Prosperi had a map and a compass with him, but the sandstorm changed the area so much that he could no longer recognize anything and he wasn’t sure where he was. Nevertheless, he wasn’t immediately distressed. He even continued to run at first, unaware that he was straying far from the race course. He had some supplies with him, including the compass and map, as well as a knife and some food. He didn’t have a lot of water with him because race officials provided water at the many stops along the way. Prosperi wasn’t too concerned and felt that race officials would quickly find him. He finally realized how dire his situation was when he spotted a helicopter that was almost certainly looking for him. He set off the small flare the officials had given all runners, but the pilot did not see it and the helicopter flew away. What caused Prosperi to become concerned about his situation?

The helicopter that was looking for him didn’t see him.

He was quickly running out of extra food.

He had a limited supply of water and no access to more.

Cheerleading is a great activity for young men and women. It has risen in popularity in recent years and is a good way to show off a variety of skills. Cheerleaders must be precise, energetic and able to motivate crowds. There are two main types of cheerleading: sideline and competitive. Sideline cheerleaders are the cheerleaders you see cheering on the sidelines at football or basketball games. They shout out cheers and do some basic jumps and tumbling. Competitive cheerleading allows cheerleading squads to compete against each other. They participate in routines where they can show off their precision, flexibility, stunting and tumbling. Cheerleading programs can start as young as age 2 and go up through the college level. Both males and females can be cheerleaders. Male cheerleaders are often used as spotters when stunting because of their strength. Cheerleading can be a private sport or club that is not affiliated with any schools, or it can be a school sport. In order to become a cheerleader, the athlete must try out and demonstrate their skill set before a group of judges. Only the most skilled are chosen to become a cheerleader. What is a central idea of today’s passage?

There are two main types of cheerleading and both require skill and hardwork.

Cheerleading is a wonderful way for kids to stay active.

Cheerleading at football and basketball games is very popular.

Cheerleading is a great activity for young men and women. It has risen in popularity in recent years and is a good way to show off a variety of skills. Cheerleaders must be precise, energetic and able to motivate crowds. There are two main types of cheerleading: sideline and competitive. Sideline cheerleaders are the cheerleaders you see cheering on the sidelines at football or basketball games. They shout out cheers and do some basic jumps and tumbling. Competitive cheerleading allows cheerleading squads to compete against each other. They participate in routines where they can show off their precision, flexibility, stunting and tumbling. Cheerleading programs can start as young as age 2 and go up through the college level. Both males and females can be cheerleaders. Male cheerleaders are often used as spotters when stunting because of their strength. Cheerleading can be a private sport or club that is not affiliated with any schools, or it can be a school sport. In order to become a cheerleader, the athlete must try out and demonstrate their skill set before a group of judges. Only the most skilled are chosen to become a cheerleader. What inference about trying out to be a cheerleader can be made from the passage?

It is a very competitive process.

It is usually very easy to become a cheerleader on a team or squad.

There usually isn’t a lot of interest in becoming a cheerleader.

Cheerleading is a great activity for young men and women. It has risen in popularity in recent years and is a good way to show off a variety of skills. Cheerleaders must be precise, energetic and able to motivate crowds. There are two main types of cheerleading: sideline and competitive. Sideline cheerleaders are the cheerleaders you see cheering on the sidelines at football or basketball games. They shout out cheers and do some basic jumps and tumbling. Competitive cheerleading allows cheerleading squads to compete against each other. They participate in routines where they can show off their precision, flexibility, stunting and tumbling. Cheerleading programs can start as young as age 2 and go up through the college level. Both males and females can be cheerleaders. Male cheerleaders are often used as spotters when stunting because of their strength. Cheerleading can be a private sport or club that is not affiliated with any schools, or it can be a school sport. In order to become a cheerleader, the athlete must try out and demonstrate their skill set before a group of judges. Only the most skilled are chosen to become a cheerleader. What inference can be made about stunting?

Cheerleaders have to be very strong in order to participate in stunting.

Stunting is not necessary during cheerleading competitions.

The majority of cheerleaders do not participate in stunts.

Although popular all over the world, roller coasters had their origins in Russia. As far back as the 1700s, Russians used mountains of ice for sled rides. Later in the United States, a mining company that had created a railway for the transportation of coal began selling rides for thrill-seekers. The idea evolved, and eventually roller coasters on wooden tracks became popular around the country. In 1959, Disneyland debuted the first roller coaster on steel tracks. Wooden roller coasters are still being built today, although the majority of newer roller coasters use steel tracks because they provide smoother and faster rides. The designs of roller coasters have changed dramatically and there seems to be no limit to how high or fast they can go, much to the pleasure of people who enjoy the thrill of riding one. What is the central idea of today’s passage?

Roller coasters have changed dramatically over time.

The Russians invented the first roller coaster.

Disneyland created the first roller coaster on steel tracks.

Although popular all over the world, roller coasters had their origins in Russia. As far back as the 1700s, Russians used mountains of ice for sled rides. Later in the United States, a mining company that had created a railway for the transportation of coal began selling rides for thrill-seekers. The idea evolved, and eventually roller coasters on wooden tracks became popular around the country. In 1959, Disneyland debuted the first roller coaster on steel tracks. Wooden roller coasters are still being built today, although the majority of newer roller coasters use steel tracks because they provide smoother and faster rides. The designs of roller coasters have changed dramatically and there seems to be no limit to how high or fast they can go, much to the pleasure of people who enjoy the thrill of riding one. What inference can be made about roller coasters?

Most people prefer steel roller coasters.

Most people prefer wooden roller coasters.

No one is sure why roller coasters are so popular.

There is no debate regarding which building is the world’s tallest skyscraper, but there is debate as to which building was actually the first skyscraper. One building that many consider to be the first skyscraper is the Home Insurance building in Chicago, Illinois. It was built in 1884 and was ten stories tall when it was first built, but later additions made it twelve stories. It was built after the Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed many buildings in Chicago. In response to the fire, the Home Insurance building had a fireproof frame made of metal and it was that unique frame that is the reason many consider it to be the world’s first skyscraper. Unfortunately, the historic building is not still standing today because it was demolished 47 years after it was built. What is the central idea of today’s passage?

The Home Insurance building is considered the first skyscraper by some.

The Home Insurance building was built after the Chicago fire.

The Home Insurance building was demolished many years ago.

There is no debate regarding which building is the world’s tallest skyscraper, but there is debate as to which building was actually the first skyscraper. One building that many consider to be the first skyscraper is the Home Insurance building in Chicago, Illinois. It was built in 1884 and was ten stories tall when it was first built, but later additions made it twelve stories. It was built after the Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed many buildings in Chicago. In response to the fire, the Home Insurance building had a fireproof frame made of metal and it was that unique frame that is the reason many consider it to be the world’s first skyscraper. Unfortunately, the historic building is not still standing today because it was demolished 47 years after it was built. What inference can be made from today’s passage?

Prior to 1871, many buildings in Chicago were not fireproof.

Skyscrapers are difficult to build.

It is not necessary for buildings to be built with fireproof material.

The Model T was not the first car, but it was the first car that many Americans owned. Cars had been around for years when the Model T started being produced in 1908, but they were often prohibitively priced, which meant that many people could not afford to purchase them. Ford, the automaker that produced the Model T, developed a factory production line that allowed Model Ts to be produced more affordably, which resulted in a lower price for consumers. The Model T was produced from 1908 – 1927 and over 16 million were sold during that time. The Model T looked very different from modern cars and was only available in a limited number of colors. Missing from the first Model Ts were windshield wipers and radios. What is the central idea of the passage?

The Model T was not the first car, but was very popular.

Cars have always been very expensive.

The factory production line changed the world.

The Model T was not the first car, but it was the first car that many Americans owned. Cars had been around for years when the Model T started being produced in 1908, but they were often prohibitively priced, which meant that many people could not afford to purchase them. Ford, the automaker that produced the Model T, developed a factory production line that allowed Model Ts to be produced more affordably, which resulted in a lower price for consumers. The Model T was produced from 1908 – 1927 and over 16 million were sold during that time. The Model T looked very different from modern cars and was only available in a limited number of colors. Missing from the first Model Ts were windshield wipers and radios. What inference can be made about today’s passage?

Windshield wipers have not always been required.

Many consumers wanted to buy expensive cars.

The limited options for paint colors hurt sales.

Receiving a package in the mail can be very exciting. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been around since 1775, it didn’t start delivering anything that weighed more than four pounds until the early 1900s. Prior to that, the only way a package could be shipped was through a private company that often charged extremely high prices. When Congress began to consider allowing the mailing of packages through the USPS, many private shipping companies worked hard to try to prevent that from happening. The USPS finally began accepting packages weighing more than four pounds in 1913. Over 300 million packages were mailed through the USPS during the first six months. The rules regarding what could be mailed weren’t nearly as strict as they are today. One of the strangest things that was allowed at the start was the shipping of babies and small children. For several years, some parents were able to mail their child to friends or relatives if they weighed less than 50 pounds. Most of the destinations for the children were nearby, but that wasn’t always the case. This practice was banned in 1920. What is a central idea of today’s passage?

The United States Postal Service began allowing the mailing of parcels weighing more than four pounds in 1913.

Some people shipped children when the USPS first allowed the mailing of parcels.

The mailing of children was banned by the USPS in 1920.

Receiving a package in the mail can be very exciting. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been around since 1775, it didn’t start delivering anything that weighed more than four pounds until the early 1900s. Prior to that, the only way a package could be shipped was through a private company that often charged extremely high prices. When Congress began to consider allowing the mailing of packages through the USPS, many private shipping companies worked hard to try to prevent that from happening. The USPS finally began accepting packages weighing more than four pounds in 1913. Over 300 million packages were mailed through the USPS during the first six months. The rules regarding what could be mailed weren’t nearly as strict as they are today. One of the strangest things that was allowed at the start was the shipping of babies and small children. For several years, some parents were able to mail their child to friends or relatives if they weighed less than 50 pounds. Most of the destinations for the children were nearby, but that wasn’t always the case. This practice was banned in 1920. What inference about shipping companies can be made from the passage?

They knew they would lose money if the USPS began mailing parcels.

They wanted the USPS to allow the mailing of packages.

They wouldn’t be affected by anything the USPS did.

Receiving a package in the mail can be very exciting. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) has been around since 1775, it didn’t start delivering anything that weighed more than four pounds until the early 1900s. Prior to that, the only way a package could be shipped was through a private company that often charged extremely high prices. When Congress began to consider allowing the mailing of packages through the USPS, many private shipping companies worked hard to try to prevent that from happening. The USPS finally began accepting packages weighing more than four pounds in 1913. Over 300 million packages were mailed through the USPS during the first six months. The rules regarding what could be mailed weren’t nearly as strict as they are today. One of the strangest things that was allowed at the start was the shipping of babies and small children. For several years, some parents were able to mail their child to friends or relatives if they weighed less than 50 pounds. Most of the destinations for the children were nearby, but that wasn’t always the case. This practice was banned in 1920. What inference can be made about mailing children?

The USPS felt the practice of mailing children was too dangerous.

The USPS felt the practice of mailing children was reasonable.

The majority of parents mailed their children until it was banned in 1920.

For years, people living near a reserve for Bengal tigers in India worried about their safety any time they entered the tigers’ habitat. Tigers attacked many people there every year. Although no one actually lived in the reserve, people living nearby would frequently have to go into the area for needed resources such as honey and fish. Going into the tigers’ habitat was a frightening experience due to the number of tiger attacks every year. In 1989, someone came up with an idea to help prevent attacks. The tigers only seemed to attack people from behind, so people who entered the reserve started wearing a face mask on the back of their head. It may have looked silly, but the tigers didn’t know it was a mask and the attacks stopped. What is the central idea of the passage?

Wearing a mask stopped tiger attacks.

Many people were attacked by tigers.

Tigers aren’t afraid of humans.

The quick thinking of a potbellied pig saved her owner’s life after a heart attack. The owner was home alone, except for the company of her dog and her pet potbellied pig, Lulu. Lulu’s owner suffered a heart attack and couldn’t call for help. Lulu acted quickly by escaping from her yard and going to the road. A driver saw Lulu in the middle of the road and stopped because he assumed she had been hit. As soon as he got out of his vehicle, Lulu got up and began walking to her owner’s home. When the man got to the house, he realized that Lulu’s owner was in trouble and he called for help. Lulu’s owner was hospitalized but made a full recovery thanks to Lulu. What is the central idea of today’s passage?

A potbellied pig saved her owner’s life.

Pigs are more intelligent than dogs.

The quick thinking of a potbellied pig saved her owner’s life after a heart attack. The owner was home alone, except for the company of her dog and her pet potbellied pig, Lulu. Lulu’s owner suffered a heart attack and couldn’t call for help. Lulu acted quickly by escaping from her yard and going to the road. A driver saw Lulu in the middle of the road and stopped because he assumed she had been hit. As soon as he got out of his vehicle, Lulu got up and began walking to her owner’s home. When the man got to the house, he realized that Lulu’s owner was in trouble and he called for help. Lulu’s owner was hospitalized but made a full recovery thanks to Lulu. What inference can be made from today’s passage? c.

The man followed Lulu because he thought something was wrong.

Lulu did not realize her owner was in danger.

The man who stopped wanted a free pig.

Storeowners have a difficult time trying to prevent shoplifting in their businesses, so one company in Japan came up with a creative way of catching shoplifters. They created the bohan yu kara , which are bright orange balls that are filled with paint. When a criminal tries to escape, the clerk is supposed to throw the ball at them. Clerks are supposed to throw the ball towards the ground, so that the paint will splatter on their target, even if they miss. The ball will then break and leave the criminal covered in orange paint, which makes identification by the police easier. Most stores that have the bohan yu kara haven’t used them yet, but they have still worked to lower shoplifting rates in stores that have them displayed. What is the central idea of the passage?

A ball filled with paint helps prevent shoplifting.

Shoplifting is hard to prevent.

The bright orange balls are filled with paint.

Storeowners have a difficult time trying to prevent shoplifting in their businesses, so one company in Japan came up with a creative way of catching shoplifters. They created the bohan yu kara , which are bright orange balls that are filled with paint. When a criminal tries to escape, the clerk is supposed to throw the ball at them. Clerks are supposed to throw the ball towards the ground, so that the paint will splatter on their target, even if they miss. The ball will then break and leave the criminal covered in orange paint, which makes identification by the police easier. Most stores that have the bohan yu kara haven’t used them yet, but they have still worked to lower shoplifting rates in stores that have them displayed. What inference can be made about today’s passage?

Shoplifters avoid stores that have the bohan yu kara .

It is easy to catch shoplifters.

Shoplifting is not common in Japan.

Some consumers who were concerned about the environment saw an advertisement in a magazine that offered a ”solar powered dryer” for less than $50. The price was considerably lower than most regular dryers, and this dryer was better for the environment. The people who ordered the dryer received a package of clothesline, which was to be used to hang up clothes to dry outside. One could make the argument that it wasn’t actually false advertising because the product could do exactly what it was advertised to do. The man behind the scheme was responsible for other fraudulent activities and was eventually arrested. What is the central idea of today’s passage?

A man sold a clothesline advertised as a solarpowered dryer.

People that deceive otherswill always be arrested.

Things that are too good to be true usually are.

Some consumers who were concerned about the environment saw an advertisement in a magazine that offered a ”solar powered dryer” for less than $50. The price was considerably lower than most regular dryers, and this dryer was better for the environment. The people who ordered the dryer received a package of clothesline, which was to be used to hang up clothes to dry outside. One could make the argument that it wasn’t actually false advertising because the product could do exactly what it was advertised to do. The man behind the scheme was responsible for other fraudulent activities and was eventually arrested. What inference can be made from today’s passage?

The man didn’t care about taking advantage of others.

The man was concerned about the environment and wanted to help.

Everyone will take risks to save money.

Monday Quiz

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

When the helicopter failed to spot him, Prosperi was worried but still sanguine that he would be found. After a few more days alone in the desert, he finally came across a building. He was optimistic that he would find people there, but it was a Muslim shrine that was abandoned. He stayed there for a while and ate bats he found near the roof of the building. He eventually heard a plane and quickly ran out to try to flag it down, but yet again, he went unnoticed and was forced to watch the plane fly away. His hopes were beginning to fade but he continued his journey across the desert.
Many days after becoming lost in the desert, Prosperi came across an oasis. He slowly drank water to help his dehydration. The next day he was found by women who offered him goat’s milk and food. They called the police who quickly came to see who the strange man was. The police were dumbfounded to discover that he was the marathon runner that got lost in the sandstorm because he ended up over 180 miles away in the country of Algeria. He lost nearly 40 pounds over the nine days that he was lost in the desert. While he survived, it took him nearly two years to fully recover. Despite the hardships that he faced during the Marathon des Sables, he entered the race again in 1998 and then in 2012.
What is the meaning of sanguine as it is used in the passage?

doubtful

cautious

hopeful

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

When the helicopter failed to spot him, Prosperi was worried but still sanguine that he would be found. After a few more days alone in the desert, he finally came across a building. He was optimistic that he would find people there, but it was a Muslim shrine that was abandoned. He stayed there for a while and ate bats he found near the roof of the building. He eventually heard a plane and quickly ran out to try to flag it down, but yet again, he went unnoticed and was forced to watch the plane fly away. His hopes were beginning to fade but he continued his journey across the desert.
Many days after becoming lost in the desert, Prosperi came across an oasis. He slowly drank water to help his dehydration. The next day he was found by women who offered him goat’s milk and food. They called the police who quickly came to see who the strange man was. The police were dumbfounded to discover that he was the marathon runner that got lost in the sandstorm because he ended up over 180 miles away in the country of Algeria. He lost nearly 40 pounds over the nine days that he was lost in the desert. While he survived, it took him nearly two years to fully recover. Despite the hardships that he faced during the Marathon des Sables, he entered the race again in 1998 and then in 2012.
What is the meaning of dumbfounded as it is used in the passage?

astonished

unsurprised

expected

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Prosperi was in high spirits at the start of the Marathon des Sables. The race started in Morocco and Prosperi was in awe of the incredible views. He had managed to maintain a great pace throughout the start of the race and was already in 4th place by the 4th day. Prosperi’s fortune changed when he encountered a sandstorm that made seeing and breathing difficult. The sand battered his exposed skin and he felt like he was being stuck with hundreds of pins. His vision was limited due to the amount of sand that was in the air. After the storm was over, Prosperi discovered the sand had changed his surroundings so much that he became disoriented about where he was.
What is another word for awe?

careless

terror

amazement

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Prosperi was in high spirits at the start of the Marathon des Sables. The race started in Morocco and Prosperi was in awe of the incredible views. He had managed to maintain a great pace throughout the start of the race and was already in 4th place by the 4th day. Prosperi’s fortune changed when he encountered a sandstorm that made seeing and breathing difficult. The sand battered his exposed skin and he felt like he was being stuck with hundreds of pins. His vision was limited due to the amount of sand that was in the air. After the storm was over, Prosperi discovered the sand had changed his surroundings so much that he became disoriented about where he was.
What is another word for disoriented?

confused

found

exhausted

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Prosperi was in high spirits at the start of the Marathon des Sables. The race started in Morocco and Prosperi was in awe of the incredible views. He had managed to maintain a great pace throughout the start of the race and was already in 4th place by the 4th day. Prosperi’s fortune changed when he encountered a sandstorm that made seeing and breathing difficult. The sand battered his exposed skin and he felt like he was being stuck with hundreds of pins. His vision was limited due to the amount of sand that was in the air. After the storm was over, Prosperi discovered the sand had changed his surroundings so much that he became disoriented about where he was.
What is the central idea of today’s passage?

The race was going really well for Prosperi.

An injury caused Prosperi to slow down and then get lost.

A terrible sandstorm caused Prosperi to become lost.

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

When Mauro Prosperi entered the Marathon des Sables in 1994, he knew that he would return home with an exciting story to tell. The race itself was hard enough. It was 155 miles of running through the Sahara desert over the course of six days. If anyone was up to this challenge though, it was Prosperi. He was a former Olympic athlete for Italy. He competed in the pentathlon which involved the five different events of fencing, swimming, show jumping with horses, pistol shooting and cross country running. Prosperi was an experienced and dynamic athlete who continued to train and stay in shape long after his Olympic career was over. Little did he know that his experience during the Marathon des Sables would test the limits of his endurance in ways that he couldn’t conceive.
What is another word for dynamic?

weak

energetic

average

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

When Mauro Prosperi entered the Marathon des Sables in 1994, he knew that he would return home with an exciting story to tell. The race itself was hard enough. It was 155 miles of running through the Sahara desert over the course of six days. If anyone was up to this challenge though, it was Prosperi. He was a former Olympic athlete for Italy. He competed in the pentathlon which involved the five different events of fencing, swimming, show jumping with horses, pistol shooting and cross country running. Prosperi was an experienced and dynamic athlete who continued to train and stay in shape long after his Olympic career was over. Little did he know that his experience during the Marathon des Sables would test the limits of his endurance in ways that he couldn’t conceive.
What is another word for conceive?

imagine

dream

ignore

8.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

When Mauro Prosperi entered the Marathon des Sables in 1994, he knew that he would return home with an exciting story to tell. The race itself was hard enough. It was 155 miles of running through the Sahara desert over the course of six days. If anyone was up to this challenge though, it was Prosperi. He was a former Olympic athlete for Italy. He competed in the pentathlon which involved the five different events of fencing, swimming, show jumping with horses, pistol shooting and cross country running. Prosperi was an experienced and dynamic athlete who continued to train and stay in shape long after his Olympic career was over. Little did he know that his experience during the Marathon des Sables would test the limits of his endurance in ways that he couldn’t conceive.
What inference can be made about Mauro Prosperi?

Prosperi did not enjoy physically challenging competitions.

Prosperi enjoyed physically challenging competitions.

Prosperi did not train enough for the marathon.

9.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Mauro Prosperi was interested in the Marathon des Sables when he first found out about it. Running a grueling 155 miles through the desert sounded like a challenge he could overcome. He started his training by running more and began to prepare his body by limiting his water intake so that he would be able to run long distances through the heat. His family was not exactly thrilled that he had decided to participate in such a challenging and dangerous race, but Prosperi was determined to compete. He assured his family that he would be fine during the race. He was a strong athlete and he had spent months preparing. Additionally, it was organized by officials that kept the runners’ safety in mind. Prosperi felt certain that his family’s worries were unfounded.

What is another word for grueling?

easy

impossible

difficult

10.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Mauro Prosperi was interested in the Marathon des Sables when he first found out about it. Running a grueling 155 miles through the desert sounded like a challenge he could overcome. He started his training by running more and began to prepare his body by limiting his water intake so that he would be able to run long distances through the heat. His family was not exactly thrilled that he had decided to participate in such a challenging and dangerous race, but Prosperi was determined to compete. He assured his family that he would be fine during the race. He was a strong athlete and he had spent months preparing. Additionally, it was organized by officials that kept the runners’ safety in mind. Prosperi felt certain that his family’s worries were unfounded.

What is another word for unfounded?

correct

unsupported

unsure

Monday

40 questions

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