The Incredible Shrinking Pyramid

In paragraph 5, the word advanced means —

• A. removed from the proper place

• B. caused to become less important

• C. proved the harmful effects of

• D. made happen faster

What happened to the Great Pyramid as Cairo increased in size and population?

• F. It started sinking into the desert sand.

• G. People used its outer rock to build other structures.

• H. Water started collecting inside its walls.

• J. The natural elements started wearing down its outer layers.

The author included paragraph 8 most likely to explain —

• A. why the pyramids are popular with tourists

• B. when tourists can visit the pyramids

• C. what can be done to preserve the pyramids

• D. who is responsible for restoring the pyramids

Which sentence best highlights that the author is impressed with the creation of the Great Pyramid?

• F. Many people have wondered how the ancient Egyptians could have built such a massive structure.

• G. Fortunately one man, the archaeologist Zahi Hawass, made it his life’s goal to restore the Great Pyramid and the smaller pyramids that surround it.

• H. In fact, the structure has lost about 30 feet of its original height.

• J. Historians have learned that the pyramid’s builders were farmers

The author organizes paragraphs 5 through 8 for the purpose of describing the —

• A. events that led to the Great Pyramid’s problem with shrinking

• B. causes of the Great Pyramid’s problem with shrinking and the effects this problem is having on the Egyptian people

• C. Great Pyramid’s problem with shrinking and comparing it with the problems of other Egyptian pyramids

• D. Great Pyramid’s problem with shrinking and the efforts being made to solve it

The photograph below paragraph 2 is included with the selection to help the reader understand how —

• F. the Great Pyramid has changed over time

• G. large the Great Pyramid is compared with other pyramids

• H. many visitors the Great Pyramid attracts

• J. the Great Pyramid was constructed

Based on information in the selection, with which statement would Hawass most likely agree?

• A. Historical monuments around the world should be fully open to tourists.

• B. People should take care to protect historical monuments around the world.

• C. Countries need to stop constructing modern cities near historical sites.

• D. Modern buildings are often more impressive than ancient ones.

Which of the following is the best title for the diagram?

• F. Effects of Nature on the Appearance of Pyramids

• G. Changes That Need to Be Made to the Great Pyramid

• H. Reasons Tourists Should Stop Visiting Pyramids

• J. Why the Great Pyramid Is Shrinking