Selection Test from Life on the Mississippi

According to the selection from Life on the Mississippi, how does the town change when the steamboats stop there?

• It goes from fairly busy to very busy for ten minutes.

• It goes from sleepy to frantically busy for a short time.

• It goes from sleepy to calmly efficient for a couple of hours.

• It goes from bustling to dead because everyone is at the wharf.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the town transforms from a sleepy state to a frantically busy one when steamboats arrive, indicating a sudden surge in activity, which aligns with the description in Life on the Mississippi.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.A.3

As described in the selection from Life on the Mississippi, what did the Mississippi River represent to Twain as a boy?

• a destructive force

• a wonder of nature

• a pathway to adventure

• a chance to make friends

Answer explanation

To Twain as a boy, the Mississippi River symbolized a pathway to adventure, representing the excitement and possibilities of exploration and discovery along its banks.

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According to the selection from Life on the Mississippi, what makes the steamboat such a source of fascination for the boys?

• It is a marvel of modern technology.

• It is accessible only to the rich and powerful.

• It is connected with stories of shady dealings.

• It is a connection to the world outside Hannibal.

Answer explanation

The steamboat fascinates the boys as it represents a connection to the world outside Hannibal, symbolizing adventure and opportunities beyond their small town, rather than just being a technological marvel or a status symbol.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.A.4

In the selection from Life on the Mississippi, what is the main impression created by Twain’s depiction of the steamboat?

• an impression of splendor and boldness

• an impression of efficient sturdiness

• an impression of age and disrepair

• zn impression of grace and calm

Answer explanation

Twain's depiction of the steamboat creates an impression of grandeur and power, highlighting its significance in river travel and commerce, while also reflecting the excitement and adventure associated with life on the Mississippi.

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In the selection from Life on the Mississippi, what main character flaw does Twain reveal in himself as a boy?

• lack of imagination

• dishonesty

• laziness

• envy

Answer explanation

In the selection from Life on the Mississippi, Twain reflects on his childhood, revealing a lack of imagination. This flaw is evident as he struggles to envision the adventures and possibilities that life could offer, limiting his experiences.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.A.4

Which of the following sights is most likely to be described as having grandeur?

• a bare stage after a show ends

• a snow-capped mountain range

• a busy kitchen in a popular diner

• a traffic jam in a major coastal city

Answer explanation

A snow-capped mountain range is often described as having grandeur due to its majestic and awe-inspiring appearance, contrasting with the other options that lack such impressive scale and beauty.

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If a candlestick is gilded, what is most likely to be true about it?

• It will hold only the thinnest of candles.

• It will have been used last during the 1800s.

• It will have a yellow gleam when the candle is lit.

• It will need to be cleaned thoroughly before it is used.

Answer explanation

A gilded candlestick is coated with a thin layer of gold, which gives it a yellow gleam when a candle is lit. This characteristic distinguishes it from other materials, making the correct choice about its appearance.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.B

Which of the following sentences best illustrates the word eminence?

• The legendary soldier was knighted by the queen.

• The student of architecture received his degree in May.

• The popular storyteller often visits schools in our town.

• The former librarian recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

Answer explanation

The word 'eminence' refers to a position of prominence or superiority. The sentence about the legendary soldier being knighted illustrates this, as knighthood signifies high honor and status.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.B

What is the most likely effect created by the following passage from Life on the Mississippi? [T]he great Mississippi, the majestic, the magnificent Mississippi, rolling its mile-wide tide along, shining in the sun; the dense forest away on the other side; the point above the town, and the point below, bounding the river-glimpse and turning it into a sort of sea, and withal a very still and brilliant and lonely one.

• The reader is amused to see that the river is a cheerful and bright place.

• The reader is moved to learn that the river is beautiful and profound.

• The reader is troubled by the river’s still but dangerous nature.

• The reader is surprised by the river’s turbulence and darkness.

Answer explanation

The passage describes the Mississippi River in grand, beautiful terms, emphasizing its majesty and stillness. This evokes a sense of beauty and profundity, making the reader feel moved by the river's striking presence.

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TEKS.ELA.9-12.II.A.10

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Which pair of phrases from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?

• the majestic, the magnificent . . . very still and brilliant and lonely

• rolling its mile-wide tide . . . dense forest away on the other side

• along, shining in the sun . . . bounding the river-glimpse

• rolling its mile-wide tide . . . turning it into a sort of sea

Answer explanation

The phrase 'the majestic, the magnificent . . . very still and brilliant and lonely' emphasizes the grandeur and solitude of the scene, supporting the answer to Part A by highlighting its beauty and stillness.

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