Skills Test: Supervolcano

Which statement below is the central idea of the article “Supervolcano: Beneath Yellowstone Park”?

• Yellowstone Park gets millions of visitors each year.

• Yellowstone Park is too dangerous to consider visiting.

• Yellowstone Park is the home of a massive supervolcano beneath the ground.

• Yellowstone Park is home to many different types of animals, fish, and birds.

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CCSS.RI.6.2

Why did the author include details about visiting Yellowstone Park?

• To prove to the reader that Yellowstone Park is still a great place to visit.

• To prove to the reader that the dangers of Yellowstone keep people away.

• To prove to the reader that President Ulysses S. Grant is an important president.

• To prove to the reader that there are dangerous gases lurking in the air.

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CCSS.RI.6.6

Based on information from the article, what most likely caused the volcano to erupt 640,000 years ago?

• Toxic gases beneath the Earth were suddenly released.

• The geysers and hot springs quit releasing pressure.

• The pressure of the boiling magma beneath the Earth eventually rose to a point of eruption.

• The Yellowstone Volcanic Observatory did not act quickly enough to warn tourists.

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CCSS.RI.6.1

Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of a possible eruption mentioned in the article?

• The geyser, “Old Faithful”, may quit working regularly.

• There may be an increase in earthquakes in the area.

• The ground may rise and fall from the pressure.

• The geyser and hot springs may have higher temperatures than normal.

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CCSS.RI.6.1

Which statement about the article below proves that Yellowstone Park may be still be a place worth visiting?

• Yellowstone National Park sits on top of a giant supervolcano.

• The Supervolcano will likely not erupt, and Yellowstone has so much beauty to see.

• Yellowstone Caldera formed when the volcano erupted 640,000 years ago.

• The park’s hot springs can rise to very dangerous temperatures, so follow the rules.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.6.8

Which evidence most strongly supports your answer to the previous question?

• A caldera is a large volcanic crater formed when the mouth of the volcano collapses after a major eruption.

• Due to the extreme heat of these springs, recorded as high as 456 degrees Fahrenheit, the park has strict rules for visitors.

• It was named by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872.

• Wyoming’s majestic natural attraction is visited by 3.6 million people each year.

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CCSS.RI.6.1

What are at least 3 key details from the article go with the following main idea?

There are many potential effects of the Yellowstone Supervolcano on the Earth.

Answer explanation

Possible Answers Include:

Lava flowing through the area

Ash and rock covering half of the US

Toxic gases in the air

Possible cooling of climate

Health hazards

Danger to plants and animals

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CCSS.RI.6.1

According to the information in the article, what could possibly cause the Yellowstone Volcanic Observatory to close the park due to threatening signs of volcanic activity.

(Four sentence minimum. Include a main idea sentence.)

Answer explanation

EXEMPLAR RESPONSE EXAMPLE:

According to the article, there are many signs of volcanic activity. There would be several earthquakes in the area. The park geologists might notice an increase in the activity of the geysers, and an increase in the temperature of the hot springs. The ground may rise and fall due to the pressure. They may also notice certain gases being released from the volcano. All of these are warning signs that the volcano could become active.

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CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.2

What is the primary reason for the formation of geysers in Yellowstone Park?

• The influence of nearby rivers and lakes.

• The presence of a large number of tourists.

• The geothermal activity beneath the park.

• The park's location in a desert area.

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CCSS.RI.6.1

Which of the following best describes the potential impact of a supervolcano eruption at Yellowstone?

• It would primarily impact the wildlife in the park.

• It would result in the formation of new geysers and hot springs.

• It could have global climatic effects and widespread destruction.

• It would only affect the immediate area around the park.

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CCSS.RI.6.3