SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 26

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Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle's nest rested. The eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle's egg, so an old hen volunteered to nurture and raise the large egg.

One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh," the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds." The chickens roared with laughter, "You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar."

The eagle continued staring at his real family above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done. That is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.

-Gary Barnes

1. The author would most probably agree that

  • A. people become what they believe they are.
  • B. orphans have it more difficult than other children.
  • C. people can only trust members of their own family.
  • D. eagles are more valuable to humans than chickens.
  • E. nothing is impossible with hard work.

2. According to the passage, what happened after the eagle expressed his desires?

  • A. He was encouraged to wait for the right moment.
  • B. He was given reasons why his goals were impossible.
  • C. He was told his needs would hurt his chicken family.
  • D. He was informed of the risks of attempting to fly.
  • E. He was warned that if he left, he could never return.

3. What did the author mean when he said that the eagle's "spirit cried out for more"?

  • A. The eagle yearned to know the identity of his parents.
  • B. The eagle was hurt by words said by other chickens.
  • C. The eagle could not understand why he felt lost.
  • D. The eagle was upset at losing the ability to fly.
  • E. The eagle believed he was meant for greater things.

4. The eagle believed he was a chicken for which of the following reasons?

I. He was told he was a chicken.

II. He looked like a chicken.

III. He was raised by chickens.

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

5. Which real-life situation best represents events in the story?

  • A. An instructor who uses old textbooks effectively
  • B. A lost hunter who finds his way out of a forest
  • C. A college graduate in a career working fast-food
  • D. A boy who uses a special gift to help out his family
  • E. A football player who plays with a serious injury