"Right in Your Own Backyard!" 2010 SOL #1

Which of these is necessary to construct a horseshoe court?

• A patch of lawn

• A level surface

• A bag of concrete

• A plastic bucket

Which sentence should be included in a presentation about the proper way to pitch horseshoes?

• The stake pits should be anywhere from four to eight inches deep, with the stake spot in the center of the rectangle.

• Drive the stakes into the centers of their respective pits until they extend 14-15 inches above the pit surface.

• Each player pitches two consecutive shoes at the same stake and then walks to the stake, totals the points, and pitches back to the other stake.

• Experts recommend concentrating on the spot where you want the horseshoe to fall while lofting the horseshoe with an easy underhand motion.

Based on the section “Tips to anchor the stakes more firmly,” the reader may best infer that —

• players risk potential injury from stakes that are not anchored

• stakes that are not anchored may shift during the course of play

• the most effective way to anchor the stakes is with concrete

• stakes must be anchored according to the official rules of play

The organizational structure of the section “Finally, Time to Play” is best described as —

• chronological order

• comparison/contrast

• order of importance

• listing or enumeration

According to the document, a full inning of play consists of —

• both players pitching at each stake

• one toss at each stake

• one player pitching at each stake

• two tosses at one stake

What section of the document explains how to use loose dirt or sawdust as filler for your stake pits?

• The Game of Horseshoes

• Follow these steps to construct a court:

• Tips to anchor the stakes more firmly:

• Finally, Time to Play

Which statement best expresses the main idea of this document?

• The game of horseshoes was created many years ago and is still played today.

• Points are scored in horseshoes by trying to pitch a horseshoe toward a stake.

• Pitching horseshoes is an ancient sport and an easy game to set up and play.

• Driving the stakes is the most difficult part of setting up a horseshoe court.

Which sentence supports the idea that there are variations to the rules of amateur horseshoe pitching?

• If you want to enjoy the game of horseshoes with your own family and friends, it’s easy enough to get started.

• For safety, locate your court away from houses, decks, and other buildings, as well as far from any streets or walkways.

• You’re going to dig neat rectangular areas at either end of the court.

• You can rotate pitching order or allow the highest scorer from the previous round to throw second.

Which question is answered in this document?

• Who is considered the game’s greatest player?

• What is the best strategy if an opponent throws a leaner?

• How long does a game of horseshoes typically last?

• Where can proper stakes for a horseshoe court be found?

The main purpose of this document is to--

• amuse

• persuade

• inform

• analyze