Benchmark Unit 8 W2 Quiz

What does the word basin mean as it is used in paragraph 2 of Passage 1?

• a very dry place

• a low area of land

• a steep slope

• a range of mountains

Answer explanation

The word 'basin' in paragraph 2 of Passage 1 means a low area of land, as it refers to a depression or hollow in the ground.

In Passage 1, what is the meaning of the word moisture as it is used in paragraph 2?

• wind

• slopes

• energy

• wetness

Answer explanation

In Passage 1, the word 'moisture' in paragraph 2 refers to wetness, as it describes the presence of water or dampness in the context of the passage.

Which two sentences should be included in a summary of passage 1?

• Death Valley is an extremely hot and dry desert in California.

• Kangaroo rats eat seeds that help them produce water.

• The living things in Death Valley have adapted to the climate.

• Storm clouds bring rain to the mountains near Death Valley.

• Some plants have roots that grow deep into the ground.

Answer explanation

The correct sentences to include in the summary of passage 1 are: 'Death Valley is an extremely hot and dry desert in California.' and 'The living things in Death Valley have adapted to the climate.'

In Passage 2, what is Julia’s perspective about visiting Death Valley National Park?

• She hopes to learn new things.

• She wishes her friends were there.

• She thinks that it will be dull.

• She worries that it will be too hot.

Answer explanation

Julia's perspective about visiting Death Valley National Park in Passage 2 is that she thinks it will be dull, as stated in the passage.

Which two details from the passage best support the answer to Part A?

• "Are you still sulking back there, Jules?" Dad asked. (paragraph 8)

• "If she had to get dragged along on a day trip, why couldn’t it have been to a fun park?" (paragraph 11)

• "On most days, there were sunny skies." (paragraph 11)

• "They had been seeking gold." (paragraph 12)

• "When they arrived, Mom took Julia’s hand as they walked along a trail." (paragraph 14)

Answer explanation

The details from paragraphs 8 and 11 best support the answer to Part A by showing Julia's negative attitude towards the day trip, as indicated by her sulking and desire to go to a fun park.

Which detail should be included in a summary of Passage 2?

• Death Valley is located in California.

• Pioneers traveled to the desert seeking gold.

• A special event called a super bloom can occur in Death Valley.

• Kneeling among a field of wildflowers is an enjoyable experience.

Answer explanation

The correct detail to include in a summary of Passage 2 is that a special event called a super bloom can occur in Death Valley.

Read this sentence from paragraph 17 of Passage 2. "The rain woke up all the seeds at the same time." What does the author mean when describing the seeds in this sentence?

• The seeds began to sprout.

• The seeds were moved to another place by the rain.

• The seeds should be kept warm.

• The seeds need more time in the ground.

Answer explanation

The author means that the seeds began to sprout when describing them in the sentence.

What does the metaphor "an ocean of flowers" describe in Passage 2?

• that the flowers required a large amount of water to survive

• that the flowers were floating in the recent heavy rainfall

• that the flowers moved gently back and forth in the wind

• that there were many flowers spread across the valley

Answer explanation

The metaphor 'an ocean of flowers' in Passage 2 describes that there were many flowers spread across the valley.

Which two details from the passage show how Julia’s perspective changed at the end of the story?

• 'Leaning her head against the window, she dozed off.' (paragraph 13)

• 'Julia’s feet started hurting.' (paragraph 14)

• 'How can this be?', said Julia, running ahead.' (paragraph 16)

• 'But last October had brought three big rainstorms.' (paragraph 17)

• 'Julia knelt among the blooms and enjoyed the moment.' (paragraph 18)

Answer explanation

The details 'How can this be?', said Julia, running ahead.' (paragraph 16) and 'Julia knelt among the blooms and enjoyed the moment.' (paragraph 18) show Julia's changed perspective by her questioning and then savoring the moment.

How do the authors of both passages present information about Death Valley?

• They both give information about rainfall in Death Valley.

• They both describe people who have explored Death Valley.

• They both explain why Death Valley is so hot and dry.

• They both tell about how mountains affect Death Valley.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that both passages give information about rainfall in Death Valley, highlighting this commonality in how the authors present information.