A Presidential Tradition- reading comprehension quiz

Which of the following statements best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

• Immigrants do not have the same opportunities as people born in the United States.

• Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams were the most intelligent U.S. presidents.

• Many past U.S. presidents were multilingual, even though English is the main language spoken.

• The Unites States government should make English the official language of the country.

Based on its use in paragraph 1, it can be inferred that the word GENESIS belongs to which of the following word groups?

• origin, commencement, beginning

• growth, maturation, metamorphosis

• cycle, period, generation

• cessation, windup, finale

As used in paragraph 2, the the word ambidexterity most nearly means

• the ability to write something down

• the ability to think and respond quickly

• the ability to speak and write two languages

• the ability to use both hands with equal ease

As used in paragraph 3, the word polyglot most nearly means

• one who is intelligent

• one who is multilingual

• one who is skillful

• one who is well read

According to the passage, how many languages did Thomas Jefferson study besides English?

• 3

• 5

• 7

• 8

Using information in the passage, it can be inferred that the author believes

• Martin Can Buren should not have been elected president

• modern schools should put more emphasis on classical language instruction

• All U.S. presidents should be able to speak multiple languages

• Immigrants should be allowed to be elected president of the United States

How does the author make the final paragraph different from the first three?

• He focuses on most children in the US speaking English even if their parents don't.

• He stresses the importance of world leaders being multilingual in today's society.

• He stresses the importance of having classical language classes in schools today.

• He focuses on the fact that President Van Buren learned English as a second language

Which type of author's purpose is this passage?

• Inform

• Narrate

• Persuade

• Honor

According to the article, why doesn't the United States have an official language?

• Most people who live here now don't understand English very well.

• English IS the official language of the United States.

• English is the language of our legislation

• Created as a home to immigrants, we should not have an official language.

Which language did John Quincy Adams speak that Thomas Jefferson did not?

• Greek

• Gaelic

• English

• German