Daily Common Core ELA Practice #1

In the past, getting information from one person to another was a challenge. A dependable method of sending letters to friends and family was needed. William Russell, William Waddell, and Alexander Majors developed a method in 1860 to get mail reliably across the nation. The plan was to send mail by horseback. Using this method, mail carriers would travel across mountains, rivers, and dusty plains to transport letters.

Why was a mail system needed?

• Horseback was an unreliable method of delivery.

• The method of delivering mail was not working.

• The mail route needed a new plan.

In the past, getting information from one person to another was a challenge. A dependable method of sending letters to friends and family was needed. William Russell, William Waddell, and Alexander Majors developed a method in 1860 to get mail reliably across the nation. The plan was to send mail by horseback. Using this method, mail carriers would travel across mountains, rivers, and dusty plains to transport letters.

How would mail be delivered with the new system?

• by a person walking along a route

• by a letter system using trucks

• by a person riding on a horse

The plan for the Pony Express would get mail coverage from Missouri all the way to California. Along the way, the riders would change horses every 10 to 12 miles. Using this method, mail could be delivered in nearly two weeks rather than the months that it would take to be carried using traditional mail. This would be a dangerous job. The riders would cross through a variety of regions and face all types of weather conditions.

The author proves the Pony Express is a better form of transportation than traditional mail by..

• giving an example of a hazard pony riders faced

• listing how often horses would be changed

• explaining how long traditional delivery took.

The plan for the Pony Express would get mail coverage from Missouri all the way to California. Along the way, the riders would change horses every 10 to 12 miles. Using this method, mail could be delivered in nearly two weeks rather than the months that it would take to be carried using traditional mail. This would be a dangerous job. The riders would cross through a variety of regions and face all types of weather conditions.

Horses were exchanged every ten to twelve miles most likely because....

• riders wanted to prevent horses from getting tired

• horses were not sturdy enough for travel

• they could not travel in rough weather

The organizers of the Pony Express carefully selected the riders that would deliver the mail. In order to be picked, a young man had to be physically fit and brave. Many riders were selected, and the attempts to deliver mail by horseback went successfully. Young riders were trained, and a route for mail delivery was developed.

Stations for picking up and carrying mail were established across the country. Riders were able to stop and rest along the way. At certain points along their journey, riders exchanged horses. The entire process was a success.

What are two main ideas from the passage?

• The riders had to be physically fit, and they had to be brave.

• Stations made it possible to rest, and horses were exchanged.

• Riders carefully selected, and delivery was successful.

Carl extended his arms as high as he could hoping to be seen by the passing ship. It had been seventy days and fifteen hours since the terrible accident. Alone each night he sat trying to find a way to escape the deserted island. No matter how lonely he had been, he kept trying to find a way to get help. Carl saw a ship passing by. A passenger pointed at Carl.

Based on how Carl responded to challenges, the theme is....

• Creativity is always best

• Always keep trying

• Find ways to remain calm

Carl extended his arms as high as he could hoping to be seen by the passing ship. It had been seventy days and fifteen hours since the terrible accident. Alone each night he sat trying to find a way to escape the deserted island. No matter how lonely he had been, he kept trying to find a way to get help. Carl saw a ship passing by. A passenger pointed at Carl.

Carl is likely to leave the island because....

• he found a boat on the island

• a passenger noticed him

• the group he was with found him

"I am sorry Mrs. Einstein. your son Albert is just not learning as quickly as the other pupils. Academics is not something in which he is skilled."

"My son has always been different," remarked Mrs. Einstein as she watched the other children roll a ball. "He just learns differently than the other children."

Based on Mrs. Einstein's reaction, what does she think?

• She thinks that Albert is just shy.

• She believes that Albert is a unique child.

• She thinks that Albert should learn other things.

"I am sorry Mrs. Einstein. your son Albert is just not learning as quickly as the other pupils. Academics is not something in which he is skilled."

"My son has always been different," remarked Mrs. Einstein as she watched the other children roll a ball. "He just learns differently than the other children."

What is this story about?

• The teacher is concerned about Albert's progress.

• Mrs. Einstein is concerned about behavior problems.

• Albert is not following directions at school.