2014 STAAR - "The Incredible Shrinking Pyramid"

11) 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

12) 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.

13) 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

14) 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.

15) 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 Egyptian people

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

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

16) 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

17) Based on the 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 building are often more impressive than ancient ones.

18) 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