Unit 5 Week 3: Marvels of Engineering

In this article, the author discusses the Eiffel Tower and Hoover Dam by

• presenting the history of their building,

• showing the talents of their builders.

• showing the talents of their builders.

• comparing and contrasting their features,

Read this sentence from the article.

The concrete for Hoover Dam was poured at the site, right where the dam would be.

What does site mean in the sentence above?

• factory

• location

• situation

• wall

Read these sentences from the article.

From great heights, workers dangled from ropes. With only air below their feet, they prepared the area for great concrete walls.

What does dangled mean in the sentences above?

• dropped

• hung

• jumped

• rose

What is the purpose of the first paragraph of the article?

• to tell where the two structures are

• to show just how different the two structures are

• to show what is meant by “marvels of engineering”

• to show how alike two very different structures are

What is a major similarity between the Eiffel Tower and Hoover Dam?

• their height

• how they were built

• what they are made of

• the effort needed to complete them

What is different about the original purposes of each structure?

• The tower was built to last forever; the dam was built to be temporary.

• The tower was built to be decorative; the dam was built for practical uses.

• The tower was built to increase tourism; the dam was built to discourage tourism.

• The tower was built to give people something to look at; the dam was built to give people work to do.

According to text evidence, the author views the Eiffel Tower and Hoover Dam as being

• admirable.

• unnecessary.

• delicate in appearance.

• important for communication.

Read these sentences from the article.

First the water that flowed through the Colorado River had to be diverted. Four tunnels were blasted through rock to cause the water to go in new directions.

What does diverted mean in the sentences above?

• dried up

• stopped from fl owing

• stopped by a new dam

• turned aside to a new course

Read these sentences from the article.

When the water was allowed to rush through tunnels, it passed through giant rotary engines. As their parts whirled, they created electricity.

Which word in the sentences is the best clue to the meaning of rotary?

• giant

• rush

• parts

• whirled

Read these sentences from the article.

They are majestic sights. Everyone who sees them is amazed.

What does majestic mean in the sentences above?

• bold

• interesting

• magnificent

• ordinary