MAAP Check
Based on the information in paragraphs 1-2, which two inferences can be drawn about the early exploration of the United States?
A. The citizens of the United States showed no interest in moving west before 1800.B. Competition with European countries was a reason for the Lewis and Clark expedition.
E. President Jefferson hoped to increase the land areas where the American citizens could settle.
1. How did the Louisiana Purchase change the country? (paragraph 1)
It doubled the size of the country.
Why was it important to time trips carefully? (paragraph 3)
If a group started too late, they might be stuck in the mountains during winter weather.
1. Read the sentences from paragraph 2.
Their travels exposed a problem, however. Their route across the country had been hazardous and was not feasible for families to travel by wagon. Somehow, an easier route for mass settlement had to be found.
What does the word "exposed" mean as it is used in this sentence?
Exposed: to make known.
What is your school mascot?
Lion
3. What is the author's purpose for using the phrase "beckon the pioneers" in paragraph 6?
A. to show that the pioneers were commanded to settle the West
B. to show that the pioneers resisted the efforts to begin a new life
C. to show that the pioneers asked permission to join the wagon trains
D. to show that the pioneers were attracted to the idea of a new life in the West
D. to show that the pioneers were attracted to the idea of a new life in the West
2. What two things were Lewis and Clark trying to do? (paragraph 2)
explore the area west of the Mississippi and claim land before the Europeans
How were wagons able to cross the Rocky Mountains? (paragraph 3)
by taking the South Pass through the valley
Read the sentences from paragraph 2.
Their route across the country had been hazardous and was not feasible for families to travel by wagon. Somehow, an easier route for mass settlement had to be found.
Which context clues from the passage help you understand the meaning of the word hazardous? Bonus 100 points if you can define the word.
Hazardous: dangerous; risky. (“not feasible for families to travel by wagon” or “an easier route for mass settlement had to be found”)
What is your school tagline?
L.I.O.N.S.R.O.A.R.
4. Which quotation supports the claim from paragraph 3 that the timing of the trips west was crucial?
A. “Lewis and Clark traveled for three years and provided a clearer idea of the landscapes and resources in the West.” (paragraph 2)
B. “If they started too late, the pioneers might have to endure early mountain winters.” (paragraph 3)
C. “Although many doubted they could complete the mission, the large group made it safely.” (paragraph 3)
D. “The ‘lighter’ group went ahead, and now with two captains, the procession moved forward.” (paragraph 4)
B. “If they started too late, the pioneers might have to endure early mountain winters.” (paragraph 3)
What did Lewis and Clark discover about traveling West? (paragraph 2)
The trip was dangerous and too difficult for families to travel by wagon.
What happened to the wagon train of 1,000 people in 1843? (paragraph 4)
They split into two groups.
4. Read the sentences from paragraph 4.
The party was 1,000 strong and was held together by one captain. In this case, the group stayed together for a while, but dissension beyond the captain's control eventually split the company.
What do you think the word dissension means as it is used in this sentence?
Dissension: disagreement in opinion; discord.
Who is your school named after?
Thomas Cardozo
7. Read the sentence from paragraph 3.
Trailblazers such as Robert Stuart left their marks in history. What does the phrase "left their marks" mean as it is used in this way?
A. developed detailed maps
B. relayed interesting stories
C. exchanged expensive furs
D. made important contributions
D. made important contributions
4. How long did it take Robert Stuart to travel the Oregon Trail? (paragraph 3)
10 months
What were some of the difficulties people faced as they traveled across the country? (paragraph 5)
disease, death, crime, bad roads, dense forests, and conflicts with Native Americans
Read the sentences from paragraph 3.
Timing on these trips of five months was crucial. If they started too late, the pioneers might have to endure early mountain winters. If timed correctly, however, they could reach their destination by winter.
What is the meaning of the word endure as it is used in this sentence?
Endure: encounter; experience; brave; face; suffer.
What is one classroom expectation in this class?
Answers may vary.
10. How does the author support the claim that the Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged people to move west?
A. by describing the quality of fertile land in the West
B. by detailing how difficult the journey through the valley was
C. by explaining that they could claim large portions of land for free
D. by explaining why the wagon trains needed captains for their journey west
C. by explaining that they could claim large portions of land for free
What did the trip led by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman prove? (paragraph 3)
that family groups could travel west in wagons
What was more important than education and wealth when traveling through the wilderness? (paragraph 5)
strength, vigor, and courage
Read the sentences from paragraph 6.
An indefinite line began to advance westward each year. Ahead of that line, hardy pioneers steadily blazed trails and cleared valleys on the way to new lives in the West.
What is the meaning of the word steadily as it is used in this sentence?
Steadily: consistent; constant; persistent; continuous; uninterrupted
Empowering the P.R.I.D.E. to R.O.A.R. one scholar at a time