Title:

Question

The Gulls of Salt Lake Story
Source: Public Domain, adapted by Center for Urban Education

At last. they were safe. A brave little company of pioneers from the Atlantic coast crossed the Mississippi River. They finally succeeded in climbing to the top of the great Rockies and down again into a valley in the very midst of the mountains. It was a valley of brown, bare, desert soil, in a climate where almost no rain falls. But the snow on the mountain-tops sent down little streams of pure water; the winds were gentle. Like a blue jewel at the foot of the western hills was a marvelous lake of salt water, an inland sea. Some wanted to keep going, but most said, this is where we should live—the journey is accomplished. So the pioneers settled there and built themselves huts and cabins so they could survive the first winter. They were used to challenges. It had taken them many months to make the terrible trip. Many had died of illness on the way; then many died of hardship during the winter. The supplies they had brought in their wagons were so nearly gone that, by spring, they were living partly on roots, dug from the ground. All their lives now depended on the crops they could raise in the valley. They made the barren land fertile bringing mud from the river to the dry land, and creating irrigation channels. They planted corn and grain and vegetables, and everyone collaborated. Then it was an anxious time as they watched for the plants to grow, with hopes, and prayers, and careful eyes. In good time the brown earth was covered with a carpet of tender, green, growing things. No farmer's garden could have looked better than the great garden of the desert valley. And from day to day the little plants grew and flourished till they were all well above the ground—they had succeeded. James, who was the head of the group, said, “We finally will have all the food we need. We have achieved our goal.”

Which example is a piece of the exposition of the story?
1 point
They had met and overcome obstacles, solved problems, and would survive. Without the gulls, what might have happened is not certain, but the future was secure, the pioneers were confident.
They finally succeeded in climbing to the top of the great Rockies and down again into a valley in the very midst of the mountains. It was a valley of brown, bare, desert soil, in a climate where almost no rain falls.
The supplies they had brought in their wagons were so nearly gone that, by spring, they were living partly on roots, dug from the ground.
No farmer's garden could have looked better than the great garden of the desert valley. And from day to day the little plants grew and flourished till they were all well above the ground—they had succeeded.

Answer 1

The piece of exposition in the story is:

"They finally succeeded in climbing to the top of the great Rockies and down again into a valley in the very midst of the mountains. It was a valley of brown, bare, desert soil, in a climate where almost no rain falls."

This example provides important background information about the setting and circumstances the pioneers faced, which helps to establish the context of the story.

Answer 2

Which example is a piece of conflict from the story?
1 point
They planted corn and grain and vegetables, and everyone collaborated.
Many had died of illness on the way; then many died of hardship during the winter.
“We finally will have all the food we need. We have achieved our goal.”
the journey is accomplished

Answer 3

The piece of conflict from the story is:

"Many had died of illness on the way; then many died of hardship during the winter."

This example highlights the struggles and challenges the pioneers faced, which creates a sense of conflict in the narrative.

Answer 4

Which example is the climax of the story?
1 point
The supplies they had brought in their wagons were so nearly gone that, by spring, they were living partly on roots, dug from the ground. All their lives now depended on the crops they could raise in the valley.
In good time the brown earth was covered with a carpet of tender, green, growing things. No farmer's garden could have looked better than the great garden of the desert valley. And from day to day the little plants grew and flourished till they were all well above the ground—
It was a valley of brown, bare, desert soil, in a climate where almost no rain falls.
So the pioneers settled there and built themselves huts and cabins so they could survive the first winter.

Answer 5

The climax of the story is:

"In good time the brown earth was covered with a carpet of tender, green, growing things. No farmer's garden could have looked better than the great garden of the desert valley. And from day to day the little plants grew and flourished till they were all well above the ground—"

This moment represents the turning point where the pioneers see the success of their efforts and the fulfillment of their hopes for survival, marking the peak of emotional intensity in the story.

Answer 6

Choose the best theme for this story:
1 point
Treat others the way you want to be treated
You should never give up, even when faced with terrible obstacles
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
You should always think of yourself first

Answer 7

The best theme for this story is:

You should never give up, even when faced with terrible obstacles.

This theme reflects the pioneers' determination to overcome their challenges and hardships in order to establish a home and succeed in cultivating their land.