Wonders Unit 1 Comprehension Test

Read the sentences. 

“People who don’t know their past are winds blowing through the grass.  Their lives leave no trace.”

What does the word trace most likely mean? 

• to find or track down

• a path made by animals

• to draw or outline something

• a mark left behind by someone

Which sentence best tells the main idea of the passage?

• Grandpa tells everyone about the deadly smallpox sickness. 

• Black Elk sets an example for how to act during the winter count. 

• Grandpa helps the tribe understand the importance of knowing their history.

• Black Elk teaches the other children how to respect their grandparents. 

The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

PART A

What inference can be made about why Grandpa tells Black Elk to listen well?

• so Black Elk will learn what will happen to the tribe

• so Black Elk will not be noisy like the other children

• so Black Elk can understand how his people used animals

• so Black Elk can be the teller of their history when he is older

The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

PART B

Which sentence from the passage best supports your answer in part A?

• “Horses help our people travel faster and carry heavier loads.”

• “It makes me sad to think about a future like that for our people.”

• “One day, one of you will keep the winter count on a new buffalo hide.”

• “Some of the youngest children were not listening and were poking each other and giggling.”

How do Grandpa’s actions help build Black Elk’s character over the course of the passage?  Choose TWO answers. 

• Grandpa complains about the small teepee, which makes Black Elk concerned for him. 

• Grandpa tells stories that make Black Elk want to learn more about his history. 

• Grandpa explains an important need that makes Black Elk want to help.

• Grandpa looks serious, which forces Black Elk to keep silent

• Grandpa asks questions that make Black Elk unsure. 

Which sentence best describes how Grandpa feels when Black Elk says he wants to be the keeper of the winter count?

• proud because Black Elk wants to be a leader in the family

• worried because he does not think Black Elk was listening

• surprised because he does not think Black Elk is serious

• polite because he wants to show respect to Black Elk