The Hammock’s Swaying History

Which sentence best supports the idea that hammocks have been used to help solve a problem?

• The Taino made the hammocks by weaving together cotton, plant fibers, and tree bark. (paragraph 2)

• Columbus admired how the hanging beds kept sleepers safe from the soggy ground and pesky forest animals. (paragraph 3)

• Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés was another explorer who was fascinated by hammocks. (paragraph 4)

• Today hammocks are not just for relaxing. (paragraph 7)

Which sentence from the selection shows that Joshua John Ward was successful in choosing the design he used to create hammocks?

• Hammocks were soon exposed to the rest of the world. (paragraph 6)

• He was interested in creating cool beds for his riverboat. (paragraph 6)

• He created hammocks out of cotton rope. (paragraph 6)

• His company still makes hammocks using the same materials. (paragraph 6)

Read the dictionary entry for the word spot.

spot \'spät\ verb

1. to locate something correctly

2. to mark with a stain that discolors clothing

3. to place something in a certain position

4. to notice or identify with the eye

Which definition best matches the way the word spotted is used in paragraph 3?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

What is the most likely reason the author includes the information in paragraph 7?

• To show the reader how to find creative ways to spend time

• To provide the reader with a reason that hammocks need to be strong

• To inform the reader of a different way that hammocks are used

• To tell the reader about the equipment needed for one sport

Answer explanation

Based on information from paragraph 7, the reader can conclude that Andy Lewis -

• likes going on adventures

• does not speak to other athletes on the journey

• has not experiences any challenges on his journey

• has only been on one adeventure

Which sentence suggests that hammocks were helpful to explorers who traveled by sea?

• People have been using hammocks for many years. (paragraph 2)

• They were small enough when folded that they could fit in small spaces on ships. (paragraph 3)

• He drew a picture of the knitted cotton rugs that natives hung between trees using twine strings. (paragraph 4)

• In 1889 a South Carolina riverboat captain named Joshua John Ward crafted a different type of hammock. (paragraph 6)