A Quilt of a Country Comprehension Check

According to Anna Quindlen, what is America described as in the text?

• A homogeneous nation

• A mongrel nation

• A divided nation

• A peaceful nation

Answer explanation

Anna Quindlen describes America as a 'mongrel nation' to emphasize its diverse and mixed heritage, highlighting the blend of cultures and backgrounds that make up the country.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

What does the text suggest is a frequent reality in America?

• Constant peace and harmony

• A great national striving consisting frequently of failure

• Unchanging unity and success

• Complete tolerance and acceptance

Answer explanation

The text highlights that America often experiences a significant effort towards progress, which is frequently met with setbacks and failures, making 'a great national striving consisting frequently of failure' the most accurate reflection.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

What does the historian Daniel Boorstin say about the United States?

• It was built in everybody's image

• It was built in nobody's image

• It was built in a single image

• It was built in a unified image

Answer explanation

Daniel Boorstin argues that the United States was built in nobody's image, highlighting its diverse and pluralistic nature, where no single identity or vision defines the nation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

What does the text imply about the American psyche?

• It is driven by a desire for wealth

• It is driven by determination to do the difficult thing

• It is driven by a need for power

• It is driven by a quest for fame

Answer explanation

The text suggests that the American psyche is characterized by a determination to tackle challenges, emphasizing resilience and perseverance over mere desires for wealth, power, or fame.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the main concern about national identity mentioned in the text?

• Increasing immigration

• Economic prosperity

• Loss of a common enemy

• Technological advancement

Answer explanation

The main concern about national identity is the 'loss of a common enemy,' which suggests that without a shared adversary, the sense of unity and purpose within a nation may diminish.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

According to the text, what is a unique characteristic of the U.S.?

• Its economic power

• Its cultural diversity

• Its military strength

• Its technological innovation

Answer explanation

The U.S. is known for its cultural diversity, which is a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other nations. This diversity enriches its society and influences various aspects of life, making it a defining feature.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

What does the term "Calvinist undercurrent" refer to in the text?

• A love for luxury and comfort

• A focus on economic growth

• A tendency to embrace challenges

• A preference for isolation

Answer explanation

The term "Calvinist undercurrent" refers to a cultural attitude that values hard work and perseverance, which aligns with a tendency to embrace challenges rather than seeking comfort or isolation.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the text suggest about the new immigrants in the U.S.?

• They are very different from past immigrants

• They are similar to past immigrants

• They do not integrate well

• They are mostly from Europe

Answer explanation

The text indicates that new immigrants share similarities with past immigrants, suggesting continuity in their experiences and challenges, rather than being fundamentally different or struggling to integrate.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.6

What is partly taking pride in, according to the text?

• The ability to complain endlessly

• The ability to unite a diverse country

• The ability to remain isolated

• The ability to dominate other nations

Answer explanation

Partly taking pride in the ability to unite a diverse country emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and collaboration, contrasting with the other options that focus on negativity or dominance.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

What does the text suggest can be traced in the photographs of those who died in the World Trade Center destruction?

• The history of the United States

• The diversity of the world

• The future of humanity

• The economic power of America

Answer explanation

The photographs of those who died in the World Trade Center destruction reflect the diversity of the world, showcasing individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the global impact of the tragedy.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.6