EOC Drills - Passage 3 Qs

What is the relationship between paragraph 1 and paragraph 6 in the passage?

• Both paragraphs describe the spirit embodied by the Pony Express riders.

• Both paragraphs emphasize the speed and expertise of the riders.

• Both paragraphs describe the excitement of citizens at both ends of the route.

• Both paragraphs stress that the riders were experts at traveling on water as well as on land.

How does the author present information in the passage?

• The author begins by explaining general ideas then gives additional specific details.

• The author lists the least important ideas first then concludes with the most important ideas.

• The author describes the reaction geographically, starting in the east and moving to the west.

• The author gives the history chronologically from the first event that occurred to the final celebration.

What are two claims presented at the beginning of the passage?

• “The rider leaps to his saddle and starts. In less than a minute he is at the post office where the letter pouch, square in shape with four padlocked pockets, is awaiting him” (1).

• “A ferry boat under a full head of steam is waiting. With scarcely checked speed, the horse thunders onto the deck of the craft” (1).

• “Some scream themselves hoarse; others are strangely silent; and some–strong men–are moved to tears…” (1).

• “The managers of the Central Overland, California and Pike’s Peak Express Company had laid their plans well” (2).

• 1. “There was no guesswork or delay” (2). 

 Which sentence best expresses a central idea of the passage?

• The Pony Express was the first mail delivery system in the United States.

• The Pony Express, despite meeting with some early criticism, became a showcase for American ingenuity.

• The Pony Express, despite the dangers its riders faced, was welcomed by the people of the West as an important addition to their lives.

• The Pony Express was a contributing factor in the increasingly poor relations between Western settlers and Plains Indians.

What does the word dissenting mean as it is used in paragraph 5?

• Disrespectful

• Disappointed

• Disagreeing

• Disbelieving

Part A: What is the relationship between paragraph 4 and paragraph 5 in the passage?

• Paragraph 4 gives supporting details to explain why many Californians planned to use the Pony Express.

• Paragraph 4 gives supporting details to explain how organized the entire Pony Express system turned out to be.

• Paragraph 4 gives supporting details to explain why Californians had conflicting points of view about the enterprise.

• Paragraph 4 gives supporting details to explain why Californians were united in their belief that the enterprise was a good thing for their state.

Part B: Select the detail from paragraph 5 that best supports the correct answer in Part A.

• “...the opening of the line was likewise awaited with the keenest anticipation.”

• “...there had been at the outset a few dissenting opinions, ...”

• “A vast majority of the people favored the enterprise and clamored for it; ...”

• “...all classes were united in the conviction that they could not do without it.”

Part A: What does the word privation mean as it is used in paragraph 4?

• Division

• Hardship

• Tedium

• Stamina

Part B: Select the detail from paragraph 4 that best supports the correct answer to Part A.

• “...four military posts and they were strung along at intervals…”

• “...nearly six hundred miles of rolling prairie…”

• “...where no living creature could long survive.”

• “...wherever the country permitted of human life, ...”