SSAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 31

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1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

  • A. discuss the reasons for westward expansion in the United States
  • B. explain the provisions of the Homestead Act
  • C. point out the difficulties of homesteading
  • D. argue in favor of extending the Homestead Act
  • E. explain the importance of "proving up"

2. In line 28, "file" most nearly means

  • A. arrange in order
  • B. classify
  • C. sharpen
  • D. record
  • E. finish

3. In order to acquire land under the Homestead Act, claimants had to meet all of the following conditions EXCEPT:

  • A. be a head of household
  • B. be at least 21 years of age
  • C. be a native-born U.S. citizen
  • D. farm the land for five years
  • E. build a house on the land

4. How much U.S. land was transferred to individuals under the terms of the Homestead Act?

  • A. 160 acres per person
  • B. 320 acres per family
  • C. 1.6 million acres
  • D. 270 million acres
  • E. 30% of all U.S. land

5. The author calls the Homestead Act one of the most important pieces of legislation in United States history because it

  • A. helped settle the West
  • B. provided cheap labor
  • C. lowered land values
  • D. helped to end slavery
  • E. passed after a twenty year battle