WorksheetsWho Owns the Past - Info Text Practice
Total questions: 13
Worksheet time: 13mins
Question 1: How does the author of Passage 1 present the idea that there are different perspectives on the topic of returning antiquities?
through a series of statements that demonstrate which view is more popular
through a series of examples that demonstrate the influence of economics on opinions
through a series of quotes that first present those who agree and then those who disagree
through a series of questions that first make the reader doubt and then believe in a new idea
Question 2: How does paragraph 3 develop the author's ideas in Passage 1?
It explains why artifacts should sometimes be maintained outside the country of origin.
It presents reasons why people may be unclear on the proper process for handling artifacts.
It demonstrates how guidelines can be established to ease disputes about an artifact's origins.
It illustrates how it can be difficult to determine which country has legal rights to some artifacts.
Question 3: Read this sentence from Passage 1. "Territory held today by a given nation-state in the past likely belonged to a different political entity...even if one wanted to reunite dispersed works of art, where would one do so?" (Paragraph 8)
What is the meaning of dispersed as used in paragraph 8?
borrowed
scattered
unclaimed
uncovered
Question 4 - Part A: In Passage 2, how does the author use the information about Zahi Hawass to develop an idea about ownership of cultural items?
He uses Dr. Hawass's experience with the Rosetta Stone to introduce a special case in private ownership.
He uses Dr. Hawass's approach as an example to show how countries can work together to determine custody of antiquities.
He uses Dr. Hawass's approach to reclaiming artifacts to introduce the drawbacks of placing restrictions on where artifacts are kept.
He uses Dr. Hawass's experience with the Metropolitan Museum of Art as an example of how supportive institutions are in finding solutions.
Question 4 - PART B: Select the sentence from Passage 2 that supports the answer in Part A.
"But ever underestimate Dr. Hawass when it comes to this sort of custody dispute." (paragraph 11)
"He has prevailed so often in getting pieces returned to what he calls their 'motherland' that museum curators are scrambling to appease him." (paragraph 11)
"Now an official from Neues Museum in Berlin is headed to Egypt to discuss Dr. Hawass's demand from its star attraction, a bust of Nefertiti." (paragraph 13)
"But is this trend ultimately good for archeology?" (paragraph 14)
Question 5: What does the phrase "immediate pragmatic sense" in paragraph 14 express about the museum's actions?
They are idealistic and rash.
They are questionable and suspicious.
They are based on unpredictable emotions.
They are logical for achieving a quick resolution.
Question 6: How does paragraph 17 refine the author's ideas about laws limiting the trade of artifacts?
It explains why the laws are necessary and how strictly they should be followed.
It describes how the laws tend to increase the value of products on the black market.
It presents a comparison to show how the laws are ineffective and do not actually reduce crime.
It provides an example of how the laws are not immediately effective and cause hardships for museums.
Question 7 - Part A: Which claim does the author make in Passage 2?
Laws need to be rewritten to reflect the issues determining the country of origin for artifacts.
Some countries may be misusing the right to have artifacts returned to their country of origin.
The issue of which artifacts belong to which country has caused unnecessary violence.
The United Nations needs to define which countries can claim artifacts as their own.
Question 7 - Part B: Which detail from the passage is used as relevant support for this claim?
"Scientists and curators have generally supported the laws passed in recent decades giving countries ownership of ancient 'cultural property'..." (paragraph 15)
"But these laws rest on a couple of highly debatable assumptions: that artifacts should remain in whatever country they were found, and that the best way to protect archaeological sites is to restrict the international trade..." (paragraph 15)
"After the Metropolitan Museum was pressured to hand over a collection called the Lydian Hoard, one of the most valuable pieces was stolen..." (paragraph 16)
"The timing of Dr. Hawass's current offensive, as my colleague Michael Kimmelman reported, makes it look like retribution against the Westerners..." (paragraph 19)
Question 8 - Part A - "Some works, returned with great fanfare, have taken on greater meaning back on view in the countries or cultures that produced them. Other times after the triumphalism fades, they fall victim to benign neglect, or are not always easy to reach." (paragraph 20)
What is the meaning of triumphalism as it is used in this sentence?
careless treatment
a feeling of superiority
initial commitment to a cause
a force used to achieve a goal
Question 8 - Part B: Select the phrase that supports the answer in Part A.
Some works
returned with great fanfare
have taken on greater meaning
back on view
Question 9 - Part A: Which inference can be drawn based on paragraphs 23 and 24 in Passage 3?
Some countries cannot afford to secure precious artifacts and keep them safe.
Tourists are given restricted access to cultural artifacts after the artifacts are relocated.
Museums often experience economic hardships due to the cost of relocating cultural artifacts.
Sometimes fewer people are able to view artifacts after the artifacts are returned to their country of origin.
Question 9 - Part B: Select the sentence that supports the inference in Part A.
A. These treasures await those who make the sometimes difficult journey.
C. But the island, renowned for political corruption, lacks reliable public transportation.
D. Local roads are sometimes closed.
E. Last year, 30,797 people visited the Aidone Museum...
