Silk Road Reading Comprehension

Traveling homeward with the precious Buddhist manuscripts he had sought, they had to make their way again through the Pamir Range, known as "the roof of the world," which has many mountain peaks over 20,000 feet.

What does "the roof of the world" suggest about the Pamir mountain range?

• It contains peaks that are among the highest on Earth.

• It helps protect surrounding villages from bad weather.

• It provides the best views of the surrounding trade routes.

• It is a common gathering place fro traders traveling the route.

In paragraphs 10 and 11, how does the author contrast the perspective of Chengli with the point of view of Bori and Abdul?

• by hinting that Bori and Abdul are more impatient travelers than Chengli

• by suggesting that Bori and Abdul are more motivated to trade than Chengli

• by indicating that Bori and Abdul are more interested in the landscape than Chengli

• by implying that Bori and Abdul are more knowledgeable about the world than Chengli

"Soldiers patrolled. Inspectors inspected. Tax collectors collected import and export taxes."

What effect is produced by the repetition of words and sounds in these sentences?

• It emphasizes the importance of the city.

• It highlights the bustling activity in the city.

• It illustrates the large population in the city.

• It demonstrates the organized layout of the city.

"The caravan moved northward with the slow speed of heavily laden camels."

What is the meaning of the word laden as it is used in the sentence?

• burdened

• distracted

• guarded

• valued

Which detail supports the conclusion that Chengli has an important role in the caravan?

• "....he knew all about caravans, but bit by bit now he realized he hardly knew anything at all."

• "The road followed the canal, and Chengli grinned from ear to ear as he walked past travelers resting along the water's edge..."

• "...far off in the distance, about the green of the oasis, Chengli could just make out the massive, red-brick tower with its two arching roofs that signaled the gate to the city."

• "....but the last ten camels-his camels- had items they could trade at the oasis towns along the way, giving them fresh food and more water for their journey."

In passage 2, how do the sights and sounds of the Silk Road affect Chengli?

• The excitement of the city causes Chengli to feel inspired.

• The challenges of the desert cause Chengli to feel discouraged.

• The variety of the landscape develops Chengli's sense of wonder.

• The dangers of the mountains develop Chengli's sense of nervousness.

How does the fictionalized account of the Silk Road in Passage 2 further develop the historical account in Passage 1?

• It explains the impact of the Silk Road by showing how trading changed the culture of cities over time.

• It makes the experience of the Silk Road more personal by focusing on the perspective of one character.

• It reveals why silk was so important along the Silk Road by describing what traders would receive in return.

• It emphasizes the dangers of traveling along the Silk Road by highlighting the illegal activity that took place.