SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 21

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Of all the men who wore blue uniforms in the Civil War, none felt more strongly the purpose of his mission than the African-American soldier. Every marching step, every swing of a pick and every round fired at Confederate enemies gave him a chance to strike a blow against slavery and prove himself equal to his white comrades. U.S. Colored Troops were consistently good fighters, performing well in every battle in which they fought. Even their enemies had to unwillingly admit that fact. One USCT member, William H. Carney, went beyond good to become great, and was the first black U.S. soldier to earn the Medal of Honor.

On February 17, 1863, at age 23, Carney answered the call for African Americans to join a local militia unit, the Morgan Guards, with 45 other volunteers from his hometown of New Bedford, Mass. That unit would later become Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.

There was something unique about the new regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. It was an all-black unit with the exception of senior officers and a few senior noncommissioned sergeants. The 54th Massachusetts was created to prove that black men could be good soldiers.

-Thomas Hammond

1. The main focus of this passage is

  • A. how a few men changed the course of the Civil War.
  • B. the strengths and flaws of African-American soldiers.
  • C. the impact of the Civil War on American history.
  • D. the achievement of black soldiers in the Civil War.
  • E. the battles fought by a famous Civil War regiment.

2. According to the passage, the enemy's attitude towards the U.S. Colored Troops may best be described as

  • A. enthusiastic praise
  • B. reluctant respect
  • C. humorous exaggeration
  • D. honest criticism
  • E. angry disapproval

3. In the selection, all of the following questions are answered regarding William H. Carney EXCEPT:

  • A. How old was he when he became a fighting man?
  • B. Was he a member of the U.S. Colored Troops?
  • C. Did he receive any awards for his actions in war?
  • D. How many men volunteered for the unit with him?
  • E. What rank did he hold in the infantry regiment?

4. According to the passage, the African-American soldier wanted to do well in the Civil War for which of the following reasons?

I. To show he could fight as well as white soldiers

II. To find better jobs after the war

III. To help get rid of slavery

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

5. The passage implies that

  • A. the soldiers with blue uniforms were fighting against slavery.
  • B. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw was an African-American.
  • C. the Confederate army also had many African-American soldiers.
  • D. the Morgan Guards never met Company C of the 54th Massachusetts.
  • E. the Medal of Honor was given to only one soldier in the war.