ENGLISH IV READING FINAL

Student Name:	___________________________

Class:	___________________________

Date:	___________________________

Instructions:	Read each question carefully and circle the correct answer.

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

	Traveling through the countryside was always a dangerous endeavor.  Tonight it felt even more ominous because of the attack by a group of rogue colonists against the local Native American tribe.  The rest of the colonists living in the town were indifferent to the natives, and the town had generally experienced a peaceful relationship with them.  Unfortunately, a few "rebels" had stirred things up when they raided the natives' camp and killed two squaws.  John did not relish the journey he was about to embark upon, but he knew that he had little choice.  His mother was about to give birth, and he was the only sibling old enough to travel at night alone to fetch the doctor.
  	John mounted his horse, Lightening Jack, and headed off into the brisk night.  As he traveled deeper into the woods, he began thinking about his mother and how much pain she must be in right now.  He had experienced the birth of his younger sister, but he was only eight at the time and all he could remember were the chilling screams of his mother and the sight of the blood.  Because John was focused on getting to Doctor Smith's cabin, he did not pay as much attention to his surroundings as he should have.  Maybe if he hadn't been so distracted, he might have seen the attack coming before it was too late.
	A young warrior jumped off the high rock that John was passing and landed right on the back of Lightening Jack with a sudden jolt.  The horse was spooked and bucked both John and the warrior off his back.  As John struggled with the boy, two other warriors came to help subdue John.  They quickly tied him up with a leather strap, and they led him down the path along with Lightening Jack.
 	John realized he needed to think fast or he might not ever see his family again.  He knew that some of the local natives in the tribe spoke a little English, so he hoped that once he got to the village he would be able to locate them in order to plead his case.  As soon as the group entered the village, the entire community surrounded John and his horse.  He couldn't understand what they were saying, but from what he could tell the elders were not pleased that the young boys had captured this white man.
  	Finally after what seemed like an eternity to John, an elderly Native American approached him and spoke in broken English.  "We sorry you here, but some men hurt our squaws."
	"I know.  I heard the story and I am so sorry.  I didn't have anything to do with the incident and all I want to do is fetch the doctor for my mom.  She is about to give birth," stated John in a frantic pace.
	"What?" responded the elderly man.
	"I will talk slower.  I do not want to hurt anyone.  Please let me go."  As John said this he lifted up his hands showing his desire to be free.  The elderly man nodded, understanding what John was asking.  However, instead of untying the knot, the man went back to the large gathering that had been watching silently during the entire conversation.
 	As John patiently awaited their decision, he began to think of his poor mother and his sister back at the cabin.  He wished his dad was there, but he had left earlier that week to deliver some supplies to the Governor of the colony.  It was quite an honor and his father really didn't have a choice in the matter.  In fact, John remembered hearing the fight between his parents the night before his father left.  John was left in charge, and now he was helpless to fulfill his commitment to his mother and family.  He just wanted to escape so he could help his mom.  He was so worried he almost forgot that they were deciding his fate at that moment.
 	As the elderly man approached John, he was unable to determine whether the outcome would be good or bad.  The man seemed somber and John began to worry that this might be his last moment on earth.  The elderly man spoke softly and stated, "We have decided to let you go.  My people are not bad.  We want peace."
	While John felt the joy of being saved, the natives surrounded him and began chanting in a positive manner.  Not only did John have his freedom, but the elderly man, who was also the medicine man, agreed to travel back to John's cabin to assist in his mother's delivery.  They left immediately, but John contemplated whether he should still continue on to Doctor Smith's cabin.  He knew his mom would be frightened when he returned with a Native American and not the doctor, but he didn't want to insult the man who saved his life.  What to do?  At this moral crossroads, John looked deep into his heart, and knew he had only one choice, which was to let the elderly man help his mom.  The colonists needed to realize that the Native Americans were not a threat to their existence.

1.	Why did John parents have a fight?
	A.	They were having money problems.
	B.	He was divorcing her.
	C.	She feared being alone so close to her delivery.
	D.	The story didn't say.

2.	Why did the community decide to let John go?
	A.	They didn't have a choice.
	B.	The elderly man liked John.
	C.	They wanted peace with the white community.
	D.	They feared further retaliation by the colonists.

3.	Which title best fits the short story?
	A.	Traveling with Indians
	B.	Fight of the Night
	C.	Cultural Clashes
	D.	John's Plight

4.	Why did the young warriors attack John?
	A.	They disliked all white men and their society.
	B.	They were retaliating against the attack by the white men.
	C.	They were bored and decided to bug John.
	D.	They were finishing their manhood tests.

5.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	"I'm tired of studying," Demi said with a frown.  "We could go to a movie instead."
	"You know that we both need to get a high grade on this exam.  If we don't, then we can't go on the field trip to the museum."
	"But Calvin, I can't study anymore.  My brain can't hold anymore information.  If we just took a short break-," Demi griped.
	Calvin interrupted, "Stop whining.  If you study for one more hour, then we can go get something to eat."
	Demi wanted to argue that she couldn't survive another hour, but she knew Calvin would only get more upset with her.  She buried her head in her book and dreamed about where they should go to eat.

Demi and Calvin need a high grade on the exam so that _________________________________.
	A.	they can go to the museum
	B.	they can go get something to eat
	C.	they can go to the movies
	D.	they will pass the class

6.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	Hybrids are the offspring of parents from different species.  Subtle differences in appearance, courtship behavior, and habitat make hybrids extremely rare among wild animals.  Animals within a species typically mate with other members of their species, because their natural instinct is to go with the familiar.
	There have been several documented cases of hybrid birds in the wild.  One of the most unusual happened in Colorado in 1987.  A female red-back hawk, which is native to the Andes, somehow made her way to North America.  She mated with a Swainson's hawk and successfully bore several hybrid young.
	Most hybrid birds are created in captivity using artificial insemination.  By creating hybrid birds, scientists hope to create birds that possess the best traits of both species.  Unfortunately, this system often fails and produces ill-tempered and sickly birds.

________________
Differences in appearance, courtship behavior, and habitat make hybrids ______________.
	A.	strong and healthy
	B.	rare in the wild
	C.	impossible to create
	D.	die very young

7.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	Many diseases are spread by arthropods, animals that have segmented bodies and jointed appendages, but no backbones. Bloodsucking arthropod parasites take in germs when they bite a sick person.  When the parasite bites another person, it passes on those germs.  Mosquitoes are bloodsucking arthropod parasites that carry malaria and yellow fever.  Similarly, the tsetse fly spreads the African sleeping sickness.
	There are some arthropods that spread disease without actually biting a person.  The common housefly breeds in garbage and manure, because its larvae can use these wastes as food.  When the larvae are fully developed, they fly from their breeding place and land on people's food.  The harmful germs on their bodies are transferred to the food.  Similarly, cockroaches live in sewers and drains during the day.  During the night, cockroaches come out to feed on people's food and leave germs behind.

________________
Bloodsucking arthropod parasites spread germs by ______________________________.
	A.	landing on people's food
	B.	breeding in garbage and manure
	C.	biting a healthy person after biting a sick person
	D.	flying from their breeding place to a person's food

8.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	Many diseases are spread by arthropods, animals that have segmented bodies and jointed appendages. Bloodsucking arthropod parasites take in germs when they bite a sick person.  When the parasite bites another person, it passes on those germs.  Mosquitoes are bloodsucking arthropod parasites that carry malaria and yellow fever.  Similarly, the tsetse fly spreads the African sleeping sickness.
	There are some arthropods that spread disease without actually biting a person.  The common housefly breeds in garbage and manure, because its larvae can use these wastes as food.  When the larvae are fully developed, they fly from their breeding place and land on people's food.  The harmful germs on their bodies are transferred to the food.  Similarly, cockroaches live in sewers and drains during the day.  During the night, cockroaches come out to feed on people's food and leave germs behind.

________________
Malaria and yellow fever are spread by ______________________________.
	A.	mosquitoes
	B.	larvae
	C.	tsetse flies
	D.	cockroaches

9.	Read the passage and complete  Blank 1.

	The most predominant of all insects are beetles, which make up nearly one-third of the million identified species.  Found on every   1   but Antarctica, beetles range in size from a fraction of an inch to several inches long.  The variety among beetles is incomparable.  Beetles exhibit colors, shapes and functions as diverse as one can imagine.  The fierce, brightly colored tiger beetle preys on other insects.  The friendly red and black ladybug   2   populations of parasitic aphids.  Carrion beetles and dung beetles both   3   the decomposition of large quantities of animal waste, thus providing a helpful service to farmers.  Other types of beetles are considered   4  , as they ruin clothing and wood furniture in their attempts to find food and suitable locations to lay their eggs.
	A.	country
	B.	continent
	C.	state
	D.	location

10.	Read the passage and complete  Blank 3.

	Prior to the birth of modern astronomy, people believed that the stars were small lights on the inside of a gigantic hollow globe encircling the   1  . With the advent of modern astronomy and advances in measurement instruments, we have   2   a more accurate understanding of the stars that shine in the night sky. Due to its proximity to earth, our sun is the most well known   3  . There are, however, billions of stars in our galaxy and beyond that provide scientists with a vast amount of material to study.
	A.	galaxy
	B.	planet
	C.	astronomer
	D.	star

11.	Read the passage and complete  Blank 4.

	The most predominant of all insects are beetles, which make up nearly one-third of the million identified species.  Found on every   1   but Antarctica, beetles range in size from a fraction of an inch to several inches long.  The variety among beetles is incomparable.  Beetles exhibit colors, shapes and functions as diverse as one can imagine.  The fierce, brightly colored tiger beetle preys on other insects.  The friendly red and black ladybug   2   populations of parasitic aphids.  Carrion beetles and dung beetles both   3   the decomposition of large quantities of animal waste, thus providing a helpful service to farmers.  Other types of beetles are considered   4  , as they ruin clothing and wood furniture in their attempts to find food and suitable locations to lay their eggs.
	A.	destructive
	B.	essential
	C.	unnecessary
	D.	profitable

12.	Read the passage and complete  Blank 2.

 	 Mika and her dog Imo slid   1   through the water in her small handmade canoe.  The quietness of the island morning was broken only by the calls of the parakeets seeking mates.  Mika leaned back to relax in the bright sun as the canoe gently carried its passengers through the tropical waters.  Ahead she   2   a clump of yellow bananas atop a banana tree.  She grabbed her paddle and guided the canoe onto the narrow sandy shore.
	A.	spied
	B.	caught
	C.	steered
	D.	hung

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	As the alarm clock continued to buzz in my ear like a productive colony of worker bees, I slowly reached out to silence the incessant noise.  It was then that I realized that although my dad was nowhere in sight, I could distinctly hear him reviewing his agenda for the morning.  "Drop my suits off at the cleaners, pick up a dozen bagels, and make it to the office for my nine o'clock meeting." 
	I looked around, puzzled that I could hear my dad so clearly, but he wasn't in the room.  "Dad!" I yelled.  He came running down the hall.  "It's about time you got out of bed," he said when he saw me standing at the foot of my bed still in my pajamas.  "Get a move on, Matthew. There's toast on the kitchen table. I've got to run, I have..."
	"I know," I interrupted before he could finish, "you have a nine o'clock meeting."
	"That's right," he said.  "But, how did you know that?" he asked incredulously.
	"Dad," I said, "You must have been talking to yourself  out loud, because I clearly heard you say that you had to go to the cleaners, pick up bagels, and get to the office for your meeting."  He looked at me suspiciously.
	"Look, Matthew, maybe I did so without realizing it, but I don't have time to argue right now.  I have to run.  Have a good day and I'll see you at dinner."
	Suddenly, I heard my sister Pam's voice loud and clear.  "If I don't pull an A in English this quarter, I can kiss that scholarship goodbye!"  I poked my head out into the hall and looked down both ends.  Pam wasn't there.  I walked down the hallway until I came to her bedroom.
	When I knocked she called out impatiently, "What do you want, Matthew, I'm going to be late!"
	"Pam," I said as she yanked the door opened, "were you just out in the hall talking about your English grade?"  She looked at me almost as peculiarly as my father had earlier.
	"What in the world are you talking about, Matthew?  I've been in my room this whole time.  And for what it's worth I was thinking about my English grade!"  she huffed.
	I backed out of her bedroom, more confused than ever.  This certainly had turned into a very long morning, and I hadn't even gone to school yet!  I shrugged the whole thing off and quickly jumped in the shower.  Fifteen minutes later, toast in hand, I ran to board the school bus before it pulled away from the curb.
	 "What do you mean my hair looks goofy?" I said to my best friend, Tony.
	He looked startled.  "Matthew, I didn't say that, but I have to admit that I was thinking it," he said.  "How did you know what I was thinking?"
	Suddenly it all fell into place.  "Hey, Tony, remember that Chinese restaurant we went to last night?"
	"Yeah," he said slowly.
	"Well, remember my fortune?" I asked.
	"Not exactly," he said looking at me oddly.
	"Sure you do," I insisted.  "It said that I was going to soon know more than I'd ever dreamed.  I thought it meant I was going to get smarter, but what it must have meant was that I was going to know what other people were thinking!" I shouted.  "How cool is that?" I asked my friend.
	Tony thought about it for a minute before replying.  "I don't know if I'd want to know everything that everybody else was thinking."
	Just as I was beginning to think that it was sour grapes on his part, I heard the thoughts of Jessica, the girl I'd been trying to get up the nerve to talk to for the first half of the school year.  "Matthew really is a weird looking guy," she was thinking.  My ego was terminally deflated.
	"Maybe I don't want to know everything that everyone else is thinking after all," I thought to myself. 
	Suddenly I had an idea.  "Tony, what are you doing after school today?" I asked.
	"Same old thing, play a few video games, watch a little television, homework when my mom insists," he rambled on.
	"Tony, would you go with me, back to that Chinese restaurant?  I've got to talk to that ancient man who owns it.  He must know how I can stop this thing!"
	"Alright," Tony agreed hesitantly.  "I'll meet you out in front of the school at dismissal.  Good luck today," he said as we parted ways when the first bell rang.
	When I got to my first period class my teacher greeted me at the door.  Even though she smiled and said "good morning", I clearly heard her thoughts.  "One more year of these little brats and I can retire somewhere warm!"  I sighed.  It was going to be a very long day.

13.	What is the theme of this story?
	A.	Tony is a good friend to Matthew and should not be jealous of his gift.
	B.	Sometimes it can be painful to learn what people are honestly thinking.
	C.	Never eat fortune cookies from a Chinese restaurant.
	D.	There is no theme.

14.	How does Matthew feel about his new power when the story ends?
	A.	He wants to share it with others.
	B.	He is still excited about it.
	C.	He is weary of it.
	D.	The story does not give enough information.

15.	What is the meaning of the phrase, "Just as I was beginning to think it was sour grapes on his part..."?
	A.	Matthew thought that Tony was jealous because he couldn't read minds.
	B.	Tony thought that Matthew was jealous because he couldn't read minds.
	C.	Matthew thought that Tony didn't understand what he was trying to tell him.
	D.	It means exactly what it says, the grapes were sour.

16.	How does Tony feel about accompanying Matthew to the Chinese restaurant?
	A.	scared
	B.	bored
	C.	excited
	D.	reluctant

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	How had he gotten himself into this predicament?  Sean thought back to when the whole mess had begun. It had started out innocently enough last summer when his father had mentioned that they had better plan a few weekend trips to various colleges around the state.  "After all," his dad had said emphatically, "there hasn't been a Griffin that hasn't graduated from college since our family sailed into New York Harbor at the turn of the century!"
	Sean groaned; he'd only heard that comment at least a thousand times.  "Dad, I know the story," Sean said, hoping to avoid another retelling of how hard his grandfather had worked to save the money to attend New York University.  What his dad didn't know was that Sean wasn't even sure if he wanted to attend college.
	Looking back on the situation, Sean had to admit that it was his own fault.  He should have leveled with his dad back then.  Instead, he had endured the weekend trips to the colleges throughout the state.  Each one was the same.
	"Sean," his dad would begin enthusiastically, "can you believe that next year you'll be attending classes on one of these beautiful campuses?"
	"No, Dad, it hardly seems possible."  What Sean really meant was that he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, so how could he decide where he would go to school?  That was how the entire summer had gone.  He knew that it was cowardly, but he wished that his dad was clairvoyant so that he would know how Sean really felt.
	Now that he was beginning his senior year of high school, Sean was expected to begin completing college applications.  "Dad," Sean said casually that morning at breakfast, "I'm not so sure about college."
	"I know what you mean, Son, there are so many good schools.  I envy you getting to enjoy all the things that college life has to offer.  Did I ever tell you that those were my happiest years?" his dad asked.
	Sean started to think that maybe his dad wanted to live vicariously through him, because he missed his own college days.  Sean tried again, "No, Dad, that's not what I mean.  It's not that I'm confused about which college to attend, but rather if I want to attend at all!"
	Sean's father looked appalled.  "I'm not going to let you flush your whole future down the drain because of some whimsical idea that you don't need college!"
	"Dad, that's not what I'm saying," Sean tried again.
	His father cut him off quickly, "Your great-grandparents set a precedent more than fifty years ago, and you're not going to break it!"
	Sean replayed the whole scene from that morning in his head.  Dejectedly, he realized that his dad would never understand his feelings.  He thought about the decision that he had made.  School had never been easy for Sean, but his dad had never wanted to admit that.  Sean knew that he didn't want to struggle through another four years of college, especially if he was unsure about what he wanted to do.  When the city bus pulled to a stop, Sean sighed.  He grabbed his backpack and made his way to the front of the bus. He got off the bus hesitantly.  Looking up the street, he saw the Army recruiting office.  He walked slowly up the street. When he got to the door, he pushed it open slowly.  A booming voice greeted him, "You're just what the army is looking for, son!"

17.	What is the genre of this story?
	A.	fiction
	B.	historical fiction
	C.	a biography
	D.	science fiction

18.	What would be a reasonable assumption about the story's outcome?
	A.	Sean will go to college.
	B.	Sean will join the army.
	C.	Sean's father will be happy that Sean does not go to college.
	D.	Sean will go back home without joining the army.

19.	From its context in the story, what do you think the word "precedent" means?
	A.	pattern
	B.	warning
	C.	understanding
	D.	deal

20.	"He'd only heard that comment at least a thousand times," is an example of ____________________.
	A.	a simile
	B.	a metaphor
	C.	hyperbole
	D.	flashback

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

	The yearbook committee had only two weeks before its final deadline, and David was starting to worry about the subcommittee's ability to turn in the necessary components on time.  He had never been in charge of such a monumental project before.  He had handled the task well up until the past few weeks, when he became extremely stressed over his friends' inability to follow through with their responsibilities.
	David would never have accepted the job of yearbook editor had he realized what a precarious position it would put him in.  He never wanted to be perceived as the "bad guy," and it seemed as though this job required him to criticize his friends more than he liked.  He didn't enjoy having to harass his friends to complete their layouts in time for the deadlines.  It was as if his friends blamed him for creating arbitrary deadlines, when in reality it was the yearbook company in Texas that set the pace for the yearbook.
	As David continued to wrestle with this predicament, he could not believe the audacity of some of his friends.  They seemed to think that if they didn't fulfill their commitments and meet their deadlines, it would be okay because their best friend was the yearbook editor.  The anger inside of him continued to well up until he thought he was going to explode at the next person who walked into his office and asked for an extension on a deadline.
	David's frustrations continued to mount until the yearbook coordinator, Mr. Arhens, called him into his office to give him some support.  David finally broke down and vented his frustrations, and he felt relieved at the end of the meeting.  David and Mr. Arhens were able to work out a plan of action for those who were unwilling to complete the required portion of the yearbook.  David realized that diplomacy was a trait he greatly needed in order to achieve a quality yearbook for his school.
	By the time David returned to his office after meeting with Mr. Arhens, a number of committee members had been looking for him.  Now, with a rejuvenated sense of self, David was able to effectively lead his motley crew.  His first plan of action was to call a meeting of all the subcommittee chairs.  He decided his plan of attack would be to encourage his staff, not to berate them.  He realized if he gained the support of key members on his team, the likelihood of the yearbook being completed on time would greatly increase.
	David decided to hold the meeting in a neutral location, the Pizza Joint.  He thought that if he created a positive incentive such as free pizza, he could motivate his staff and also get a better response from among the ranks.  As he started the meeting, he realized that this was going to be an arduous task, attempting to meld together such a diverse group of individuals.  Finally, he pleaded with them to work with him for the next two weeks instead of against him.  The group agreed to support him and meet their deadlines.  As the meeting adjourned, David felt a sense of relief, as if a four-ton weight had been lifted off his back.
	The next day at school David floated down the hallways, high from his sense of accomplishment at the meeting the previous night.  He felt he had lived up to his leadership responsibilities, and now all he had to do was wait for his crew to fulfill their end of the bargain.  Since he felt so elated, he decided to let Mr. Arhens know how successful the meeting had been and what his new plan of attack would be for the upcoming week.  Mr. Arhens wasn't in his office when David dropped by.  As he continued on down the hall, his photography editor, Eddie, stopped him.  Eddie was frantic, and the look of terror on his face sent a chill down David's spine.  What terrible news might Eddie have in store for him?  David shuddered to think.
	Eddie anxiously told David about a photography meltdown that had occurred the previous evening.  In the dark room, someone had exposed all of the pictures taken at the Prom.  Now there would not be a section in the yearbook commemorating that monumental event.  What was David to do?  He felt like crying but he knew that would not accomplish much.  After wallowing in misery for awhile, he came up with an idea.  Why not hold a contest where the students submitted their best prom photos?  He would have to scramble in order to get the contest together and obtain the required pictures before the deadline.
	The next day at school the word was out.  Everyone was discussing the contest and all the camera buffs were vying to have their photos on the cover of the prom section.  By the end of the week, David had more prom pictures than he could use.  His staff helped him sift through the pile and select the best photographs for the yearbook.  Now if David's friends would live up to their end of the agreement and meet their deadlines, David would have a completed yearbook.

21.	Whom did David fear he would blow up at in his office?
	A.	one of his friends
	B.	Mr. Arhens
	C.	his younger sister
	D.	anyone asking for an extension

22.	According to the story, what trait did David realize he needed in order to be successful as yearbook editor?
	A.	effective communication skills
	B.	problem solving capabilities
	C.	a stern demeanor
	D.	diplomacy

23.	If David were giving advice to the next yearbook editor, what would it most likely be?
	A.	Don't take the job.
	B.	Invite your friends to join the staff.
	C.	Have clear deadlines.
	D.	Be prepared for stress.

24.	How long did the subcommittees have to meet their deadlines?
	A.	two weeks
	B.	one week
	C.	five days
	D.	three weeks

25.	Read the following passage and choose the sentence that includes an assumption.

	 1.  "He is going to be a chemist; he aced another chemistry test," Gwen proclaimed with a bit of envy in her voice.  2. "He has gotten a perfect score on every test this semester.  3. I am beginning to wish I hadn't volunteered to be Mr. Goodwin's assistant.  4. Seeing everyone's grades is beginning to make me crazy."
	A.	Sentence 1
	B.	Sentence 2
	C.	Sentence 3
	D.	Sentence 4

26.	Read the following passage and answer the question.

	Carlos ran down the street to see what was going on at Jack's house.  There were four police cars outside, and the officers were all huddled together talking.  Carlos thought that all of those police cars meant someone was in big trouble.  He slowed down and tried to walk calmly past the police officers to the front door of Jack's house.  The front door was closed and intact.  Carlos was surprised.  He had expected to see the door broken down and more police officers inside the house. He rang the bell. Jack opened the door.  When Carlos asked why all the police cars were outside of the house, Jack shrugged his shoulders and told him they were there all the time.  Jack's next door neighbor was a police officer who had been injured, and his fellow officers often came to visit.

What assumption is made in this passage?
	A.	Four police cars in front of Jack's house indicated that someone was in trouble.
	B.	The front door was closed and intact.
	C.	Jack's neighbor was an injured police officer.
	D.	Carlos slowed down and tried to walk calmly past the police officers.

27.	Read the following passage and answer the question.

	As we stepped off of the small plane in Montana, the view took our breath away.  The sky was clear blue and the clouds were pure white.  We could hear a waterfall flowing nearby.  I thought to myself, "Everyone who lives here must just love the outdoors."  We walked across the runway to my uncle's waiting truck. We all piled in, excited about the adventure ahead of us.

What assumption is made in this passage?
	A.	The author's uncle has a truck.
	B.	The sky in Montana is a clear blue.
	C.	Planes that land in Montana are small.
	D.	Everyone in Montana loves the outdoors.

28.	Read the following passage and choose the sentence that includes an assumption.

	1. There was a  loud commotion at the corner as we walked out of our building.  2. "Let's get out of here- it must be one of those bomb scares we keep hearing about on the news," my friend blurted out as she grabbed my arm and hurried me along the sidewalk.  3. I looked down the street.  4. The crowd seemed to be growing and watching something intently.
	A.	Sentence 1
	B.	Sentence 2
	C.	Sentence 3
	D.	Sentence 4

29.	Identify the following passage as either a fact, an opinion, or both.

The movie was too long; it lasted for four hours.
	A.	fact
	B.	opinion
	C.	both fact and opinion

30.	Identify the following passage as either a fact, an opinion, or both.

The fire fighter said that acid had eroded the wires.
	A.	fact
	B.	opinion
	C.	both fact and opinion

31.	Identify the following passage as either a fact, an opinion, or both.

Mr. Wells seems like a competent employee.
	A.	fact
	B.	opinion
	C.	both fact and opinion

32.	Identify the following passage as either a fact, an opinion, or both.

Jared saw the cook initiate the mutiny.
	A.	fact
	B.	opinion
	C.	both fact and opinion

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	I dove into the ditch just as my Minipod disintegrated.  I breathed a sigh of despair and began my long walk home.  It felt strange to be walking.  In the year 2072, no one walks.  We always ride something to wherever we need to go.  For instance, if I want to go from my house to my neighbor's house, I hop on the Sideride.
	If I need to go slightly farther, I drive my Minipod.  Of course, now that it has blown up, I'm without transportation.  My parents drive a Macropod.   Macropods are the best transport model because they drive themselves.  Once you program in your destination, it's smooth sailing the rest of the ride.  You are free to sleep, eat, or watch the videotron.   My parents never let me borrow the Macropod.  My dad says that light speed is too fast for a boy my age.  I disagree with his reasoning.  I am almost 16, after all.
	After walking about 100 yards, I sat down to rest.  My feet were aching.  Out of nowhere, my younger sister arrived on her Micropod.  A Micropod is like a Minipod with training wheels.  I was slightly embarrassed to get on, but it was my only alternative to walking.
	When we arrived at our home unit, I explained everything to my parents.  They looked at each other questioningly for a minute, and then sent me to my sleep unit for the evening so they could talk.  What could they be talking about?  The next morning I shuffled in for morning nutrition.  I spied a form of some kind on the nutrition table.  Putting on my sight clarification lenses, I read the paper.  It was an application for a Macropod license, with my name on it!

33.	Based on the conclusion of the story, what will probably happen next?
	A.	The boy will be punished for his Minipod accident.
	B.	His parents will buy the boy a new Minipod.
	C.	The boy's parents will take him to get his Macropod license.
	D.	The sister will have to give her brother her Micropod.

34.	Why are Macropods the best transport model?
	A.	You can program them to drive themselves.
	B.	They have training wheels.
	C.	They are fireproof.
	D.	They don't require a Macropod license.

35.	Why don't the author's parents lend him the Macropod?
	A.	His parents do lend it to him.
	B.	His parents need it for work.
	C.	It is too expensive.
	D.	Light speed is too fast for a boy his age.

36.	In the story, the boy used the simile, "A Micropod is like a Minipod with _________."
	A.	speed
	B.	training wheels
	C.	bigger wheels
	D.	smaller wheels

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	Ramon and his little brother couldn't believe their ears when their mother came home with the good news.  She had won a sales contest within her company and the prize was a week's stay at one of those fancy ski resorts in Colorado.  When their father arrived home from work later that evening, he was flabbergasted that the prize allowed her to take the entire family.
	The only negative about the whole thing was that none of them had ever seen snow, let alone been skiing.  Living in Southern California their whole lives, they had no experience with winter-related sports.  Ben hesitated before bringing up this less than trivial detail, for fear of putting a damper on the exciting news.  His mom looked at him as the thought was running through his mind.
	 She smiled.  "I know that none of us know how to ski, but my friend at work who's been to this lodge assured me that you can take lessons.  She said that her whole family was skiing before the end of their first day!"  Ramon and Ben looked at each other, skeptical.
	Their father quickly reminded them that there were many things to do at a ski resort besides skiing.  "We can go sledding, ride snowmobiles, and go ice skating," he said excitedly. 
	Ramon felt pretty confident that he would be able to learn to ski quickly; after all, he was an expert water skier.  His little brother, Ben, wasn't as confident.  He remembered that his success with water skiing had been like a fish mastering a bicycle.  Then he remembered what his dad had said about all of the other things they could do there.
	A week later they boarded the plane ready to embark on their vacation.  During the flight, Ramon avidly read the new skiing magazine that he had purchased at the airport newsstand.
	Excitedly, he kept elbowing his brother.  "Look at some of these cool stunts you can do on skis, Ben!"
	His younger brother looked apprehensively at the picture of the skier completing a front flip.  "I don't know, Ramon," he said slowly. "I think I'd rather rent snow mobiles."
	His brother was shocked.  "Look, you little coward," he said unsympathetically, "you aren't going to ruin this trip for all of us.  If you don't ski, then someone will have to stay back with you!"  Ben looked up at his brother dejectedly but said nothing.
	When they arrived at the lodge, they were all in awe of the view from the top of the mountain.  Before they had even checked into their rooms, Ramon was bugging his parents about taking their first ski lesson.  Within an hour, the family had donned ski suits, boots, caps, and gloves.  Ramon was obviously excited as he raced ahead of the family to the lesson area.  While Ben was less than confident about skiing, he didn't want to disappoint his parents.  He strapped on his skis along with the rest of his family.  The instructor went through the basics including how to use the poles and how to come to a stop.  At the end of the lesson, Ramon dragged Ben along with him to get in line for the ski lift that would take them to the top of the mountain.  While they hadn't had experience skiing downhill during the lesson, Ramon still felt confident that it wouldn't be that difficult.  After all, he knew how to turn, stop, and it wasn't very difficult to walk with the skis on. 
	Ben whispered to his brother as they boarded the lift, "Ramon, let's go on the bunny hill first."
  	His older brother looked at him with disgust.  "What, are you kidding? That hill's for wimps! I want to try that blue slope."
	Ben gulped. He knew that the blue slope was for more experienced skiers. Not wanting his sibling to further insult him, Ben sat back quietly. When they got to the top they both slid off the chair lift onto the snow-covered ground.
	Ramon dragged his brother over to the beginning of the ski run.  Ben peered anxiously down the alpine mountain.  It was a rat's maze!  People darted in and out, around trees and other skiers.
	Before he realized it, Ramon had yanked him up to the edge.  "We're next," his brother exclaimed excitedly.
	At that moment, Ramon gave Ben a gentle push to start him down the mountain.  Ben looked around and realized that he was actually skiing.  It reminded him of the first time he rode a bike, when he turned around and realized that his mother was no longer holding on to the back of the seat! 
	"Hey! Ramon," Ben screamed excitedly, "look at me, I'm doing it!"
	Ben looked back over his shoulder when he realized that Ramon wasn't next to him.  Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ramon wobbling on his skis, grabbing tree branches for balance.  Needing to concentrate on his own progress, he quickly turned back to the trail ahead of him.  By the time he made it to the bottom, he had decided that skiing was his new favorite sport.  He smiled to himself as he scanned the mountainside looking for Ramon.  After a minute, he spotted him.  Ramon looked like he was doing cartwheels down the mountain!  By the time he got to the bottom, he had lost his hat, one ski, a boot, and his goggles.  While Ben found great humor in the situation, he was wise enough to avoid commenting.
	"Okay, okay," Ramon said when he had regained his composure, "next time we go down the bunny hill!"
	"No way!" Ben exclaimed excitedly.  "I'm going down the black diamond next!  This skiing stuff's a breeze!"  Ramon groaned as he began searching for his missing boot.

37.	Which title would best fit the story?
	A.	Our Winter Vacation
	B.	Surprising Success
	C.	A Brother's Confidence
	D.	none of the above

38.	What does Ben mean when he says, "his success at water skiing had been like a fish mastering a bicycle"?
	A.	He didn't enjoy it.
	B.	He wasn't successful at it.
	C.	He didn't enjoy the cold weather.
	D.	It came easily to him.

39.	What can you infer about the "black diamond hill"?
	A.	Beginning skiers often ski down it.
	B.	It is less difficult than the blue slope.
	C.	It is more difficult than the blue slope.
	D.	nothing

40.	How did Ben feel about skiing prior to the trip?
	A.	He lacked confidence.
	B.	He was over confident.
	C.	He was excited about learning how to ski.
	D.	none of the above

41.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

How to Fill Out a Form
There are many occasions which will require you to fill out a form: opening a bank account, filling out a job application, and joining a sports team are a few examples.  By following these simple steps, you will save time when filling out forms.

1.  Read all of the instructions carefully before you fill out the form.  Make sure you have the correct spelling for names and addresses before you begin.
2.  Print the information requested.  Find out if the form requires you to use a black pen or pencil.  Print carefully so that your letters are clear and understandable.
3.  Proofread the form to make sure you have filled everything out correctly.  Make sure you have provided all the requested information.
According to these instructions, why is it important to proofread?
	A.	Incorrect forms are always sent back.
	B.	Forms are often hard to read.
	C.	You must make sure you have filled out everything correctly.
	D.	There is an extra fee for incorrect forms.

42.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

How to Fill Out a Form
There are many occasions which will require you to fill out a form: opening a bank account, filling out a job application, and joining a sports team are a few examples.  By following these simple steps, you will save time when filling out forms.

1.  Read all of the instructions carefully before you fill out the form.  Make sure you have the correct spelling for names and addresses before you begin.
2.  Print the information requested.  Find out if the form requires you to use a black pen or pencil.  Print carefully so that your letters are clear and understandable.
3.  Proofread the form to make sure you have filled everything out correctly.  Make sure you have provided all the requested information.
You could use the information in this passage to ____________________________.
	A.	help you buy pencils
	B.	mail a letter to a friend
	C.	learn about computers
	D.	fill out forms at school

43.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

How to Complete a Job Application

When you apply for a job, you will be required to complete a job application.  Often, this will be an employer's first impression of you, even before meeting you.  By following the suggestions below, you will increase your chances of getting hired.

1.  Read all of the instructions carefully before you fill out the form. Make sure you have the correct spelling for names and addresses before you begin.  If you are not sure of addresses or phone numbers, it is better to ask if you can take the application with you and return it with the proper information.  If the employer will not allow you to take the application with you, ask if you may return with the correct information.  Obviously, it is best if you have all of the information with you from the beginning.
2.  Print the information requested, making sure to use a blue or black ink pen if pen is required.  Print carefully so that your letters are clear and legible.
3.  Employers will often ask for references.  When you provide a reference, use someone who is not related, but has known you for an adequate length of time.  Teachers, ministers, past employers, and family friends are all possibilities.
4.  Be sure to include any past employment history that might make you a successful candidate for the job.  Explain how your past experience makes you qualified for the position for which you are applying.
5.  Prospective employers often look at extra-curricular activities that you are involved in as well.  Be sure to include anything that might set you apart from other applicants.  For example, if you play a team sport, a employer might think that you are disciplined and responsible because of the time commitment necessary to participate.
6.  If the application requires you to list the salary or hourly wage that you desire, come prepared.  Before applying for a job, talk to people that have similar jobs to find out what their starting salary was.  You can even call businesses and inquire.  Often, when people ask for wages that are unreasonable, they don't even get interviewed.
7.  Proofread the form to make sure you have filled everything out correctly.  Make sure you have provided all the requested information.

What might you do if you don't have some of the necessary information with you?
	A.	leave part of the application blank
	B.	give as much information as you can remember
	C.	ask if you can bring the application home to complete
	D.	guess

44.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

How to Complete a Job Application

When you apply for a job, you will be required to complete a job application.  Often, this will be an employer's first impression of you, even before meeting you.  By following the suggestions below, you will increase your chances of getting hired.

1.  Read all of the instructions carefully before you fill out the form. Make sure you have the correct spelling for names and addresses before you begin.  If you are not sure of addresses or phone numbers, it is better to ask if you can take the application with you and return it with the proper information.  If the employer will not allow you to take the application with you, ask if you may return with the correct information.  Obviously, it is best if you have all of the information with you from the beginning.
2.  Print the information requested, making sure to use a blue or black ink pen if pen is required.  Print carefully so that your letters are clear and legible.
3.  Employers will often ask for references.  When you provide a reference, use someone who is not related, but has known you for an adequate length of time.  Teachers, ministers, past employers, and family friends are all possibilities.
4.  Be sure to include any past employment history that might make you a successful candidate for the job.  Explain how your past experience makes you qualified for the position for which you are applying.
5.  Prospective employers often look at extra-curricular activities that you are involved in as well.  Be sure to include anything that might set you apart from other applicants.  For example, if you play a team sport, a employer might think that you are disciplined and responsible because of the time commitment necessary to participate.
6.  If the application requires you to list the salary or hourly wage that you desire, come prepared.  Before applying for a job, talk to people that have similar jobs to find out what their starting salary was.  You can even call businesses and inquire.  Often, when people ask for wages that are unreasonable, they don't even get interviewed.
7.  Proofread the form to make sure you have filled everything out correctly.  Make sure you have provided all the requested information.

What type of information should you include about past work experience?
	A.	Explain why you disliked your previous job.
	B.	List experience that shows you are qualified for the job for which you are applying.
	C.	Explain your old schedule.
	D.	List the benefits and salary and explain why you will demand the same from your new employer.

45.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Make Your Own Paper

	When paper is made at a mill, wood pulp and water are put into a large machine with a long moving screen.  The water seeps through the screen while catching the pulp and then the screen moves through another machine, which presses the pulp and dries it. Next, it goes through several more machines to make the paper smooth and flat.
  	You can create your own paper very easily with recycled old newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper.  However, the paper you create at home will end up being thicker and rougher than the paper made at a mill, because you don't have access to the machines, which flatten and smooth the paper.

What You Need:
•Mixing bowl
•Flat pan or dish (9" x 13" or larger than your screen)
•Blender
•Rolling pin
•Newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper
•Non-rusting screen (8" x 12" or the size of paper you want to make)
•4 pieces of cloth to use as blotting paper
•10 pieces of newspaper to use for blotting
•2 teaspoons instant starch
•2 cups hot water

Directions:
1. Tear paper into tiny bits until you have ½ cup.  Add 2 cups hot water, and put in blender.  If you wish, you could also add your own decorations, such as flowers, glitter, or string, to the mixture in the blender.
2. Blend the shredded paper and water to make pulp.  Add the instant starch and blend again until the pulp is the consistency of split pea soup.
3. Place the screen in the bottom of the flat pan, and pour the pulp over the top.
4. Spread out some newspaper and place a piece of cloth on top to use as a blotter.
 5. Gently lift the screen out of the pan, and let the water drain out.  Place the screen, pulp-side up, on top of the piece of cloth, and gently put another piece of cloth over the pulp.  Then layer another piece of newspaper over the top of the cloth.
6. Take the rolling pin and roll over the top of the newspaper and the cloth blotter to squeeze the remainder of the water from the pulp.
7. Carefully remove the screen with the pulp from the newspaper and blotter, and let the paper dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness and dampness of the paper.
8. Enjoy your new creation to use for stationery, cards, or just plain paper, and see how creative you can become!

What is the next step after you pour the pulp over the screen?
	A.	Gently lift the screen out of the pan and let the water drain.
	B.	Place the screen pulp-side up on top of the cloth.
	C.	Use a rolling pin to squeeze out the extra water.
	D.	Spread out the newspaper and blotter cloth.

46.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Make Your Own Paper

	When paper is made at a mill, wood pulp and water are put into a large machine with a long moving screen.  The water seeps through the screen while catching the pulp and then the screen moves through another machine, which presses the pulp and dries it. Next, it goes through several more machines to make the paper smooth and flat.
  	You can create your own paper very easily with recycled old newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper.  However, the paper you create at home will end up being thicker and rougher than the paper made at a mill, because you don't have access to the machines, which flatten and smooth the paper.

What You Need:
•Mixing bowl
•Flat pan or dish (9" x 13" or larger than your screen)
•Blender
•Rolling pin
•Newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper
•Non-rusting screen (8" x 12" or the size of paper you want to make)
•4 pieces of cloth to use as blotting paper
•10 pieces of newspaper to use for blotting
•2 teaspoons instant starch
•2 cups hot water

Directions:
1. Tear paper into tiny bits until you have ½ cup.  Add 2 cups hot water, and put in blender.  If you wish, you could also add your own decorations, such as flowers, glitter, or string, to the mixture in the blender.
2. Blend the shredded paper and water to make pulp.  Add the instant starch and blend again until the pulp is the consistency of split pea soup.
3. Place the screen in the bottom of the flat pan, and pour the pulp over the top.
4. Spread out some newspaper and place a piece of cloth on top to use as a blotter.
 5. Gently lift the screen out of the pan, and let the water drain out.  Place the screen, pulp-side up, on top of the piece of cloth, and gently put another piece of cloth over the pulp.  Then layer another piece of newspaper over the top of the cloth.
6. Take the rolling pin and roll over the top of the newspaper and the cloth blotter to squeeze the remainder of the water from the pulp.
7. Carefully remove the screen with the pulp from the newspaper and blotter, and let the paper dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness and dampness of the paper.
8. Enjoy your new creation to use for stationery, cards, or just plain paper, and see how creative you can become!

The rolling pin, screen, and newspaper are all used to ________________________.
	A.	make the paper flat and smooth
	B.	make paper at a mill
	C.	remove water from the pulp
	D.	prevent the paper from tearing

47.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	The American flag is an important symbol for the United States; therefore, there are many regulations and rules when it comes to caring for it.  One of those regulations is how the flag is folded when it is not hanging.  When the flag is folded it must be folded into a neat triangle and is done in a specific manner and ritual.
	You need two people to fold the flag because it should never touch the ground.  You and your partner should face each other and each hold two corners of the flag so that the short side is facing your waist and it is parallel to the ground.  Fold the lower portion of the flag, the part entirely covered with stripes, over the top portion with the stars on it.  Repeat the same widthwise fold so half the stars are facing up and half are facing the ground.  You should now be holding a rectangular flag folded twice; one long side is open and the other long side is a closed crease.
	Now you will fold the flag into a triangle shape by starting your folds at a specific point.  Begin by taking the closed corner with the stripes and folding it diagonally across to the opposite side to create a triangle, then take the pointy open corner and fold it down over the first triangle to form another straight edge.  Repeat this process, switching corners, until all the stripes are covered and only a square of the stars are showing.  This time, fold the open corner from the stars side diagonally across to the closed side, creating a triangle.  Then tuck the remaining blue triangle with the stars on it, into the thick triangle folded first so it forms one neat triangle that will not unravel.

  The American flag would be classified as ________________________.
	A.	an American constitution
	B.	a state symbol
	C.	a federal regulation
	D.	an American symbol

48.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Make Your Own Paper

	When paper is made at a mill, wood pulp and water are put into a large machine with a long moving screen.  The water seeps through the screen while catching the pulp and then the screen moves through another machine, which presses the pulp and dries it. Next, it goes through several more machines to make the paper smooth and flat.
  	You can create your own paper very easily with recycled old newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper.  However, the paper you create at home will end up being thicker and rougher than the paper made at a mill, because you don't have access to the machines, which flatten and smooth the paper.

What You Need:
•Mixing bowl
•Flat pan or dish (9" x 13" or larger than your screen)
•Blender
•Rolling pin
•Newspaper, office paper, or wrapping paper
•Non-rusting screen (8" x 12" or the size of paper you want to make)
•4 pieces of cloth to use as blotting paper
•10 pieces of newspaper to use for blotting
•2 teaspoons instant starch
•2 cups hot water

Directions:
1. Tear paper into tiny bits until you have ½ cup.  Add 2 cups hot water, and put in blender.  If you wish, you could also add your own decorations, such as flowers, glitter, or string, to the mixture in the blender.
2. Blend the shredded paper and water to make pulp.  Add the instant starch and blend again until the pulp is the consistency of split pea soup.
3. Place the screen in the bottom of the flat pan, and pour the pulp over the top.
4. Spread out some newspaper and place a piece of cloth on top to use as a blotter.
 5. Gently lift the screen out of the pan, and let the water drain out.  Place the screen, pulp-side up, on top of the piece of cloth, and gently put another piece of cloth over the pulp.  Then layer another piece of newspaper over the top of the cloth.
6. Take the rolling pin and roll over the top of the newspaper and the cloth blotter to squeeze the remainder of the water from the pulp.
7. Carefully remove the screen with the pulp from the newspaper and blotter, and let the paper dry for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness and dampness of the paper.
8. Enjoy your new creation to use for stationery, cards, or just plain paper, and see how creative you can become!

What causes the pulp to become the consistency of split pea soup?
	A.	½ can soup
	B.	2 teaspoons starch
	C.	boiling on a stove
	D.	4 tablespoons glue

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	The oxygen-mask clad inspectors seen in local schools this week were not on a routine safety check as they first indicated.  This special unit of hazardous substance investigators had a mission of the utmost importance in the lives of our students. 
	A routine repair by the Crescent Leaf School District's Mobile Repair Unit at Ash Street High School turned into a near disaster last month as workers pulled out old ceiling tiles only to discover that the sprayed on insulation in the ceiling contained asbestos.  People in the affected classrooms were immediately relocated. Nearly 100 students, teachers, and staff were exposed to the asbestos before it was discovered. 
	The day following the asbestos exposure incident, a district spokesperson announced that a special team of investigators would be dispatched to all schools in the district to investigate the asbestos problem. 
	Asbestos is the common name for a group of naturally occurring minerals.  These minerals have properties that make them excellent for insulation.  Unfortunately, some of these same properties make them potentially harmful to people.  The individual fibers are smaller than a human hair and will remain suspended in the air for hours.  The fibers are easily inhaled but are nearly indestructible once inside the body.  With enough exposure these tiny fibers can cause cancerous and noncancerous respiratory diseases.  Children are the most susceptible to these diseases, and each exposure increases the risk of health problems. 
	State Health Department official Mr. Art Beltway commented that the real danger was only in the buildings where the ceiling tiles had been disturbed.  "The asbestos in the ceiling that has not been disturbed does not pose a threat.  Only fibers that have been released into the air are potentially harmful."  When questioned about what Crescent Leaf Schools should do regarding the asbestos discovered in their schools, Mr. Beltway suggested, "Eliminating the asbestos in the classrooms where the ceiling has been disturbed should be all that is done during the school year.  If the district decides to undertake the costly task of eliminating asbestos, the schools should be closed until the work is complete." 
	Students at Ash Street High School have been relocated to other area schools until the asbestos is sufficiently cleaned up in their school. 
	District officials are still undecided about what course of long-term action they will take.  The results of their investigation will be finalized next week, and the school board plans to discuss the issue at its January meeting.

49.	What were the inspectors doing at local schools?
	A.	a safety check of the sprinkler system
	B.	searching for asbestos
	C.	a repair of the schools boiler
	D.	information not provided

50.	What would be the best title for the article?
	A.	Asbestos Linked to Respiratory Illness
	B.	Students Forced to Attend Other Local Schools
	C.	Asbestos Scare in Local Schools
	D.	School Board to Discuss Asbestos in Meeting Tonight

51.	What happened immediately after the asbestos was discovered?
	A.	Classes were relocated.
	B.	A special team of investigators was dispatched.
	C.	The State Department of Health investigated.
	D.	The school board met.

52.	What is the Crescent Leaf School District's long-term plan for dealing with asbestos in its schools?
	A.	The district is undecided.
	B.	They will relocate the students to other local schools.
	C.	They will eliminate all the asbestos in the schools.
	D.	The information is not provided in the article.

Read the recipe for Senate Bean Soup and answer the questions that follow.

Ingredients: a large cooked smoked ham bone, 1 pound dry white beans, 2 onions, 5 celery stalks, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper
	First, place the ham bone in a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
	You'll need a separate pot for the beans.  Use a colander to thoroughly wash the beans.  Put the beans in the pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil.  Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let stand while the ham bone is simmering.
	Peel onions and chop.  Wash celery and chop.  Set aside.
	Remove ham bone pot from heat.  Drain beans and add to ham bone pot.  Add onions, celery, and garlic powder.  Bring pot to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours.
	Remove ham bone.  Cut off excess meat and return meat to the soup.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  For thicker soup, mash some of the beans.  Makes about four quarts; approximately eight servings.

53.	Which of the following is not an ingredient of Senate Bean Soup?
	A.	a large pot
	B.	a ham bone
	C.	2 onions
	D.	salt and pepper

54.	What should you do to the beans prior to cooking them?
	A.	weigh them
	B.	pick out stones
	C.	measure them
	D.	rinse them

55.	If you wanted to make two quarts of soup, how many beans would you need?
	A.	one and a half pounds
	B.	two pounds
	C.	half a pound
	D.	one pound

56.	What is the name of this recipe?
	A.	Senate Bean Soup
	B.	Ham Bone Soup
	C.	Ham and Beans
	D.	recipe name not provided

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	Liquid crystal is a state of matter between the liquid state and the solid state.  In a liquid, molecules are free to move and rotate.  The molecules in a solid are in a fixed pattern.  In a liquid crystal, the molecules are partly aligned to a pattern and are partly free to move and rotate.
	Friedrich Reinitzer discovered liquid crystals in 1888.  He noticed that when heating certain solid substances, they first became a cloudy liquid and then turned into a clear liquid.  On cooling, the substance went from a clear liquid to a cloudy liquid to a solid.  The cloudy liquid is now known as liquid crystal.
	Liquid crystals keep their part liquid, part solid nature only within a specific range of temperatures.   When liquid crystal is heated to a high temperature, it turns into a liquid.  When subjected to very low temperatures, it turns into a solid.  Classes of liquid crystal include: nematic, cholesteric, and smectic.  Each class is characterized by different arrangements of molecules.
	Liquid crystals can be made from about 50 percent of all organic compounds.  Liquid crystals can also be made by mixing soaps, detergents, and some acids with water.  Liquid crystals are often used in computer screens, digital watch faces, and calculators.  Liquid crystal displays are sharper and use less power than conventional displays.

57.	What happens when liquid crystal is exposed to low temperatures?
	A.	It turns into a liquid.
	B.	It is easier to work with.
	C.	It turns into a solid.
	D.	It becomes too cold to work with.

58.	Compared to conventional displays, liquid crystal displays ___________________________.
	A.	sometimes have power failures
	B.	are much less expensive
	C.	are slightly cloudy and more difficult to read
	D.	are sharper and use less power

59.	Some classes of liquid crystal are _____________________________________.
	A.	nematic, organic, and smectic
	B.	nematic, cholesteric, and smectic
	C.	cholesteric, conventional, and nematic
	D.	cholesteric, digital, and nematic

60.	Which of the following is not listed as a possible use for liquid crystals?
	A.	televisions
	B.	calculators
	C.	digital watches
	D.	computer screens

Read the story and answer the questions that follow.

	Jefferson Davis was the tenth child of Samuel Davis, a planter in Kentucky.  Jefferson's oldest brother, Joseph, supported him by sending him to academies in Kentucky and Mississippi.
	In 1821, Davis entered Transylvania University in Kentucky. He was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point three years later. From there, he began his career as an officer in the U.S. Army.
	Jefferson Davis's life was filled with highs and lows.  In 1835, Davis married his first wife, Sarah Taylor, who was the daughter of his commander. Within three months, Sarah contracted malaria and died. Heartbroken over her death, Davis moved to an isolated plantation in Mississippi.  There he spent the next ten years farming and studying.
	In 1845, Davis remarried and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a democrat.  He left that position in 1846 to command troops in the Mexican War.  Following the war, Davis became a senator for Mississippi.  Davis resigned from the senate to pursue the position of governor of Mississippi, but he lost the election.  He was later appointed Secretary of War and soon after returned to the senate.
	In 1861, much to his surprise, Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America.  For the next four years, he served with complete devotion.  Unfortunately, Davis was in poor health.  He also had difficulty dealing with people and criticism.  Eventually, the Confederate Army collapsed.
	On May 10, 1865, Davis was captured by Federal troops and imprisoned for two years.  Davis was released on bond, but never pardoned for crimes of treason.  He was now ineligible for public office.  He retired to Mississippi and died in 1889.

61.	Who influenced Davis's early education?
	A.	his brother
	B.	his father
	C.	his first commander
	D.	The story didn't say.

62.	What did Davis do immediately after his first wife died?
	A.	He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
	B.	He became a senator in Mississippi.
	C.	He moved to a plantation in Mississippi for ten years.
	D.	He became a commander of troops in the Mexican War.

63.	How long was Davis married to his first wife?
	A.	ten years
	B.	three years
	C.	six months
	D.	three months

64.	When was Davis appointed senator of Mississippi?
	A.	after the Mexican War
	B.	before the Mexican War
	C.	before being elected governor of Mississippi
	D.	after being appointed Secretary of War

65.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	Today is the most exciting day of my whole life. Not only is it my sixteenth birthday, but I'm going to get my driver's license.
	First, my dad is going to fix my favorite breakfast, French toast with strawberries. Then, my mom is going to take me down to the motor vehicle department to take my road test. After I pass my test, I get to drive home!
	Later that evening, I'm having a huge party at my house. A birthday tradition in my household is to open your presents at the exact time you are born. For me that is 11:11 p.m. I hope everyone can stay up that late!

Why does the author claim that today is the most exciting day of her whole life?
	A.	It is her sixteenth birthday and she's having a huge party.
	B.	It is her sixteenth birthday.
	C.	It is her sixteenth birthday, and she will get her driver's license.
	D.	She is going to get her driver's license.

66.	Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

	This past weekend I turned, twisted, jumped, and sped all over the ski slopes.  Usually I consider myself lucky to earn C's in school, but on my last report card I received an A in math and a B in science.  My parents were so proud of me that they gave me the best gift: a weekend snowboarding trip!
	We left Friday immediately after school, and my best friend Alison came with us.  We arrived at the ski lodge and rented our gear that night.  The excitement overcame us, and we stayed awake half the night talking about the next day's adventure.  Both Alison and I had been snowboarding before, and we knew this was one of the nicest resorts around.  We woke up to find six inches of fresh powder on the ground, and hurriedly ate our breakfast so we could get onto the slopes.   We strapped on our boards and boots, hopped on the lift, and spent the rest of the weekend traveling up and down the mountainside.

How does the author most likely feel about snowboarding?
	A.	She enjoys it but would rather do something else.
	B.	She enjoys it and likes to go whenever she gets the chance.
	C.	She dislikes it but goes to please her parents.
	D.	She dislikes it but goes because Alison like to snowboard.

67.	Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.

	This past weekend I turned, twisted, jumped, and sped all over the ski slopes.  Usually I consider myself lucky to earn C's in school, but on my last report card I received an A in math and a B in science.  My parents were so proud of me that they gave me the best gift: a weekend snowboarding trip!
	We left Friday immediately after school, and my best friend Alison came with us.  We arrived at the ski lodge and rented our gear that night.  The excitement overcame us, and we stayed awake half the night talking about the next day's adventure.  Both Alison and I had been snowboarding before, and we knew this was one of the nicest resorts around.  We woke up to find six inches of fresh powder on the ground, and hurriedly ate our breakfast so we could get onto the slopes.   We strapped on our boards and boots, hopped on the lift, and spent the rest of the weekend traveling up and down the mountainside.

Why are Alison and the author awake for half of the night?
	A.	They are riding in the car on the way to the resort.
	B.	They are anxious to go snowboarding the next day.
	C.	They have to wait in line to get their snowboards.
	D.	They are excited to receive their report cards.

68.	Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

	Today I visited a college campus.  It was beautiful, but very big.  I got lost four times.  Luckily, some college students noticed me wandering and offered to give me a guided tour.
	The library was my favorite building on campus.  I've never seen so many books.  I would have liked to have spent more time there, but my tour guides insisted that I see the cafeteria.
	The cafeteria looked like a lot of fun.  Students were jumping from one table to the next, visiting with all of their friends.  The best part was all of the food!   You could choose from buffets, salad bars, and there was even a dessert bar.

What does the author like best about the cafeteria?
	A.	the quick service
	B.	the friendly students
	C.	the table arrangements
	D.	all of the food choices

Read the letter carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Dear Jackie,
	How are you doing?  It just isn't the same without you here.  I wish you didn't have to move so far away.  However, I have managed to keep myself so busy this past month I haven't had any time to think about how lonely it is in town without you.  I know summer just started but I have had a million things to accomplish.  I just finished my third draft of my resume.  John is helping me edit it so I can find the best summer job.
  	This past week I went around to a number of local businesses to pick up applications.  I was just going to turn in the applications, but John told me that I'd have a better chance of getting the job of my choice if I submitted resumes with the completed applications.  You know what?  He was right!  After handing in my resumes with the applications, I already have three interviews lined up for next week.  I can't believe my luck!  Now I don't know where I want to work.  Monday I am going to Tom's Records and Tuesday I have an interview with McGregory's Restaurant.
	What about you?  Are you working this summer?  Have you applied anywhere?  I wish we could work in the same place.  Wouldn't that be fun?  We probably wouldn't get much work done though.
  	So what else have you been up to this summer?  I am taking tennis lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays.  My mom signed me up at Stone Ridge Country Club.  I guess she thinks it will make me a refined young lady if I know how to properly hold a tennis racket.  I'd rather be surfing with my friends.  Speaking of surfing, have you had a chance to paddle out lately?  How are the waves on the East Coast?  At least the water should be warmer there than here!
	Well I wish you were here so we could apply for jobs together.  Good luck in meeting new friends this summer.   I'm sure you'll do great because you are so sweet!  Maybe I'll be able to save up enough money from my summer job to come visit you over winter break.  Wouldn't that be great?!  I need to get back to the application process.  Wish me luck at my interviews and I hope I get to talk to you soon.

Take care,
Cindy

69.	Which of the following statements is not true?
	A.	John helped Cindy with her resume.
	B.	Jackie lives in California.
	C.	Cindy loves surfing.
	D.	Jackie moved away.

70.	When does Cindy want to come visit Jackie?
	A.	right away
	B.	over the summer
	C.	spring break
	D.	winter break

71.	How would you describe the tone of Cindy's letter?
	A.	upbeat
	B.	sad
	C.	angry
	D.	bored

72.	How will Jackie feel when she receives this letter?
	A.	excited to hear from a friend
	B.	angry that Cindy did not write sooner
	C.	upset by Cindy's success
	D.	excited about the summer

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

	Hummingbirds are fascinating, unique creatures.  To begin with, hummingbirds have the distinction of being the world's smallest birds.  The smallest is the bee hummingbird of Cuba.  It measures about two inches in length; half of that is just its tail and beak.  These birds weigh less than one-fifteenth of an ounce, or two grams.  The largest hummingbird, the giant hummingbird of South America, can exceed eight inches in length.  Many people are surprised to learn that there are over 300 species of these small birds, making up one of the largest families of birds.  The first hummingbirds lived in South America.  Their territory has expanded to all parts of North America, Central America, and South America.  These diverse creatures can adapt to a variety of environments including plains, deserts, mountains, and tropical rain forests.  In the United States, hummingbirds can be found wherever flowers grow.
	The hummingbird's tiny body is full of surprises.  More than a third of its weight is in its chest muscles, the largest muscles in a hummingbird's body.  Thanks to these muscles and an unusual wing design, the hummingbird is the best flier, and can perform tricks in the air that can be accomplished by no other species of bird.  While most birds have small muscles that enable them to raise, not lower their wings, a hummingbird can raise and lower its wings, allowing it to get flying power from both wing beats.  Also, the hummingbird can turn its wings in any direction.  This enables it to fly forward, backward, sideways, and even upside down.
	Another interesting feature of the hummingbird is its colorful feathers.  As a hummingbird speeds through the air, the feathers on its head and throat change color.  What appears gray one minute might look bright green the next.  If you closely examined a hummingbird's feather, you would observe that parts of it are covered by thousands of minute "bubbles" of differing shape and thickness.  When light bounces off the feathers at different angles, they appear as different colors.  In a similar way, if you blow soap bubbles into the air and watch as they float, you will notice that their colors seem to change.
	Despite its size, the hummingbird is a voracious eater.  It must constantly eat to energize and heat its fast-moving body.  Because its food must be digested quickly, it eats great quantities of sugar.  Sugar can be digested and quickly turned into fuel.  A hummingbird obtains most of its sugar from the nectar contained in flowers, but it is not uncommon for it to supplement its diet with fruit as well.  Because it requires protein to build muscles, it also feasts on insects.
	After examining many of the hummingbird's features, it is easy to see why people find these birds fascinating.  Some find these birds interesting simply because of their intriguing flight patterns, while others are amazed by their petite size and boundless energy.  It cannot be denied that the hummingbird is one of the most unique species of birds.

73.	What can people do to help protect the hummingbird?
	A.	Stop tearing down trees.
	B.	Hang hummingbird feeders in their yards.
	C.	Plant more flower gardens that will attract the birds.
	D.	The passage does say.

74.	Why do some people find the hummingbird so fascinating?
	A.	because of its interesting flight patterns
	B.	because it eats more than any other bird
	C.	because it can go for a long time without eating
	D.	because their feathers are the color of soap bubbles

75.	Where was the first hummingbird discovered?
	A.	South America
	B.	North, Central, and South America
	C.	North America
	D.	Central America

76.	How large can a hummingbird grow?
	A.	over eight inches
	B.	eight inches
	C.	less than eight inches
	D.	eight to twelve inches

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

	Penguins have long fascinated people, although many people are unaware of some of their more unique characteristics.  While some of these attributes are also common to other members of the bird family, many belong solely to the penguin species.  One reason that people seem to know so little about penguins is that many penguins live in remote areas.
	Unlike the majority of birds, penguins cannot fly.  In fact, with at least eighteen species, penguins are the largest family of flightless birds in the world.  Because it can't fly, a penguin's most common mode of transportation is swimming. Penguins also rely on their strong swimming skills to catch their food.  There is a correlation between the penguin's strong swimming abilities and the fact that it can't fly.  Bodies that are too heavy for flight and wings that are too small for flying are two of the features that make the penguin an excellent swimmer.  Most species of penguins can swim faster and dive deeper than any other family of birds.  The submarine-like shape of the penguin's body enables it to cut easily through the water, while its wings work like two strong paddles.  Unlike those of most land birds, a penguin's feathers are very condensed, with more than seventy feathers per square inch.  These feathers are waterproof because they are coated with oil and overlap each other.  It's not surprising that the average penguin swims 15 miles per hour, the same speed as the fastest human runner.  Penguins can swim four times the speed of humans, as quickly as bottlenose dolphins.
	Penguins often look funny to people because they stand erect.  They stand and walk in a similar fashion as humans because their legs are attached to their bodies at one end.  Penguins would fall over on their faces if they leaned over like other birds.  Most people assume that all breeds of penguins walk in the same manner.  However, some species, such as Rockhoppers, hop from rock to rock, sometimes as much as six feet at a time.  Others, such as the Emperor penguins, sway from side to side.
	While many people associate penguins with cold weather, some species actually live along the coast of South America, while others inhabit southern Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.  It is common for penguins to migrate from the Antarctic Circle to warmer climates at summer's end.  Only two breeds (Emperors and Adelies) actually remain in cold areas year round.  Like humans, penguins are warm-blooded.  The penguin's numerous layers of insulation and blubber help to keep the heat from leaving its body when the temperature outside drops.  When the weather turns mild, penguins fluff up their feathers, allowing the heat to escape, similar to opening a door.
	The penguin's future seems promising because there are millions of penguins alive today, the majority of which live in remote areas where people don't bother them.  Also, laws protect all species of penguins.  However, the possibility of less food (fish) due to the increasing human population is one threat to penguins.  A second threat is water pollution.  To ensure that these unusual animals do not become endangered, it's important that people remember to respect the environment.

77.	According to the passage, what is one characteristic that makes the penguin's body so conducive to swimming?
	A.	its submarine-like shape
	B.	its hollow bones
	C.	its layers of insulation and blubber
	D.	The passage does not say.

78.	According to the passage, what is one way in which penguins differ from most land birds?
	A.	Penguins can swim.
	B.	Penguins' feathers are very condensed.
	C.	Penguins' feathers are waterproof.
	D.	The passage does not say.

79.	According to the passage, why do penguins use swimming as a means of transportation?
	A.	because they cannot fly
	B.	because their habitats contain more water than land
	C.	because they must remain erect
	D.	the passage does not say

80.	According to the passage, what is the current penguin population?
	A.	There are eighteen different species.
	B.	There are more than 18 million penguins worldwide.
	C.	The total number of penguins is unknown because they live in such remote areas.
	D.	The passage does not say.

Read this excerpt from a letter and answer the questions that follow.

	For the past ten years my husband and I have enjoyed stopping at your chain of restaurants throughout the country.  We recently drove from Colorado to Montana on a two-week vacation.  Unfortunately, we had a rather unpleasant experience at your restaurant in Middleston, Wyoming.
	Last Saturday night, April 23, we arrived at your restaurant at 5:45 p.m.  We were not seated at a table until almost 6:15 p.m.   The food server had long, unkempt hair that fell into our water glasses as she put the water on our table.  Her attitude was careless and unfriendly.  She took our order and then disappeared for one hour.  When the food finally arrived, it was cold and thoroughly unappealing.
	I asked to speak with a manager, but was rudely informed that she was too busy.  We paid the $18.63 bill and walked out.  I look forward to your comments concerning this atrocious evening.

81.	What is not true about the food server?
	A.	Her hair fell into the couple's water glasses.
	B.	She brought the manager to the couple's table.
	C.	Her attitude was careless and unfriendly.
	D.	She didn't return to the table for an hour.

82.	To whom is the letter most likely addressed?
	A.	the president of the restaurant chain
	B.	the food server at the restaurant
	C.	the author's husband
	D.	the manager of the restaurant

83.	The writer of the letter will most likely ___________________________________________.
	A.	stay away from the restaurant unless she receives an apology
	B.	encourage her friends to try the restaurant
	C.	throw out the letter before sending it
	D.	change her mind and eat at the restaurant next week

84.	According to the letter, which of the following statements is not true?
	A.	The server disappeared for one hour.
	B.	The couple's dinner was unsatisfactory.
	C.	The woman who wrote the letter lives in Middleston, Wyoming.
	D.	The woman who wrote the letter was on vacation.

Read the letter below and answer the questions that follow.

July 1, 1999

Dr. Angela Lopez
School Board Superintendent
Decatur School District
1234 El Camino Real
Decatur, GA  30305

Dear Dr. Lopez:

I am writing to request that the school board reconsider its recent decision to require all students in our district to wear school-approved uniforms during the upcoming school year.  I am a junior at Casita High School and I find it very disturbing that the committee that was originally formed to discuss the issue of school uniforms was composed entirely of adults.  Many adults are out of touch with adolescents and their needs.  After all, things have changed a lot since you were a teenager!  As both a student and a teenager, I feel that I can provide insight regarding school uniforms and the detrimental effect that they could have in our schools.  If you do not decide to reconsider this decision, you will appear as autocratic a leader as you accused your predecessor of being.  I implore you to consider the valid points that I bring to light in this letter. 

To begin with, if students are required to wear school uniforms, we will lose one of our most prized values, individuality.  Many studies have shown that from an early age, it is important that children have the opportunity to express themselves, thus developing their own unique personalities.  Where would America be today without such diversity?  Are we not known as the "melting pot" of the world?  Beginning in kindergarten, teachers and guidance counselors have repeatedly told students to "be unique."  "Don't worry about what other kids are doing," they lectured.  What kind of message will this send to students?  Behave like everyone else? Don't dare to be different?  We run the risk of becoming a school district of clones! 

 Another issue that many adults on your committee probably never thought to consider involves sports teams and band members.  Band members at my high school take pride in the fact that they were recognized as the state's outstanding marching band last year.  They can often be seen proudly wearing their band shirts.  Such pride spills over into other areas of the school.  On game days our basketball team members and cheerleaders proudly wear their uniforms.  Not only does this promote unity, but  it also reminds the student body to come out and support their teams.  If the policy of school uniforms is instituted, gone will be the days when athletic team members and band participants will proudly displayed their colors at school.  Studies have shown that students who take pride in their school's athletics, music programs, and other extracurricular activities consistently perform better on standardized tests than those students who attend schools that have little school pride. 

Finally, I beseech you to reconsider this potentially harmful decision because of the cost factor.  Many high school students work hard at part-time jobs to buy their own clothes.  It is doubtful that these same students will be motivated to buy their own school uniforms.  This will put the burden on parents to purchase the uniforms.  Also, what about the family that has six kids and relies on hand-me-downs from older siblings to clothe the younger children?  With the school uniform requirement, such a family would have to go out and purchase uniforms for each child.  Unless parents plan on washing clothes every other day, they will be forced to purchase several uniforms for each school-aged child in the family.  I researched this and after looking through a school uniform catalog, I found that $32 was the average price for a pair of uniform slacks and shirt.  This may not sound like much, but think about a family that has three school-aged children.  To buy a week's worth of uniforms for each child, you will be looking at a total of  $480. That's not including shoes!  If families can't afford such an amount, are you going to refuse their children entrance into the school?  Or worse, will more money be needed in the school budget to subsidize those families whose income levels won't allow them to purchase uniforms?  Either way, it seems like a "no win" situation.

In conclusion, studies have shown that it is vital that children learn to express themselves at an early age.  Test results continue to show that students in schools where there is little school pride consistently perform more poorly than their counterparts who respect their schools.  People in our district already complain about the high school taxes.  The implementation of the school uniform policy could potentially escalate the taxes if low-income families require financial aid to purchase these uniforms.  Finally, our forefathers gave us many rights and freedoms when they penned the Constitution back in the 1770's.  The freedom to dress as individuals should remain one of those rights.  I respectfully request that you reconsider your decision to require students to wear school uniforms. 

Sincerely, 

Anthony Santos

85.	Which of the following is not a stated concern of the student who wrote the letter?
	A.	Students will lose their individuality.
	B.	Students will submit to peer pressure because of their lack of individuality.
	C.	Parents will be burdened with buying several uniforms for each school-aged child.
	D.	Student test scores could drop if they no longer have pride in their schools.

86.	In the letter, which cause and effect does the author refer to?
	A.	When students don't have school pride, standardized test scores are lower.
	B.	When students have to wear uniforms, their parents get angry because of the cost.
	C.	When schools require mandatory school uniforms, taxes increase.
	D.	When schools require students to wear uniforms, sports teams often perform poorly because they lose their team pride.

87.	Why does the author of the letter think that mandatory school uniforms could ultimately increase school taxes?
	A.	Low-income families would no longer be able to rely on "hand-me-downs."
	B.	The author thinks that it is the school district's responsibility to supply all families with uniforms.
	C.	The author claims that low-income families could not afford to purchase uniforms without financial assistance.
	D.	The author does not explain.

88.	Which persuasive techniques could improve this letter?
	A.	The writer could appeal to the superintendent's emotions.
	B.	The writer could identify the authors and dates of the studies that he refers to.
	C.	The author could provide more support for his opinions.
	D.	All of the above are effective persuasive techniques.

Read the letter below and answer the questions that follow.

January 1, 2000

Senator Linda Cantalupo
2000 Main Street
Providence, RI  43872

Dear Senator Smith:

I am writing to urge you to vote against Proposition 204, the bill that would make the driving age eighteen in our state.  Although I'm sure that you've received thousands of letters from teenagers who are urging you to vote against the bill, I hope that you are also hearing from concerned parents, such as myself.

 I am a forty-two year old single parent of four children, the oldest of whom received his driver's license six months ago.  While I am sure that many teenagers are writing to you, contending that they can't live without the convenience that driving offers them, I have a different reason.  As a working mother yourself, you must realize how difficult it is to work full time and raise a family.  When my son received his driver's license this past July, I thought that things were going to get easier.  You see, my son was finally able to get a job when his grandparents bought him a used car.  Living in a rural area, my son didn't have the option of securing a job that he could walk to.  He was so proud when he came home with his first paycheck.  While he wanted to give me part of it to help with the household expenses, I insisted that he open a savings account with the hope that he could save enough money to enroll at the junior college when he finishes high school next year.  It gives me peace of mind to think that he might be able to go to college.

Imagine my disappointment when I read the article in the paper outlining the proposed bill.  I started thinking about our situation and realized that many other families must be in the same predicament.  While I understand that teenagers cause the majority of accidents, I also know that not all sixteen year olds are at the same maturity level.  My son, for instance, has been a great help to me since his father left five years ago.  He is a very responsible boy and has not had a single accident or ticket since acquiring his license.

 If it appears that this bill will receive a majority vote, then I beseech you to please attach a clause to this referendum.  Couldn't the bill allow teenagers between the ages of sixteen and eighteen to receive their license if they secure a job within three months of getting the license?

I think this could be beneficial in two ways.  First, it would encourage students to look for part-time jobs.  Second, it would weed out those teenage drivers who were only acquiring their licenses for social purposes.

Attached to this letter you will find a petition, signed by 500 local voters who feel as strongly as I do about this issue.  You have been a very good senator during your freshman term, and I look forward to voting for you again when you run for re-election next fall.  All I am asking is that you remember the concerns of local voters, like myself, when you speak about this proposition in congress.

Without my son's part-time job, there is no hope that he will be able to attend college.  Please remember that when you vote on Proposition 204.

Sincerely,

Margaret Timmons

Concerned citizen

89.	Who is the intended audience of this letter?
	A.	one of the writer's state senators
	B.	both of the writer's state senators
	C.	concerned parents of teenage drivers
	D.	Senator Linda Carter

90.	According to the letter, how many terms has the senator served?
	A.	This is her first term.
	B.	She has served several terms.
	C.	This is her second term.
	D.	The passage does not imply.

91.	Whom does the writer think the senator is receiving the most letters from regarding Proposition 204?
	A.	single parents
	B.	teenage drivers
	C.	all concerned voters
	D.	The letter does not say.

92.	What does the writer mean when she says, "and I look forward to voting for you again when you run for re-election next fall"?
	A.	She will vote for the senator if the senator votes against the proposition.
	B.	She thinks the senator has done a good job and will definitely vote for her again.
	C.	She will vote for the senator again in the hope that the senator votes against the proposition.
	D.	The letter does not say.

Read the poem and answer the questions that follow.

We sit in the moist sand
Feeling the cool ocean breeze
Gently tickling the senses,
Awakening passion for nature.

Looking around the horizon,
Seeing, marveling, experiencing
The magnificent color changes,
Bright hues transform blue skies.

Blue turns to pink, blending itself;
Orangey-reds burst out from
Beyond the edge of the world
As soft purple walks across the sky.

Watching, waiting and hoping,
Longing for a wave to catch;
Is the rush real or have we created
The feeling in our hearts and minds?

Setting sun slowly sinking into the abyss,
Surfers sit, awaiting the set;
The horizon disappears and scrambling boards
Travel to "the spot" and wait.

Paddling down the purplish water
Catching the speed, force, and thrill
Of the wave as the warm glow
Fills the sky with colors.

Not able to contain myself,
Running to the ocean's edge,
The cool water awakens
Senses and feelings deep inside.

Desiring to catch the perfect wave,
I long to be in "the spot,"
Hoping to feel that sense,
That rush, that feeling of peace.

93.	What is the poet waiting for in the middle of the poem?
	A.	the sun to set
	B.	to catch a wave
	C.	to see the "green flash"
	D.	to meet a friend

94.	What is the main idea of the poem?
	A.	experiencing the beauty of nature
	B.	the colors of the sunset
	C.	powerful surfers
	D.	a day at the beach

95.	Who is the narrator of the poem?
	A.	a student
	B.	a surfer
	C.	not stated
	D.	a young boy

96.	What is the most appropriate title for this poem?
	A.	Grains of Sand
	B.	Surfing at Sunset
	C.	A Day at the Beach
	D.	Solitary Feelings

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Ms. Adams's math class and Mrs. Boyd's life skills class worked together on a holiday project for a local children's home. The assignment was as follows:

You will be making a gingerbread structure or structures to display in the Oakmont Children's Home for the holidays. The final display will be a gingerbread town. All the ingredients must be edible materials. Please follow the instructions carefully to create an excellent final product for the children at Oakmont to enjoy.

A.  Sketch a rough design of the structure or structures you would like to create for the gingerbread town. Some ideas include: houses, stores, farms, sleighs, animals, people, parks with play equipment.
B.  Have your design reviewed by Mrs. Boyd by November 3rd. Duplicate designs will need to be modified.
C.  Simplify your design to its two-dimensional components. For example: rectangles are used for walls; triangles are used in roofs; a sleigh will require two identical sides.
D.  Calculate how many pieces of each shape will be necessary to create your design.
E.  Create pattern pieces out of cooking parchment (available from Mrs. Boyd) for each unique piece of your design. (For example: if you need 4  six-inch by eight-inch walls, you only need to make one pattern piece and use it four times)
F.  Calculate the amount of gingerbread dough you will need to mix to create your design. The rule is that 100 square inches of gingerbread is equal to one batch of dough.
G.  Recalculate the amount of ingredients you will need to make the correct amount of dough for your design.
H.  Using the following formulas, determine the amount of frosting and decorations you will need for your design. Frosting = ½ x batches of dough; Decorations = 2 x batches of dough.
I.  Using the price list available in Ms. Adams's classroom, determine how many units of each ingredient you will need and how much they will cost. Turn in your price list to Ms. Adams.
J.  The next day pick up your money for ingredients from Ms. Adams.
K.  Shop for your ingredients at ValueMart Groceries. Remember to show them your school identification to ensure the correct price for your ingredients.
L.  Follow the recipe to make your gingerbread.

		Gingerbread - 1 batch 

		Ingredients:
		6 cups all-purpose flour
		2 cups molasses
		2 tablespoons powdered ginger
		2 teaspoons baking soda
		1 teaspoon baking powder
		1 cup butter or margarine 
		2 eggs, lightly beaten
		Frosting for mortar
		Frosting for decoration 
		Decorations

		Method: 

		 1. In a large bowl, mix flour, ginger, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
		 2. In a medium size saucepan, heat the molasses over medium heat until it boils slightly.
		 Add the butter and stir until it is melted.
		 3. Add the molasses and butter mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well blended.
		 4. Stir eggs into mixture, and mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
		 5. Refrigerate overnight.
		 6. On a lightly floured board, roll gingerbread dough into a 12 by 15 inch rectangle.
		 7. Using your patterns, cut out pieces for your design. Do not re-roll scrap pieces of dough.
		 8. Carefully transfer pieces to baking sheet.
		 9. Bake at 300 degrees for 90 minutes.
		10. Cool pieces on baking sheet for 10 minutes and then on wire rack until completely cool.
		11. Prepare frosting for mortar by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with a quarter of the prepared 
		frosting. 
		Allow to set for 30 minutes at room temperature.
		12. Using frosting for mortar, attach gingerbread pieces according to your design. 
		Allow to dry overnight before decorating.
		13. Use remaining frosting to frost and decorate the exterior of your gingerbread pieces. 
		Allow to dry overnight.
		14. Transfer pieces to the transporting tray provided to you by Mrs. Boyd.

M.  Bring your completed gingerbread pieces to Mrs. Boyd's room by the end of homeroom on December 2nd.
N.  Join Oakmont Children's Home for their holiday party on December 3rd at 4:00 p.m.

97.	How many batches of gingerbread does the recipe make as written?
	A.	one batch 
	B.	two batches
	C.	three batches
	D.	four batches

98.	What is the purpose of stating that all ingredients must be edible?
	A.	to ensure that the local grocery store profits from the project
	B.	to ensure that the final gingerbread houses can be safely eaten
	C.	to emphasize that edible materials are easier to work with
	D.	to ensure that the gingerbread houses are structurally sound

99.	Looking at Recipe Direction 12, choose the best reason for allowing the frosting to dry overnight.
	A.	to increase the time it takes to create a gingerbread structure
	B.	to increase the stability of the structure
	C.	to help the children at the Oakmont Children's Home
	D.	to make the gingerbread structure taste better

100.	After you cut out your pieces, what do you do next?
	A.	Bake them at 300 degrees for 90 minutes.
	B.	Re-roll the scraps and cut out more pieces.
	C.	Transfer them to a baking sheet.
	D.	Roll out the dough into a rectangle.