PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 1. The 16th century was an age of great ______ exploration.
- cosmic
- land (Correct answer)
- mental
- common man
- None of the above
Correct answer: land
The 16th century is historically recognized as a period of extensive European exploration, often referred to as the Age of Discovery. While these expeditions primarily involved sea voyages, their ultimate goal and outcome were the discovery, mapping, and claiming of new *lands*. Therefore, it was an age of great land exploration, driven by maritime endeavors.
Question 2: 2. Magellan lost the favor of the king of Portugal when he became involved in a political ________.
- entanglement (Correct answer)
- discussion
- negotiation
- problem
- None of the above
Correct answer: entanglement
The term 'entanglement' accurately describes a complex, compromising, or problematic involvement in a political situation. Historical accounts indicate that Ferdinand Magellan faced difficulties and lost favor with the Portuguese king due to his involvement in political intrigues, which aligns with the meaning of an entanglement rather than a simple discussion or negotiation.
Question 3: 3. The Pope divided New World lands between Spain and Portugal according to their location on one side or the other of an imaginary geographical line 50 degrees west of Greenwich that extends in a _________ direction.
- north and south (Correct answer)
- crosswise
- easterly
- south east
- north and west
Correct answer: north and south
A line of longitude, such as 50 degrees west of Greenwich (the Prime Meridian), runs vertically around the Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole. Therefore, any imaginary geographical line defined by a specific longitude extends in a north and south direction. This division was established by the Treaty of Tordesillas to delineate Spanish and Portuguese claims.
Question 4: 4. One of Magellan's ships explored the _________ of South America for a passage across the continent.
- coastline
- mountain range
- physical features (Correct answer)
- islands
- None of the above
Correct answer: physical features
When searching for a passage across a continent, explorers like Magellan would meticulously examine all the natural characteristics of the land and water. 'Physical features' is the most comprehensive term, encompassing coastlines, rivers, inlets, mountains, and other geographical elements. These were all crucial in determining a navigable route through or around the South American continent.
Question 5: 5. Four of the ships sought a passage along a southern ______.
- coast
- inland
- body of land with water on three sides (Correct answer)
- border
- Answer not available
Correct answer: body of land with water on three sides
The phrase 'body of land with water on three sides' is the precise definition of a peninsula. Magellan's expedition famously sought a passage around the southern tip of South America, a region characterized by numerous peninsulas and islands. This description accurately refers to the type of landform they would have been navigating along and around in their search for a strait.
Question 6: 6. The passage was found near 50 degrees S of ________.
- Greenwich
- The equator (Correct answer)
- Spain
- Portugal
- Madrid
Correct answer: The equator
Latitudes are measured in degrees north or south of the equator, which serves as the zero-degree reference line. The Strait of Magellan, the passage found by the expedition, is located at approximately 53 degrees South latitude. Therefore, stating it was found near 50 degrees S of the equator is geographically accurate, using the equator as the fundamental reference point for southern latitudes.
Question 7: 7. In the spring of 1521, the ships crossed the _______ now called the International Date Line.
- imaginary circle passing through the poles (Correct answer)
- imaginary line parallel to the equator
- area
- land mass
- Answer not available
Correct answer: imaginary circle passing through the poles
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface that primarily follows the 180-degree meridian of longitude. Like all lines of longitude, it extends from the North Pole to the South Pole, forming part of a great circle that passes through both poles. This description accurately captures the geographical nature of the IDL.
PARCC Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1.
The 16th century was an age of great ______ exploration.