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The Declaration of Independence Reading Comprehension Assessment

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 8mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the main purpose of the first paragraph in this text?

a)

To explain why the British colonists were unhappy

b)

To describe King George III's leadership

c)

To discuss the Continental Congress

d)

To explain how taxes were collected

2.

Which two purposes did the Declaration of Independence serve according to the text?

a)

To declare war and to establish laws

b)

To list complaints against the King and to declare independence

c)

To create new taxes and to form a government

d)

To establish trade and to create borders

3.

What evidence from the text shows that collecting signatures was not a quick process?

a)

The document was signed on July 4th, 1776

b)

Thomas Jefferson wrote it in two weeks

c)

The document traveled across the country to gather signatures

d)

Fifty-six delegates signed immediately

4.

How does the author describe the Declaration of Independence in the final paragraph?

a)

As a long and complicated document

b)

As an outdated historical paper

c)

As a beautifully written and important work

d)

As a collection of complaints

5.

What caused the colonists to Declare Independence?

a)

British taxation, colonial protests,

b)

The end of the Civil War, formation of the United States,

c)

Discovery of America, settlement of Jamestown,

d)

French Revolution, American Revolution,

6.

Which text evidence supports why the colonists were frustrated with King George III?

a)

He lived in a faraway country

b)

He didn't respond to their letters for over a year

c)

He wanted more colonies

d)

He visited America frequently

7.

Who was responsible for drafting the first version of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Benjamin Franklin

b)

John Adams

c)

Thomas Jefferson

d)

George Washington

8.

What was King George III's response to the colonists' complaints?

a)

He reduced their taxes

b)

He declared them rebels and claimed their property

c)

He sent more troops

d)

He wrote them an apology

9.

According to the text, when was the Declaration of Independence officially adopted?

a)

August 2nd, 1776

b)

July 4th, 1776

c)

June 1776

d)

Summer 1775

10.

Which conclusion can be drawn about the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

It was only important for declaring independence

b)

It was mainly about establishing new taxes

c)

It represents liberty and defines the hopes and dreams of a new country

d)

It was primarily about forming a new government