  at  the  tips  of  the  stamen  
D.  The  stamen  in  the  female  part      
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  correctly  labels  the  main  idea  of  each  paragraph?      
A.  1  –  Introduction;;  2  –  Anatomy;;  3  –  The  Process  of  Pollination;;  4  -­  Adaptations  
B.  1  –  Introduction;;  2  –  The  Process  of  Pollination;;  3  –  Anatomy;;  4  -­  Adaptations  
C.  1  –  Introduction;;  2  –  Adaptations;;  3  –  The  Process  of  Pollination;;  4  -­  Anatomy    
D.  1  –  Introduction;;  2  –  Anatomy;;  3  –  Adaptations;;  4  –  The  Process  of  Pollination  
 
5.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “wind  and  water”  be  the  
answer?          
A.  What  are  examples  of  biotic  pollinators?        
B.  What  are  the  most  common  examples  of  pollinators?    
C.  What  are  examples  of  abiotic  pollinators?    
D.  What  are  adaptations  that  plants  use  to  increase  the  chances  they  are  
pollinated?  
 
6.   Based  on  the  final  paragraph,  which  of  the  following  would  be  the  best  
definition  for  the  word  “adaptation?”      
A.  An  interesting  way  in  which  nature  works  
B.  Natural  rules  that  govern  survival  
C.  Something  that  has  an  effect  on  a  pollinator  
D.  Something  that  increases  the  chances  of  survival  or  reproduction  for  a  form  of  
life    
 
 
 
  
7.   What  question  is  answered  in  the  final  paragraph?      
A.  In  what  habitats  do  most  pollinators  live?    
B.  How  does  a  bee  pollinate  a  flower?    
C.  What  species  of  hummingbird  has  a  specially  adapted  bill  for  specific  flowers?    
D.  Are  hummingbirds  or  bees  more  effective  as  pollinators?        
Pontiac’s  Rebellion  Reading  Comprehension   Name_______________________

Pontiac’s  Rebellion  was  a  war  waged  by  natives  of  the  Great  Lakes  region  against  British  rule  
after  the  French  and  Indian  War.  The  natives,  who  had  formed  alliances  with  the  defeated  
French,  were  dissatisfied  with  treatment  from  British  officials.  Unlike  their  French  allies,  British  
officials  entrusted  with  native  relations  refused  to  offer  gifts  to  tribal  leaders  such  as  guns,  
gunpowder,  and  ammunition.  Furthermore,  English  settlers  began  displacing  them  from  their  
land.  While  French  settlers  and  natives  seemed  to  live  in  relative  harmony,  the  sheer  number  
of  English  settlers  that  descended  on  the  region  prompted  many  Indians  to  support  war.  The  
natives  began  to  feel  as  if  the  British  were  preparing  for  war  against  them.  The  rebellion  
lasted  three  years,  from  1763  to  1766.  Much  of  the  war’s  terrible  violence  occurred  in  1763;;  
the  remaining  years  were  spent  formulating  peace  treaties.  The  war  was  named  after  Pontiac,  
chief  of  the  Ottawa  tribe.  Indians  from  many  tribes  including  the  Ottawa,  Ojibwa,  Shawnee,  
Miami,  Huron,  Seneca  and  Potawatomi  participated  in  the  uprising.  

The  war  started  in  May  of  1763  when  natives  unsuccessfully  besieged  Fort  Detroit.  British  
reinforcements  soon  arrived,  but  were  soundly  defeated  at  the  Battle  of  Bloody  Run  on  July  
31,  1763.  Meanwhile,  other  native  groups  were  taking  forts  in  present-­day  Illinois,  Michigan,  
Indiana,  Ohio,  and  Pennsylvania.  Many  attacks  followed  the  same  routine:  Indians  would  trick  
the  settlers  into  allowing  them  access  to  the  forts,  and  then  capture  or  kill  the  inhabitants.  On  
June  22,  1763,  a  group  of  Delaware  natives  attacked  Fort  Pitt  and  killed  dozens  of  British  
settlers.  On  September  14,  1763,  a  group  of  300  Seneca,  Ojibwa,  and  Ottawa  Indians  
attacked  a  supply  train  near  Fort  Niagara.  In  what  came  to  be  known  as  “Devil’s  Hole  
Massacre,”  72  soldiers  were  killed.  In  present-­day  Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania,  four  
Delaware  native  warriors  killed  a  school  teacher  and  her  ten  students.  Native  raids  throughout  
Ohio  Country  began  to  intensify,  as  did  raids  conducted  by  local  militias  on  peaceful  native  
tribes.  One  local  militia  group,  known  as  The  Paxton  Boys,  traversed  the  Pennsylvania  
countryside  in  1763  and  1764  searching  for  natives  to  kill.  

Soon,  British  officials  realized  that  a  more  diplomatic  solution  could  expedite  the  ending  of  the  
war.  Many  Indian  leaders,  who  realized  the  British  were  not  going  away,  and  whose  people  
were  decimated  with  diseases  such  as  Smallpox,  were  also  in  favor  of  ending  the  conflict.  
Through  a  combination  of  diplomatic  and  military  solutions,  aimed  at  the  reclamation  of  Forts  
Niagara,  Pitt,  and  Detroit,  the  British  finally  succeeded  in  ending  the  conflict.  On  July  25,  
1766,  a  peace  treaty  was  signed  by  Pontiac  himself.  It  is  important  to  note  that  the  treaty  was  
not  a  native  surrender,  as  no  prisoners  were  exchanged,  and  no  land  was  ceded.  

1. What  caused  Pontiac’s  Rebellion?

A. Poor  relations  with  the  French
B. The  unsuccessful  attempt  to  besiege  Fort  Detroit
C. The  increasing  number  of  British  settlers  who  took  land
D. The  terrible  violence  that  occurred  in  1763
  
 
2.   What  was  a  contributing  factor  to  the  start  of  Pontiac’s  Rebellion?    
A.  Poor  relations  with  the  French  
B.  The  refusal  of  British  officials  to  offer  gifts  
C.  The  failed  peace  treaties  from  1764-­1766    
D.  The  natives  and  their  alliance  with  the  British  
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  timeline  of  Pontiac’s  Rebellion?  
A.  1763  was  peaceful,  and  1764-­1766  was  violent    
B.  1763,  1764,  1765,  and  1766  were  all  very  violent  
C.  Most  of  violence  occurred  in  the  later  years  
D.  Most  of  the  violence  occurred  in  1763  
 
4.   Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?  
A.  The  British  and  settlers  scored  a  major  victory  at  the  Battle  of  Bloody  Run  
B.  Native  warriors  killed  72  soldiers  in  the  Devil’s  Hole  Massacre    
C.  Native  attacks  occurred  in  present-­day  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Michigan,  and  
other  states.      
D.  The  natives  of  the  region  were  able  to  mostly  live  in  harmony  with  the  French  
 
5.   What  could  be  a  synonym  for  the  word  “diplomatic”  in  the  following  
sentence?  
 
Soon,  British  officials  realized  that  a  more  diplomatic  solution  could  expedite  the  ending  
of  the  war.  
 
A.  Military  
B.  Peaceful  
C.  Technical  
D.  Complicated  
 
6.   What  was  the  effect  of  Pontiac’s  Rebellion?  
A.  The  natives  were  forced  to  give  up  land  and  stop  fighting  
B.  The  natives  were  forced  to  exchange  prisoners    
C.  It’s  hard  to  say  as  the  natives  did  not  surrender  or  give  up  land  
D.  The  Paxton  Boys  traversed  Pennsylvania  looking  for  natives  to  kill    
 
7.   What  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  final  paragraph?    
A.  Why  did  many  natives  prefer  ending  the  rebellion?    
B.  When  was  the  treaty  signed  that  ended  the  rebellion?    
C.  How  did  the  British  reclaim  its  forts?    
D.  What  was  the  peace  treaty  that  ended  the  rebellion  called?      
Popham  Colony  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

The  Popham  Colony  was  a  little  known  English  colony  that  was  founded  just  months  
after  the  Jamestown  Colony  in  1607.  Unlike  the  Jamestown  colony,  however,  the  
Popham  Colony  settled  in  present-­day  Maine  rather  than  Virginia.  The  Popham  Colony  
was  the  first  settlement  in  what  would  become  New  England.    

On  May  31,  1607,  120  settlers  left  Plymouth,  England,  on  their  way  to  the  New  World.    
They  were  sponsored  by  the  Plymouth  Company,  which  was  a  rival  of  the  Virginia  
Company  –  the  company  that  sent  settlers  to  Jamestown.  The  colonists  headed  to  
New  England  planned  to  harvest  metals,  furs,  and  spices  from  the  region’s  forests  to  
make  profits.  It  was  named  the  Popham  Colony  because  its  leader  was  George  
Popham.  The  first  boat  carrying  settlers  arrived  on  August  13,  followed  three  days  later  
by  a  second  ship.  The  colonists,  who  were  gentleman,  artisans,  farmers,  and  traders,  
began  construction  on  a  star-­shaped  fort  they  named  Fort  St.  George  along  the  
Kennebec  River.  They  also  built  a  chapel,  guardhouse,  a  storehouse,  and  a  cooperage  
where  they  could  build  barrels.  

The  colony  failed  to  thrive  at  first.  Because  the  settlers  arrived  late  in  the  summer,  
there  was  no  time  to  farm  for  food  and  the  colony  had  not  yet  established  relations  with  
the  local  Abenaki  tribe.  Half  of  the  settlers  decided  to  sail  back  to  England,  and  the  
other  half  decided  to  remain  at  Fort  George  through  the  bitter  Maine  winter.  Of  the  45  
remaining  colonists,  44  survived  the  winter.  The  single  colonist  to  die  was  George  
Popham.    

In  the  spring  of  1608,  the  colonists  built  a  30-­ton  ship  called  a  pinnace,  to  show  that  the  
colony  could  be  useful  in  shipbuilding.  The  ship,  which  they  named  Virginia,  was  the  
first  European  ship  to  be  built  in  the  New  World.  By  this  time,  the  colonists  had  
established  trade  with  the  Abenaki,  and  sent  a  cargo  ship  back  to  England  with  furs  
and  bundles  of  wild  sarsaparilla.  When  the  cargo  ship  returned,  it  brought  news  that  
the  brother  of  the  colony’s  new  leader,  Raleigh  Gilbert,  had  died  and  the  Gilbert  was  
the  heir  to  a  magnificent  estate.  Gilbert  decided  to  return  to  England  as  did  the  
remaining  colonists  almost  a  year  after  they  landed.  Many  of  them  returned  on  the  
Virginia.  

1. What  was  a  similarity  between  the  Popham  Colony  and  Jamestown?

A. Both  colonies  were  sponsored  by  the  same  company
B. Both  colonies  were  founded  in  the  same  year
C. Both  colonies  were  founded  in  the  same  region
D. In  both  colonies,  many  of  the  original  settlers  died  in  the  first  year
  
2.   What  is  not  true  about  the  Popham  Colony?      
A.  It  thought  it  could  make  money  from  the  region’s  forests
B.  It  eventually  established  trade  with  the  local  Abenaki  tribe
C.  The  colonists  built  a  star-­shaped  fort  which  they  named  Fort  George
D.  The  colony  seemed  to  succeed  immediately  
 
3.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  colonists’  arrival  date?    
A.  They’d  be  unsuccessful  in  growing  crops
B.  They’d  have  conflict  with  the  Abenaki
C.  They  wouldn’t  be  able  to  survive  the  winter
D.  Most  would  be  forced  to  sail  back  to  England  

4.   Which  of  the  following  is  not  explained  in  the  passage?

A.  What  crops  did  the  colonists  eventually  grow?    

B.  Why  did  Raleigh  Gilbert  decide  to  return  to  England?          
C.  What  is  a  cooperage?    
D.  Why  did  the  colonists  build  a  pinnace?      
 
5.   The  Virginia…  
A.  was  built  to  prove  something.    
B.  was  used  as  a  means  to  sail  to  Jamestown.    
C.  was  the  name  of  a  30-­ton  pinnace  built  in  England.  
D.  was  destroyed  in  a  fire.    
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Popham  Colony?        
A.  The  Popham  Colony  was  unsuccessful  because  the  colonists  proved  they  
could  not  survive  in  the  harsh  environment    
B.  The  Popham  Colony  was  successful  because  it  sent  furs  and  sarsaparilla  
back  to  England  
C.  The  Popham  Colony  was  successful  because  only  one  colonists  out  of  45  
died    
D.  The  Popham  Colony  was  unsuccessful  as  its  settlers  remained  only  one  year  
before  abandoning  the  colony  
 
7.   When  did  the  Popham  Colony  establish  trade  with  the  Abenaki?    
A.  In  the  summer  of  1608    
B.  When  they  first  arrived  in  1607    
C.  In  the  spring  of  1608    
D.  In  the  winter  of  1607-­1608  
  
 
Pythagoras  Reading  Comprehension  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Pythagoras  was  a  Greek  philosopher  and  mathematician  who  contributed  insights  to  many  schools  of  
thought  during  his  life.    One  of  his  most  notable  accomplishments  is  his  development  of  the  
Pythagorean  theorem,  which  creates  a  relationship  between  the  three  sides  of  a  right  triangle.    
Specifically,  that  the  square  of  the  hypotenuse  (or  longest  side  of  a  triangle)  is  equal  to  the  sum  of  the  
squares  of  the  other  two  sides.  This  is  written  mathematically  as  a2  +  b2  =  c2.  Unfortunately,  it  is  hard  
to  make  definitive  statements  about  much  of  Pythagoras’  life  because  we  have  no  confirmed  and  
authentic  pieces  of  writing  from  him  during  his  lifetime.    It  is  challenging  to  distinguish  between  valid  
writings  from  Pythagoras  and  the  works  of  his  followers;;  regardless,  we  can  make  informed  
conjectures  with  the  evidence  we  do  have.  
 
Based  on  the  information  available  to  us,  Pythagoras  was  born  in  570  BC  on  Samos,  an  island  near  
Asia  Minor  at  the  time.    He  was  well-­educated  and  had  two  or  three  brothers,  but  as  he  grew  up,  he  
found  he  did  not  agree  with  the  government  and  tyrannical  politics  of  Samos.    Thus,  in  532  BC,  he  
escaped  to  southern  Italy  and  created  his  own  academy  for  ethics  and  politics  in  a  Greek  colony  
known  as  Croton.      
 
Pythagoras’  academy  attracted  many  devout  followers,  most  of  whom  had  no  personal  professions.    
Pythagoras  taught  his  followers  everything  he  knew  and  implored  them  all  to  follow  a  strict  set  of  
rules,  including  remaining  vegetarian  and  swearing  by  the  oath  “1+2+3+4.”    A  key  aspect  of  
Pythagoras’  teachings  was  the  philosophy  of  metempsychosis:  the  idea  that  souls  are  immortal  and  
enter  new  bodies  after  death.      
 
In  510  BC,  Pythagoras’  group  of  followers  began  to  have  an  ideological  clash  with  supporters  of  
democracy  and  rule  by  the  people.    This  conflict  of  ideas  soon  turned  violent,  resulting  in  the  razing  of  
Pythagorean  meeting  place.    Pythagoras  may  have  been  killed  in  one  the  blazes,  or,  he  may  have  
escaped  to  Metapontum,  a  city  in  Magna  Graecia,  and  died  there.    
 
1.   What  word  in  the  first  paragraph  specifies  to  the  reader  that  the  author  is  
going  to  elaborate?    
a.   Confirmed  
b.   Specifically  
c.   Distinguish  
d.   Valid  
 
2.   Why  is  it  challenging  to  make  conclusions  regarding  Pythagoras?      
a.   Because  he  lived  thousands  of  year  ago  
b.   Because  there  are  no  known  writings  attributed  to  Pythagoras  
c.   Because  we  can  make  conjectures  about  his  life  
d.   Because  he  had  so  many  followers  
 
 
 3.   Which  is  NOT  true  about  Pythagoras?    
a.   He  was  born  on  an  island  near  Asia  Minor      
b.   He  created  his  own  academy  for  ethics  and  politics    
c.   He  escaped  southern  Italy  for  Samos  in  532  BC      
d.   He  was  a  vegetarian    
 
4.   In  the  Pythagorean  Theorem…  
a.   the  square  of  the  hypotenuse  equals  the  sum  of  the  squares  of  the  other  
two  sides.  
b.   the  sum  of  the  hypotenuse  equals  the  sum  of  the  other  two  sides.  
c.   the  square  of  the  other  two  sides  equals  the  hypotenuse.  
d.   the  square  of  the  hypotenuse  equals  the  sum  of  the  other  two  sides.  
 
5.   What  word  could  replace  “implored”  in  the  following  sentence?    
 
Pythagoras’  academy  attracted  many  devout  followers,  most  of  whom  had  no  personal  
professions.    Pythagoras  taught  his  followers  everything  he  knew  and  implored  them  all  to  
follow  a  strict  set  of  rules,  including  remaining  vegetarian  and  swearing  by  the  oath  “1+2+3+4.”      
     
a.   demanded  
b.   convinced  
c.   facilitated  
d.   urged  
 
6.   What  is  implied  in  the  final  paragraph?    
a.   There  is  much  more  known  about  the  life  of  Pythagoras  than  previously  
thought  
b.   Pythagoras  died  in  a  fire  
c.   Pythagoras  and  his  followers  did  not  support  the  idea  of  democracy    
d.   Pythagoras  and  his  supporters  were  willing  to  fight  for  democracy  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  lacks  elaboration  in  the  passage?  
a.   What  is  metempsychosis?  
b.   What  is  the  significance  of  the  “1+2+3+4”  oath?    
c.   What  did  Pythagoras  think  happened  after  a  person  died?    
d.   What  happened  in  532  BC  in  the  life  of  Pythagoras?    
 
                                                         
  
 
Srinivasa  Ramanujan  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
Srinivasa  Ramanujan  was  an  acclaimed  Indian  mathematician  who  was  born  in  
southern  India  in  1887.    Growing  up,  he  attended  a  local  grammar  school  and  high  
school,  fostering  an  interest  in  mathematics  from  a  very  early  age.    At  age  15,  
Ramanujan  read  an  old  math  book  titled  A  Synopsis  of  Elementary  Results  in  Pure  and  
Applied  Mathematics  cover  to  cover,  and  was  transfixed.    He  perused  all  of  the  
theorems  outlined  in  the  book  and  began  writing  some  of  his  own.      
 
Ramanujan  received  scholarships  to  both  the  Government  College  in  India  and  the  
University  of  Madras,  but  upon  attending,  lost  both  due  to  his  tendency  to  focus  on  his  
math  classes  and  neglect  all  others.    Regardless,  he  continued  his  pursuit  of  math  and  
published  a  17-­page  paper  on  Bernoulli  numbers  in  the  Journal  of  the  Indian  
Mathematical  Society  in  1911.      
 
In  1913,  Ramanujan  began  writing  to  G.  H.  Hardy,  a  British  mathematician.    Hardy  was  
impressed  with  Ramanujan’s  ideas  and  got  him  both  a  research  scholarship  at  the  
University  of  Madras  and  a  grant  from  Cambridge  University.    In  1914,  Hardy  asked  
Ramanujan  to  come  study  under  him  at  Cambridge.    This  request  spurred  a  five-­year  
mentorship  between  Hardy  and  Ramanujan;;  during  that  time,  Ramanujan  published  
over  20  papers  individually  and  countless  more  in  collaboration  with  Hardy.    He  
received  a  bachelor  of  sciences  for  research  in  1916  and  became  part  of  the  Royal  
Society  of  London  in  1918.      
 
One  of  Ramanujan’s  goals  was  to  find  an  exact  formula  for  integer  partitions  of  n—  in  
other  words,  a  formula  to  determine  the  exact  number  of  ways  we  can  add  up  to  a  
number  using  positive  integers.    For  example,  we  can  add  up  to  3  using  1+1+1  and  
1+2,  so  the  number  3  has  two  partitions.    Ramanujan  and  Hardy  found  and  published  
this  exact  formula  in  1918;;  Ramanujan  also  helped  to  develop  the  theory  of  modular  
forms,  and  studied  mock  theta  functions  in  the  later  years  of  his  life.    
 
Ramanujan  died  in  1920  at  the  age  of  32  from  tuberculosis.    He  published  37  papers  
and  chronicled  his  theorems  in  multiple  notebooks.    What  makes  his  discoveries  so  
significant  is  that  there  are  no  proofs  for  any  of  his  discoveries:  he  was  able  to  make  
conjectures  about  numbers  and  number  theory  through  his  own  brain  power  without  
using  math  and  logic  to  prove  them.    Today,  many  of  the  claims  from  his  notebooks  
have  been  proven.    But  of  all  the  mathematical  mysteries  associated  with  Ramanujan,  
perhaps  the  most  elusive  is  the  workings  of  his  mind  that  allowed  him  to  devise  such  
complex  theorems.    
 
    
1.   What  phrase  could  replace  “transfixed”  as  used  in  the  first  paragraph?          
A.  completely  bored    
B.  totally  interested    
C.  concentrating  hard      
D.  easily  distracted      
 
2.   What  was  the  effect  of  Ramanujan’s  reading  of  A  Synopsis  of  Elementary  
Results  in  Pure  and  Applied  Mathematics?                        
A.  Ramanujan  began  writing  his  own  theorems    
B.  Ramanujan  found  he  loved  math    
C.  Ramanujan  began  writing  to  Professor  Hardy      
D.  Ramanujan  attended  a  local  grammar  school        
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  Ramanujan  as  a  student?                        
A.  Unsuccessful  because  he  was  only  interested  in  his  math  classes      
B.  Successful  because  he  was  so  interested  in  his  math  classes  
C.  Successful  because  he  neglected  classes  that  were  not  math  classes  
D.  Unsuccessful  because  he  only  received  scholarships  to  two  universities        
 
4.   Which  question  is  NOT  answered?          
A.  When  did  Ramanujan  and  Hardy  find  the  formula  for  integer  partitions  of  n?      
B.  What  is  an  example  of  a  mock  function?          
C.  What  is  an  example  of  a  partition  in  math?          
D.  For  how  long  did  Professor  Hardy  mentor  Ramanujan?      
 
5.   According  to  the  passage,  what  did  the  author  find  most  IMPRESSIVE  
about  Ramanujan?    
A.    He  was  able  to  become  part  of  the  Royal  Society  of  London  
B.    Along  with  Professor  Hardy,  he  was  able  to  find  a  formula  for  integer  
partitions  of  n  
C.    He  was  able  to  make  incredible  conjectures  about  math  theory  with  actual  
proof  –  only  mind  power  
D.    He  developed  theorems  of  modular  forms  
 
6.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “many  of  the  claims  from  his  
notebook  have  been  proven”  be  the  answer?    
A.  How  are  Ramanujan’s  works  used  today  in  the  field  of  mathematics?      
B.  What  makes  Ramanujan’s  contributions  in  math  so  important?    
C.  How  can  we  tell  whether  or  not  the  conjectures  made  by  Ramanujan  actually  
had  value?    
D.  How  can  we  tell  which  of  this  theorems  were  conjectures  and  which  were  
mathematic  formulas?      
 
  
 
7.   Which  of  the  following  is  a  reasonable  assumption?            
A.  Ramanujan  would  have  likely  made  additional  contributions  in  the  field  of  
mathematics  had  he  submitted  more  articles  to  the  Journal  of  the  Indian  
Mathematical  Society  
B.  Ramanujan  likely  would  have  made  additional  contributions  in  the  field  of  
mathematics  had  he  studied  harder  in  college  
C.  Ramanujan  likely  would  have  made  additional  contributions  in  the  field  of  
mathematics  had  he  kept  Professor  Hardy  as  a  mentor  for  more  than  five  
years  
D.  Ramanujan  likely  would  have  made  additional  contributions  in  the  field  of  
mathematics  had  he  not  died  so  young  
Salem  Printable  Reading  Comprehension   Name___________________

It  all  began  in  late  January  of  1692  at  the  home  of  Samuel  Parris.  His  daughter  Betsy,  and  niece,  
Abigail,  began  exhibiting  strange  and  destructive  behavior.  They  shrieked,  had  convulsions  and  
seizures,  entered  trance-­like  states  and  suffered  from  high  fevers.  Parris  tried  desperately  to  keep  
their condition  a  secret,  but  finally  agreed  to  contact  his  physician.  Upon  examining  the  girls,  
Doctor  William  Griggs  could  find  nothing  physically  wrong  with  them.  He  suggested  their  condition  
might  be  the  result  of  witchcraft.  The  diagnosis  of  witchcraft,  while  certainly  devastating,  was  not  
uncommon  at  the  time.  Throughout  February,  Parris  prayed  for  the  evil  forces  to  release  the  girls.  

The  Puritan  townspeople  began  pressuring  the  girls  to  identify  the  reasons  for  their  suffering.  The  
girls  named  three  women  as  witches.  One  was  a  slave  named  Tituba  who  had  often  told  them  
magical  stories  from  her  native  Barbados,  another  was  a  peasant  mother  named  Sarah  Good,  and  
the  last  was  an  elderly  woman  named  Sarah  Osborne  who  regularly  failed  to  attend  church.  The  
women  were  arrested  and  examined  in  the  village  meetinghouse.  During  the  examinations  the  girls  
described  how  they  had  been  attacked  by  “specters”  of  these  three  women.  While  the  two  Sarah’s  
denied  engaging  in  witchcraft,  for  some  reason,  Tituba  confessed!  Tituba  then  claimed  the  two  
Sarah’s  were  also  ghosts  and  had  conspired  with  her  to  torment  the  girls.  

Soon,  more  young  girls  began  acting  strangely.  One  of  the  girls,  Ann  Putnam,  was  the  daughter  of  
one  of  the  most  influential  families  in  Salem.  Her  family’s  support  of  her  accusations  helped  to  
legitimize  the  guilt  of  the  “witches”.  

Other  townspeople  soon  would  be  accused  of  engaging  in  witchcraft.  The  people  within  the  town  of  
Salem  became  hysterical.  Even  Rebecca  Nurse,  a  mother  of  eight,  would  be  tried  and  convicted  of  
witchcraft.  Several  girls  claimed  that  Nurse’s  apparition  (ghost)  tortured  them  and  other  witnesses  
linked  her  to  the  unusual  deaths  of  several  Salem  residents.  During  her  trial,  39  of  her  neighbors  
signed  a  petition  stating  she  was  a  woman  of  propriety  (virtue  or  goodness).  When  the  jury  declared  
her  not-­guilty,  an  uprising  nearly  occurred.  The  audience  was  horrified  that  she  was  acquitted,  and  
several  of  the  judges  were  left  unsatisfied  or  left  the  bench.  The  jury  was  forced  to  reconvene  and  
the  court  brought  a  confessed  witch  by  the  name  of  Deliverance  Hobbs  to  the  courtroom.  When  
asked  about  Hobbs,  the  nearly  deaf  Nurse  replied  ‘she  was  one  of  us’.  After  hearing  the  words  of  
Nurse,  the  jury  returned  a  guilty  verdict.  Nurse  later  explained  that  she  had  never  really  heard  the  
question,  and  that  when  saying  ‘she  was  one  of  us’  she  meant  a  co-­defendant.  Nurse  was  
nevertheless  hanged  on  July  19,  1692.  Other  accused  witches  were  tortured  until  they  confessed.  In  
all,  26  “witches”  were  executed  in  Salem  in  1692.  

1. In  Massachusetts  in  1692,  a  diagnosis  of  witchcraft  was…

A. devastating  and  very  unusual.
B. a  certain  death  sentence.
C. devastating,  but  not  uncommon.
D. unheard  of.
2.   What  is  not  true  about  Samuel  Parris?  
A.  He  wanted  to  keep  the  condition  of  the  girls  a  secret  
B.  His  daughter,  Abigail,  showed  signs  of  being  bewitched  
C.  Eventually  agreed  to  contact  Dr.  William  Griggs  
D.  He  prayed  in  February  for  evil  forces  to  release  the  girls

3.   Why  did  Tituba  confess  to  being  a  witch?      

A.  She  was  angry  at  Sarah  Good
B.  She  thought  if  she  confessed  her  life  might  be  spared
C.  She  claimed  Sarah  Good  and  Sarah  Osborne  helped  her
D.  The  passage  doesn’t  tell

4.   Why  was  Anne  Putnam  important?        

A.  She  was  from  an  important  Salem  family.  When  her  parents  supported  her  
claims,  everyone  thought  the  “witches”  were  guilty  
B.  She  was  the  first  to  accuse  Tituba  of  witchcraft  
C.  She  failed  to  attend  church,  and  thus,  was  in  danger  of  being  accused  of  
witchcraft  
D.  She  was  the  first  to  accuse  Rebecca  Nurse,  a  mother  of  eight,  of  engaging  in  
witchcraft    
 
5.   The  trial  of  Rebecca  Nurse…    
A.  first  resulted  in  her  acquittal  and  then  in  her  conviction.    
B.  first  resulted  in  her  conviction  and  then  in  her  being  hanged.    
C.  resulted  in  her  acquittal.      
D.  resulted  in  her  confession.    
 
6.   The  testimony  of  Deliverance  Hobbs…  
A.  resulted  in  the  guilty  verdict  against  Nurse.  
B.  resulted  in  Nurse’s  acquittal.  
C.  had  no  major  impact  of  Nurse’s  trial.  
D.  resulted  in  several  judges  leaving  the  bench.      
 
7.   Which  is  true  about  “she  was  one  of  us?”  
A.  The  court  took  it  to  mean  that  Rebecca  Nurse  said  that  Deliverance  Hobbs  
was  “also”  a  witch  
B.  Rebecca  Nurse  meant  that  Deliverance  Hobbs  was  a  witch  
C.  The  court  took  it  to  mean  that  Rebecca  Nurse  never  really  heard  the  question  
D.  Rebecca  Nurse  meant  that  both  her  and  Deliverance  Hobbs  were  in  the  same  
situation  
 BATTLE OF SARATOGA Reading Comprehension
In 1777, British war generals devised a plan to bring a quick end to the war: They would effectively sever New
England from the rest of the colonies by taking control of New York City, Albany, and the Hudson River. First,
British General John Burgoyne would lead 8,000 troops from Canada. Barry St. Leger would direct his troops
east from Lake Ontario, and General Howe would move his troops north from New York City, where all three
would meet at Albany to destroy the Rebel armies.

General Howe, however, had different plans. Howe brought his army south from New York and invaded the
Patriot capital of Philadelphia. Although he succeeded in capturing the city and forcing Congress to flee to
York, Pennsylvania, he decided to camp his army in the capital for the winter rather than proceeding with the
plan and marching to Albany. Furthermore, stubborn Patriot resistance under the infamous General Benedict
Arnold kept St. Leger from making it to Albany, and Burgoyne’s progress was slowed by excess baggage and
entire groves of trees felled by the Patriots to make his travels even more difficult. Low on supplies, Burgoyne
sent a detachment to capture an American supply base at Bennington, Vermont. The detachment was defeated
by John Stark and the Green Mountain Boys, causing Burgoyne to withdraw to Saratoga, N.Y.

Burgoyne’s army soon became trapped in Saratoga, blocked in the south by Patriot General Horatio Gates’
army. Howe’s army remained in Philadelphia, and St. Leger’s army was defeated at Fort Stanwix. On October
7, 1777, Burgoyne made a desperate attempt to attack the larger Patriot force at Saratoga which now comprised
the armies of both Gates and Arnold. Despite initial success at Freeman’s Farm, Burgoyne’s army would be
routed by Arnold’s at Bemis Heights. Beset by a lack of supplies and horrendous casualties, Burgoyne had no
choice but to surrender.

The Patriot victory at Saratoga is often seen as the turning point in the war. Not only did it renew the morale of
the American public, but it convinced potential foreign partners, such as France, that America could win the war
and that it might be in their best interests to send aid. In February of 1778, with the help of Benjamin Franklin
and his charisma while minister to France, the United States and France signed a treaty of alliance. As a result,
France sent generals, troops, ships, supplies, and money to America to help in the war effort. France declared
war on England. Spain would declare war on England in 1779.
1.)   How did British generals try to devise a “quick" 6.)   Which of the following WAS NOT a reason that
end to the war? General Burgoyne’s army was ultimately
defeated?
a.)   By taking Philadelphia
a.)   His army failed to ever reach Albany.
b.)   By advancing on Boston
b.)   The other two armies failed to join forces with
c.)   By cutting New England off from the rest of the
him.
colonies
c.)   His progress was slowed by excess baggage.
d.)   By winning the Battle of Saratoga
d.)   His detachment was unable to garner supplies in
Vermont.
2.)   John Burgoyne would be the answer to which of
the following questions?
7.)   Which of the following is an example of cause and
a.)   What British general invaded Philadelphia?
effect?
b.)   What British general was supposed to lead his
a.)   Cause: Burgoyne’s detachment was defeated.
8,000 troops from Canada?
Effect: His army withdraws to Saratoga.
c.)   What general would direct his troops from Lake
Ontario? b.)   Cause: Congress flees to York.
Effect: Burgoyne is defeated.
d.)   What general led the Patriot army at Saratoga?
c.)   Cause: Congress flees to York.
Effect: Howe invades Philadelphia.
3.)   Which of the following most closely resembles the
d.)   Cause: Burgoyne surrenders.
British plan?
Effect: No reinforcements come to Burgoyne’s
a.)   The armies of Howe, St. Leger, and Burgoyne aid.
would meet at New York City.
b.)   The armies of Howe, St. Leger, and Burgoyne
8.)   Why is Saratoga often seen as the turning point
would meet at Philadelphia.
in the war?
c.)   The armies of Howe, St. Leger, and Burgoyne
would meet at Albany. a.)   Philadelphia was in the hands of the British.
d.)   None of the Above
b.)   It convinced France to sign a treaty of alliance
with America.
4.)   Which of the following generals failed to follow c.)   The war would soon be over.
the plan?
d.)   It convinced Ben Franklin to go to France.
a.)   Arnold
b.)   Howe
9.)   What is an “alliance?”
c.)   Burgoyne
a.)   A party
d.)   St. Leger
b.)   A gift
c.)   A punishment
5.)   Howe’s decision to advance on Philadelphia…
d.)   A friendship
a.)   resulted in the city’s capture.
b.)   contributed to the British defeat.
10.)   After the Battle of Saratoga, which of the
c.)   resulted in the flight of Congress. following was NOT at war with England?
d.)   all of the above a)   France
b)   Canada
c)   Spain
d)   America
 Battle of Shiloh Reading Comprehension
The Battle of Shiloh, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing (in the South), was a major
engagement of the Western Theater of the American Civil War that occurred on April 6–7, 1862, in western
Tennessee. The Union Army of the Tennessee, led by future president and hero of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant,
had occupied much of Tennessee after winning the Battles at Forts Henry and Donelson. Confederate forces under
Generals P.G.T. Beauregard and Albert Sidney Johnston launched a surprise attack on Grant’s army of nearly
50,000, which was encamped on the west bank of the Tennessee River. The Confederates hoped to drive Grant’s
army into nearby swamps before reinforcements could arrive and prevent two major divisions of the Union army
from uniting in Tennessee.

On the morning of April 6, Johnston’s army launched a surprise attack on Grant. Confederate forces, however,
proved inexperienced with inadequate weaponry. Furthermore, Johnston and Beauregard differed concerning attack
strategy, which led to mass confusion amongst Confederate ranks. Nevertheless, the attack proved effective, as
many shocked Union soldiers threw down their weapons and ran. Union Brigadier General William T. Sherman,
however, rallied his troops, despite being wounded and having three horses shot out from under him. Confederate
forces, however, continued to gain ground, and many acquired more effective weapons from those left behind by
dead or fleeing Union soldiers. Meanwhile, Union forces had also been overrun at a portion of the battlefield known
as the “Hornet’s Nest.” Confederate forces would ultimately capture as many as 2,400 Union soldiers after
surrounding this position, but the brave Union stand allowed General Grant to establish a strong three-mile-long
defense line with 50 cannons and several gunboats positioned in the Tennessee River at Pittsburg Landing. During
this part of the battle, General Johnston was killed, adding even more confusion in the Confederate ranks. By the
end of the day, Confederate forces had pushed the Union back along the river but not into the swamps. The Union
Army of the Tennessee would fight another day. General Beauregard, however, believed he had Grant exactly where
he wanted him, and celebrated a “complete” Confederate victory prematurely. By 4:00 in the morning of April 7,
Grant’s army received significant reinforcements, giving them a huge advantage in manpower. Beauregard ignored
intelligence that suggested Union reinforcement.

On April 7, Beauregard ordered his army to attack Union ranks and drive them entirely into the river. Grant, now
reinforced by Don Carlos Buell’s Division of the Ohio and Lew Wallace’s division, launched a devastating surprise
counterattack from defensive positions along the river. Beauregard’s Confederates fought bravely but were low on
morale and supplies. They were forced to move to positions behind the Shiloh Church and eventually retreated to
Corinth, Mississippi. Grant, knowing his soldiers were exhausted, failed to order pursuit of the fleeing Confederates.
On April 8, Grant sent General Sherman on a mission to find out whether or not the Confederates had made a full
retreat. In what came to be known as the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Union forces came upon a Confederate hospital
camp. Confederate forces launched a wild attack under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest that resulted in the capture
of 100 or so Union soldiers before retreating at the sight of the larger Union force.

Despite the Union victory, General Grant was vilified in the Northern press for failing to pursue the Confederates.
Many called for Grant, who had a reputation for being a drunk, to be removed from command. President Lincoln
refused. The Battle of Shiloh left the Confederate strongholds of Memphis and Corinth, Mississippi, vulnerable to
Union occupation. Both would fall into Union hands in 1862. The battle resulted in a staggering 24,000 combined
casualties, by far the deadliest engagement in American history to that point.
1.) The Battle of Shiloh is considered… 6.) On April 7, the Union Army…
a.)   a minor battle in the Western Theater of the a.)   had been seriously weakened
Civil War. b.)   had gained a tremendous advantage in
b.)   a major Confederate victory in the Civil War. manpower
c.)   an indecisive victory in the Civil War. c.)   had retreated into nearby swamps
d.)   a major battle in the Western Theater of the d.)   had made plans to evacuate the area
Civil War.
7.) Which of the following WAS NOT true about
2.) At Pittsburg Landing, Confederate forces the Confederate Army on April 7?
hoped to… a.)   They were ready to fight another day.
a.)   drive the Union Army out of Tennessee. b.)   They were exhausted.
b.)   drive the Union Army into nearby swamps. c.)   They fought bravely.
c.)   win the American Civil War. d.)   They were outnumbered.
d.)   capture Union artillery firing at them from
the Tennessee River. 8.) After the Battle of Shiloh, General Grant
was…
3.) After the first day of the battle… a.)   criticized deeply
a.)   the Union Army seemed to have the b.)   considered a hero in the North
advantage. c.)   badly injured
b.)   Confederate forces were pinned up against d.)   promoted
the river.
c.)   the Confederacy seemed to have the 9.) The Battle of Shiloh eventually resulted in…
advantage. a.)   The Union occupation of major Confederate
d.)   General Grant was ready to surrender. strongholds.
b.)   The Union victory in the Civil War.
4.) General P.G.T. Beauregard’s biggest mistake c.)   The reelection of Abraham Lincoln.
after the first day of the Battle of Shiloh was… d.)   The freeing of slaves.
a.)   failing to counterattack
b.)   ignoring valuable intelligence 10.) What can you infer about how President
c.)   rejecting reinforcements Lincoln felt about General Grant?
d.)   attacking the Union left flank a.)   He believed Grant should have been removed
from command.
5.) Why did Beauregard celebrate prematurely? b.)   He believed Grant was a drunk.
a.)   General Johnston had been killed in battle. c.)   He believed in Grant’s military capabilities.
b.)   General Sherman had been killed in battle. d.)   It is impossible to tell from the passage.
c.)   He believed he had the Union Army in a
position in which he could destroy them.
d.)   Confederate reinforcements arrived at 4:00
A.M.
  
 
Sitting  Bull  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name_______________________  
 
 
Sitting  Bull  
 
Sitting  Bull  was  a  Lakota  medicine  man  and  war  chief.  He  was  born  sometime  around  1831  near  
Grand  River,  South  Dakota.  He  was  given  the  name  Tatanka-­Iyotanka,  which  is  translated  to  a  bull  
sitting  on  its  haunches.  From  an  early  age,  Sitting  Bull  was  a  fearsome  warrior.  According  to  legend,  
he  participated  in  his  first  battle  at  the  age  of  14,  when  he  joined  a  party  that  raided  a  Crow  village.  In  
1864,  Sitting  Bull  participated  in  the  Battle  of  Killdeer  Mountain,  a  battle  which  crushed  much  of  the  
Lakota  resistance  to  U.S.  military  forces  in  the  upper  Great  Plains.  Despite  the  setback,  Sitting  Bull  
refused  to  surrender  and  live  on  a  reservation  and  led  a  successful  attack  against  the  newly  built  Fort  
Rice  in  North  Dakota  in  1865.  Sitting  Bull’s  bravery  and  refusal  to  surrender  to  the  Government  
earned  him  the  title  of  head  chief  of  the  Lakota  Nation  in  1868.  

In  the  1870’s,  Sitting  Bull  began  an  effort  to  unite  the  various  nations  of  the  Great  Plains  against  the  
rising  tide  of  White  settlement  in  the  region.  Sitting  Bull  first  tried  a  peaceful  approach  to  dealing  with  
the  White  settlers,  but  the  settlers  increasingly  tricked  the  Lakota  people  into  making  bad  land  and  
food  deals.  After  gold  was  discovered  in  the  Black  Hills,  a  Lakota  holy  place,  Sitting  Bull  refused  to  
move  to  reservations  designated  by  the  U.S.  Government.  Instead,  he  led  a  group  of  warriors  to  take  
up  arms  against  the  settlers  and  miners.  

In  June  of  1876,  3,000  Indian  warriors  under  the  command  of  Sitting  Bull  repelled  an  attack  by  the  7th  
Cavalry  under  the  command  of  George  Custer  at  Little  Big  Horn  River,  Montana.  Sitting  Bull’s  
warriors  then  launched  a  brutal  counterattack  on  the  cavalry  that  resulted  in  the  deaths  of  virtually  
every  American  soldier  in  the  cavalry.  The  event  came  to  be  known  as  Custer’s  Last  Stand  and  is  
probably  the  most  famous  battle  that  took  place  between  the  U.S.  Government  and  Native  
Americans.  After  the  battle,  U.S.  forces  accumulated  in  the  region  and  forced  many  in  the  Lakota  tribe  
to  relocate  to  reservations.  Sitting  Bull,  however,  refused  and  led  a  group  of  Lakota  Indians  into  
Saskatchewan,  Canada.  He  refused  to  return  to  the  United  States,  even  though  he  was  issued  a  
pardon.  He  was  eventually  forced  to  surrender,  however,  in  1881  because  of  cold  and  hunger.  He  
was  imprisoned  for  a  short  time  before  being  sent  to  a  reservation  to  live.  

In  1885,  Sitting  Bull  was  permitted  to  leave  the  reservation  to  join  a  traveling  show  called  “Buffalo  
Bill’s  Wild  West  Show.”  The  show  would  tour  the  country  and  Sitting  Bull  would  ride  around  the  arena  
shouting  curse  words  at  the  audience  in  his  native  language.  Sitting  Bull  left  the  show  after  a  couple  
of  months  and  began  earning  an  income  from  selling  his  autographed  picture.  By  1890,  Sitting  Bull  
returned  to  his  Indian  roots  and  joined  the  “Ghost  Dancers,”  a  large  Indian  movement  involving  a  
“Ghost  Dance,”  which  the  participants  believed  would  make  them  impervious  to  bullets.  The  
movement  quickly  gained  strength  and  the  U.S.  Government  began  to  fear  a  large  rebellion.  In  an  
attempt  to  stop  the  dancing,  the  Government  tried  to  arrest  Sitting  Bull,  who  they  thought  was  
encouraging  the  practice.  When  his  Sioux  brethren  tried  to  interfere  in  the  arrest,  gunshots  were  fired,  
one  of  which  killed  Sitting  Bull  and  another  one  hit  his  son,  Crow  Foot.  

Today,  Sitting  Bull  is  remembered  as  one  of  the  greatest  figures  in  Lakota  history.  He  is  supposedly  
buried  at  Fort  Yates,  North  Dakota,  but  some  in  the  Lakota  tribe  claim  his  remains  have  been  
transported  to  a  holy  site  in  South  Dakota.  
  

1.   What  happened  at  the  Battle  of  Killdeer  Mountain?      

A.  The  Lakota  people  crushed  resistance  from  American  military  forces  
B.  American  military  forces  crushed  the  Lakota  resistance
C.  Sitting  Bull  led  the  Lakota  people  to  victory
D.  Sitting  was  forced  to  surrender  because  his  people  were  starving

2.   How  did  Sitting  Bull  become  head  chief  of  the  Lakota  nation?  
A.  Sitting  led  peaceful  negotiations  with  the  United  States  Government
B.  Sitting  Bull  refused  to  surrender  to  the  United  States  Government
C.  Sitting  Bull  won  many  battles  against  the  American  military
D.  Sitting  Bull  defeated  General  Custer  

3.   Why  did  Sitting  Bull  make  the  decision  to  take  up  arms  against  the  White  
settlers  and  miners?        
A.  Gold  was  discovered  in  Lakota  lands
B.  The  United  States  government  tried  to  force  the  Lakota  people  to  move  to  
reservations
C.  The  settlers  had  tricked  the  Lakota  into  making  bad  deals
D.  All  of  the  above  

4.   Custer’s  Last  Stand…                  

A.  was  a  brutal  victory  for  the  United  States  military.    
B.  occurred  in  1881.      
C.  occurred  in  Saskatchewan,  Canada.      
D.  was  a  famous  victory  for  the  Lakota.        
 
5.   What  happened  after  Sitting  Bull  was  forced  to  surrender?  
A.  He  led  his  people  to  Saskatchewan,  Canada    
B.  The  Lakota  people  defeated  the  American  military  at  Little  Big  Horn  Creek      
C.  Sitting  Bull  made  money  from  selling  autographed  pictures    
D.  Gold  was  found  on  Lakota  land  
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  is  NOT  true?  
A.  The  Black  Hills  was  a  sacred  Lakota  place  
B.  After  Sitting  Bull  surrendered,  he  was  imprisoned  
C.  Sitting  Bull  tried  to  discourage  the  Ghost  Dancers  
D.  Some  Lakota  claim  that  Sitting  Bull  is  buried  in  South  Dakota  
 
 
 
 
 
7.   What  question  is  NOT  answered  in  the  passage?  
A.  Did  Crow  Foot  die  when  he  was  hit  by  a  bullet?    
B.  What  did  Sitting  Bull  do  in  “Buffalo  Bill’s  Wild  West  Show?”  
C.  When  did  Sitting  Bull  first  participate  in  battle?    
D.  What  did  Sitting  Bull’s  real  name  mean?    
 
 
  

Slavery  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name___________________  

Southern  Perspective  

The  issue  of  slavery  became  more  and  more  contentious  between  northern  states  and  
southern  states  in  the  middle  part  of  the  19th  century,  especially  as  the  United  States  
expanded  westward  and  began  to  take  in  new  territories  and  states.  Slavery  was  
important  to  the  southern  economy  because  of  the  large  labor  force  required  to  pick  
and  process  cotton  –  the  southern  cash  crop.  The  southern  states  scored  a  victory  with  
the  passing  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act  of  1854.  Introduced  by  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  
the  bill  called  for  the  residents  of  the  particular  territory  to  choose  for  itself  whether  to  
allow  slavery  (otherwise  known  as  popular  sovereignty).  Northern  politicians  such  as  
Abraham  Lincoln  and  abolitionists  (those  opposed  to  slavery)  fought  vigorously  against  
the  bill.  With  the  election  of  President  Lincoln  in  1860,  southern  officials  began  to  fear  
that  Lincoln  would  repeal  the  bill  and  that  the  northern  majority  would  threaten  their  
way  of  life  –  and  their  economic  interests.  Southern  states  began  to  fear  that  Lincoln  
would  emancipate  slaves.  The  1859  raid  on  the  federal  arsenal  by  John  Brown,  a  
radical  abolitionist,  perpetuated  fears  and  led  many  to  believe  in  a  northern  conspiracy.  
Shortly  after  Lincoln’s  election,  South  Carolina  officially  seceded  from  the  Union.  Ten  
states  would  follow  soon  after  and  form  the  Confederate  States  of  America.  

Northern  Perspective  
 
Although  the  North  was  divided  on  their  views  of  slavery,  political  officials  in  power  
such  as  Abraham  Lincoln  fought  against  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act.  Although  many  
viewed  slavery  as  immoral,  which  was  one  reason  for  its  proposed  abolishment,  
officials  in  the  north  were  also  worried  that  the  extension  of  slavery  into  western  states  
would  give  the  southern  states  disproportional  influence  in  such  areas.  When  Abraham  
Lincoln  was  elected  president,  eleven  states  promptly  seceded  (broke  away)  from  the  
Union.  Lincoln  deemed  this  unacceptable  and  declared  war  for  the  purposes  of  
preserving  the  Union.  

1.   What  caused  the  issue  of  slavery  to  become  a  big  problem?  
A.   Cotton
B.   The  secession  of  the  eleven  Confederate  states
C.   Westward  expansion  and  the  adoption  of  new  states  
D.   Stephen  A.  Douglas  and  Abraham  Lincoln

2.   What  was  popular  sovereignty?  
A.  The  right  for  the  southern  states  to  allow  slavery
B.  The  right  of  the  president  to  abolish  slavery  
C.  The  right  of  a  state  to  decide  on  the  issue  of  slavery
D.  The  right  of  the  southern  states  to  secede  from  America
  
3.   Why  did  southerners  begin  to  believe  that  slavery  was  threatened?    
A.  Because  popular  sovereignty  was  allowed  following  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act
B.  Because  Abraham  Lincoln  was  elected  president  in  1860
C.  Because  abolitionists  fought  against  passage  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act
D.  Because  slavery  was  important  to  the  southern  economy

4.   Northern  politicians  feared…        

A.  that  Abraham  Lincoln  would  declare  war  on  the  southern  states.  
B.  that  Abraham  Lincoln  would  eventually  allow  slavery  in  America.  
C.  that  slavery  was  immoral.  
D.  the  extension  of  slavery  into  new  territories  would  give  the  southern  states  too  
much  influence.  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  northern  attitudes  toward  slavery?  
A.  The  north  was  united  in  their  desire  to  end  slavery    
B.  The  north  was  divided  on  the  issue  of  slavery  
C.  The  north  did  not  believe  in  slavery,  but  believed  in  should  be  allowed  in  the  
south  
D.  Politicians  in  the  north  believed  in  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act    
 
6.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  Election  of  1860?  
A.  The  John  Brown  rebellion    
B.  It  changed  people’s  views  on  slavery  in  the  north    
C.  The  passage  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act    
D.  The  secession  of  eleven  states    
 
7.   Why  was  the  passage  of  the  Kansas-­Nebraska  Act  a  victory  for  the  
southern  states?        
A.  Because  it  made  of  the  possibility  that  new  states  and  territories  would  allow  
slavery  
B.  Because  it  guaranteed  that  slavery  would  allowed  in  new  states  and  territories  
C.  Because  it  pulled  the  nation  closer  to  the  Civil  War  
D.  Because  it  led  to  southerners  believing  in  a  northern  conspiracy  
Sons  of  Liberty  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________  

The  Sons  of  Liberty  was  a  secret  organization  founded  in  response  to  the  1765  Stamp  Act  
that  required  colonists  to  pay  a  tax  on  printed  documents.  The  Stamp  Act  was  issued  to  
help  the  British  recoup  the  financial  burden  incurred  for  prosecuting  the  French  and  Indian  
War.  The  origins  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  is  unclear,  but  the  organization  worked  in  both  
Boston  and  New  York.  Its  purpose  was  to  protect  the  rights  of  colonists  and  to  protest  
British  taxes.  Samuel  Adams  is  often  credited  with  founding  the  Sons  of  Liberty.  The  motto  
of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  was  “no  taxation  without  representation.”  

The  first  known  protest  organized  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  occurred  on  August  14,  1765.  
Under  the  “Liberty  Tree,”  a  popular  meeting  place  for  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  supporters  hung  
an  effigy  of  tax  collector  Andrew  Oliver  from  the  tree.  Those  in  attendance  took  turns  
punching  it  and  stomping  on  it.  Before  long,  the  effigy  was  dragged  through  the  streets  of  
Boston  while  bystanders  cheered  and  jeered.  The  mob  next  struck  at  Oliver’s  home,  which  
was  thoroughly  destroyed.  Oliver  resigned  his  position  as  a  tax  collector  three  days  later.  
On  August  26,  the  Sons  of  Liberty  destroyed  the  home  of  the  unpopular  lieutenant  
governor,  Thomas  Hutchinson.  

As  the  path  to  war  became  clear,  the  Sons  of  Liberty  used  mob  rule  and  intimidation  as  
powerful  weapons  against  British  agents  and  Loyalists.  In  some  cases,  members  of  the  
Sons  of  Liberty  were  reported  to  have  tarred  and  feathered  perceived  enemies  such  as  
tax  collectors  and  customs  officers.  Tarring  and  feathering  involved  pouring  hot  pine  tar  on  
a  person  before  covering  them  in  feathers.  Although  certainly  painful  and  embarrassing,  
tarring  and  feathering  was  not  fatal.  

The  Sons  of  Liberty  are  best  known  for  staging  the  Boston  Tea  Party  on  December  16,  
1773,  in  protest  of  the  Tea  Act,  which  allowed  a  British  company  a  monopoly  over  the  tea  
trade.  In  the  Boston  Tea  Party,  members  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  dressed  up  as  Indians,  
boarded  a  British  tea  vessel  called  Dartmouth,  and  flung  its  entire  load  of  tea  into  Boston  
Harbor.  The  “party”  and  the  resulting  Intolerable  Acts  passed  by  Parliament  as  a  
punishment,  were  among  the  primary  causes  of  the  coming  war.  

1. What  the  purpose  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty?  (Select  all  that  apply)
A. To  collect  taxes  from  colonists
B. To  protect  the  rights  of  the  colonists
C. To  protest  taxes
D. To  use  violence  to  intimidate  their  enemies
2.   For  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “Andrew  Oliver”  be  the  
answer?          
A.  What  was  the  name  of  the  lieutenant  governor  of  Massachusetts  in  1765?  
B.  Who  is  credited  with  founding  the  Sons  of  Liberty?  
C.  What  British  official  was  tarred  and  feathered?  
D.  Who  resigned  his  position  as  tax  collector  on  August  17,  1765?
 
3.   What  was  the  effect  of  the  1765  Stamp  Act?          
A.  The  passing  of  the  Intolerable  Acts
B.  The  Boston  Tea  Party
C.  The  formation  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  and  widespread  violence
D.  The  prosecution  of  the  French  and  Indian  War    

4.   What  does  “effigy”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?

Before  long,  the  effigy  was  dragged  through  the  streets  of  Boston  while  bystanders  
cheered  and  jeered.

A.  Model  
B.  Target  
C.  Replacement  
D.  Idol  
 
5.   Which  of  the  following  is  correct?  (Select  all  that  are  true)  
A.  The  cause  of  the  Tea  Act  was  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
B.  The  effect  of  the  Tea  Act  was  the  Intolerable  Acts  
C.  The  effect  of  the  Tea  Act  was  the  Boston  Tea  Party  
D.  The  effect  of  the  Boston  Tea  Party  was  the  Intolerable  Acts    
 
6.   How  are  the  second  and  third  paragraphs  similar?    
A.  They  both  discuss  methods  used  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  to  intimidate  enemies  
B.  They  both  discuss  methods  in  which  people  were  injured    
C.  They  both  discuss  the  role  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  during  the  Revolutionary  War      
D.  They  both  discuss  meeting  places  used  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty  
 
7.   What  question  is  not  answered  in  the  passage?        
A.  What  happened  during  the  Boston  Tea  Party?  
B.  Why  did  the  British  issue  the  Stamp  Act?    
C.  When  did  Andrew  Oliver  resign  as  a  tax  collector?    
D.  How  did  the  Intolerable  Acts  punish  the  colonists?        
                                        
 
Harriet  Beecher  Stowe  Printable  Reading  Comprehension                                                            Name___________________  
 
 
Harriet  Beecher  Stowe  was  an  American  author  and  abolitionist,  most  famous  for  
authoring  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  in  1852.  

Harriet  was  born  on  June  14,  1811,  in  Litchfield,  Connecticut.  She  had  four  siblings,  
including  her  brother,  the  famous  abolitionist  preacher  Henry  Ward  Beecher.  After  
enrolling  in  a  seminary  run  by  her  sister,  Harriet  moved  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio  to  be  with  
her  father  who  was  the  president  of  Lane  Theological  Seminary.  In  1836,  she  married  
Calvin  Ellis  Stowe,  a  professor  at  the  seminary  and  outspoken  abolitionist.  Together,  
they  had  seven  children  and  housed  several  runaway  slaves  as  part  of  the  
Underground  Railroad.  They  eventually  moved  to  Brunswick,  Maine,  where  Calvin  
became  a  professor  at  Bowdoin  College.  

After  the  passage  of  the  1850  Fugitive  Slave  Act,  Harriet  published  her  first  installment  
of  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  in  an  antislavery  journal  known  as  The  Era.  Uncle  Tom’s  
Cabin  was  an  antislavery  novel,  fully  published  in  1852,  that  illustrated  the  horrors  of  
slavery  in  the  Southern  United  States.  The  book  was  meant  to  convince  Northern  
readers  of  the  urgency  in  ending  slavery.  The  story  was  so  powerful,  and  so  polarizing,  
that  it  had  a  significant  effect  on  sectional  relations  in  the  United  States,  and  is  often  
considered  one  of  the  causes  of  the  deterioration  in  relations  between  the  North  and  
South.  Slavery  advocates  were  outraged  by  the  novel,  many  of  whom  claimed  it  to  be  
utterly  false.  The  book  was  wildly  popular  in  England,  where  over  1.5  million  copies  
eventually  circulated.  

Harriet  Beecher  Stowe  quickly  became  a  household  name  and  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  
became  the  best  selling  novel,  and  second  best-­selling  book  in  the  19th  Century  –  it  
was  only  outsold  by  the  Bible.  Stowe’s  book  helped  fuel  the  abolitionist  cause  and  
Abraham  Lincoln  is  sometimes  quoted  as  saying  “So  you’re  the  little  lady  that  started  
this  great  war!”  upon  their  meeting  at  the  start  of  the  Civil  War.  

After  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin,  Harriet  wrote  many  other  books.  For  23  years  prior  to  her  
death,  she  lived  next  door  to  the  famous  author  Mark  Twain  in  Hartford,  Connecticut.  
Today,  the  house  is  preserved  as  the  Harriet  Beecher  Stowe  House.  There  is  also  a  
Harriet  Beecher  Stowe  House  in  Brunswick,  Maine,  where  her  famous  novel  was  
written.  She  died  on  July  1,  1896.  

1.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  environment  in  which  Harriet  
grew  up  in?    
A.   She  grew  up  in  an  anti-­slavery,  religious  environment
B.   She  grew  up  in  a  pro-­slavery,  religious  environment
C.   She  grew  up  in  an  anti-­slavery  environment  without  religion  
 D.   She  grew  up  in  wartime  environment  without  religion

2.   Which  of  the  following  does  not  support  Harriet’s  stance  as  an  abolitionist?
A.  She  married  Calvin  Ellis  Stowe
B.  Her  brother  was  Henry  Ward  Beecher  
C.  She  housed  runaway  slaves  on  the  Underground  Railroad
D.  Her  book  sold  1.5  million  copies  in  England

 
3.   What  best  describes  the  southern  reaction  to  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin?    
A.  It  became  a  bestseller  in  the  South
B.  Southerners  agreed  with  it
C.  Southerners  claimed  the  book  was  not  realistic
D.  It  made  southerners  understand  why  many  northerners  were  against  slavery

4.   In  the  third  paragraph,  the  word  “polarizing”  is  used  to  describe  Uncle  
Tom’s  Cabin.  Which  of  the  following  best  describes  its  meaning?      

A.  Cold  or  Hot  

B.  Produces  strong  and  opposite  reactions  
C.  Natural  or  unnatural  
D.  Difficult  or  easy  
 
5.   Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin…  
A.  was  the  best  selling  book  of  the  19th  Century.    
B.  had  little  effect  on  the  onset  of  the  Civil  War.  
C.  was  the  only  book  written  by  Stowe.  
D.  helped  fuel  the  abolitionist  cause.    
 
6.   To  which  of  the  following  questions  would  “Connecticut”  be  the  answer?    
A.  Where  was  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  written?    
B.  In  what  state  was  Stowe’s  neighbor  Mark  Twain?    
C.  In  what  state  did  Harriet’s  husband  become  a  professor?    
D.  In  what  state  did  Harriet  grow  up?    
 
7.   Why  was  Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin  important  to  the  Abolitionist  cause?      
A.  Because  Abraham  Lincoln  believed  Stowe’s  book  was  an  important  cause  of  
the  Civil  War  
B.  Because  it  showed  the  horrors  of  slavery  to  those  who  might  not  have  known  
C.  Because  it  pulled  the  North  and  South  farther  apart  and  brought  the  nation  
closer  to  the  Civil  War  
D.  Because  the  book  sold  over  1.5  million  copies  in  England  
Women’s  Suffrage  Printable  Reading  Comprehension Name___________________

Suffrage  is  simply  a  term  that  means  the  right  to  vote.  For  much  of  American  history,  
women  were  denied  the  right  to  vote.  Things  began  to  change,  however,  in  1840,  when  
abolitionists  Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton  and  Lucretia  Mott  met  in  London  for  the  World  Anti-
Slavery  Convention.  Mott,  Stanton,  and  other  women,  however,  were  denied   seats  at  
the  conference  because  they  were  women.  Instead,  they  were  ushered  into  a  roped-
off  area  hidden  from  view.  The  experience  had  a  life-changing  impact  on   Stanton.    

Stanton  helped  organized  the  famous  Seneca  Falls  Convention,  which  was  held  on  July  
19,  1848,  in  Seneca  Falls,  New  York.  Seneca  Falls,  and  parts  of  western  New  York,  
were  thought  to  be  unusually  receptive  to  women’s  suffrage.  It  was  planned  to  coincide  
with  the  visit  of  Lucretia  Mott,  who  had  become  renowned  for  her  public  speaking.  The  
two-day  convention  featured  discussions  on  current  laws  and  the  roles  of  women  in  
society.  As  a  result  of  the  convention,  a  document  called  the  Declaration  of  Sentiments,  
with  the  signatures  of  100  people,  32  of  which  were  men,  was  drafted  calling  for  
women’s  suffrage.  It  was  modeled  after  the  United  States  Declaration  of  Independence.  
Interestingly,  the  famous  abolitionist  and  former  slave  Frederick  Douglass  was  one  of  
the  32  men  to  sign.  The  declaration  was  controversial  at  the  time  and  many  claimed  it  
actually  harmed  the  women’s  rights  movement  by  taking  women  out  of  their  traditional  
roles.  Despite  the  controversy,  the  Seneca  Rights  Convention  led  to  additional  
conventions  in  Rochester,  New  York,  New  York  City,  Massachusetts,  and  beyond.    

In  1869,  the  National  Women’s  Suffrage  association  was  formed  in  New  York  City  by  
Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton  and  Susan  B.  Anthony  in  response  to  their  opposition  to  the  
15th  Amendment  - unless  it  included  the  right  to  vote  for  women.  The  15th  Amendment  
eliminated  race  or  color  as  a  qualification  to  vote,  but  did  not  include  gender.  In  1872,  
Susan  B.  Anthony  and  50  other  women  were  arrested  for  voting  in  the  presidential  
election  illegally.  None  of  the  women  were  ultimately  convicted  of  crimes.  In  1876,  
Anthony,  Stanton,  and  Matilda  Gage  began  work  on  what  would  become  the  six-
volume  History  of  Women  Suffrage.  Encompassing  more  than  6,700  pages,  the  epic  
series  was  completed  in  1922,  three  years  after  the  passage  of  the  19th  Amendment,  
which  removed  gender  as  a  qualification  of  voting.    

Unfortunately,  Mott,  Stanton,  Anthony,  and  Gage all  died well  before  Congress   granted  
women  the  right  to  vote.    
1.   Why  was  Stanton’s  experience  in  London  so  impactful  in  her  life?          
A.   It  showed  her  the  urgency  of  eliminating  slavery  and  she  resolved  to  dedicate  
her  life  to  the  cause
B.   She  realized  that  life  in  America  could  and  should  be  similar  to  life  in  London
C.   She  felt  that  women  had  less  rights  than  men  and  resolved  to  change  society    
D.   She  was  embarrassed  that  she  lived  in  a  country  that  allowed  slavery

2.   Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  Seneca  Falls  Convention?  
A.  A  conference  held  in  New  York  in  which  laws  were  changed  that  allowed  
women  to  vote
B.  A  conference  held  in  New  York  in  which  the  roles  of  women  in  society  were  
changed
C.  A  conference  in  which  a  document  was  drafted  and  signed  by  100  people  
calling  for  women’s  suffrage    
D.  A  conference  organized  by  Lucretia  Mott  in  which  Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton  
gave  a  speech
 
3.   Why  was  the  Declaration  of  Sentiments  controversial?          
A.  Because  it  was  signed  by  women
B.  Because  it  was  signed  by  both  men  and  women
C.  It  was  signed  by  a  former  slave  named  Frederick  Douglass
D.  Many  people  believed  that  women  should  stay  in  their  usual  roles

4.   The  15th  Amendment…

A.  gave  women  the  right  to  vote.  

B.  denied  African-­Americans  the  right  to  vote.  
C.  gave  men  the  right  to  vote  regardless  of  race  or  color.  
D.  gave  everyone  the  right  to  vote.  
 
5.   When  was  The  History  of  Women’s  Suffrage  published?    
A.  Before  the  passage  of  the  19th  amendment  
B.  Before  the  passage  of  the  15th  amendment  
C.  1919  
D.  After  the  passage  of  the  19th  amendment  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6.   What  could  NOT  be  a  synonym  for  “qualification”  in  the  sentence  below?  
Encompassing  more  than  6,700  pages,  the  epic  series  was  completed  in  1922,  three  
years  after  the  passage  of  the  19th  Amendment,  which  removed  gender  as  a  
qualification  of  voting.    

A.   problem  
B.   condition  
C.   requirement  
D.   stipulation  
 
7.   Who  is  Matilda  Gage?  
A.  The  passage  does  not  say  
B.  The  passage  does  not  say  but  we  can  infer  she  was  an  abolitionist  
C.  The  passage  does  not  say  but  we  can  infer  she  was  a  women’s  suffragist  
D.  Matilda  Gage  was  a  speaker  at  the  Seneca  Falls  Convention  
  
 
Tecumseh  Reading  Comprehension  
 
Tecumseh  was  born  into  a  Shawnee  Indian  village  sometime  around  in  1768  in  Ohio.    His  name  is  
said  to  mean  “A  panther  crouching  for  his  prey”  and  is  derived  from  his  family  clan.  Tecumseh  was  
exposed  to  war  from  a  very  early  age.  In  1774,  Pukeshinwah,  his  father,  was  killed  in  Lord  Dunmore’s  
War  (a  war  between  Indians  and  settlers  in  Ohio).  In  the  Revolutionary  War,  many  Shawnee  villages  
were  raided  and  plundered  by  American  frontiersmen.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  Tecumseh                
accompanied  his  brother,  a  Shawnee  war  leader,  to  battles  in  Ohio  and  Kentucky  against  white  
settlers.  Tecumseh  also  fought  among  the  Cherokee  against  white  settlers  in  Georgia.  
 
Tecumseh  settled  in  Ohio  with  his  younger  brother  Tenskwatawa  (“The  Prophet”).  Together,  the  
brothers  led  a  resistance  against  white  settlers  trying  to  clear  them  from  the  land.  The  Shawnee  chief,  
Black  Hoof,  however,  favored  establishing  a  peaceful  relationship  with  the  settlers  and  the  U.S.  
Government.  Because  of  this  disagreement,  Tecumseh  and  Tenskwatawa  moved  west  and  founded  
the  village  of  Prophetstown  near  the  confluence  of  the  Wabash  and  Tippecanoe  Rivers.  Soon,  Native  
Americans  throughout  the  country  came  to  Prophetstown.  After  various  Native  Indian  leaders  sold  
over  2.5  million  acres  of  land  to  the  U.S.  Government  in  the  Treaty  of  Fort  Wayne,  Prophetstown  
became  a  center  of  resistance.  Tecumseh  led  the  resistance  with  his  powerful  speeches  and  
leadership  qualities.  He  traveled  to  Native  American  groups  throughout  the  land  and  called  for  the  
union  of  all.  He  urged  individuals  to  abandon  chiefs  if  they  accommodated  the  White  settlers,  and  join  
the  resistance  at  Prophetstown.  Tecumseh  also  warned  prospective  settlers  not  to  settle  on  Indian  
land,  and  that  the  Treaty  of  Fort  Wayne  was  illegitimate.  
 
During  one  of  Tecumseh’s  recruiting  trips  to  southern  lands,  American  General  William  Henry  
Harrison  and  about  1,000  soldiers  marched  from  Vincennes,  Indiana,  to  Prophetstown  for  the  
purposes  of  intimidating  the  Indians.  That  night,  Tenskwatawa  sent  his  warriors  to  attack  the  
encampment  of  American  soldiers.  The  Battle  of  Tippecanoe  ensued,  and  American  forces  held  their  
ground  and  sent  the  warriors  into  a  full-­scale  retreat.  Prophetstown  was  subsequently  burned  to  the  
ground.  As  a  result  of  the  burning  of  Prophetstown,  and  because  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  
had  begun  the  War  od  1812,  Tecumseh  and  his  followers  joined  forces  with  the  British  against  their  
common  enemy  –  The  Americans.  
 
Tecumseh  and  his  warriors  participated  in  many  major  battles  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  helped  
General  Isaac  Brock  take  the  American  stronghold  at  Detroit.  In  October  of  1813,  however,  
Tecumseh  was  killed  in  the  Battle  of  Thames  in  present  day  Ontario,  Canada.  After  his  death,  the  
Indian  resistance  quickly  fell  apart.  Today,  several  towns  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  are  named  
after  him.  
 

1.   “Tecumseh”  means…  
a.   the  Prophet  
b.   a  Tiger  Waiting  for  his  Prey  
c.   the  Great  Spirit  
d.   a  Panther  Crouching  for  his  Prey  
 
2.   Tecumseh  and  his  brother  joined  forces  to…  
a.   raid  and  plunder  American  frontiersmen.  
b.   lead  a  resistance  against  white  settlers  trying  to  clear  them  from  the  land.  
c.   negotiate  peace  with  the  US  Government.  
d.   determine  if  lands  should  be  sold  to  settlers.  
 
3.   Tecumseh  and  Tenskwatawa  moved  west  and  founded  the  village  of:  
a.   Prophetstown  in  Indiana  
b.   Pukeshinwah,  named  for  their  late  father  
c.   Prophetstown  near  the  confluence  of  the  Wabash  and  Tippecanoe  Rivers.  
d.   Fort  Wayne  
 
4.   What  question  is  answered  in  the  second  paragraph?  
a.   Why  did  Black  Hoof  favor  establishing  peace  with  the  US  Government?  
b.   Was  resistance  the  only  option  for  the  Native  Americans?  
c.   When  did  General  William  Henry  Harrison  and  his  1,000  soldiers  march  from  
Vincennes,  Indiana  to  Prophetstown?      
d.   Did  Tecumseh  support  the  Treaty  of  Fort  Wayne?      
 
5.   Review  the  sentence.  Which  of  the  choices  below  could  replace  the  underlined  word?  

Tecumseh  also  warned  prospective  settlers  not  to  settle  on  Indian  land,  and  that  the  Treaty  
of  Fort  Wayne  was  illegitimate.  

a.  Legal  
b.  Invalid  
c.  Timely  
d.  Fair  
 
6.   What  is  NOT  true  about  Tecumseh?  
a.   His  father  was  killed  in  a  battle  over  an  Ohio  settlement.  
b.   He  trusted  the  US  Government.  
c.   He  organized  a  union  of  Native  Americans.  
d.   He  sought  an  alliance  with  the  British  army.  
 
 
7.   Why  are  several  towns  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  named  after  Tecumseh?  

a.   He  was  part  of  the  Shawnee  resistance  in  the  Revolutionary  War.    
b.   His  bravery  and  courage  were  inspirational  
c.   Because  of  the  burning  of  Prophetstown  
d.   Because  after  he  died,  Indian  resistance  fell  apart  
 
Theodore  Roosevelt  Reading  Comprehension              Name  _________________________  

Theodore  Roosevelt  was  born  on  October  27th,  1858,  in  New  York  City.  In  1880,  he  graduated  from  
Harvard  University  and  enrolled  in  Columbia  University’s  school  of  law.  

His  political  career  began  in  1882  in  the  New  York  State  Assembly.  In  1886,  after  spending  three  
years  at  his  North  Dakota  ranch,  he  returned  to  New  York  City  and  ran  unsuccessfully  for  mayor.  
Nevertheless,  his  political  career  continued  to  blossom.  In  1889,  he  was  appointed  to  the  U.S.  Civil  
Service  Commission  by  President  Benjamin  Harrison  for  which  he  served  six  years.  In  1895,  he  
became  president  of  the  New  York  City  Board  of  Police  Commissioners.  Two  years  later,  in  1897,  he  
was  appointed  assistant  secretary  of  the  Navy  by  President  William  McKinley.  

In  1898,  in  the  wake  of  the  U.S.  war  with  Spain,  Teddy  Roosevelt  resigned  from  the  Navy  and  
organized  the  first  regiment  of U.S.  volunteer  cavalry,  known  as  “Roosevelt’s  Rough  Riders”.  The  
“Rough  Riders”  were  2,000  specially  selected  men  of  different  occupations  and  backgrounds  trained  
by  Roosevelt  in  San  Antonio,  Texas,  for  special  combat  against  the  Spanish  in  Cuba.  On  June  20th,  
1898,  the  “Rough  Riders”  left  for  Cuba.  They  landed  at  Daiquiri,  Cuba  and  fought  their  way  toward  the  
Spanish  garrison  at  Santiago.  As  they  approached  Santiago,  the  “Rough  Riders”  were  attacked  at  
San  Juan  Hill.  Despite  vigorous  resistance  from  the  Spanish,  and  mounting  casualties,  the  “Rough  
Riders”  charged  up  San  Juan  Hill,  drove  back  the  Spanish,  and  forced  them  to  surrender,  effectively  
ending  the  war.  Teddy  Roosevelt  was  a  national  hero!  

In  1899,  after  the  Spanish-­American  War,  Theodore  Roosevelt  was  elected  governor  of  New  York.  
Soon  after,  in  1900,  he  was  nominated  as  vice  presidential  candidate  on  the  Republican  ticket.  In  
1901,  he  was  inaugurated  as  William  McKinley’s  vice  president.  Roosevelt,  however,  would  occupy  
the  office  of  vice  president  for  only  a  short  time.  Merely  six  months  after  becoming  vice  president,  
President  William  McKinley  was  assassinated  in  Buffalo,  NY.  On  September  14,  1901,  Theodore  
Roosevelt  was  sworn  in  as  America’s  26th  president.  At  the  time  he  took  office,  he  was  the  youngest  
president  in  the  history  of  the  United  States.  

Theodore  Roosevelt  served  two  eventful  terms  as  president.  In  his  first  term,  he  supported  the  
acquisition  of  land  in  Panama  that  would  later  be  used  for  construction  of  the  Panama  Canal.  He  
fought  vigorously  against  corporate  corruption,  and  pushed  for  the  dissolution  of  the  Northern  
Securities  Company  for  violating  the  Sherman  Antitrust  Act  (forming  a  monopoly).  In  1905,  President  
Roosevelt  helped  mediate  a  peace  treaty  between  Russia  and  Japan  for  which  he  was  awarded  the  
Nobel  Peace  Prize.  In  1906,  Roosevelt  signed  the  Hepburn  Act,  which  awarded  greater  powers  to  the  
Interstate  Commerce  Commission.  He also signed the  Federal  Food  and  Drug  Act.  Furthermore,  
Roosevelt
Roosevelt  started  the  U.S.  Forest  Service  and  signed  the  1906  Antiquities  Act  under  which  he  
proclaimed 18 national  monuments,  5  national  parks,  51  wildlife  refuges  and  150  national  forests.  In  
proclaimed  18  
1908, the Bureau  of  Investigation  (FBI)  was  created  to  conduct  investigations  for  the  Justice  Department.  
1908,  the  

After  his  second  term  as  president,  Teddy  spent  the  rest  of  his  life  exploring  and  hunting.  He  died  
June  4th,  1918.  Theodore  Roosevelt  National  Park,  in  the  Badlands  of  North  Dakota,  was  dedicated  
after  his  death.  Roosevelt  was  one  of  four  presidents  rendered  on  Mount  Rushmore  in  South  Dakota.  
 1.   Theodore  Roosevelt  was  unsuccessful  in  his  quest  to  become…    
A.  vice  president.  
B.  mayor  of  New  York  City.  
C.  governor  of  New  York.  
D.  president  of  the  New  York  City  Board  of  Police  Commissioners.  
 
2.   Before  Roosevelt  led  the  “Rough  Riders,”  he  was…    
A.  nominated  as  vice  president.  
B.  fighting  in  Cuba.  
C.  in  the  United  States  Navy.  
D.  governor  of  New  York.  
 
3.   Which  best  describes  the  Rough  Riders?    
A.  A  group  of  men  from  military  background  who  were  defeated  in  Cuba  
B.  A  group  of  men  from  different  backgrounds  who  were  victorious  in  Spain  
C.  A  group  of  men  from  military  backgrounds  who  were  victorious  in  Cuba  
D.  A  group  of  men  from  different  backgrounds  who  were  victorious  in  Cuba  
 
4.   Which  is  NOT  true  about  Theodore  Roosevelt?      
A.  When  he  became  president,  he  was  the  youngest  in  history    
B.  In  1900,  he  was  nominated  as  the  Republican  candidate  for  vice  president    
C.  Roosevelt  served  as  vice  president  for  about  six  months  
D.  Roosevelt  served  a  single,  eventful  term  as  president    
 
5.   When  was  Roosevelt  awarded  the  Nobel  Peace  Prize?      
A.  before  he  signed  the  Hepburn  Act  
B.  after  he  signed  the  Antiquities  Act  
C.  After  he  created  the  Bureau  of  Investigation  (FBI)    
D.  After  he  was  enshrined  on  Mount  Rushmore  
 
6.    What  does  “dissolution”  mean  in  the  following  sentence?  
 
He  fought  vigorously  against  corporate  corruption,  and  pushed  for  the  dissolution  of  the  
Northern  Securities  Company  for  violating  the  Sherman  Antitrust  Act  (forming  a  monopoly).  
 
A.  Mixing  
B.  Replacing  
C.  Battling  
D.  Ending  
 
7.   What  question  is  answered  in  the  fifth  paragraph?    
A.  How  did  Roosevelt  become  president?  
B.  What  did  Roosevelt  accomplish  as  president?    
C.  What  national  parks  were  protected  under  the  1906  Antiquities  Act?  
D.  What  did  Roosevelt  do  after  he  was  president?      
  
 
The  Invention  of  the  Television  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
The  very  first  televisions  were  distinctly  different  from  the  thin  screens  we  turn  on  and  
off  with  a  click  today.    Initial  models  of  the  television  used  in  the  late  1800s  were  called  
facsimile  transmission  systems  and  were  mechanical  rather  than  electrical.      
 
Mechanical  televisions  operated  by  scanning  still  photos  and  transmitting  them  onto  a  
screen  using  two  rotating  disks  with  holes  spaced  around  them.    One  disk  functioned  
as  a  transmitter,  and  the  other  worked  as  a  receiver.    A  camera  was  placed  in  a  dark  
room  with  a  bright  light  behind  it  while  the  disk  turned  once  for  each  frame  of  the  
television  program.    The  light  patterns  were  then  reflected  to  a  photoelectric  cell  which  
converted  them  to  electrical  impulses.    These  impulses  were  then  transmitted  to  the  
receiver—the  second  rotating  disk—which  also  included  a  radio  receiver  connected  to  
a  neon  lamp.    When  the  electrical  impulses  arrived  at  the  receiver,  they  were  
converted  to  light  energy  and  shown  visually  via  the  neon  lamp.    Viewers  could  see  the  
final  image  on  the  other  side  of  the  disk,  by  using  a  magnifying  glass.  
 
While  these  mechanical  televisions  worked,  they  were  complicated  and  inconvenient.  
In  1907,  Boris  Rosing  and  A.  A.  Campbell-­Swinton  laid  the  groundwork  for  the  first  
electrical  television,  resulting  in  new  innovations  for  television  construction.    Rosing  
and  Campbell-­Swinton  used  a  cathode-­ray  tube:  a  heated  filament  called  a  cathode  
sealed  inside  a  glass  tube.    When  the  cathode  released  electrons,  or,  negatively-­
charged  particles  into  the  vacuum  created  by  the  sealed  tube,  the  electrons  moved  
towards  the  negatively-­charged  anode  on  the  other  side  of  the  tube—meaning  that  the  
electrons  navigated  towards  the  television  screen  at  the  end  of  the  tube.    The  inside  of  
the  screen  was  lined  with  phosphorus,  so  as  the  electrons  reached  the  end  of  the  tube,  
it  caused  the  screen  to  glow.    Magnetic  technology  helped  to  control  the  movement  of  
the  electrons  and  ensure  that  they  fired  onto  the  right  section  of  the  screen,  resulting  in  
well-­produced,  clear  final  image.  
 
Rosing  and  Campbell-­Swinton’s  cathode-­ray  television  technology  resulted  in  a  shift  in  
the  evolution  of  television  construction  from  mechanical  to  electrical.    The  first  live  
television  transmission  demonstration  took  place  in  1909,  courtesy  of  Georges  
Rignoux  and  A.  Fournier,  using  a  matrix  of  highly  conductive  selenium  cells.    In  1927,  
Philo  Taylor  Farnsworth  developed  the  first  electrical  television  by  using  electron  
beams  to  capture  moving  images.  By  1934,  all  new  televisions  were  electric,  eventually  
giving  rise  to  television  programs,  television  stations,  and  televisions  in  homes.    
 
   
 1.   Which  of  the  following  parts  of  a  mechanical  television  converted  patterns  
of  light  to  electric  impulses?        
A.  Neon  light  
B.  Photoelectric  cell  
C.  Receiver    
D.  Transmitter  
 
2.   In  a  mechanical  television,  when  could  light  energy  be  shown  visually?                
A.  When  the  electric  impulses  arrived  at  the  receiver    
B.  When  light  patterns  were  reflected  to  a  photoelectric  cell      
C.  When  viewers  used  their  magnifying  glass  
D.  When  the  disk  that  functioned  as  a  transmitter  turned      
 
3.   What  does  the  first  sentence  in  the  third  paragraph  suggest?                  
A.  It  suggests  that  televisions  of  the  future  would  be  less  complicated      
B.  It  suggests  that  mechanical  televisions  were  just  as  useful  as  electric  
televisions      
C.  It  suggests  that  electric  televisions  would  revolutionize  the  television  industry    
D.  It  suggested  that  people  would  eventually  have  televisions  in  their  homes        
 
4.   Why  was  phosphorus  used  to  coat  screens  in  electric  televisions?          
A.  The  passage  doesn’t  tell  
B.  It  reacted  with  magnets  to  ensure  the  electrons  fired  in  the  correct  positions  on  
the  screen    
C.  It  resulted  in  a  well-­formed  image  
D.  When  electrons  interacted  with  phosphorus  on  the  screen,  it  caused  the  
screen  to  glow  
 
5.   What  happened  last?          
A.  The  first  live  television  transmission  was  made  
B.  Electrical  televisions  that  used  electron  beams  to  capture  moving  images  were  
invented  
C.  1926  
D.  Rosing  and  Swinton  laid  the  groundwork  for  electrical  televisions    
 
6.   The  history  of  the  television  dates  back  to  the…    
A.  1910s.  
B.  1920s.  
C.  late  1800s.  
D.  1930s.  
 
 
 
 
 7.   What  phrase  or  word  could  replace  “giving  rise  to”  in  the  following  
sentence?  
 
By  1934,  all  new  televisions  were  electric,  eventually  giving  rise  to  television  
programs,  television  stations,  and  televisions  in  homes.    
 
A.  resulting  in  
B.  resorting  to  
C.  accompanying  
D.  effecting      
 TRAIL OF TEARS Reading Comprehension
In the early 1800s, America’s population was booming and people were moving west. Westward
expansion came mostly at the expense of the Indians who were often forced to move from their
native lands.

In the state of Georgia, the population increased 600 percent in a matter of 40 years. As a result,
many of its native tribes were pushed out. The Cherokee Indians of western Georgia had
managed to keep their land until gold was discovered in their territory in 1828. In 1830,
however, President Andrew Jackson authorized the Indian Removal Act. The Cherokees fought
the law, and it was overturned by Chief Justice John Marshall two years later.

Just three years later, however, in 1835, the Treaty of New Echota was signed. The treaty was
not authorized by the Cherokee Nation, but rather a small group of Cherokee radicals led by John
Ridge. Under the treaty, the Cherokee were to leave Georgia and the government would
compensate them at a price determined to be about 5 percent of the value of the land. The
majority of the Cherokee Nation would never have agreed to the treaty, but the U.S. government
ratified it anyway. John Ridge was thus seen as a traitor by the Cherokees and would later pay
with his life. The Georgia government then staged a land lottery in which Cherokee land was
divided into 160 equal portions. They were sold to anyone who had $4.00 and who had won a
chance to own land.

In 1838, General Winfield Scott and 7,000 troops invaded Cherokee land. Men, women, and
children were forced to walk westward from Georgia nearly 1,000 miles with minimal facilities
and food to reservations set up for them in Oklahoma. Cherokee Chief John Ross eventually was
able to convince Winfield Scott that his people should lead the tribe west. Scott agreed and Ross
divided the people into smaller groups so they could forage for food on their own. Although
Ross may have saved countless lives, nearly 4,000 Indians died walking this Trail of Tears.
1.)  What is a "treaty?"
a.)   A prize 6.)  What general invaded Cherokee lands for
b.)   A battle the purpose of removing them?
c.)   A sale a.)   John Ross
d.)   An agreement b.)   Winfield Scott
c.)   John Ridge
2.)  Where were the Cherokee forced to d.)   Andrew Jackson
walk?
a.)   From Oklahoma to Georgia 7.)  What does "ratified" mean?
b.)   From one part of Cherokee territory to a.)   made official
the other b.)   overturned
c.)   From Georgia to Oklahoma c.)   constructed
d.)   To Georgia from Oklahoma d.)   classified

3.)  Who saved countless Cherokee lives on the 8.)  What happened first?
brutal Trail of Tears? a.)   John Ross convinced Winfield Scott that
a.)   John Ross he should lead his people to the
b.)   John Marshall Oklahoma reservation.
c.)   John Ridge b.)   Treaty of New Echota
d.)   None of the above c.)   Indian Removal Act
d.)   the Georgia land lottery
4.)  The Indian Removal Act was authorized
after the discovery of _______________ in 9.)  In 1830, _______________
western Georgia. __________________ authorized the Indian
Removal Act.
5.)  Why was John Ridge viewed as a traitor
by the Cherokees? 10.) Which of the following best describes the
a.)   He sold his land to the U.S. government. 1835 Treaty of New Echota?
b.)   He represented the U.S. government. a.)   Fair to the Cherokees
c.)   He signed a treaty for the Cherokees that b.)   Unfair to the government
most of the Cherokee Nation would have c.)   Unfair to the Cherokees
never accepted. d.)   None of the above
d.)   He staged a land lottery for the U.S.
government.
 
 Noble  Train  of  Artillery  Reading  Comprehension  for  Grades  4-­6  

On  May  10,  1775,  Benedict  Arnold,  Ethan  Allen,  and  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  conducted  
a  successful  raid  of  Fort  Ticonderoga.  The  bloodless  raid  yielded  an  incredible  cache  of  
weapons  for  the  fledgling  Patriot  cause.  There  was  a  problem,  however.  Fort  Ticonderoga  
was  located  in  remote  upstate  New  York,  where  the  weapons  were  of  little  use.  How  
could  the  Patriots  transport  the  heavy  weaponry  300  miles  to  break  the  British  blockade  of  
Boston  Harbor?  

That  same  year,  Commander-­in-­Chief  George  Washington  was  put  in  charge  of  Patriot  
forces  in  Boston.  Recognizing  a  need  for  heavy  weaponry,  Washington  chose  the  25-­
year-­old  bookseller,  Henry  Knox  to  lead  the  expedition  to  transport  the  weapons  to  
Boston.  On  December  5,  1775,  Knox  reached  Fort  Ticonderoga.  Knox's  first  assignment  
was  to  evaluate  the  weapons  and  to  determine  which  would  be  transported.  Knox  chose  
59  different  weapons,  including  several  large  cannons  called  "Big  Berthas."  In  all,  the  load  
of  weapons  was  estimated  to  weigh  60  tons.  

Much  of  what  is  known  about  Knox's  journey  comes  from  his  largely  incomplete  and  
tattered  diary.  On  December  17,  Knox  wrote  to  Washington  that  he  was  on  his  way  to  
Boston  and  had  procured  42  sleds  and  80  "yoke"  of  oxen.  By  Christmas  Day,  Knox  had  
crossed  the  icy  Hudson  River  near  Albany,  although  two  feet  of  snow  slowed  his  progress.  
It  took  an  additional  two  weeks  for  Knox  and  his  team  to  usher  all  of  the  cannons  across  
the  river.  In  the  process,  several  cannons  fell  through  the  ice  and  were  retrieved.  Although  
details  within  Knox's  diary  are  sketchy,  he  apparently  crossed  the  Berkshire  Mountains  in  
western  Massachusetts  and  reached  Framingham,  Massachusetts,  on  January  25.  Knox  
had  reached  the  outskirts  of  Boston  at  Cambridge  two  days  later.  The  entire  journey,  
dubbed  "one  of  the  most  stupendous  feats  of  logistics"  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  took  a  
total  of  ten  weeks.    

On  March  4,  1776,  Patriot  soldiers  occupied  Dorchester  Heights,  a  series  of  low  hills  
overlooking  Boston.  Washington  ordered  the  cannons  captured  from  Fort  Ticonderoga  to  
be  positioned  on  the  heights,  threatening  the  British  fleet  in  the  harbor  below.  Under  the  
cover  of  darkness,  2,000  Patriot  soldiers  under  the  command  of  John  Thomas,  and  
supervised  by  George  Washington,  painstakingly  moved  cannons  into  place,  built  
makeshift  fortifications,  cleared  trees,  and  built  rock-­filled  barrels  that  could  be  rolled  down  
the  hills  in  case  of  a  British  attack.  Giant  hay  stacks  were  strategically  placed  to  quiet  the  
noise  of  the  preparations.  

When  the  British  realized  what  had  occurred,  they  made  plans  to  attack  the  hill  to  dislodge  
the  Patriots.  Their  plans,  however,  were  thwarted  by  a  powerful  snowstorm,  which  gave  
British  General  William  Howe  time  to  reconsider  this  action.  On  March  17,  1776,  General  
Howe  instructed  his  soldiers  and  fleet  to  leave  the  city  of  Boston  and  its  harbor.  The  
British  withdrew  to  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  and  Boston  was  safe  for  the  time  being.  
1. What  was  the  major  problem  at  Fort  Ticonderoga?
A. British  reinforcements  threatened  to  attack
B. Fort  Ticonderoga  was  in  a  remote  part  of  New  York
C. The  weapons  captured  at  Fort  Ticonderoga  had  to  be  transported  to  Boston
D. It  was  impossible  to  break  the  British  blockade  at  Boston

2. Which  of  the  following  WAS  NOT  a  problem  encountered  by  Henry  Knox?
A. British  soldiers
B. Mountains
C. Icy  rivers
D. Snowstorms

3. Which  of  the  following  best  describes  the  journal  of  Henry  Knox?
A. Detailed  and  full  of  specific  information
B. Pristine  and  meticulous
C. Vague,  unfinished,  and  lacking  details
D. Full  of  secrets  and  gossip

4. The  “Noble  Train  of  Artillery”  has  been  called  one  of  the  most  “stupendous
feats  of  logistics”  in  the  American  Revolution.  Which  of  the  following  
conveys  the  intended  meaning?  
A. “There  is  no  way  that  could  ever  be  done  again.”
B. “This  proves  Henry  Knox  is  a  genius.”
C. “It  was  unbelievable  that  Knox  was  able  to  bring  those  weapons  to  Boston.”
D. “From  a  military  standpoint,  Knox’s  accomplishments  proved  the  Patriots
could  win  the  war.”

5. What  was  the  effect  of  the  Noble  Train  of  Artillery?
A. The  British  were  forced  to  leave  Boston
B. The  Patriots  became  an  independent nation.
C. The  British  attacked  the  Patriots  at  Dorchester  Heights
D. The  Patriots  attacked  the  British  under  the  cover  of  darkness

6. What  happened  first?

A. General  Washington  ordered  the  cannons  positioned  on  Dorchester  
Heights
B. March  18,  1776
C. General  Howe  prepared  to  attack  Dorchester  Heights
D. A  powerful  snowstorm  hit  Boston  
7.   What  does  “makeshift”  mean  in  the  sentence  below?  
 
Under  the  cover  of  darkness,  2,000  Patriot  soldiers  under  the  command  of  John  
Thomas,  and  supervised  by  George  Washington,  painstakingly  moved  cannons  into  
place,  built  makeshift  fortifications,  cleared  trees,  and  built  rock-­filled  barrels  that  
could  be  rolled  down  the  hills  in  case  of  a  British  attack.  
 
A.  Complicated  
B.  Strong  
C.  Professional  
D.  Temporary  
 Winter at Valley Forge Reading Comprehension

During the 1700s and 1800s, major fighting during wars generally ceased for the winters, and armies took up winter
encampments. As winter descended upon Pennsylvania in 1777, General George Washington chose Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, some eighteen miles west of Philadelphia as site of the winter encampment of the Continental Army.
The area was far enough away from the British in Philadelphia to discourage surprise attacks, and its location
between high hills and the Schuylkill River made it easily defensible.

The Continental Army, however, was in bad shape. Of the 12,000 soldiers, many lacked the supplies or clothing to
survive the winter, and many others were starving at this point. At Valley Forge, defense lines were built along with
over 1,000 huts to provide some relief from the brutal elements. Moisture from rain and melting snow made it
impossible for many soldiers to stay dry and allowed for the spread of disease. The only reliable food that the
soldiers received was a mixture of flour and water known as “firecake.” Occasionally, soldiers received meat and
bread. Furthermore, many soldiers had inadequate supplies of clothing and were forced to endure the winter in
tatters and without blankets. Many lacked shoes. Wounded soldiers often died from exposure to the elements.
Unsanitary and crowded conditions led to the proliferation of diseases and sicknesses such as typhoid and
pneumonia. Over 2,000 people died from such sicknesses.

On February 23, 1778, former German General Baron von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge to train the Patriots how
to march in formation, fire guns quickly, use bayonets, and become soldiers. Though von Steuben spoke little
English, he developed a training manual in French that would be translated on the grounds into English. Unlike
many American generals, von Steuben worked directly with the soldiers, endearing him to the thousands suffering at
Valley Forge. Von Steuben’s presence did much to improve the morale of the army during the bitter winter and also
helped them develop into a more tactical, effective military machine, capable of fighting the British.

On June 19, 1778, the Continental Army left Valley Forge in pursuit of the British who were moving north to New
York.
1.) Why did General Washington choose Valley 6.) Which of the following words best describes
Forge as the site of his army’s winter pneumonia and typhoid at Valley Forge?
encampment? a.)   Bothersome
a.)   Its location made it easy to defend. b.)   Deadly
b.)   It was the only place where he wouldn’t be c.)   Tragic
attacked. d.)   Shameful
c.)   It was warmer than any other encampments.
d.)   It was close to a source of water. 7.) Baron Von Steuben taught the colonists…
a.)   how to make better use of guns.
2.) Which of the following words would best b.)   how to hide from the enemy better.
describe the state of the Continental Army during c.)   how to understand German.
the winter of 1777–1778? d.)   All of the above
a.)   Powerful
b.)   Courteous 8.) How was Baron von Steuben different from
c.)   Weak American generals?
d.)   Determined a.)   He never worked directly with soldiers.
b.)   He would go into battle with soldiers.
3.) Which of the following was the LEAST c.)   He worked directly with soldiers.
LIKELY threat to soldiers encamped at Valley d.)   He liked the British.
Forge?
a.)   Disease 9.) What was probably the most important
b.)   A British attack contribution made by Baron von Steuben?
c.)   Starvation a.)   He taught the soldiers that their generals did
d.)   The cold weather not have to speak good English.
b.)   He taught the soldiers how to use bayonets.
4.) How did soldiers get pneumonia? c.)   He provided the soldiers with things to laugh
a.)   From eating old firecake about.
b.)   From not getting enough meat d.)   He helped transform the Continental Army
c.)   From the crowded and unsanitary conditions into an army that could actually fight the
d.)   From not having shoes British.

5.) What does the word “proliferation” mean in 10.) What happened last?
the following sentence: a.)   Baron von Steuben arrived.
b.)   April 1778
Unsanitary and crowded conditions led to the c.)   The Continental Army began their pursuit of
proliferation of diseases and sicknesses such as the British.
typhoid and pneumonia. d.)   The Continental Army learned to fire guns
faster and to use bayonets.
a.)   Growth and spread
b.)   Amount
c.)   Effects
d.)   Storage
  
 
Water  Cycle  Reading  Comprehension                  
Name  ________________________________________  
 
The  water  cycle  is  the  global  circulation  of  water  between  earth’s  atmosphere,  oceans,  plants,  
animals,  and  soil.    This  cycle  has  taken  place  for  billions  of  years  and  is  essential  for  all  living  
organisms  on  earth.    During  the  cycle,  water  changes  state  from  liquid  water  in  oceans  and  
lakes  to  water  vapor  in  the  air  and  eventually  converts  back  to  liquid  rain  or  solid  snow.      
 
The  origins  of  the  water  cycle  date  back  to  a  time  when  earth  was  made  of  magma.    This  
magma  contained  some  amounts  of  water  that,  when  released,  began  cooling  down  earth’s  
atmosphere.    Eventually,  temperatures  reached  a  point  that  permitted  liquid  water  to  remain  
on  earth’s  surface.    Volcanic  activity  continued,  releasing  water  into  the  atmosphere  as  vapor;;  
the  atmosphere  cooled  that  water  into  liquid  form,  and  the  cycle  continued  on  and  on  to  form  
the  water  cycle.    
 
Our  modern  water  cycle  moves  in  a  circle,  but  we  can  identify  a  beginning  of  sorts  in  earth’s  
oceans.    The  sun  warms  water  in  oceans  and  lakes,  causing  it  to  evaporate  in  the  form  of  
gaseous  water  vapor.    As  part  of  the  evaporation  process,  ice  and  snow  can  sublimate—turn  
immediately  from  solid  to  gas—and  plants  can  release  water  from  pores  under  their  leaves  as  
part  of  a  process  called  transpiration.    This  vapor  travels  into  the  atmosphere,  where  it  cools  
down  and  condenses  to  form  clouds.    When  vapor  significantly  accumulates  and  the  clouds  
gain  enough  weight,  they  release  the  water  back  to  the  earth  as  rain,  snow,  sleet,  or  hail.    The  
snow  can  accumulate  over  time  to  form  ice  caps  and  glaciers;;  the  rain  can  fall  onto  land,  
flowing  as  surface  runoff  over  the  ground,  or  onto  lakes  and  oceans.    Much  of  the  rain  soaks  
into  the  ground  in  a  process  called  infiltration,  and  is  stored  as  groundwater.    The  cycle  
begins  again  as  the  sun  warms  bodies  of  water  and  evaporation  is  jumpstarted.      
 
The  water  cycle  is  essential  because  it  circulates  water  throughout  all  plant  and  animal  life,  in  
addition  to  cycling  water,  sediments,  and  pathogens  in  and  out  of  water-­based  ecosystems.      
 
1.   The  water  cycle  would  not  be  able  to  occur  if  which  of  the  following  events  
had  not  happened?  
a.   Water  evaporating  to  a  liquid  form  in  oceans  and  lakes.  
b.   Temperatures  cooling  to  allow  the  existence  of  liquid  water  on  Earth’s  
surface.  
c.   Volcanic  activity  ceasing  completely  on  Earth’s  surface.  
d.   Magma  preventing  the  release  of  any  amount  of  water  into  Earth’s  
atmosphere.  
 
 
 
 
 
 2.   Which  of  the  following  is  not  a  process  that  is  part  of  the  water  cycle?  
a.   Sublimation    
b.   Transpiration    
c.   Expiration  
d.   Infiltration  
 
3.   Which  of  the  following  is  a  location  that  water  goes  when  it  is  precipitated  
onto  the  earth?  
a.   Onto  lakes  or  oceans  
b.   Into  the  ground  as  groundwater  
c.   Onto  land  as  surface  runoff  
d.   All  of  the  above    
 
4.   Why  might  water-­based  ecosystems  need  the  water  cycle?  
a.   The  water  cycle  circulates  harmful  materials  and  sediments  out  of  oceans  
and  lakes.  
b.   The  water  cycle  causes  oceans  and  lakes  to  overflow  with  an  excess  of  
water.  
c.   The  water  cycle  completely  fills  oceans  and  lakes  that  would  otherwise  be  
totally  dry.  
d.   The  water  cycle  causes  increased  condensation  to  occur  in  oceans  and  
lakes.  
 
5.   Why  does  water  change  state  (solid,  liquid,  gas)  as  it  moves  throughout  the  
cycle.  
a.   Water  can  only  exist  in  clouds  as  a  solid.  
b.   Different  temperatures  stimulate  changes.  
c.   Water  can  only  exist  in  one  state  for  a  certain  period  of  time.  
d.   Volcanic  activity  stimulates  the  change  in  state  from  liquid  to  gas.  
 
6.   Which  of  the  following  would  be  a  consequence  of  the  water  cycle  slowing  
or  stopping?  
a.   Volcanic  activity  on  earth  would  increase.  
b.   The  water  in  the  atmosphere  would  warm  and  evaporate.  
c.   All  solid  water  on  earth  would  sublimate  rather  than  melt.  
d.   Plants  and  animals  would  not  have  the  water  they  need  to  survive.  
 
7.   Does  the  water  cycle  have  a  set  beginning  and  end?  
a.   Yes,  it  always  begins  in  earth’s  oceans.  
b.   Yes,  began  billions  of  years  ago,  and  will  end  in  the  next  million  years.  
c.   No,  because  it  moves  in  a  circle,  but  we  can  establish  a  beginning  of  sorts  
for  the  purpose  of  understanding  it.  
d.   No,  because  a  new  beginning  and  end  is  created  every  time  water  changes  
its  state  in  the  cycle.