Exploring the Wild West (HMH M4 W1)

According to the passage, how were mountain men helpful to explorers and pioneers?

• They trapped small animals for their fur.

• They traded goods with Native Americans.

• They acted as guides, sharing their knowledge of the land with travelers.

• They went ahead of the pioneers, building a safe trail west for those in search of fortune.

What did Jefferson hope Lewis & Clark would do?

• become missionaries

• write a book about prairie dogs

• trade beaver pelts with fur trappers

• discover a water route across the continent

Why did people leave furniture along the trail?

• to mark the trail for other travelers

• to make wagons lighter for the oxen

• because old furniture was considered garbage

• because they wanted to buy new furniture for their new lives

Which direction did the pioneers travel trying to make their way to gold?

• North

• South

• East

• West

The passage says the scientist still study plants specimens gathered by Lewis and Clark. What is the meaning of specimens as it is used in the passage?

• sketches

• samples

• models

• copies

What caused the most pioneer deaths along the trail?

• getting cholera from polluted drinking water

• getting caught in mountain storms

• being crushed by frighten cattle

• leaving too late in the season

Why was it important for the pioneers to reach Independence Rock before July 4?

• They ran the risk of running into storms.

• The oxen got tired on that day.

• They were going to be late to the July 4th party.

• They were scared of the buffalo chips.

What was the captain's job on the journey?

• to help the farmers

• to throw away trash

• to help lead everyone along the trail

• to show the Native Americans how to cook

Which meaning of the word "posts" goes with the following sentences? "The trails and posts used by these explores and mountain men guided the pioneers who came to settle the land west of the Mississippi River."

• forts or stopping points along the trail where people could buy supplies

• a strong piece of wood or metal to support a sign

• an online message made by someone on social media

• a pole on a racetrack indicating the point where a race begins and ends

Which of the following DOES NOT indicate why the wagon trains took a "nooning" break?

• to give the oxen a rest

• so the pioneers could eat a cold lunch

• so the children could gather buffalo chips for the fire

• so the pioneers could build a fire and unpack new supplies