Study Island
Copyright © 2014 Edmentum - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 04/03/2014
Generated By: Cheryl Shelton
Title: Grade 7 Informational Text
The Transcontinental Railroad
Building the transcontinental railroad across the United States required vast amounts
of manpower, resources, and planning. It is regarded as one of the greatest
achievements in U.S. history. Its construction could be compared to the digging of the
Panama Canal and the landing of men on the Moon. This railroad allowed the U.S. to
grow more easily, in size and population, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
The U.S. grew quickly during the middle of the 19th century. Much of this growth was
east of the Mississippi River. Many politicians and businessmen from the U.S. wanted to
push west and connect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. At the time, the steam
locomotive was the best choice for this task. However, laying railroad tracks was a timeconsuming effort. The process included preparing the track ballast, or trackbed. This
was a layer of crushed stone where the railroad ties and rails sat. The crushed stone
allowed for better water drainage. It also prevented vegetation from growing around the
track. The ties were wooden planks that rested on the trackbed. The rails were made of
metal and were connected to each tie with metal spikes. This process made the
transcontinental railroad a difficult operation.
Construction began in 1863, during the Civil War. Two companies built the railroad.
The Union Pacific Railroad Company began building west from Omaha, Nebraska, on
relatively flat ground. This allowed Union Pacific to lay tracks at a faster rate. Union
Pacific's competitor was the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Working east from
Sacramento, California, Central Pacific had to construct a railway through the Sierra
Nevada Mountains. This became a great obstacle. Thousands of laborers worked each
day at a slow pace through, around, and over the difficult mountainous landscape. As
the years went by, more and more workers were hired to build the railroad as quickly as
possible. In fact, many different immigrants contributed to building the railroad, including
Chinese, Irish, and German workers.
The two companies intended to connect their rails about halfway between the
starting points. However, the U.S. Government promised benefits to the company that
laid the most railway. This prompted fierce competition between the two companies.
This competition became dangerous when the companies drew closer to one another in
the late 1860s. Each company began to sabotage the other's work. They did this using
dynamite and other methods to prevent the rival company from laying more rails.
In the end, the two companies connected their rails. Meeting in 1869 at Promontory
Summit, Utah, the final "Golden Spike" was hammered into the linked railroad. The
completed transcontinental railroad allowed people and goods to travel across the U.S.
in only a matter of days.
1. Based on the context of the passage, the track ballast is the
A. place where the railroad rests on the ground.
B. section of the locomotive that releases steam.
C. worker who fixes any loose spikes, rails, or ties.
D. part of the train engine that increases speed.
2. Based on the context of the passage, which of the following words would best replace the
word obstacle?
A. hurdle
B. event
C. height
D. race
3. Based on the passage, a sabotage involves
A. openly assisting those who are in need.
B. secretly disrupting the efforts of another.
C. cheerfully meeting a desired team goal.
D. quietly waiting for another opportunity.
For decades, centuries even, the most common way to train a dog was to punish
the dog when it did something wrong. This is known as negative training. Often, a choke
chain would be used. If the dog did something wrong, such as jumping up on someone
or chasing a squirrel, the dog’s trainer would swiftly yank on the chain. The choke chain
would then squeeze the dog’s throat in an uncomfortable way. Dogs learned that they
would be choked if they chased squirrels, so they stopped chasing them. Usually.
Over the past 20 years, there has been a growing movement of positive dog
training. In this method, the dog is taught to do the correct thing rather than being taught
not to do the incorrect thing. For example, in positive dog training, the dog is not
punished for chasing squirrels. Instead, the dog is rewarded, often with a treat, for
staying still by the trainer when squirrels are nearby. After a dog has been rewarded
enough times for doing something correctly, eventually it continues to do the correct
thing even without a reward. Sometimes, the reward is changed to kind words and rubs
rather than treats.
There are several benefits to positive dog training. First of all, the person training the
dog never has to hurt the dog. Usually, if a person owns a dog, he or she loves dogs
and doesn’t really like hurting them. Secondly, the dog never has a reason to fear the
owner. Fear is what causes dogs to bite people, sometimes for no reason. They are just
trying to protect themselves from whatever they fear. If a dog does not fear a person, it
has no reason to bite. Overall, this method of training creates a respectful relationship
between pet and owner. Rather than one being dominant over the other, both dog and
owner are working together. This type of bond can be deeper and more meaningful than
any bond built upon hurting and pain.
4. This passage is mostly about
A. training dogs with punishment.
B. the benefits of positive dog training.
C. why training with punishment is bad.
D. positive dog training.
5. The second paragraph is mostly about
A. how to keep a dog from jumping up.
B. how positive dog training is done.
C. how to keep a dog from chasing squirrels.
D. how positive and negative dog training differ.
6. The main idea of the first paragraph is that
A. training dogs with punishment has long been common.
B. dogs get punished for chasing squirrels or jumping.
C. dogs should be punished when they do something wrong.
D. a choke chain is often used in negative dog training.
7.
The Thinker's Game
Time will tell
How often you have swiftly swung
Time will tell
Who it is that truly won
Time will tell
How the game was earnestly played
Time will tell
Whether the right decisions were made
So do your very best when you putt
Try not to go willfully against your gut
What words used in the poem contribute best to the author's admiring tone?
A. "made" and "tell"
B. "time" and "decisions"
C. "truly" and "earnestly"
D. "swung" and "played"
8.
Unwind
The hot sun intensified the sharpness of Pete's face as he trudged along the beach.
He breathed in the salty air and forgot about the pressures and responsibilities of school
projects and chores around the house. Those things would be waiting for him, but now,
he needed to unwind. Pete stretched his arms out. Then, he stepped into the damp
sand on the shore and waited for the tide to come in. "Ah," Pete sighed. The water was
perfect.
Pete waded deeper into the water and then dove headlong into the waves. Each
blissful stroke eased the stress that had been building for weeks. Pete drew steady,
deep breaths as he continued swimming toward the bobbing buoy. When he finally
reached it, he turned around and eyed the beach. The golden sand's beauty inspired
him and begged for his return. Pete calmly swam back to the shore. When he reached
shallow water, he stood up and walked onto the beach. He grabbed his towel, shook the
sand out, and wrapped it around him. Smiling softly, he strolled toward home whistling a
peaceful tune.
Think about the way the author portrays the character of Pete. What is the author's attitude
toward Pete?
A. humorous
B. unfriendly
C. sympathetic
D. critical
9.
Once school is finished for the day, students can choose from a variety of activities
for entertainment. They can watch television, play outside, or browse the Internet.
However, one activity that students are no longer enjoying is reading. Over the years,
interest in reading has greatly declined.
With the rise of technology, television and Internet use have grown quickly. Most
students go home and watch television for an average of two hours. They also browse
the Internet for entertainment, which sometimes does not involve reading. The time it
takes to watch television and to surf the Internet could be spent reading. Limiting
reading can have harmful effects on learning because students are just being
entertained. They are not gaining much knowledge.
Although technology has certainly changed how people live, it does not make
reading less interesting. Reading books, whether fiction or nonfiction, requires a little bit
more effort. This is because books have to be actively read instead of being watched,
like television. Despite the effort needed for books, reading is definitely worth the time. It
provides students with a varied vocabulary. This allows them to communicate with other
people now and in the future. In addition, reading helps students to perform better in
school and on tests because they can comprehend what the text means.
Reading books does not mean that students can no longer have fun. Rather, it is just
a different form of entertainment. With reading, students are being entertained as well
as learning.
How does the author share his or her opinion in this passage?
A. by pointing out the different types of entertainment that students now have
B. by contrasting the benefits of reading with the popularity of technology
C. by stating that students should no longer watch television or use the Internet
D. by proving that too much time is wasted on television and the Internet
Women need to consume more dairy products than men because of the way their
10.
bodies work. Women are more likely to get osteoporosis, a disease that attacks the
bones. Milk and other dairy products contain calcium, which makes bones stronger.
Some studies have also shown that consuming enough dairy products can help women
maintain their weight.
For people who do not like milk, there are other options. Yogurt, cheese, and ice
cream are also dairy products. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
states that adult women should eat or drink at least three servings of dairy each day.
Based on the passage, it is clear that the author wants readers to
A. consume yogurt instead of cheese.
B. help dairy farmers sell milk products.
C. eat the right foods to lose weight.
D. consume more dairy products.
11.
Rugby and Soccer
Rugby and soccer are sports that are similar but have some important differences as
well. The ball used in Rugby is pointed at two ends. On the other hand, soccer balls are
round and have a pattern of hexagons and pentagons. In both sports, players earn
points by kicking the ball into the opponent's goal. A soccer goal is a net, while in rugby,
players only have to kick the ball over a bar. Another big difference between the two
forms of sports is the way the players move the ball across the field. Soccer players
may not use their hands, but rugby players pick up the ball and run with it.
Which text structure does the writer use in this passage?
A. cause and effect
B. problem and solution
C. compare and contrast
D. proposition and support
12.
Dawn
Birds tweet cheerfully
A rooster salutes
The rising sun beckons the dawn
The aches and dreads of yesterday
Are gone
Adventure calls expectantly
Arise quickly!
Do not delay!
Today will be a wonderful day
What best describes the tone throughout the poem?
A. hopeful
B. disappointed
C. mocking
D. amused
13.
Ballet
Ballet is one of the most beautiful forms of dance and one of the most difficult
dances to learn. One could spend years just perfecting the dance movements. Ballet
dancers have to be strong yet graceful in their motions. While some people see ballet
as an art form, some think of it as a sport. Ballet dancers must be in excellent physical
shape. They need endurance to perform long routines, strength to jump into the air,
balance to turn around on their toes, and flexibility to stretch their legs high into the air.
Though other sports players get more recognition for their feats, dancers should at least
be viewed as highly trained athletes.
Based on the passage, the reader can see that the author
A. attends ballet performances often in sports arenas.
B. believes that ballet dancers are inferior to all athletes.
C. wants people to appreciate ballet dancers as athletes.
D. encourages people to dedicate years to learning ballet.
14. Passage 1
Skateboarding is a sport just like any other. Many people look at skateboarders as
though they were criminals. There is nothing illegal about the sport. However, because
there are often not adequate facilities for practicing, skateboarders use public property.
Instead of punishing skateboarders, we should work to build skate parks so they can
practice safely and legally.
Passage 2
Skateboarders are a nuisance. They have no regard for the law. These people cause
problems instead of simply practicing their skills. Skateboarding should be completely
banned in the city limits, and the fines for breaking the ban should be larger. This would
lower the city's overall crime rate.
How do the authors' attitudes toward skateboarding differ?
A.
The author of passage 1 is angry about skateboarding; the author of passage 2 is amused
by skateboarding.
B.
The author of passage 1 is likes skateboarding; the author of passage 2 is does not have an
opinion about skateboarding.
C.
The author of passage 1 approves of skateboarding; the author of passage 2 disapproves of
skateboarding.
D.
The author of passage 1 is excited about skateboarding; the author of passage 2 is confused
by skateboarding.
15.
Save the Movies
Today, movies rely too heavily on material from books. Movies no longer have
original tales to tell. The books are often adapted so that they can fit into the short
timeframe of a movie. However, that method does not always create the best movie.
Some fans do enjoy the movie versions of their beloved books, but most find that the
movies completely lack the spirit of the books. In very rare cases, such as in the Harry
Potter series, the movies are successful interpretations of the books. However, for the
majority of the time, books fail to translate well onto the movie screen. Movies such as
The Golden Compass and The Scarlet Letter do not match the fans' expectations and
disappoint in the movie box office. Therefore, movie executives should reconsider their
approach to movie making. They should start making original, thoughtful movies. If not,
the executives are not only destroying people's love for the movies, but they are also
ruining people's love for books.
How does the author share his or her opinion in this passage?
A. by pointing out that book sales have declined greatly in the past year
B. by providing examples of failed movies that were adapted from books
C. by stating that the majority of people only watch movies that are original
D. by showing how script writers shorten the lengthen of the book for movies
Horses are some of the most majestic animals on earth. They are
16.
strong and powerful, yet gentle and calm if they are trained correctly.
Horses can be used in therapy for children and adults with health
problems. These people can gain better flexibility and balance from
riding horses, as well as confidence in their physical ability.
If you have ever ridden a horse, you know how calming the
experience can be. The horse seems to understand what its rider is
feeling, and it can anticipate what the rider will do next.
For centuries, horses were used to transport goods and people from
one place to another. Now, many people keep horses simply for the joy of riding them.
Which of these best describes the author's attitude toward horses?
A. appreciative
B. heartbroken
C. judgmental
D. unimpressed
Healthy Lunches: You Have the Power
When it comes to lunch at school, you have the most control over the foods you eat.
You can choose to bring your lunch from home or to buy one at school. When you buy
your lunch, you can often choose which foods to place on your tray. When you have
options for lunch, making healthy choices is important.
Choosing fruits and vegetables is the perfect start to creating a healthy lunch. You
should try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Therefore,
getting a few servings in at lunch will help you meet that goal. You should also try to
choose foods that contain whole grains, like wheat bread and brown rice. Also, what
you choose to drink can make a difference in how healthy your lunch is. Milk and water
are better choices than sugary drinks like juice and soda.
Why not just eat all the foods that you like and not worry about how healthy it is?
Making healthy choices now is important because what you eat can affect how you feel.
You need a variety of foods to get the energy to stay active in your busy life. You need
the vitamins and minerals found in healthy foods to keep your body from getting sick.
You have the power to create a healthy meal by making the right choices at lunchtime.
17. What is the author's main purpose in writing this article?
A. to persuade the reader to choose healthy foods at lunchtime
B. to warn the reader about the dangers of eating too much food
C. to convince the reader that school lunches are unhealthy
D. to show the reader what it is like to eat lunch at school
18. What is one reason the author says that choosing healthy foods is important?
A. You can throw all of your vegetables.
B. Food can affect the way you feel.
C. You can eat any kind of food you want.
D. Food is broken down into servings.
California sea lions and Harbor seals are common sights along the coasts of
California. They both have rounded bodies. They have two front flippers and two hind
flippers. Harbor seals and California sea lions spend about seven hours a day resting
and relaxing on land. They stay close to the water so they can escape danger. Both of
these sea animals are excellent swimmers. They move much faster in water than on
land. Both types of animals eat fish and shellfish.
These sea mammals are alike in many ways. However, they are different species.
California sea lions are larger than Harbor seals. Harbor seals are thinner than
California sea lions. California sea lions have ears. Harbor seals do not have ears. The
California sea lions are more aggressive than Harbor seals. They are more likely to
attack if they feel threatened. California sea lions are more vocal. Harbor seals are shy.
It is unusual to hear them making noise. Another difference between California sea lions
and Harbor seals is the way they move on land. The sea lions are able to support
themselves on their front flippers. They can walk on their flippers. The seals move with
a sliding motion. They cannot support their bodies with their flippers.
19. This passage is organized using
A. cause and effect.
B. chronological order.
C. compare and contrast.
D. problem and solution.
20. What is one of the differences between the California sea lion and the Harbor seal?
A. The Harbor seal is able to walk.
B. The Harbor seal is larger in size.
C. The California sea lion has ears.
D. The California sea lion is quiet.