Practice for Unit 4 Test 1

Determine the Central Idea of the following passage

Blooms in Death Valley

In March 2016, Death Valley National Park in California experienced a rare occurrence: thousands of yellow wildflowers covered the region in a "super bloom." Why was this unusual? Death Valley is the hottest and driest place in North America. The area's average yearly precipitation is just two inches, making it a challenging place for flowers to grow. However, in October 2015, the valley had received more than three inches of rain in some areas. As a result of the unusually wet season, wildflower seeds that had been lying dormant underground suddenly began to grow, producing an abundance of golden blooms.

• Because of the hot, dry conditions in Death Valley, it is difficult for flowers to grow there.

• Because of an unusual amount of rain, thousands of wildflowers grew in Death Valley in 2016.

Which is a supporting detail for the main idea of this passage?

• "Why was this unusual?"

• "Death Valley is the hottest and driest place in North America."

• "The area's average yearly precipitation is just two inches, making it a challenging place for flowers to grow."

• "As a result of the unusually wet season, wildflower seeds that had been lying dormant underground suddenly began to grow, producing an abundance of golden blooms."

Recycling things like paper, plastic, and metal is beneficial for our environment by cutting down on trash. Yet many people throw away their water bottles, shipping boxes, and cans instead of recycling them. An increased focus on getting more people to recycle is leading people to develop creative ways to make it easier for Americans. One way is to put bright colored recycling containers in more places. Seeing more recycling bins helps people remember to use them. Another idea that has been developed is reverse vending machines. These machines are the opposite of traditional vending machines since you give it a recyclable good and it gives you money or reward in return. Hopefully more places will introduce new and unique ways to get people to start recycling. What is the central idea of the passage?

• People need to start recycling in order to protect our environment.

• The amount of people who recycle will increase if innovative methods are implemented.

• Reverse vending machines that gives money for recyclable goods is a creative recycling solution.

• Bright colored collection bins will help encourage people to protect the environment.

Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main/central idea of this text?

• "Recycling things like paper, plastic, and metal is beneficial for our environment by cutting down on trash."

• "Yet many people throw away their water bottles, shipping boxes, and cans instead of recycling them."

• "One way is to put bright colored recycling containers in more places. Seeing more recycling bins helps people remember to use them."

 

Select the detail that DOES NOT support the main idea that education is important.

• Education can lead to success in life.

• It helps you understand the world.

• Education causes problems.

• You make smarter choices in life if you're educated.

What is the topic of both passages?

• Neil Armstrong on the moon

• Rocket ships

• Eastern Daylight Time

• The moon's surface

Select the statement that best describes these passages.

• A. Both include mostly factual information about jeans.

• B. Both authors express their opinion on the first jeans.

• C. Both mention the miners’ need for durable pants.

• D. Both talk about the origin of jean-like pants in Italy.

Both of these passages are written

• A. by someone who witnessed the events.

• B. about events from long ago.

• C. about events that just happened.

• D. by someone who criticizes the events.

Passage 1 tells where the word “jeans” comes from. Passage 2 tells

• A. how Strauss sold jeans worldwide.

• B. why Strauss left his home in Germany.

• C. the history of today’s denim jeans.

• D. the reason fishermen wore jeans.