Reading State Test

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B.

Part A: What does the word insinuated mean as used in paragraph 9 of the passage? RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.1

• A. expected

• B. assumed

• C. believed

• D. suggested

Part B: How does the word insinuated most strongly impact the tone of paragraph 9? RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.1

• A. The word develops a secretive tone by implying the citizens were talking poorly about Moishe the Beadle when he was elsewhere.

• B. The word develops an uncertain tone by explaining how citizens were unsure what to think about Moishe the Beadle’s comments.

• C. The word develops a frightened tone by describing the citizens’ fear caused by Moishe the Beadle’s experience.

• D. The word develops a disrespectful tone by detailing how the citizens chose to not believe Moishe the Beadle’s story.

What is the significance of the author’s conversation with Moishe the Beadle in paragraphs 12–16? RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.1

• A. The author is trying to make sense of Moishe the Beadle’s repeated warnings to the citizens.

• B. The author is trying to decide if Moishe the Beadle is attempting to gain the sympathy of the citizens.

• C. The author is trying to persuade Moishe the Beadle that he believes there is truth to his stories.

• D. The author is trying to convince Moishe the Beadle that his warnings are unnecessary, and the citizens understand the threat.

Which statement best describes why the author includes paragraph 25 in the passage? RL.9-10.5, RL.9-10.1

• A. to demonstrate that, despite obvious signs showing impending troubles, the citizens were still in denial about what would happen to them

• B. to demonstrate that, despite facts showing the German troops were capable of reaching Sighet, the citizens doubted they would ever arrive

• C. to demonstrate that, despite the warnings of impending trouble, the citizens were too focused on everyday life to take the warnings seriously

• D. to demonstrate that, despite constant news of German movement, the citizens doubted the accuracy of these reports

Read paragraphs 34 and 35 below.

The news spread through Sighet like wildfire. Soon that was all people talked about. But not for long. Optimism soon revived: The Germans will not come this far. They will stay in Budapest. For strategic reasons, for political reasons . . .

In less than three days, German Army vehicles made their appearance on our streets.

How are these paragraphs important to the structure of the passage?

• A. They create a sense of confusion by describing the citizens’ reactions upon the arrival of the troops.

• B. They create a sense of excitement by explaining the citizens’ emotions upon receiving the news of the German troops’ movements.

• C. They create a sense of tension by explaining the German troops’ sudden appearance when the citizens felt at ease.

• D. They create a sense of hostility by describing the German troops’ actions as confrontational when they arrived in the city.

How are the events that take place after Passover like a “race toward death,” as described in paragraph 43? RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.1

• A. They cause the citizens to feel fearful about the future.

• B. They are happening in a manner that will lead to a swift ending.

• C. They are creating opposition between the soldiers and the citizens.

• D. They bring about an abrupt end to the holiday season.

Read these sentences from paragraph 59.

The ghetto was ruled by neither German nor Jew. It was ruled by delusion.

What does the author mean when he says the ghetto was “ruled by delusion”? RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.4, RL.9-10.1

• A. The citizens did not understand the importance of being placed in the ghettos.

• B. The citizens were uncertain who truly held the power in the ghettos.

• C. The citizens made decisions based on a false sense of security.

• D. The citizens were committed to protecting their remaining area from the German soldiers.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A and then answer Part B.

Part A: Which sentence best states a central theme of the passage? RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.1

• A. Communities that remain united can overcome adversity.

• B. Excessive pride can lead to one’s downfall.

• C. Religion can be a powerful source of strength in times of trouble.

• D. Self-deception can be a powerful force.

Part B: Which two sentences from the text best support the correct answer to Part A? RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.1

• A. “And so we, the Jews of Sighet, waited for better days that surely were soon to come.” (paragraph 18)

• B. “It was a year like so many others, with its spring, its engagements, its weddings, and its births.” (paragraph 22)

• C. “They never demanded the impossible, made no offensive remarks, and sometimes even smiled at the lady of the house.” (paragraph 36)

• D. “People gathered in private homes: no need to provoke the Germans.” (paragraph 39)

Which sentence best describes the importance of religion in the author’s community? RL.9-10.6, RL.9-10.1

• A. Religion becomes important as an escape from the fearful atmosphere in the community.

• B. The citizens use their religious beliefs and rituals as an excuse to avoid potential conflicts.

• C. Religion is the most important aspect of the citizens’ lives and causes them to ignore the impending problems.

• D. The citizens’ religious beliefs are the reason the Fascists have identified them for persecution.