SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 13

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Historians place Caesar on the level of such military greats as Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte and Saladin. Although he suffered a few defeats, Caesar's genius in war was highlighted by the conquering of Alesia during the Gallic War, the defeat of Pompey's forces at Pharsalus during the Civil War, and the destruction of Pharnaces' army at the Battle of Zela.

Caesar's success on any land and under all weather conditions owes much to the strict but fair discipline of his soldiers. Their respect and devotion to him were widely known due to his policy of promoting on skill rather than social position. Another factor that made Caesar effective in war was his army's advanced engineering abilities. During an attack on one Gallic city built on a very steep and high plateau, Caesar's engineers were able to tunnel through solid rock. They found the source of the spring that the town was drawing its water supply from, and redirected it to their own army. The town, cut off from their water supply,capitulatedat once.

-Wikipedia

1. The author's main goal in this passage is to

  • A. list several of Rome's greatest military battles.
  • B. compare Caesar against other military greats.
  • C. report about Caesar's great skill in war.
  • D. describe Caesar's defeat of a Gallic city.
  • E. discuss the military strategies of Caesar.

2. As used in the last line,capitulatedmost closely means

  • A. attacked
  • B. conquered
  • C. surrendered
  • D. abandoned
  • E. passed away

3. In the selection, all of the following can be used to describe Caesar EXCEPT

  • A. resourceful
  • B. unbeatable
  • C. fair-minded
  • D. intelligent
  • E. determined

4. According to the second paragraph, Caesar's policy of basing promotion on skill rather than social position

  • A. angered members of the government back in Rome.
  • B. allowed his men to focus on war rather than politics.
  • C. was his most famous quality as a military leader.
  • D. eased the suffering of the soldier's family in Rome.
  • E. helped him gain the favor and loyalty of his men.

5. According to the passage, Caesar's engineers

I. fought despite limited water supplies.

II. were very highly skilled.

III. once tunneled through solid rock.

  • A. II only
  • B. I and II only
  • C. I and III only
  • D. II and III only
  • E. I, II and III