ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test 43

1. The main purpose of this passage is to

• A. describe the tsunami of 2004
• B. point out the differences between tsunamis and tidal waves
• C. explain the origin of the term "tsunami"
• D. provide general information about tsunamis

2. The passage names all of the following as possible causes of a tsunami EXCEPT:

• A. tornadoes
• B. landslides
• C. meteor impacts
• D. earthquakes

3. The author cites the 1960 tsunami in Japan to show

• A. how devastating a tsunami can be
• B. how far a tsunami can reach
• C. the importance of detecting a tsunami early
• D. how quickly a tsunami can travel

4. Which of the following best describes the difference between a tsunami wave and a regular ocean wave?

• A. Tsunami waves are more than 100 miles apart in the deep ocean, while regular ocean waves follow closely one after the other.
• B. The length between peaks and the amount of time between peaks is greater in tsunami waves than it is in regular ocean waves.
• C. Regular ocean waves are more harmful to young children, while tsunami waves are more likely to endanger the elderly.
• D. Tsunami waves are more likely to affect boats in deep water than are regular ocean waves.

5. The style of the passage is most like that found in

• A. an adventure novel
• B. a weather report
• C. a science textbook
• D. a news article

6. A tsunami becomes a hazard as it approaches land because

• A. the waves compress and grow higher in shallow water
• B. the waves speed up as they approach the shore
• C. the water drains away, exposing the sea floor
• D. people get too close to the shore

7. As used in paragraph 5, the word "bore" means

• A. hollow, cylindrical chamber
• B. gauge
• C. hole made by a drill
• D. dangerous wave