SSAT Middle Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test 1

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The native inhabitants of the Americas arrived from Asia more than 20,000 years ago. They belonged to numerous tribes and many were skilled hunters, farmers, and fishers. Some of the most famous of the tribes of Native Americans are the Sioux, the Cheyenne, the Iroquois, and the Apache.

These tribes settled and developed organized societies. The settlers to North America from Europe fought the Native Americans for land. Geronimo was the last great Native American chief to organize rebellions against the settlers. He led raids across the southwest and into Mexico. Although he eventually was captured, he later became a celebrity.

After a long battle, the United States government moved the Native Americans onto reservations—special sections of land set aside for them—where many still reside today.

1. The main purpose of this passage is to

  • A. report on the current status of Native Americans
  • B. offer a solution to the problems of Native Americans
  • C. give a brief history of Native Americans
  • D. discuss ways Native Americans are able to work on reservations
  • E. give a history of different Native American tribes

2. According to the passage, the fate of Geronimo was

  • A. to live out his life in disgrace
  • B. to become a great war hero with no defeats
  • C. to become famous throughout the country
  • D. to die penniless and alone
  • E. to commit suicide

3. The author's tone in regard to the fate of Native Americans is

  • A. passionate
  • B. objective
  • C. disappointed
  • D. ambivalent
  • E. envious

4. Which of the following is the author most likely to discuss next?

  • A. Possible causes of Native American resentment
  • B. The life of the Native American in modern society
  • C. The battle that defeated Geronimo
  • D. The differences among tribes
  • E. A detailed history of the Sioux

5. The passage names all the following as skills possessed by Native Americans EXCEPT

  • A. farming
  • B. hunting
  • C. fishing
  • D. gathering
  • E. fighting