SSAT Middle Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test 3

The original Olympic Games started in Greece more than 2,000 years ago. These games were a religious festival, and, at their height, lasted for five days. Only men could compete, and the sports included running, wrestling, and chariot racing.

Today's Olympic Games are quite a bit different. First, there are two varieties: 5 Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics. They each boast many men and women competing in a multitude of sports, from skiing to gymnastics. They are each held every four years, but not during the same year. They alternate so that there are Olympic Games every two years. The Olympics are no longer held only in one country. They are hosted by different cities around the world. The opening ceremony is a spectacular display, usually incorporating the traditional dances and culture of the host city.

The highlight of the opening ceremony is the lighting of the Olympic flame. Teams of runners carry the torch from Olympia, the site of the ancient Greek games. Although the games have changed greatly throughout the centuries, the spirit of competition is still alive. The flame represents that spirit.

1. The passage is primarily concerned with

• A. justifying the existence of the Olympic Games
• B. explaining all about the games in Ancient Greece
• C. discussing the differences between Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics
• D. comparing the modern Olympic Games to those in Ancient Greece
• E. explaining the process for choosing a host country

2. The author mentions "traditional dances and culture of the host city" in order to

• A. give an example of how the opening ceremony is so spectacular
• B. explain the differences among the different host cities
• C. show that Ancient Greek games were quite boring by contrast
• D. make an analogy to the life of the Ancient Greeks
• E. illustrate the complexity of the modern games

3. The author's tone in the passage can best be described as

• A. disinterested
• B. upbeat
• C. gloating
• D. depressing
• E. fatalistic

4. The lighting of the torch is meant to symbolize

• A. the destruction caused in Ancient Greece
• B. the spirit of Ancient Greek competition
• C. the rousing nature of the games
• D. the heat generated in competition
• E. an eternal flame so that the games will continue forever

5. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• A. Women in ancient Greece did not want to compete in the Olympics.
• B. The Olympics were held every year.
• C. The Olympics used to be held in just one country.
• D. Ice skating is a winter event.
• E. Opening ceremonies today are more spectacular than ones in ancient Greece.