In paragraph 4, the word "cracks" most closely means...

malicious or mischievous remark

narrow opening; partial fracture

In paragraph 1, the author uses the metaphor to illustrate...

how the American Dream is part of the country's culture

how the American Dream comes from its music, politics, and culture

how the American Dream is necessary for all of the United States

What is the best summary of the section titled "Skepticism Grows"?

People are not believing in the American Dream as much today, and it seems that only the people who have achieved it already really believe in it. Since people are paid 10% less today than 10 years ago, backs up the belief that the American Dream isn't working as well today.

Only wealthy blacks and whites really believe in the American Dream. Poor people, who are earning 10% less, have no reason to believe in the American Dream any more.

Americans are deferring their dreams since the economy no longer supports it. People from lower incomes have lost faith in it, especially since they see wealthy people being successful and they are not.

Why does the author use several question in paragraph 30?

He did this to have the reader become introspective and have them create an opinion on the subject.

He used several questions to confuse the reader's opinion on the American Dream.

He used the series of questions to cause the reader to become more optimistic for the future.

Which sentence(s) best express(es) the main idea of the text?

"The challenge for politicians today is to convince Americans that the phrase still applies--that hard work and dedication still guarantee success." (par. 25).

"As cynical as this may seem, the numbers suggest that the people most likely in the American Dream today are those who've already attained it." (par. 27).

"This crisis of confidence is not just because the economy is bad. In fact, the American Dream flowered at a time when the economy was at its worst." (par. 13)

In paragraphs 12-14, why does the author compare the current economic crisis with the Great Depression?

Since everyone who has taken American history is familiar with the Great Depression, his comparison solidifies his claim that the economy is not the problem.

He compares the economic crisis with the Great Depression because he wants to remind us that things can get better.

He compares the two because he wants people to stop being whiny and know that they should have hope.

Which paragraph best expresses the theme of optimism? Why?

Paragraph 17 best supports it since the rising sun represents hope and the idea that things can get better.

Paragraph 20 best supports it since Aaron Copland was still successful despite being a minority of a minority.

Paragraph 25 best supports it since the American Dream can only be found in America.

Which paragraph best expresses the theme of skepticism?

Paragraph 28 since people play by the rules, but they don't get the promised success

Paragraph 30 since it mentions a "dream deferred"

Paragraph 26 since poor people don't believe in the dream

Questions for "American Dream Faces Harsh Reality"

Quiz

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English

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10th Grade

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Practice Problem

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Hard

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CCSS

RL.11-12.2, RI.9-10.4, RI. 9-10.6

+22

Standards-aligned

LETICIA ALMANZA

Used 66+ times

FREE Resource

About this resource

This quiz assesses 10th-grade English Language Arts comprehension skills through close reading analysis of a nonfiction text titled "American Dream Faces Harsh Reality." The questions focus on advanced reading comprehension strategies including vocabulary in context, metaphor analysis, summarization of complex sections, author's purpose and rhetorical devices, main idea identification, comparative analysis between historical periods, and thematic analysis. Students must demonstrate sophisticated analytical thinking by evaluating how authors use literary devices like metaphors and rhetorical questions to convey meaning, comparing economic periods to support arguments, and identifying how specific paragraphs support broader themes of optimism versus skepticism. The quiz requires students to move beyond literal comprehension to interpretive and evaluative levels of thinking, synthesizing information across multiple paragraphs and understanding how authors structure arguments about complex socioeconomic concepts. Created by Leticia Almanza, an English teacher in the US who teaches grade 10. This quiz effectively supports classroom instruction by providing rigorous practice with informational text analysis that mirrors the complexity students encounter on standardized assessments and college-preparatory coursework. Teachers can implement this as a formative assessment following guided reading instruction, as homework to reinforce close reading skills, or as review material before summative assessments on nonfiction analysis. The quiz works exceptionally well for warm-up activities that activate prior knowledge about textual analysis or as part of differentiated instruction for students ready for advanced comprehension challenges. This assessment directly aligns with Common Core standards RI.9-10.1 (citing textual evidence for analysis), RI.9-10.2 (determining central ideas and analyzing development), RI.9-10.4 (determining word meanings), RI.9-10.5 (analyzing author's ideas and claims), and RI.9-10.6 (determining author's purpose and rhetorical strategies).