RI SBA Practice Set 1

Read the sentence from the section Friend of Freedom.

On August 19, 1791, Banneker planted a seed for civil rights.

What does the phrase planted a seed most likely mean?

• to guess an idea

• to give sun and water

• to improve farm crops

• to begin something that will grow

The author wrote the passage as a newspaper story.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the passage this way?

• to include the date to celebrate

• to show that this story was important and true

• to tell an interesting story rather than write about the facts.

• to report what she learned from people who knew Banneker

The passage tells the story of Benjamin Banneker in the order in which the events happened.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the passage this way?

• It is the way stories are told in a newspaper.

• It is easier to tell any story from the beginning.

• It is a way to give more important information first.

• It is easier to understand how events in his life affected what he did.

Read the sentence from the passage.

From the time he was young, Banneker soaked up knowledge like a sponge.

Why did the author use the phrase soaked up knowledge like a sponge to describe Banneker?

• to show that learning is easy

• to let the reader know how smart Banneker was

• to show how important learning was to Banneker

• to show that Banneker missed a lot in his education

• to show how wonderful Banneker's natural abilities were

The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

Which sentence best describes the author's main message in the passage?

• Banneker did not let obstacles stand in the way of success.

• African Americans had a difficult time when Banneker was growing up

• Banneker was very smart even though he didn't spend much time in school.

• Banneker was a scientist who helped farmers, built a clock, and helped build the Capitol.

The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

Which sentence best describes the author's main message in the passage?

Part A

A. Banneker did not let obstacles stand in the way of success.

B. African Americans had a difficult time when Banneker was growing up.

C. Banneker was very smart even though he didn't spend much time in school.

D. Banneker was a scientist who helped farmers, built a clock, and helped build the Capitol.

PART B

Which two sentences from the passage best support your answer in part A?

• “People from every race can do great things.”

• “Banneker also used his mind to help farmers.”

• “Banneker did not let the problems he encountered hold him back.”

• “Even when he was older, Banneker still wanted to learn.”

• “Banneker shows that people truly can do great things even when they are faced with many challenges.”