Benchmark ELA Unit 7 Week 1

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

Part A Which sentence states the main idea of the passage?

• Camels are better suited for trips in Africa than in America.

• The Army did not do a good job of exploring the West.

• Camels worked well in the desert, but Americans preferred

  other animals.

• The Army did not experiment long enough with camels.

• Aimi did not experiment long enough with camels, because she made a joke that Mr. Fuertis first time seeing a camel.

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B. Part A Which sentence states the main idea of the passage? Camels worked well in the desert, but Americans preferred other animals.

Part B Read the paragraph from the passage. Click on two sentences that best support the main idea in Part A.

• But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold.

• They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn’t like them.

• They smelled bad and frightened the horses.

• Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels.

• Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

Part A How does the author organize and present most of the information in the passage?

• by describing what happened in chronological order

• by comparing and contrasting camels and horses

• by asking questions and then giving the answers

• by listing the causes of events and then the effects

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B. Part A How does the author organize and present most of the information in the passage? by describing what happened in chronological order

Part B Which sentence from the passage illustrates the structure identified in Part A

• “The U.S. government sent expeditions to describe the land and make maps.”

• “Many people wanted to move to the West.”

• “In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought

  back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels.”

• “Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.”

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

According to the time line, when did the Army stop experimenting with camels in the West?

• 1820

• 1821

• 1856

• 1866

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

Which sentence from the passage supports the author's point that explorers in 1820 had a difficult time exploring land in the West?

• “The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and

  make maps.”

• “In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico

  and Texas.”

• “They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh

  environment for people to live in.

• “In the next few years, camels joined several caravans

  to California.”

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

What is the meaning of the word expeditions in paragraph 1?

• wagon trains

• groups of explorers

• foot soldiers

• map makers

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

What is the meaning of the word expeditions in paragraph 1?

• groups of cars called Ford explorers

• groups of explorers

• foot soldiers seeking cars to drive called explorers

• map makers to go buy Ford explorers at a Ford car dealership

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

In paragraph 3, the word joined is pronounced with the same vowel sound as the word—

• toy.

• twin.

• too.

• tone.

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Camels and the American Desert

1. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase nearly doubled the size of the United States, but Europeans and Americans had never fully explored the area. The U.S. government sent expeditions to observe the land and make maps. In 1820, one group explored areas that are now in New Mexico and Texas. It was a very dry year. They had trouble finding water in the area they explored. They said that much of the West was a desert and a harsh environment for people to live in.

2. Nevertheless, many people wanted to move to the West. Traders took a long and dangerous route to trade with Spanish settlers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mules and horses had a hard time surviving the journey. The U.S. Army decided to conduct an experiment. The Army wanted to see if camels could help troops and settlers in the West.

3. In 1856, a U.S. Navy ship sailed to North Africa and brought back thirty-three camels and a few men to handle the camels. On their first trip in the American desert, the camels showed that they were very strong and didn't need much water. They also ate plants along the way. Travelers didn't have to carry camel food or search to find food or water. The Army decided to buy forty-one more camels. In the next few years, camels joined several caravans to California.

4. But within a few years, the camels were set free or sold. They were very good at carrying loads over harsh land, but Americans didn't like them. They smelled bad and frightened the horses. Americans liked to handle mules and oxen instead of camels. Mules and oxen responded to orders more quickly and easily.

5. The Army never purchased any more camels. Other people who brought camel herds into the United States weren't successful either. Camels were probably the best animals for crossing Western deserts, but Americans used horses, mules, and oxen instead. Most Americans never learned to get along with camels.

In paragraph 3, the word joined is pronounced with the same vowel sound as the word—

• joy.

• spin.

• boo.

• phone.