Page 5 - SpringBoard_ELA_Assessment_Grade8_FlipBook

Name: ______________________ ID: A
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Read the following excerpt from the passage.
The Spaniards were using smokeless powder, then rather a new thing in war. Two of our regiments at Santiago were still using black powder rifles, and the artillery used black powder, which by its smoke showed the enemy just where they were. Our artillery was always silenced or driven off, because this country had been so neglectful of its Army and its men as to let poor, old backward Spain get better guns, and more modern ammunition than ours. That never should happen with a rich, progressive country like ours.
How is the author's point of view about the United States as a nation different from his point of view about the government in this excerpt?
a. He believes the U.S. government did a good job given that smokeless powder was "rather a new thing" at the time.
b. He is angry because "poor old backward Spain" had better guns and ammunition than the U.S. forces did.
c. He sees the nation as rich and progressive but says the government treated the army badly.
d. He sees both the nation and its government as neglectful and weak, in spite of the heroism of the regiment itself.
What does the writer mean by the phrase "superintend things" as it is used in this passage (paragraph 4)? Which phrase gives you a clue to its meaning?
a. He means "give orders." The phrase "had intended to go into the fight on foot" is a clue.
b. He means "prepare the regiment’s weapons and ammunition." The phrase "had one or two narrow escapes" is a clue.
c. He means "encourage the men to fight." The phrase "rode through the lines and led the charge" is a clue.
d. He means "organize and manage the men." The phrase "run up and down the line" is a clue.
Read the following passage, paying special attention to the underlined word.
For some while they were kept waiting in reserve, taking what shelter they could from the Mauser bullets, which came whirring through the tall jungle grass. This is the most trying part of a fight. It is all right when at last you can charge your enemy and come to close quarters with him, but to lie on the ground under fire, unable to see anybody to fire upon, is the worst strain upon the soldiers’ nerves.
Which of the following words has the MOST SIMILAR meaning to the word trying in the context in which it is used in the passage?
a. irritating b. confusing c. difficult
d. horrifying
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