SAMPLE READING COMPREHENSION TEST

What does the passage mainly discuss?

• The advantages of using wood in the colonies

• The effects of an abundance of wood on the colonies

• The roots of the Industrial Revolution

• The difference between charcoal iron and coke iron

The word "strikingly" in line 2 is closest in meaning to

• realistically

• dramatically

• completely

• immediately

Which ofthe following is a common assumption about the forests of North America during the colonial period?

• They contained only a few types of trees.

• They existed only along the Atlantic seaboard.

• They had little or no economic value.

• They covered the entire continent.

The use of the word "abounded" in line 8 indicates that the trees were

• present in large numbers

• restricted to certain areas

• cut down

• cultivated

According to the passage, by the end of the colonial period, the price of wood in eastern cities

• rose quickly because wood was becoming so scarce

• was much higher than it was in Britain

• was slightly higher than in previous years

• decreased rapidly because of lower demand for wood

What can be inferred about houses in Britain during the period written about in the passage?

• They were more expensive than American houses.

• They were generally built with imported materials.

• They were typically smaller than homes in NorthAmerica.

• They were usually built from materials other than wood.

Why does the author mention gunpowder in line 19 ?

• To illustrate the negative aspects of some industrial processes

• To give an example of a product made with wood

• To remind readers that the Colonial era ended in warfare

• To suggest that wood was not the only important product of the Colonies

The word "conferred" in line 21 is closest in meaning to

• consulted

• gathered

• provided

• restricted

The phrase "follow suit" in line 27 means

• do the same thing

• make an attempt

• have the opportunity

• take a risk

According to the passage, why was the use of coke smelting advantageous?

• It led to advances in technology

• It was less expensive than wood smelting.

• It produced a stronger type of iron than wood smelting.

• It stimulated the demand for wood.