Unit 1 Blazing New Trails Test

You’ve probably heard of the atomic bomb, but are you familiar with the “First Lady of Physics”? Chien-Shiung Wu, a scientist from China, played a key role in the bomb’s development. Wu, who moved to the U.S. in 1936, faced obstacles in the male-dominated field of physics, as well as anti-Asian racism during World War II. Even after she earned her

PhD

, she had a tough time finding a job. Regardless, she eventually became the first female professor at Princeton University.

During World War II, Wu joined the

Manhattan Project

to create the atomic bomb. Her male colleagues received a Nobel Prize, while her important role wasn’t acknowledged because of her race and gender. However, she continued her research. In 1975, Wu finally received the recognition she deserved, becoming the first woman to receive the U.S. National Medal of Science in Physics.

Which type of evidence does the author use to support the idea that Chien-Shiung Wu faced many challenges?

• expert opinions of people who worked on the Manhattan Project

• accurate statistical data about atomic bombs

• relevant examples of specific situations

• direct quotations from Wu about her experiences

In the 1930s, trucking companies were growing frustrated by the challenges of transporting foods that needed to be kept cold, like dairy products and frozen meals. Ice and salt did not keep food cold enough, and the normal bumps of driving caused available refrigeration units to break down.

Frederick McKinley Jones, a successful inventor, was tasked with the challenge of building a compact, shockproof refrigeration unit for trucks. He used his knowledge of auto mechanics and electrical engineering to create a portable air-cooling unit at the request of a local merchant. His device was eventually adapted to fit trains and boats, making it possible to ship fresh

produce

around the country.

Jones’ invention proved even more useful during World War II when it was used in mobile military hospitals to store and transport blood and medicine. Jones was

inducted

into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and given a fitting nickname—“King of Cool.”

How did Jones influence food delivery?

• He improved truck engines for faster food delivery.

• He made it possible to keep food cool while transporting it

• He invented trains and boats to increase delivery efficiency.

• He transported medicine and stored blood during World War II.

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Sienna

accelerated

around the curve of the track, noticing Charlotte poised for the baton exchange. As Sienna reached out to pass the baton, she started to release her grip.

That's when it happened— the CLINK sound that Sienna had hoped never to hear during a race. The baton slipped from her hand, bouncing on the track and rolling towards the

infield

. She chased it, grabbed it, and handed it to Charlotte, who was anxiously waiting.

Sienna collapsed on the grass in the center of the field and covered her face with her hands. She knew her mistake had lost the relay race for her team, and she hated to let them down. “Go meet your teammates at the finish line, Sienna,” commanded Coach Sutton.

She dragged herself towards the finish line, arriving just in time to watch Rissa cross in fifth place. “Nice job, Rissa,” she said. “I’m sorry I dropped the baton. It’s my fault we lost.”

Charlotte leaned in for a half hug. “It’s all good. Let it go. This meet doesn’t matter much anyway. Just don’t let it happen at the city championship!”

“Yeah,” Jada chimed in. “We’ll work on our hand-offs make sure it doesn’t happen when it counts! Let’s go cool down.”

Sienna reflected on her mistake as she jogged through the grass. She

resolved

to stay after practice to work on her baton exchange every day until the city championship meet. She wasn’t going to let her teammates down again.

A student identifies this theme of the story: It’s important to learn from your mistakes.

Which sentence from the story best supports this theme?

• “The baton slipped from her hand, bouncing on the track and rolling towards the infield.”

• “Sienna collapsed on the grass in the center of the field and covered her face with her hands.”

• “She dragged herself towards the finish line, arriving just in time to watch Rissa cross in fifth place.”

• “She resolved to stay after practice to work on her baton exchange every day until the city championship meet.”

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This excerpt is from the novel X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon. The novel is a fictionalized account of the early life of civil rights leader Malcolm X.

Lansing, Michigan, 1940

I steady my suitcase against the backseat as the car thumps over the streetcar tracks. My eyes drift closed, but I force them open. Don’t think of Papa. Not now. Not today. Not when everything’s about to be brand-new. It’s four in the morning. Too early for anything, except to catch a one-way bus out of town. Half an hour from now, Lansing will be nothing but a blur in the rearview mirror. I can’t wait. Mr. Swerlin parks the car next to the bus station. I’m out like a flash, up to the ticket counter with the money I’ve saved. “Boston, Massachusetts,” I say. It’s fast. Faster than I expect. And so easy. The clerk slaps a piece of paper in my palm: my ticket. Turns out it takes less than a minute to buy a new life.

Which inference is best supported by the text?

• The narrator doesn’t want to go to Boston.

• The clerk at the counter gives the narrator a bus ticket.

• Mr. Swerlin is angry that the narrator is leaving.

• The narrator has painful memories of his father.

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Which of the following best describes the impact of Frederick McKinley Jones' invention on the transportation industry?

• It revolutionized the way perishable goods were transported by enabling effective refrigeration.

• It led to the development of faster and more efficient train engines.

• It was primarily used for transporting non-perishable goods.

• It had no significant impact on the transportation industry.

What lesson does Sienna learn from her experience in the relay race?

• That winning is the most important aspect of any competition.

• That teamwork is not as important as individual performance.

• That learning from mistakes is crucial for improvement.

• That practicing less can lead to better results.

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What was a significant challenge Chien-Shiung Wu faced in her career?

• She was unable to complete her PhD due to lack of resources.

• She faced gender and racial discrimination in her field.

• She was not interested in working on the Manhattan Project.

• She received too many job offers after moving to the U.S.

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How did Chien-Shiung Wu's contributions to the Manhattan Project get recognized?

• She received a Nobel Prize along with her male colleagues.

• She was immediately acknowledged for her role during the project.

• She was awarded the U.S. National Medal of Science in Physics in 1975.

• She was given a special award by the Chinese government.

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