Bremen School District 228
Social Studies Common Assessment 3
Fall CRT
World History
55 Minutes – 75 Questions
Directions: There are 6 reading passages in this test and 35 multiple choice
questions that are answered by reading these passages. After reading a
passage, choose the best answer to each question and fill in the corresponding
oval on your answer document. You may refer to the passages as often as
necessary. Following the reading questions are 40 content oriented question.
Written: 2013-14
Authors: Gary Andruch, Dan Stell, Mike Bartgen, Dante Corbin
1
Document A: Map
KEY:
Dark Gray: Roman Empire Prior to Augustus
Light Gray: Roman Empire Expansion Under Augustus
2
Document B: Coins
Context: The denarius was a silver coin used in the Roman Empire. On the front side of
the coin is the head of Octavian and the inscribed word "CAESAR." On the back is a
Crocodile inscribed with "AEGVPTO CAPTA" which means "Egypt Captured." This coin
was used in celebration of Augustus's victory in Egypt, specifically the Battle of Actium in
31 B.C.E.
FRONT OF COIN
BACK OF COIN
Document C: Augustus (Modified)
When Emperor Augustus felt ill and thought his life was coming to an end, he
began writing down his accomplishments. This is a first person account of his life
and accomplishments. Initially, it was carved into bronze and put in Augustus'
mausoleum. Later copies were distributed throughout the empire. Here is an
excerpt from the account.
2. I drove the men who slaughtered my father into exile, punishing their
crime. Afterwards, when they waged war, I conquered them in two battles.
3. I often waged war, on the earth and sea, in the whole wide world, and as
the victor I spared all the citizens who sought pardon. As for the foreign
nations I conquered, I preferred to preserve them than to destroy the
nations.
5. When the dictatorship was offered to me, I did not accept it.
16. I paid the towns for the fields, which I had assigned to soldiers. I was
first and alone who did this among all who founded colonies.
3
18. When the taxes fell short, I gave out contributions of grain and money
from my own supply, sometimes to 100,000 men, sometimes to many
more.
25. I restored peace to the sea from pirates.
26. I extended the borders of all the provinces of the Roman people. I
restored peace to the provinces of Gaul and Spain and Germany. I brought
peace to the Alps.
27. I added Egypt to the rule of the Roman people.
31. Emissaries from the Indian kings were often sent to me, which had not
been seen before that time by any Roman leader.
Vocabulary
dictatorship: the rule of one person who holds all the power
exile: being sent away from one's native country, typically for political punishment
pardon: forgiveness
Document D: Soldier (Modified)
The passage below was written by Velleius, who served as a soldier while
Augustus was emperor.
There is nothing a man can desire from the gods, nothing that the
gods can grant to a man, which Augustus did not bestow upon the
Republic, the Roman people, and the world. The civil wars were ended
after twenty years, foreign wars were suppressed, peace restored; validity
was restored to the laws, authority to the courts, and dignity to the Senate.
The old traditional form of Republic was restored. Agriculture was
returned to the fields, respect to religion, to mankind freedom from
anxiety, and to each citizen his property rights were now assured; old laws
were usefully amended, and new laws passed for the general good.
Augustus was forced to hold the office of consul eleven times in a row,
despite his frequent efforts to refuse. But he stubbornly refused the
dictatorship, which the people persistently offered him. To tell of the wars
waged under his command, of the peace of the world by his victories, of
his many works at home and outside of Italy would weary a writer who had
his whole life to devote to the task.
Vocabulary
restored: to bring back
validity: legally acceptable
amended: changed or revised
4
Document E: Cassius Dio (Modified)
This excerpt was written by the historian Cassius Dio, who was born 150 years
after Octavian died.
Octavian wanted to be thought of as democratic. He gave the
Senate control of the weaker provinces, on the ground that they
were peaceful and free from war, while he retained control of the
more powerful provinces (like Egypt), claiming that they were
insecure and might begin a serious revolt. He said that he wanted
the Senate to enjoy the finest portion of the empire, while he himself
had the hardships and the dangers; but his real purpose was that by
this arrangement the senators would be unarmed and unprepared for
battle, while he alone had arms and maintained soldiers.
Octavian was destined to have absolute control of all matters
for all time. When his ten-year period came to an end, he was voted
for another five years, then five more, after that ten, and again
another ten, and then ten for the fifth time, so that by a series of tenyear periods he continued to be sole ruler for life.
The name Augustus was given to him by the senate and by the
people. They wished to call him by some distinctive title, and men
were proposing one title and another. Octavian took the title of
"Augustus," signifying that he was more than human; for all the most
precious and sacred objects are termed "augusta."
In this way the power of both people and senate passed entirely
into the hands of Octavian, and he became, strictly speaking, a
monarch; for monarchy would be the truest name for it. Romans, to
be sure, so hated the idea of monarchy that they called their
emperors neither dictators nor kings nor anything of the sort.
Vocabulary
province: a region of a country or empire
retain: to keep or maintain
destined: certain to happen
5
Document F: Seutonius (Modified)
The excerpt below was written by the historian Seutonius, who wrote almost 100 years
after Octavian died.
Octavian always shrank from the title of "Lord." When the
words "0 just and gracious Lord!" were spoken in a play at which he
was a spectator and all the people sprang to their feet and applauded
as if the words had been directed at him, he immediately stopped
them with a look, and on the following day insisted that the line be
removed from the play. After that he would not allow himself to be
called "Sire" even by his children or his grandchildren either as a joke
or seriously, and he forbade them to use such flattering terms even
among themselves.
If he could help it, he did not leave or enter any city or town
except in the evening or at night, to avoid disturbing anyone by the
obligations of ceremony. He commonly went through the streets on
foot. His morning receptions were open to all, including commoners,
and he met the requests of those who approached him with great
friendliness.
When meeting with the Senate he always greeted the members
in the House and in their seats, calling each man by name; and when
he left the House, he used to take leave of them in the same manner,
while they remained seated. When Gallus Cerrinius, a senator with
whom he was not at all intimate, had suddenly become blind and had
therefore decided to commit suicide, Augustus called on him and by
his consoling words convinced him to live.
Vocabulary
sire: someone of high status
obligation:something that has to be done
console: to comfort someone
6
Common Core Questions 1 - 35
Standard 1 (five questions)
1. What was the significance of the back of the denarius coin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It glorified Rome
It illustrated the importance of the Nile
It illustrated celebration of Rome’ victory over Egypt
It illustrated that Rome and Egypt were equal partners
2. During what time period would you most likely find the denarius coin described in
Document B?
A.
B.
C.
D.
30 A.D.
44 B.C.
31 B.C.
3 A.D.
3. According to Document C Augustus was considered a?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A compassionate conqueror
A ruthless conqueror
A true Dictator
A true Egyptian leader
4. Using Document A which body of water was most important for Augustus to control in order
to keep peace in Rome?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Red Sea
The Dead Sea
The Black Sea
The Mediterranean Sea
5. According to Document E Octavian kept ultimate control in his Empire by:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Allowing the Senators to keep their strong armies
Keeping control of weaker provinces which would be easier to govern
Controlling the stronger provinces allowing him to maintain his soldiers
Not allowing the Senators any power
7
Standard 2 (five questions)
6. Which of the following statements best describes and captures the main idea
of Document D:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Augustus used his dictatorship powers to advance his own self serving interests
Augustus was viewed in a negative light by one of the soldiers who served under him
Velleius, a soldier, greatly admired all the accomplishments of Augustus
Augustus was a weak emperor whose policies lead to the Fall of Rome
7. Which of the following sources are most critical concerning the rule of Augustus?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document C
Document A and C
Document E
None of the Above
8. Which of the following documents was written by Augustus himself?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document B
Document E
Document D
Document C
9. Which of the following documents are less reliable because they were written many years
after the reign of Augustus?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Documents E and F
Documents A and B
Documents D and E
Documents B and C
10. According to Document F, which of the following are true statements?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Augustus insisted that people refer to him as “Lord”
Augustus would enjoy all the public displays of his power and greatness
Augustus would often enter a town in the evening hours to avoid disturbing anyone
Augustus refused to from meet with commoners, as he considered them to be beneath him
8
Standard 3 (five questions)
11. According to the changes in the Roman Empire over the time highlighted in the Map
(document A), which statement is accurate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Roman Republic was larger at the time of the first Punic War
The Roman Republic was larger at the time of the third Punic War
The Roman Republic was larger at the death of Caesar
The Roman Republic was larger in 500 B.C.
12. What could be gathered from Document D that can explain Augustus’s relationship with the
military?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Augustus did not have any impact on military personnel
Military soldiers praised all of the accomplishments of Augustus
The military hated everything about Augustus
No conclusion can be gathered from Document D
13. After reading how Augustus was viewed by many, as noted in Document E versus the
same
in Document F, choose the best response below
A.
B.
C.
D.
Augustus was respected by everyone
The use of the term ‘monarch’, in Document E, states how well Augustus was liked
In Document F, Augustus expected everyone to refer to him as ‘Lord’
Augustus seems to have been loved by most, but not all people
14. The rise to power of Augustus can be attributed to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
His military conquests
His compassion for people in need
His ability to change laws for the welfare of the citizens
All of the above
15. Of Documents E and F, which of the Documents is the oldest?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document E
Document F
Both Documents were written in about the same year
Cannot determine answer from information provided
9
Standard 4 (five questions)
16. In, Document B, the term Caesar refers to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
A title, in reference to the Great Julius Caesar
The Roman Empire
The type of metal used to mint coins
Egypt
17. The term ‘Octavian’ also refers to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Julius Caesar
The Roman Empire
Augustus
The continent of Europe
18. The term ‘emissaries’ used in Document C refers to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Representatives
Enemies
Rulers
Emperors
19. In Document D, it states, “Augustus was forced to hold the office of consul…”. The term
consul refers to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Peasant
General
Conquered warrior
Political ruler
20. In Document E, the term provinces refers to:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Slaves
Political/geographic regions or states
Enemies
Citizens
10
Standards ⅚ (five questions)
21. In Document C, what type of life events did Augustus chose to write about himself?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He writes down all of the things that he regretted missing out on
He writes down all of the failures in his life
He writes down all of his greatest accomplishments
He writes down all the important dates in his life
22. In Document C, why do you think Augustus chose to emphasise those certain events?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To prove he was a great and powerful leader
To scare his enemies away
To make himself seem humble
To show his disappointments with his life
23. In Document E, Cassius Dio’s point of view is that Octavian was a dictator. Which of the
following sentences best illustrates his point of view:
A.
B.
C.
D.
“Octavian wanted to be thought of as democratic”
“the power of both people and senate passed entirely into the hands of Octavian”
“He said he wanted the Senate to enjoy the finest portion of the empire”
“He gave the Senate control of the weaker provinces”
24. What is the the author’s main point of view in Document F?
A.
B.
C.
D.
That Octavian was a power hungry ruler
Octavian was a very strict ruler who insisted his subjects showed him great respect
Octavian always expected to be treated special by all his subjects
Octavian was humble, and did not like his subjects to treat him in any special way
25. Which of the documents had a critical point of view of Octavian?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document C
Document D
Document E
Document F
11
Standard 8 (five questions)
26. According to document B, what reasoning of evidence supports the fact that Augustus
defeated Egypt?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The coin is made of silver
The coin is minted 31 B.C.E.
It is inscribed with “AEGVPTO CAPTA”
The front side contains the head of Octavian
27. According to Document C, what proof did Augustus offer that he had a successful rule?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He added Egypt to the rule of the Roman people
He killed Cleopatra by strangulation
He accepted the title of dictatorship when it was presented to him
He was emperor of Rome when Great Britain was conquered
28. According to Document D, what proof does the author provide concerning his adoration for
Augustus?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Augustus saved his owner daughter from drowning
Augustus restored the old traditional form of the Republic
Augustus ended the invasion of the Huns
Augustus’ successor was Velleius
29. According to Document B, what image is on the back of the coin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Octavian
Red Sea
Crocodile
Caesar
30. Which of the following documents would show the strongest degree of personal bias?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document A
Document E
Document B
Document C
12
Standard 9 (five questions)
31. Which document leaves the strong impression that Augustus was in reality a true absolute
ruler?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document E
Document C
Document F
Document D
32. Which Document was written during the time of Augustus and described him as the ideal
leader that had every virtue God could bestow.
A.
B.
C.
D.
C
D
E
F
33. Overall Documents C,D, & F viewed Augustus as a _________________ Ruler of Rome?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A war hawk
A wise and successful
A ruthless and reckless
A compassionate and caring
34. Which of the Documents would be the most biased ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document C
Document E
Document F
Document A
35. Which of the Documents gives the strong impression that Augustus was a very humble
leader
A.
B.
C.
D.
Document D
Document E
Document B
Document C
13
Knowledge Questions (10)
36. Mesopotamia was located between which two rivers? Unit 1
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nile and Amazon
Mississippi and Illinois
Yangtze and Yellow
Tigris and Euphrates
37. Ancient Greek religion can be best defined as (16.B.1) UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
polytheistic
monotheistic
oligarchy
democracy
38. The period after Alexander the Great is know as: UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
Hellenistic Culture
Alexandria Culture
Hellenic Culture
The Great Culture
Use the above map (page 14) to answer questions 39 - 41
14
39. In geographical terms, the land of Greece is a large UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
island
peninsula
isthmus
continent
40. What two mountain ranges did Hannibal have to cross over to get to Rome?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Gaul and Cannae
Pyrenees and Alps
Corsica and Sardinia
Rocky and Appalachian
41. The Punic wars were fought over to control what major body of water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mediterranean Sea
Black Sea
Adriatic Sea
Atlantic Ocean
15
Use the Feudalism Pyramid above to answer questions 42 - 45.
42. Which person rules over the entire kingdom in the middle ages?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Monarch
Nobles
Knights
Peasants
16
43. Which person is the main protector of the castle in the middle ages?
A. Monarch
B. Nobles
C. Knights
D. Peasants
44. Who was at the bottom of the feudal pyramid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Monarch
Nobles
Knights
Peasants
45. Which two separate groups are at the same level on the feudal pyramid?
A.
B.
C.
D.
King and Knights
Peasants and Knights
Church Officials and Nobles
King and Peasants
Comprehension Questions (10)
For questions 46 - 55,
classify the political systems into one of the following types of governments:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Monarchy
Aristocracy
Oligarchy
Direct Democracy
Republic
46. Country ruled by its citizens
47. Country ruled by a King
48. Country ruled by a small group of citizens
49. Country ruled by an elected group of officials
50. Country ruled the nobility
51. Rule is passed on through heredity and some claim divine right
52. Rule is given to a few, based on wealth or ability
17
53. Rule is based on citizenship
54. Rule is based on the decisions of those elected to office
55. Rule is based on family ties, wealth, and social rank
Application Questions (9)
Use the chart above to answer questions 56 - 62.
56. How might you use the Nile River if you were an ancient Egyptian?
A.
B.
C.
D.
For transportation up and down stream
For catching fish and waterfowl
For irrigation of crops
All of the above could be uses of the Nile
57. What would be a likely result for the early river civilizations if their rivers had dried up?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nothing, the rivers were not an important part of life for early river civilizations
The civilizations would become more successful without the danger from floods
The civilizations depended on the rivers, and would likely face many problems
The civilizations would be fine, they would just need to collect more rain water
18
58. Using facts taken from the chart, which early river valley civilization was the best at city
planning?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sumer
Egypt
Indus Valley
China
59. Make use of the chart to pick the river that has the most predictable flooding?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tigris and Euphrates
Nile
Indus
Huang He
60. What examples can you find to show that China had advanced science and technology?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Cuneiform, irrigation, and bronze
Wheel, sail, and plow
Hieroglyphics, pyramids, medicine
Writing, silk, cast iron
61. What fact would you select to show that the Indus Valley civilization was the best at city
planning?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The fact that they had monsoon winds
The fact that they had a strong, centralized government
The fact that they had natural mountain and desert barriers
The fact that their buildings were built on a precise grid
62. What fact would you select to show that Sumer would most likely be the easiest of the four
civilizations to invade?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The fact that it was ruled by monarchs
The fact that it had no natural barriers
The fact that they invented bronze
The fact that city-states unified into an empire
19
63. All of the following are modern day examples of the Code of Chivalry from Middle Ages
except?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Respecting the practices and teachings of your religion
Complementing your date and holding the door for them when entering a restaurant
Joining the military to defend your country
Treating others rudely and unfairly
Analysis (5)
Use the above Democracy chart to answer questions 64 - 69.
64. Which of the following is the best example of Direct Democracy characteristic of Ancient
Athens?
A. Stalin’s totalitarian state in the Soviet Union
B. All citizens casting votes to determine whether or not a law will be passed
C. A dictator creates all of the laws that citizens must obey
D. A King who passes his power to his son
65. How is Athenian democracy related to US democracy? UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
Their juries are the same size
Male and females are free voting citizens in both
Both have speedy trials
They both have the same three branches of government
20
66. What conclusions can you draw from the graph regarding US Democracy? UNIT 2
A. The US’s democracy was derived from Athenian democracy using many of the same
components
B. US democracy and Athenian democracy are mutually exclusive
C. The Athenian democracy was derived from the US’s democracy
D. The US version of democracy probably developed from communism
67.
According to the Athenian democracy, the size of the executive branch was composed
of: UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
500 men
12 men
150 men
2 men
68. In both the Athenian and U.S. Democracy, political power is emphasized by the: UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
Board members
Jury
King
Citizens
69. According to the chart listed above, which branch ensures that all laws are carried out:
UNIT 2
A.
B.
C.
D.
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Comprehensive
21
Use the Religion Pie chart above to answer questions 70 - 75.
70. According to this chart, the largest religion in the world is:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Hinduism
Muslim
Christianity
Confucianism
71. According to the pie chart, approximately what percentage of the world’s population does
not practice a particular religion:
a.
b.
c.
d.
13%
14%
30%
40%
22
72. The 4 major religions listed on the pie chart compose approximately what percentage of the
world’s population:
A.
B.
C.
D.
63%
72%
24%
18%
73. How would you attempt to prove the numbers on this chart were accurate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Go to the library and research the religions
Go to a local pastor, priest, rabbi, etc… and ask them
Find out who created the chart, and review where the numbers came from
Go on Wikipedia
Synthesis (2)
74. What would happen if the non-religious part of the pie chart were to grow in percentage?
A. The other pie pieces would remain the same size
B. Only “christianity” and “other religions” would change in shape because they are right next to
it
C. The pie chart would increase its total to over 100%
D. It is not known exactly which religions would decrease or by how much, but some would
have to
75. Can you predict what would happen to the chart if everyone in North and South America
converted to Buddhism?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Christianity slice would be greatly reduced
The Buddhism slice would be greatly increased
Both A and B
Neither A or B
23