SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 50

When Mr. Hiram B. Otis bought Canterville Place, every one told him he was doing a foolish thing as there was no doubt that the place was haunted. Indeed, Lord Canterville himself, who was a man of the most honesty, had felt it his duty to mention the fact to Mr. Otis when they met to discuss terms.   

"We have not cared to live in the place ourselves," said Lord Canterville, "since my grand-aunt, the Duchess of Bolton, was frightened into a fit, from which she never really recovered, by two skeleton hands being placed on her shoulders. I feel required to tell you, Mr. Otis, that the ghost has been seen by several living members of my family as well as by the preacher of our community, the Rev. Dampier. After the unfortunate accident to the Duchess, none of our younger servants would stay with us. Lady Canterville often got very little sleep at night as a result of the mysterious noises that came from the corridor and the library."

"My Lord," answered Mr. Otis, "I will take the furniture and the ghost at their estimated prices. I come from a modern country, where we have everything that money can buy. I think that if there were such a thing as a ghost in Europe, we'd have it at home in a very short time in one of our public museums or on the road as a show."

-Oscar Wilde

1. Which of the following is the best title for the selection?

• A. A Talk Between Friends
• B. Mr. Otis's New Home
• C. The Canterville Ghost
• D. Spirits in Europe
• E. The Monster Hunt

2. What is the main purpose of Lord Canterville's conversation with Hiram B. Otis?

• A. He is telling Mr. Otis about his family.
• B. He is giving Mr. Otis words of warning.
• C. He is studying Mr. Otis's intentions.
• D. He is providing Mr. Otis with directions.
• E. He is acknowledging Mr. Otis's fears.

3. Lord Canterville mentions all of the following as evidence of a ghost EXCEPT:

• A. The ghost has made noises in several places.
• B. The ghost has been spotted by Canterville's relatives.
• C. The ghost has actually touched someone.
• D. The ghost has moved objects around the house.
• E. The ghost has been seen by a respected man.

4. It is most reasonable to infer from the passage that

• A. there are many paintings of ghosts in museums.
• B. Lord Canterville did not want to sell his house.
• C. Otis and Canterville worked together in America.
• D. the Duchess is a close friend of Rev. Dampier.
• E. Hiram B. Otis bought a house quite recently.

5. Which of the following best describes Hiram B. Otis's attitude towards the ghost?

• A. Unconcerned
• B. Courageous
• C. Friendly
• D. Enthusiastic
• E. Terrified