Question
December 16, 1832
Dearest Cousin Mary,
I hope this letter reaches you in good spirits.
I am writing to inform you that Michael was successful—he won 160 acres of land in Murray County! We will finally have a homestead of our own!
We were a nervous wreck waiting for the final word. Michael left the children and me at Aunt Clark’s house because he did not think it would be safe for us to attend the drawing. We waited and waited; Aunt Clark had the wonderful idea to make pies in the meantime to take our minds off the event. I made a special mincemeat pie. Do you remember? The very one we use to make Daddy during the holidays!
Funny enough, just as I was removing the pie from the oven, Michael entered with the good news. I was in such joyful shock that I dropped the pie, and it splattered all over the floor and on top of little Henry’s head! Little Henry cried out, “Mamma! Mamma!” I reached down to pick him up thinking the hot pie filling had burned his little face, but he was crying out in delight from the good news!
My cousin, how quickly things change! Please know that as soon as we are able, we will send for you to come live with us. I know times have been tough, but winning this lottery just may be the answer to all of our prayers!
Forever yours,
Mildred
Which BEST describes a plot structure device found in the letter but not in the story?
A B C D
flashback
dialogue
foreshadowing cause and effect
Page 17 of 20
Use the following passage for question #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29.
Georgia: A Desirable Home
1 Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people. The weather, nature, and job opportunities attract thousands of new residents of various backgrounds to Georgia every year. While the state’s past shows it has been a desirable home to many throughout history, a closer look reveals that whether or not to call Georgia home was not always a choice everyone was free to make.
2 In 1732, Georgia was the last of the thirteen colonies to be established by the English. It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish. Under the leadership of James Oglethorpe, Georgia was to provide a home to those in need of financial relief and to provide a source of income for England through the growth of silkworms. Many of the new settlers were not experienced farmers. Fortunately, American Indians in the area were friendly and taught the colonists the skills they needed. Unfortunately, Georgia did not have the climate needed for silkworms. The colony was originally established with bans on slavery, alcohol, lawyers, and Catholics. After James Oglethorpe returned to England, the bans on alcohol and slavery were lifted.
3 Despite difficulties during its early years, Georgia thrived. After the Revolutionary War, Georgia was the fourth state to approve the United States Constitution. At the time, Georgia’s western boundary was the Mississippi River. Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement. This led to the Yazoo Land Fraud in 1795 when Georgia sold 35 million acres to four companies for $500,000, an amount far below value.
4 To accomplish the sale, money and land were promised to legislators, newspaper editors, and other leading Georgians. When the public learned of the bribery, they were outraged. As a result, they elected new legislators in the 1796 election. The new leadership overturned the Yazoo Land Act and returned the money, but some who had bought land refused the money and maintained their claims. In 1802, the federal government paid Georgia $1.25 million for the land. They promised to end the conflict surrounding the Yazoo Land Fraud and to cancel the remaining land claims of American Indians.
Page 18 of 20
#24
Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the inference that many Americans thought that Georgia's land would be a good place to live?
A
After the Revolutionary War, Georgia was the fourth state to approve the United States Constitution.
B
At the time, Georgia’s western boundary was the Mississippi River.
C
Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement.
D
This led to the Yazoo Land Fraud in 1795 when Georgia sold 35 million acres to four companies for $500,000, an amount far below value.
#25
Which sentence from "Georgia: A Desirable Home" identifies a distinction between Georgia and the other colonies?
A
It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
B
Many of the new settlers were not experienced farmers.
C
Fortunately, American Indians in the area were friendly and taught the colonists the skills they needed.
D
Despite difficulties during its early years, Georgia thrived.
#26
Which synonym could replace the word majestic in paragraph 1 of the passage without changing the tone of the sentence?
Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches.
A B C D
dignified grand
pompous royal
Page 19 of 20
#27
Which BEST communicates the meaning of buffer as it is used in the sentence from paragraph 2 of the passage?
It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
A
any device used to shine or polish an object
B
any material that lessens or absorbs the shock of an impact
C
a person who helps to resolve differences or solve arguments
D
as an area between rivals that serves to lessen the danger of conflict #28
Which sentences from the passage BEST show the author's bias?
A
Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people.
B
In 1732, Georgia was the last of the thirteen colonies to be established by the English. It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
C
The colony was originally established with bans on slavery, alcohol, lawyers, and Catholics. After James Oglethorpe returned to England, the bans on alcohol and slavery were lifted.
To accomplish the sale, money and land were promised to legislators, newspaper editors, and other leading
D
Georgians. When the public learned of the bribery, they were outraged.
Page 20 of 20
#29
This is an excerpt from a Georgia newspaper in 1796.
Letter from the editor:
The repeal of the Yazoo Land Act is unjust. I purchased my acres fair and square. The new legislature claims this was bribery. But all I did was get myself a good deal. Who wouldn’t?
How would the author of the passage MOST LIKELY respond to the editorial?
A
Offer testimony from people in Georgia who were harmed by the editor’s participation in bribery.
B
Point out that the editor getting such a good deal defrauded Georgia by depriving the state of revenue.
C
Concede that the editor was justified in his actions, given Georgia’s vast natural beauty and resources.
Acknowledge that the editor may have purchased the land fairly, with no intention of defrauding the state of
D
Georgia.
Dearest Cousin Mary,
I hope this letter reaches you in good spirits.
I am writing to inform you that Michael was successful—he won 160 acres of land in Murray County! We will finally have a homestead of our own!
We were a nervous wreck waiting for the final word. Michael left the children and me at Aunt Clark’s house because he did not think it would be safe for us to attend the drawing. We waited and waited; Aunt Clark had the wonderful idea to make pies in the meantime to take our minds off the event. I made a special mincemeat pie. Do you remember? The very one we use to make Daddy during the holidays!
Funny enough, just as I was removing the pie from the oven, Michael entered with the good news. I was in such joyful shock that I dropped the pie, and it splattered all over the floor and on top of little Henry’s head! Little Henry cried out, “Mamma! Mamma!” I reached down to pick him up thinking the hot pie filling had burned his little face, but he was crying out in delight from the good news!
My cousin, how quickly things change! Please know that as soon as we are able, we will send for you to come live with us. I know times have been tough, but winning this lottery just may be the answer to all of our prayers!
Forever yours,
Mildred
Which BEST describes a plot structure device found in the letter but not in the story?
A B C D
flashback
dialogue
foreshadowing cause and effect
Page 17 of 20
Use the following passage for question #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29.
Georgia: A Desirable Home
1 Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people. The weather, nature, and job opportunities attract thousands of new residents of various backgrounds to Georgia every year. While the state’s past shows it has been a desirable home to many throughout history, a closer look reveals that whether or not to call Georgia home was not always a choice everyone was free to make.
2 In 1732, Georgia was the last of the thirteen colonies to be established by the English. It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish. Under the leadership of James Oglethorpe, Georgia was to provide a home to those in need of financial relief and to provide a source of income for England through the growth of silkworms. Many of the new settlers were not experienced farmers. Fortunately, American Indians in the area were friendly and taught the colonists the skills they needed. Unfortunately, Georgia did not have the climate needed for silkworms. The colony was originally established with bans on slavery, alcohol, lawyers, and Catholics. After James Oglethorpe returned to England, the bans on alcohol and slavery were lifted.
3 Despite difficulties during its early years, Georgia thrived. After the Revolutionary War, Georgia was the fourth state to approve the United States Constitution. At the time, Georgia’s western boundary was the Mississippi River. Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement. This led to the Yazoo Land Fraud in 1795 when Georgia sold 35 million acres to four companies for $500,000, an amount far below value.
4 To accomplish the sale, money and land were promised to legislators, newspaper editors, and other leading Georgians. When the public learned of the bribery, they were outraged. As a result, they elected new legislators in the 1796 election. The new leadership overturned the Yazoo Land Act and returned the money, but some who had bought land refused the money and maintained their claims. In 1802, the federal government paid Georgia $1.25 million for the land. They promised to end the conflict surrounding the Yazoo Land Fraud and to cancel the remaining land claims of American Indians.
Page 18 of 20
#24
Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the inference that many Americans thought that Georgia's land would be a good place to live?
A
After the Revolutionary War, Georgia was the fourth state to approve the United States Constitution.
B
At the time, Georgia’s western boundary was the Mississippi River.
C
Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement.
D
This led to the Yazoo Land Fraud in 1795 when Georgia sold 35 million acres to four companies for $500,000, an amount far below value.
#25
Which sentence from "Georgia: A Desirable Home" identifies a distinction between Georgia and the other colonies?
A
It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
B
Many of the new settlers were not experienced farmers.
C
Fortunately, American Indians in the area were friendly and taught the colonists the skills they needed.
D
Despite difficulties during its early years, Georgia thrived.
#26
Which synonym could replace the word majestic in paragraph 1 of the passage without changing the tone of the sentence?
Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches.
A B C D
dignified grand
pompous royal
Page 19 of 20
#27
Which BEST communicates the meaning of buffer as it is used in the sentence from paragraph 2 of the passage?
It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
A
any device used to shine or polish an object
B
any material that lessens or absorbs the shock of an impact
C
a person who helps to resolve differences or solve arguments
D
as an area between rivals that serves to lessen the danger of conflict #28
Which sentences from the passage BEST show the author's bias?
A
Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people.
B
In 1732, Georgia was the last of the thirteen colonies to be established by the English. It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
C
The colony was originally established with bans on slavery, alcohol, lawyers, and Catholics. After James Oglethorpe returned to England, the bans on alcohol and slavery were lifted.
To accomplish the sale, money and land were promised to legislators, newspaper editors, and other leading
D
Georgians. When the public learned of the bribery, they were outraged.
Page 20 of 20
#29
This is an excerpt from a Georgia newspaper in 1796.
Letter from the editor:
The repeal of the Yazoo Land Act is unjust. I purchased my acres fair and square. The new legislature claims this was bribery. But all I did was get myself a good deal. Who wouldn’t?
How would the author of the passage MOST LIKELY respond to the editorial?
A
Offer testimony from people in Georgia who were harmed by the editor’s participation in bribery.
B
Point out that the editor getting such a good deal defrauded Georgia by depriving the state of revenue.
C
Concede that the editor was justified in his actions, given Georgia’s vast natural beauty and resources.
Acknowledge that the editor may have purchased the land fairly, with no intention of defrauding the state of
D
Georgia.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Here are the answers to the questions based on the provided text:
**Question #24:** Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the inference that many Americans thought that Georgia's land would be a good place to live?
**Answer:** C - Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement.
**Question #25:** Which sentence from "Georgia: A Desirable Home" identifies a distinction between Georgia and the other colonies?
**Answer:** A - It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
**Question #26:** Which synonym could replace the word majestic in paragraph 1 of the passage without changing the tone of the sentence?
**Answer:** B - grand
**Question #27:** Which BEST communicates the meaning of buffer as it is used in the sentence from paragraph 2 of the passage?
**Answer:** D - as an area between rivals that serves to lessen the danger of conflict
**Question #28:** Which sentences from the passage BEST show the author's bias?
**Answer:** A - Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people.
**Question #29:** How would the author of the passage MOST LIKELY respond to the editorial?
**Answer:** B - Point out that the editor getting such a good deal defrauded Georgia by depriving the state of revenue.
**Question #24:** Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the inference that many Americans thought that Georgia's land would be a good place to live?
**Answer:** C - Many of the new state leaders wanted to convince American Indians to leave the land in order to make it available for settlement.
**Question #25:** Which sentence from "Georgia: A Desirable Home" identifies a distinction between Georgia and the other colonies?
**Answer:** A - It was created as a buffer between the other colonies and possible invasions from the French and Spanish.
**Question #26:** Which synonym could replace the word majestic in paragraph 1 of the passage without changing the tone of the sentence?
**Answer:** B - grand
**Question #27:** Which BEST communicates the meaning of buffer as it is used in the sentence from paragraph 2 of the passage?
**Answer:** D - as an area between rivals that serves to lessen the danger of conflict
**Question #28:** Which sentences from the passage BEST show the author's bias?
**Answer:** A - Located east of the Mississippi River, the state of Georgia is known for its majestic mountains, flowing rivers, fertile land, and inviting beaches. It is no surprise the state is home to over ten million people.
**Question #29:** How would the author of the passage MOST LIKELY respond to the editorial?
**Answer:** B - Point out that the editor getting such a good deal defrauded Georgia by depriving the state of revenue.