Name
Date
Close Reading
Sample Answers
Preserving Pacific Northwest History Through Totems
Read “Preserving Pacific Northwest History Through Totems.” Then answer the
questions below.
RI.5.2
Comprehension
Main Idea
1. In your own words, summarize the main details of this article.
Score:
Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian peoples made totem poles
throughout their history until the Canadian government banned
the potlatch. When that ruling was reversed in 1951, the people
resumed making totem poles. Beautiful and meaningful, replicas
of these cultural artifacts are preserved at The Burke Museum.
RI.5.4
Comprehension
Word Meaning
2. What definition for “potlatch” is given in the text?
Score:
“a large ceremony and feast in which gifts are exchanged”
What is the relationship between the potlatch and totem poles?
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Totem poles were raised at potlatches, and native people
stopped making totem poles where potlatches were outlawed.
Once the potlatch ban was reversed, native people began
building totem poles again.
Preserving Pacific Northwest History Through Totems 1
RI.5.2 MF
Comprehension
Making Inferences
3. What main idea can you infer from the two captions?
Score:
Totem poles were more than decorations; they are important
representations of people and their places in their communities.
RI.5.6 MF
Comprehension
Compare & Contrast
Score:
4. Compare and contrast how “Masks: A Native American
Tradition” and “Preserving Pacific Northwest History Through
Totems” talk about Native carving today.
Both passages point out that Native artists carve cedar today.
However, “Masks” makes the point that using non-traditional
materials such as cardboard to make Native-styled masks might
be viewed as disrespectful.
RI.5.9 MF
Comprehension
Integration of
Knowledge & Ideas
Score:
5. Based on what you have read in “Masks” and “Preserving
Pacific Northwest History Through Totems,” what did Northwest
people carve? What did their carvings represent?
Native Northwest peoples carved masks and totem poles from
cedar. Some carved masks for performances in ceremonies.
SL.5.1c
Speaking &
Listening
Peer Review
6. Review and discuss your responses with a partner. Check each
other’s understandings. Remember to ask your partner to clarify
if you don’t understand.
MF=Main Focus
Score:
See Close Reading Scoring
Rubric for scoring guidelines.
2 MONDO BOOKSHOP GRADE 5
© Mondo Publishing
Others carved totem poles to represent their families.