The Great California Earthquake of 1906

What is the article mostly about?

• major disasters of the twentieth centry
• earthquakes that have occurred
• lifestyles of the early 1900s
• an earthquake that destroyed a major city

Why could fire not be controlled?

• there was not water
• power lines were broken
• the streets were too crowded
• no one could get to them

In the article, to what is the rising and falling of the streets compared?

• raging flames
• the nation's worst natural disaster
• the rise and fall of the sun
• the rise and fall of ocean waves

Predict which of these would most likely occur if a similar earthquake were to strike San Francisco today.

• Water lines and gas lines would remain undamaged.
• Streets would not require repair.
• Few citizens would lose their homes.
• Losses to life and property would not be as severe.

What is the meaning of the word survey in paragraph 4?

• poll
• inspect
• estimate
• deny

Which is a conclusion you can make based on the passage?

• Earthquakes today are more mild than those in the past.
• Earthquakes usually occur in the early morning hours.
• Earthquakes are as unpredictable today as they were in the past.
• Earthquakes always last less than one minute.

In the last paragraph, what does "rise from the ashes" describe?

• The earthquake of 1906 caused the outbreak of fire.
• The people of San Francisco were able to put aside their sorrow.
• The city of San Francisco was leveled by a powerful earthquake.
• The people of San Francisco lost their city in less than one minute.

Which of these is the best summary of the article?

• The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 devastated the city, but could not destroy city dwellers' spirits.
• People often don't realize how much damage an earthquake can cause.
• Fires are a more destructive force than earthquakes.
• the SF earthquake of 1906 was the worst disaster in the nation's history.

How long did the first shock last?

• almost four days
• less than one minute
• only 15 seconds
• over two minutes

How is paragraph two organized?

• compare and contrast
• problem and solution
• sequence
• nonfiction