Titanic Nonfiction: Article 1 - Description Comprehension Quiz

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1. Based on the information in the passage, what inference can be made about The White Star Line? (inference)

• a. The White Star Line struggled to raise money to build the Titanic.
• b. The White Star Line was a powerful, innovative company.
• c. The White Star Line specialized in shipping goods, but had little experience in vacation travel.
• d. The White Star Line worked with Captain Edward Smith to help design the Titanic.

2. What are two central ideas from the passage? Choose the two best answers. (main idea)

• a. The White Star Line had a strict budget for building the Titanic.
• b. The White Star Line built the Titanic with the intention of impressing the public.
• c. The Titanic was considered the safest ship of her time.
• d. The Titanic’s crew was overconfident in the ship’s abilities.

3. How did the addition of the water tight compartments influence the public’s opinion of the Titanic? (cause & effect)

• a. People felt the water tight compartments were standard on a ship of Titanic’s size.
• b. People thought that tickets on the Titanic were costly and expensive.
• c. People were impressed with The White Star Line’s creative inventions.
• d. People believed the Titanic was invincible.

4. What is the meaning of the word predicament as quoted by Captain Edward Smith? (context clues)

• a. to make a prediction
• b. a problem or dilemma
• c. a dangerous storm
• d. to have knowledge and insight after years of experience

5. What is the meaning of the phrase “with flying colors?” (figurative language) "She passed the trials with flying colors."

• a. something that is done easily
• b. something that is vibrant and intriguing
• c. something that is done quickly and with haste
• d. something that is careless and ignorant

6. How does the section “Building a Dream” fit into the development of the author’s ideas? (text structure)

• a. The section explains how the Titanic was built.
• b. The text reveals the prestige and high status of sailing on Titanic’s maiden voyage.
• c. The heading offers details into why the public considered the Titanic unsinkable.
• d. The section explains why the water tight compartments are so important.

7. How does the information in the textbox help contribute to the passage? (text features)

• a. The quote from Officer Lightoller suggests that the crew was inexperienced.
• b. The quote from Officer Lightoller suggests that the crew was unfamiliar with the ship.
• c. The quote from Officer Lightoller suggests that the Titanic was difficult to sail.
• d. The quote from Officer Lightoller suggests that the Titanic was very large.

8. What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage? (author’s point of view)

• a. to explain how the Titanic sank so quickly
• b. to persuade readers to learn more about the class differences on the Titanic
• c. to entertain readers with a fictionalized account of a Titanic passenger
• d. to describe why the Titanic was a unique and remarkable ship