Basic Training - Reading - 3 - PreTest

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again — not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are — but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation” — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.

The author is explicit about how __________ the situation is to the world.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again — not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are — but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation” — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.

The purpose of this passage might best be described as ___________________.

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”

(1) Two hundred and twenty-one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. (2) Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk – to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise
I rise
I rise.

This passage infers that the author ________________.

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise
I rise
I rise.

The purpose of this passage might best be described as ___________________.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.

From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

(1) “”Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!”” cries she
With silent lips. (2) “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

The current fascination for people’s personal histories can be narcissistic. How much time should human beings spend gazing at themselves, after all? But it also comes from the desire to know more about what made people who they are and what made the world in which they happen to live. If people can stand back and see their own histories in a wider perspective, then they can see how they are the products not just of particular individuals but of whole societies and cultures.

Members of certain ethnic groups may find that they have inherited views on other ethnic groups, and may also find that others regard them in particular ways. History has shaped humans’ values, their fears, their aspirations, their loves, and their hatreds. When we start to realize that, we begin to understand something of the power of the past.

Even when people think they are striking out in new directions, their models often come from the past. How often have we seen revolutionaries, committed to building new worlds, slip back unconsciously into the habits and ways of those they have replaced? Napoleon came to power as the result of the French Revolution, but the court he set up was modeled on that of the displaced Bourbons. The top Soviet Communists lived within the walls of the Kremlin, as the czars had once done. Stalin looked back to Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great as his predecessors. The Chinese Communists scorned China’s traditional society, but their top leaders chose to live right at the heart of Beijing, where the imperial court had once been. Mao Zedong himself withdrew into mysterious seclusion, much as the emperors had done over the centuries.

“Men make their own history,” said Karl Marx, “but they do not make it as they please: they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past.”

Which phrase best describes the key concept of the passage?

The current fascination for people’s personal histories can be narcissistic. How much time should human beings spend gazing at themselves, after all? But it also comes from the desire to know more about what made people who they are and what made the world in which they happen to live. If people can stand back and see their own histories in a wider perspective, then they can see how they are the products not just of particular individuals but of whole societies and cultures.

Members of certain ethnic groups may find that they have inherited views on other ethnic groups, and may also find that others regard them in particular ways. History has shaped humans’ values, their fears, their aspirations, their loves, and their hatreds. When we start to realize that, we begin to understand something of the power of the past.

Even when people think they are striking out in new directions, their models often come from the past. How often have we seen revolutionaries, committed to building new worlds, slip back unconsciously into the habits and ways of those they have replaced? Napoleon came to power as the result of the French Revolution, but the court he set up was modeled on that of the displaced Bourbons. The top Soviet Communists lived within the walls of the Kremlin, as the czars had once done. Stalin looked back to Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great as his predecessors. The Chinese Communists scorned China’s traditional society, but their top leaders chose to live right at the heart of Beijing, where the imperial court had once been. Mao Zedong himself withdrew into mysterious seclusion, much as the emperors had done over the centuries.

“Men make their own history,” said Karl Marx, “but they do not make it as they please: they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past.”

The purpose of this passage might best be described as ___________________.

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! (1) The war is inevitable — and let it come! (2) I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

A summer camp for girls called FOCUS is conducted at George Mason University. The camp is designed to attract female middle school students and the curriculum is focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. These fields have traditionally drawn more men than women. In its fourth year, the camp aims to show girls that these fields can be cool and fun, and open to them.

FOCUS stands for “females of color and those underrepresented in STEM.” Of about 100 participants this summer, just fewer than half were African-American, and one-fifth were Asian-American. Just over one-tenth were Hispanic, and fewer than one-tenth were of Middle Eastern descent. A small fraction identified as white.

The campers were met by a mixed group of counselors and organizers. The program aims to have the girls work with people who look like them. “At this camp, the girls are looking at college students who look like them,” said Danielle Blunt Craddock, one of the camp’s co-founders. They are seeing teachers and staff who look like them, she said, and the leaders are “really showing them the possibilities of what they could become.”

The author is explicit about how ____________.

A summer camp for girls called FOCUS is conducted at George Mason University. The camp is designed to attract female middle school students and the curriculum is focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. These fields have traditionally drawn more men than women. In its fourth year, the camp aims to show girls that these fields can be cool and fun, and open to them.

FOCUS stands for “females of color and those underrepresented in STEM.” Of about 100 participants this summer, just fewer than half were African-American, and one-fifth were Asian-American. Just over one-tenth were Hispanic, and fewer than one-tenth were of Middle Eastern descent. A small fraction identified as white.

The campers were met by a mixed group of counselors and organizers. The program aims to have the girls work with people who look like them. “At this camp, the girls are looking at college students who look like them,” said Danielle Blunt Craddock, one of the camp’s co-founders. They are seeing teachers and staff who look like them, she said, and the leaders are “really showing them the possibilities of what they could become.”

The purpose of this passage might best be described as ___________________.

A summer camp for girls called FOCUS is conducted at George Mason University. The camp is designed to attract female middle school students and the curriculum is focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. These fields have traditionally drawn more men than women. In its fourth year, the camp aims to show girls that these fields can be cool and fun, and open to them.

(1) FOCUS stands for “females of color and those underrepresented in STEM.” (2) Of about 100 participants this summer, just fewer than half were African-American, and one-fifth were Asian-American. Just over one-tenth were Hispanic, and fewer than one-tenth were of Middle Eastern descent. A small fraction identified as white.

The campers were met by a mixed group of counselors and organizers. The program aims to have the girls work with people who look like them. “At this camp, the girls are looking at college students who look like them,” said Danielle Blunt Craddock, one of the camp’s co-founders. They are seeing teachers and staff who look like them, she said, and the leaders are “really showing them the possibilities of what they could become.”

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?

Perfect orange globes with a curved stem are popular for Halloween, but these tend to have tough skin and fibrous flesh. This makes them difficult to cut and hollow out. So, look instead for “Mammoth Gold” pumpkins. The skin is easier to cut and it takes less work to remove the seeds. Wait to buy pumpkins until it’s close to Halloween to get the best deal, especially if you are buying many.

Hollow pumpkins out by wearing rubber gloves. Washing off pumpkin guts with soap and hot water will stain your hands. Line the work surface with plastic tablecloths with felt backing. Seasonal tablecloths often go on sale after holidays. Hollow out the pumpkins and remove the seeds on one day, then carve the pumpkins on Halloween.

Patterns can be used for carving designs, but popular today are simply pictures from books. Photocopying, then enlarging and darkening pictures from children’s books are ways to make patterns. Stick the pattern to the pumpkin with masking tape or painter’s tape. Then use a dull pencil to transfer the picture to the pumpkin before carving. Carve the most complicated sections first. Don’t take out the pumpkin flesh until the end, or your design will have no support while you carve. And don’t worry about making a mistake. When we make a mistake, simply turn it into something else. Your face suddenly has a scar and you go with it.

How long the pumpkins will last depends on the weather. Hot weather means a short shelf life, and cold, rainy weather means a longer shelf life. You might try dipping pumpkin in a bathtub of cool water for two to three minutes, but this can be messy. Hollowed out pumpkins will keep for several days in a cool place, like a back deck, a basement or a shady spot in the yard. When it’s time to clean up, place pumpkin guts in double-lined grocery bags and place in the trash can. If you are doing a dozen or more pumpkins, ask neighbors if you can place some of the waste in their trash cans.

The author is explicit about how _______________.

Perfect orange globes with a curved stem are popular for Halloween, but these tend to have tough skin and fibrous flesh. This makes them difficult to cut and hollow out. So, look instead for “Mammoth Gold” pumpkins. The skin is easier to cut and it takes less work to remove the seeds. Wait to buy pumpkins until it’s close to Halloween to get the best deal, especially if you are buying many.

Hollow pumpkins out by wearing rubber gloves. Washing off pumpkin guts with soap and hot water will stain your hands. Line the work surface with plastic tablecloths with felt backing. Seasonal tablecloths often go on sale after holidays. Hollow out the pumpkins and remove the seeds on one day, then carve the pumpkins on Halloween.

Patterns can be used for carving designs, but popular today are simply pictures from books. Photocopying, then enlarging and darkening pictures from children’s books are ways to make patterns. Stick the pattern to the pumpkin with masking tape or painter’s tape. Then use a dull pencil to transfer the picture to the pumpkin before carving. Carve the most complicated sections first. Don’t take out the pumpkin flesh until the end, or your design will have no support while you carve. And don’t worry about making a mistake. When we make a mistake, simply turn it into something else. Your face suddenly has a scar and you go with it.

How long the pumpkins will last depends on the weather. Hot weather means a short shelf life, and cold, rainy weather means a longer shelf life. You might try dipping pumpkin in a bathtub of cool water for two to three minutes, but this can be messy. Hollowed out pumpkins will keep for several days in a cool place, like a back deck, a basement or a shady spot in the yard. When it’s time to clean up, place pumpkin guts in double-lined grocery bags and place in the trash can. If you are doing a dozen or more pumpkins, ask neighbors if you can place some of the waste in their trash cans.

The purpose of this passage might best be described as ___________________.

Perfect orange globes with a curved stem are popular for Halloween, but these tend to have tough skin and fibrous flesh. This makes them difficult to cut and hollow out. So, look instead for “Mammoth Gold” pumpkins. The skin is easier to cut and it takes less work to remove the seeds. Wait to buy pumpkins until it’s close to Halloween to get the best deal, especially if you are buying many.

Hollow pumpkins out by wearing rubber gloves. Washing off pumpkin guts with soap and hot water will stain your hands. Line the work surface with plastic tablecloths with felt backing. Seasonal tablecloths often go on sale after holidays. Hollow out the pumpkins and remove the seeds on one day, then carve the pumpkins on Halloween.

(1) Patterns can be used for carving designs, but popular today are simply pictures from books. (2) Photocopying, then enlarging and darkening pictures from children’s books are ways to make patterns. Stick the pattern to the pumpkin with masking tape or painter’s tape. Then use a dull pencil to transfer the picture to the pumpkin before carving. Carve the most complicated sections first. Don’t take out the pumpkin flesh until the end, or your design will have no support while you carve. And don’t worry about making a mistake. When we make a mistake, simply turn it into something else. Your face suddenly has a scar and you go with it.

How long the pumpkins will last depends on the weather. Hot weather means a short shelf life, and cold, rainy weather means a longer shelf life. You might try dipping pumpkin in a bathtub of cool water for two to three minutes, but this can be messy. Hollowed out pumpkins will keep for several days in a cool place, like a back deck, a basement or a shady spot in the yard. When it’s time to clean up, place pumpkin guts in double-lined grocery bags and place in the trash can. If you are doing a dozen or more pumpkins, ask neighbors if you can place some of the waste in their trash cans.

What is the relationship between highlighted sentences?