Grade 10 Nonfiction FAST Practice Reading Test

Dr. Mary Ellen Avery (1927–2011) was best known for her research on breathing problems encountered by premature infants—a condition now known as Respiratory Distress Syndrome. A study conducted in 2002 estimated that Dr. Avery's work had helped save the lives of over 800,000 babies.

You are about to listen to the audio to passage ​ (a)  

• three
• two
• one

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Now answer Numbers 1 through 16. Base your answers on the passages “Discourse on Woman (1849)” and “from Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women (1895)” and the audio clip “Interview with Dr. Mary Ellen Avery.”

1. Which phrase supports Mott’s position that women’s rights are “of greater importance to the well-being of society at large?”

• A “the intelligent and refined” (paragraph 1)

• B “intellectual vigor and beauty” (paragraph 2)

• C “stronger and more profitable food” (paragraph 3)

• D “the benevolent affections and higher nature” (paragraph 4)

Answer explanation

Option D: This answer is correct. Mott's emphasis on the “higher nature” in written works shows her belief that forms of popular entertainment should have a moral component.

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2. Part A What central idea about language does Mott express in Passage 1?

• A Flattering words have failed to satisfy women’s need for equality.

• B Attempts should be made to educate those who use vulgar speech.

• C Women must learn how to speak well before they can rise in society.

• D Artistic words can conceal ideas that limit the progress of equal rights

Answer explanation

Part A Option D : This answer is correct. Mott objects to the lecture she attends because its apparent eloquence conceals ideas she sees as damaging to women's progress.

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3. Part B What does Mott cite in paragraphs 3 and 4 as evidence that this situation is changing?

• A. more substantial literary works

• B. more accurate scientific theories

• C. New opportunities for recreation

• D. Increased business opportunities

Answer explanation

Part B Option A : This answer is correct. In paragraph 4, Mott makes a point that the sentimental novels previously marketed to women are giving way to more substantial fare.

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4. Read the excerpt from Passage 1.

   “There is nothing of greater importance to the well-being of society at large—of man as well as woman—than the true and proper position of woman.” (paragraph 1)

   After stating this central claim, how does Mott structure the rest of the passage?

• A She criticizes the immaturity of the young and then pleads for better education.

• B. She names obstacles to progress and then cites positive signs of improvement.

• C. She describes the role of men and then shows how they can help the movement

• D She stresses the importance of communication and then describes what it can accomplish.

Answer explanation

Option B: This answer is correct. Mott names the lecture she attends as an example of how much there still is to combat but proceeds to discuss a number of ways in which the women's movement has made positive strides.

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5. Part A Read this excerpt from Passage 2.

   11 But neither the advice to go to Paris nor the suggestion of disguise tempted me for a moment. It was to my mind a moral crusade on which I had entered, a course of justice and common sense, and it must be pursued in the light of day, and with public sanction, in order to accomplish its end.

   Based on the phrase public sanction, in what way was Blackwell determined to accomplish her goals?

• A without criticism

• B without attention

• C without hesitation

• D without deception

Answer explanation

Part A Option D: This answer is correct. The phrase and subsequent surrounding text indicate that Blackwell wishes to accomplish her goals without having to disguise herself or study elsewhere. She wants the public to know what she intends to accomplish.

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Part B Which phrase from the excerpt provides a clue to the meaning of the phrase public sanction?

• A. "The advice to go to Paris"

• B. "A moral crusade"

• C. "In the light of day"

• D. "To accomplish its end"

Answer explanation

Part B Option C: This answer is correct. The phrase “in the light of day” indicates that Blackwell wishes to accomplish her goals with everyone knowing about it.

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This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A What is Blackwell’s purpose for describing her experiences in Passage 2?

• A. to show how she handled the obstacles in the way of her goals

• B to criticize the physicians who discouraged her interest in medicine

• C to illustrate how effective women could be in traditional male roles

• D to argue that medicine would benefit if more women were involved

Answer explanation

Part A Option A : This answer is correct. Blackwell mentions that she applied to many medical colleges without gaining entry, but that did not deter her from accomplishing her goal of becoming a doctor.

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Part B Which phrase does Blackwell use to help emphasize this purpose?

• A “curiously unanimous” (paragraph 6)

• B “long and expensive” (paragraph 6)

• C “absorbing occupation” (paragraph 7)

• D. “cautiously but persistently” (paragraph 9)

Answer explanation

Part B Option D : This answer is correct. This phrase describes how Blackwell approached the obstacles she faced gaining entry into a medical college.

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This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A How are Mott’s and Blackwell’s perspectives similar?

• A. Both view women’s rights as an ethical issue.

• B Both think intellect can conceal destructive ideas.

• C. Both recognize positive signs in women’s progress

• D. Both emphasize the importance of self-confidence.

Answer explanation

Part A Option A: This answer is correct. Mott's repeated appeals for achieving an “elevated position” for women and Blackwell's pronouncement that she is on a “moral crusade” support this interpretation.

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