SSAT Upper Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test 23

William, Duke of Normandy, conquered England in 1066. One of the first tasks he undertook as king was the building of a fortress in the city of London. Begun in 1066 and completed several years later by William's son, William Rufus, this structure was called the White Tower.

The Tower of London is not just one building, but an 18-acre complex of buildings. In addition to the White Tower, there are 19 other towers. The Thames River flows by one side of the complex and a large moat, or shallow ditch, surrounds it. Once filled with water, the moat was drained in 1843 and is now covered with grass.

The Tower of London is the city's most popular tourist attraction. A great deal of fascinating history has taken place within its walls. The tower has served as a fortress, royal residence, prison, royal mint, public records office, observatory, military barracks, place of execution, and city zoo.

As recently as 1941, the tower was used as a prison for Adolf Hitler's associate Rudolf Hess. Although it is no longer used as a prison, the tower still houses the crown jewels and a great deal of English history.

1. The primary purpose of this passage is to

• A. discuss the future of the Tower of London
• B. discuss the ramifications of using the Tower as a prison
• C. argue that the Tower is an improper place for crown jewels
• D. describe and discuss the history of the Tower of London
• E. debate the relative merits of the uses of the Tower in the past to the present

2. All of the following were uses for the Tower of London EXCEPT

• A. a place where money was made
• B. a palace for the royals
• C. a place where executions were held
• D. a place of religious pilgrimage
• E. a place where records were stored

3. Which of the following questions is answered by the passage?

• A. What controversy has surrounded the Tower of London?
• B. How much revenue does the Tower generate for England?
• C. In what year did construction on the Tower of London begin?
• D. What is the type of stone used in the Tower of London?
• E. Who was the most famous prisoner in the Tower?

4. When discussing the Tower of London, the author's tone could best be described as

• A. bewildered
• B. objective
• C. overly emotional
• D. envious
• E. disdainful

5. Which of the following does the author imply about Rudolf Hess?

• A. He was executed at the Tower of London.
• B. He was one of the last prisoners in the Tower of London.
• C. He died an untimely death.
• D. He was a tourist attraction.
• E. He was respectful of the great Tower of London.

6. The author would most probably agree that

• A. the Tower of London is useful only as a tourist attraction
• B. the Tower of London could never be built today
• C. the Tower of London cannot generate enough revenue to justify its expenses
• D. the Tower of London has a complex history
• E. the prisoners at the Tower were relatively well treated