All Levels ISEE Reading Practice Test 55

1. This passage is primarily about

• A. the Vikings and their civilization
• B. the waves of Viking immigration
• C. sailing techniques of Bjarni Herjolfsson
• D. one Viking's glimpse of the New World

2. What was the author's purpose in writing this passage?

• A. To turn the reader against Italian adventurers
• B. To show his disdain for Eric the Red
• C. To demonstrate the Vikings' nautical skills
• D. To correct a common misconception about the European discovery of America

3. According to the passage, Bjarni Herjolfsson left Norway to

• A. found a new colony
• B. open trading lanes
• C. visit a relative
• D. map the North Sea

4. Bjarni's reaction upon landing in Iceland can best be described as

• A. disappointed
• B. satisfied
• C. amused
• D. indifferent

5. "The crew lost their bearings" probably means that

• A. the ship was damaged beyond repair
• B. the crew became disoriented
• C. the crew decided to mutiny
• D. the crew went insane

6. It can be inferred from the passage that, prior to Bjarni Herjolfsson's voyage, Greenland

• A. was covered in grass and shrubs
• B. was overrun with Vikings
• C. was rich in fish and game
• D. was as far west as the Vikings had traveled

7. With which of the following statements about Viking explorers would the author most probably agree?

• A. Greenland and Iceland were the Vikings' final discoveries.
• B. Viking explorers were cruel and savage.
• C. The Vikings' most startling discovery was an accidental one.
• D. Bjarni Herjolfsson was the first settler of America.