The Pony Express

What was the primary purpose of the Pony Express?

• To provide fast mail service across the Rocky Mountains.

• To deliver packages internationally.

• To transport goods by train.

• To serve as a courier service for newspapers.

How many stations did the Pony Express company need?

• More than 100 stations.

• Less than 50 stations.

• Exactly 75 stations.

• Around 200 stations.

What was the average speed of a horse used by the Pony Express?

• 10 miles per hour.

• 5 miles per hour.

• 15 miles per hour.

• 20 miles per hour.

Riders of the Pony Express were usually young, slender men.

• True

• False

What was the weight limit for the combined weight of the saddle, bridle, and saddle bags?

• Not more than 13 pounds.

• Not more than 10 pounds.

• Not more than 15 pounds.

• Not more than 20 pounds.

Describe the process a rider would follow upon reaching a station.

• A rider should check the schedule and board the train.

• A rider should immediately leave the station.

• A rider should wait for the next available train without checking the schedule.

• A rider should ask for directions from the station staff.

Which quote supports the central idea of the Pony Express’ historic role in the country?

• A. "In the times before we communicated by phone and computer, the Pony Express was the communication link connecting East to West." (paragraph 1)

• B. "Riders would stop at military posts and local stations on the way to their final destinations." (paragraph 4)

• C. "Large newspapers from the eastern cities of New York, Boston, and Chicago often used this mail service." (paragraph 5)

• D. "At first, the stations were built about 25 miles apart from each other." (paragraph 6)

In paragraphs 1-3, which sentence develops the idea that the pony express riders were well-qualified to do their job?

• As our country grew west, we needed fast mail service past the Rocky Mountains.

• ... before we communicated by phone and computer, the Pony Express was the communication link connecting East to West.

• ... the Pony Express company owners needed more than 100 stations, more than 400 horses, and plenty of capable riders.

• The chosen riders were regarded as ‘the top of the heap.’

Which two details should be included in a summary of the passage?

• the required qualities of the riders

• the military posts along the routes

• the need to communicate farther west

• the station keepers’ use of time cards

• the use of tissue paper to print newspapers

Which key detail from paragraph 8 does the author use to support the central idea of the paragraph?

• A. President Lincoln’s inaugural address

• B. the station workers of the Pony Express

• C. the date of President Lincoln’s inauguration

• D. the condition of the country in the early 1800s