SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 30

In the 1950s, Native Americans struggled with the government's policy of moving them into cities where they mightassimilateinto mainstream America. Many had difficulties adjusting to urban life. When the policy was discontinued in 1961, the government noted that "poverty and deprivation are common" for Native Americans.

In the 1960s and 1970s, watching both Third World nationalism and the civil rights movement, Native Americans became more aggressive in fighting for rights. New leaders went to court to protect tribal lands or to recover those which had been taken away. In 1967, they gained victories guaranteeing long-abused land and water rights. The American Indian Movement helped direct government funds to Native-American organizations and assist neglected Native Americans in cities.

Confrontations became more common. In 1969 a landing party of 78 Native Americans took over Alcatraz Island and held it until federal officials removed them in 1971. In 1973 AIM took over the South Dakota village of Wounded Knee, where soldiers in the late 19th century had killed many Native Americans. Militants hoped to dramatize the poverty and alcoholism in the reservation surrounding the town. The episode ended after one Native American was killed and another wounded, with a governmental agreement to re-examine treaty rights.

-U.S. Dept. of State

1. According to the passage, all of the following were gained by Native Americans EXCEPT

• A. a governmental review of treaty rights
• B. financial support for Native American groups
• C. equal opportunities in the military
• D. help for uncared for city-based Native Americans
• E. land and water rights

2. The wordassimilateas used in the first paragraph most closely means

• A. struggle
• B. adapt
• C. learn
• D. thrive
• E. connect

3. It can be inferred from the passage that one reason militants took over Wounded Knee was

• A. it was the next logical target after Alcatraz Island.
• B. its location far away from South Dakota officials.
• C. they wanted to profit from alcohol sales in the town.
• D. this town did not have a strong police presence.
• E. it had historical meaning for Native Americans.

4. In the second paragraph, Native American leaders are described as

• A. mistreated
• B. disadvantaged
• C. unforgiving
• D. determined
• E. violent

5. According to the passage, Native Americans fought for which of the following reasons?

I. To battle poverty among their people.

II. They were inspired by movements across the globe.

III. To support Native Americans in foreign countries.

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