Compare and Contrast
Name one way cowboys and outlaws are similar.
Both cowboys and outlaws rode horses and were skilled riders.
What was the main problem at Tumbleweed Ranch?
The ranch was falling apart—fences were broken, the water pump had stopped working, and the ranch hands were quitting.
What caused the stampede in Silver Creek?
A dynamite explosion set off by prospectors caused the stampede.
What is the first step in panning for gold?
The first step is to find a shallow stream where gold might be hiding.
In what year did the Pony Express begin?
1860
Name one way cowboys and outlaws are different.
Cowboys were honest and hardworking, while outlaws broke the law and caused trouble.
Who helped solve the ranch’s problems?
Rosie, a young cowgirl, helped solve the ranch’s problems.
What were two effects of the stampede?
Two effects were: the wild mustangs ran through town causing damage, and the sheriff’s horse ran away in fright.
What do you do after scooping gravel into your pan?
After scooping gravel into your pan, gently shake the pan back and forth in the water.
What happened on April 3, 1860?
The first Pony Express ride began from St. Joseph, Missouri.
What kind of jobs did cowboys do?
Cowboys herded cattle, fixed fences, and worked on ranches.
What solutions did Rosie come up with?
Rosie fixed the fences, repaired the water pump, and organized a town meeting to recruit helpers.
How did the townspeople react to the stampede?
The townspeople were startled and had to clean up the mess caused by the stampede.
What happens when you shake the pan in water?
When you shake the pan, the lighter materials wash away, leaving the heavier ones behind.
What major event in 1861 led to the end of the Pony Express?
The completion of the transcontinental telegraph.
How did cowboys and outlaws use horses differently?
Cowboys used horses to move cattle, while outlaws used them to escape the law.
How did the town respond to Rosie’s efforts?
The town responded positively—locals volunteered to help on weekends, and the ranch began thriving again.
What rule was made because of the stampede?
Silver Creek banned the use of dynamite within five miles of town.
What is the final step in panning for gold?
The final step is to look closely at what’s left in the pan to find gold flakes or nuggets.
How long did the Pony Express operate?
18 months
Explain how the passage shows a compare and contrast structure.
The passage compares the roles, behaviors, and tools of cowboys and outlaws, showing both similarities and differences, which is the basis of a compare and contrast structure.
Explain how the passage shows a problem/solution structure.
The passage presents a clear problem (ranch in trouble) and follows with specific solutions (Rosie’s actions), showing a problem/solution structure.
Explain how the passage shows a cause and effect structure.
The passage explains what caused the stampede (dynamite explosion) and describes the effects (damage to the town), showing a clear cause and effect relationship.
Explain how the passage shows a sequence structure
The passage lists steps in the exact order they should be done, showing a clear sequence from beginning to end.
Explain how the passage shows a chronological order structure.
It presents events in the order they happened, using specific dates and years to show the timeline of the Pony Express from its beginning to its end.